Blog

In the studio with award-winning voice-over artist, producer and singer, Alfonso Lugo.

What made you get into voice-overs and the music industry?
I have been doing music ever since I was 12 years old but I knew I wanted to be a producer when I turned 19. I started with music production and guitar. I then ended up doing voice-overs for a radio station. It came so naturally to me that I just kept doing it. 

As a voice-over artist, your instrument is your voice. How do you maintain your voice for work? 
I have to be careful because if I lose my voice then I won’t be able to work. I don’t drink heavily or when I drink I rarely have anything. I also don’t smoke at all.   I also make sure that I get enough sleep. If you want to be a voice-over artist you have to know how to use your voice or else you will hurt yourself. I’ve been using D’vash for a few months now and it’s a great addition to hot teas. I need to sooth my throat so I usually drink lots of water and teas. And I love using the date nectars because they are gluten-free, vegan and low on sugar. 

Do your food choices affect your voice? 
It depends on the person and if they are sensitive to certain things. It’s important to use good products that benefit not only my voice but my body. 

What is a day like when you are doing voice-overs? 
I usually wake up around 7am and begin my day in the studio at 8 or 9am. I start early so my voice is fresh and relaxed.  But if I have clients that need me to record late, then I have to be ready even on the weekends. Everyday I do about 5-10 recordings. Some of the recordings are auditions and some of them are clients. 

How technical is training your voice?
Very. You have to understand how the instrument works and do lots of exercises. There are many pieces that play into being a great voice-over talent such as inflection, the tone, the speed and creating the connection.  My job is to make the viewer feel something.

Any tips for beginners?
Avoid brushing your teeth. The toothpaste dryies out your mouth. Also, try to drink a lot of water. 

How often do you have to practice/train?
Good to train weekly, go to conferences, take training with voice-talents and coaches. Keep yourself updated with trends, techniques and business practices. 

Do you have any words of inspiration for up-and-coming voice-over artists?Know exactly where you are going. Take time to plan out your goals. That way you can make a business plan. Know that you need agents, demos and studio equipment as part of your voice-over career. Also, singing lessons help.