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10 Questions with ... Neil Wilson
August 13, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started at what is now iHeartMedia/Quad Cities in the mid to late '90s, WQCY/Quincy 00-01, Entercom/NOLA 01-03, WOZN-WSMW/Greensboro where I did a little of everything 03-06, WDWV/NOLA 06-08, Imaging Director for Clear Channel/Greensboro-Raleigh 08-11. Then VO from 11-now.
1. What was your path to the world of Imaging? Were you pulling air shifts along the way at some point?
I started on the air doing overnights, then nights and mornings, afternoons ... basically every air shift I could. At one point I wanted to pursue programming and rose to the point where I was an APD. Almost landed a PD gig, but being a voice actor was always what I aspired to be. It was when I transitioned into the imaging/creative side that I really started to lay the groundwork for my VO career.
2. What made you jump into that business with both feet?
I always wanted to work with my voice and act. Which is why I got into radio at a very young age. It started in school where I used to read the morning announcements, do overhead and audio for our drama department productions. That dove tailed into an internship at what is now iHeart/Quad Cities, then on to New Orleans and Greensboro. It was while I was in Greensboro/Raleigh, where I started voicing stations and doing what I'd set out to do for so long ago.
3. Was there anyone's specific work in the Imaging field that you were over the top about that inspired you?
It's hard not to admire the amazing work of those legendary producers and creative folks that laid the path to great imaging. But I was always drawn to the imaging voices themselves. And it's awesome to meet some of these guys and gals that I spent my early life admiring and continue to admire today.
4. Do you ever pull up a client station and listen online to hear what your work sounds like in real time?
All the time. I like to be a part of the team. So having an idea how my work is being used and getting on the same page with PD is amazingly fetch.
5. You do television as well -- what's it like to hear yourself out of the blue on some promo or other imaging piece?
It never gets old. Of course, the humbling part is when I pause the TV, have my kids come in, ask them if they "know that voice," and they could totally care less. HA HA.
6. What advice would you give someone who is thinking about taking a shot at voice work as a profession?
Do it. You'll find that most of us in the VO industry are welcoming, willing to help you get started, and want to see you succeed. For me, it's been a very welcoming industry and I've made some life long friends by way of this career. Also, be prepared to study your ass off. Spend the time and money in finding the best coach for yourself. I've spent thousands in coaching, demos, marketing materials ... but it's so worth it.
7. Do you have any specific things that you use/do to protect/nurture your voice?
Probably not as much as I should. However, I'm a fan of things like honey, throat coat tea, and trying not to over use my voice in any situation.
8. Does it ever pop into your head that "Hey, maybe I'd love to do afternoons on XXXX?"
No. But I have thought about maybe a voicetracked shift or something. I just don't think it's something I have time to really do the way I'd like. I'm kind of a creative perfectionist.
9. What was your favorite radio station growing up? Jock?
WHTS/Quad Cities was my jam as a kid. But I also was a huge fan of Bobby D mixes from B96 I used to have all those CDs.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
I was able to work with some really great folks at almost every level of my radio journey. I started with Jim O'Hara at iHeartMedia/QC, John Roberts (who is now at Townsquare/Tyler,TX), Michael Bryan (now with CAA), the list could go on for days.
On the VO side ... I've leaned heavily on people like Marice Tobias, Dave Walsh and my agents at Atlas Talent. I also have a wonderful and supportive wife that has really propped me up for success.
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