Got a Minute? MADCatfish Blues Radio Spot & E-Promo: A Walk-Thru of the Step-by-Step Production Process

It's one thing to write the words for a radio spot and think you've done a decent job.  It's another thing altogether to turn it over to someone with the talent and skill to turn it into a work of art for the ears.  I had the chance to watch a jazz and blues radio master produce two promotional spots, complete with voiceover and an overlay of a blues music track - in about 15 minutes flat.

The smooth, resonating voice of James Janisse brought the words to life. It was amazing to watch James Janisse produce two radio spots, complete with voiceover and music - in about 15 minutes - but that's what happens when the process is turned over to someone who is among the best at what they do.  Fortunately I had the presence of mind to capture each step so that I could share it with you. - I counted at least three (3) major steps for the radio spot.  The fourth and final step is related to the production of the E-promo that we can place on our website, social media and other digital platforms.  Each of the audio, video and e-promo files are slightly more than 1 minute, so you can listen and watch all four (4) in less than five (5) minutes.  Enjoy...

...the "Making of MADCatfish Blues Radio Spot"
Step #1 - Write the Script
See MADCatfish Blues radio script --->
The first thing is to decide the most important things to convey about the Who? What? When? Where? and How? people can participate.  Next a decision needs to be made about the length of the commercial (15 seconds? 30 seconds? etc.). Finally, the content needs to be written to fit within the total time selected.

You should expect to edit the script after reading through it several times to be sure that it fits within the allotted time.  Eventually, you will be able to associate the approximate number of words, to the length of a radio spot.

Step #2 - Record the Voiceover
Click > below to hear the original audio (without blues music added)

After a quick perusal of the script on my MacBook screen, followed by two live readings to pace his timing, James Janisse was satisfied and proceeded to record the final voiceover track.  Note: I wrote the initial script; James Janisse reviewed and make editing recommendations.

...Making of MADCatfish Blues Radio Spot:
Step #2 (continued) Click the > below to watch Video of James Janisse Recording the Final Voiceover 

Step #4 - Producing the E-Promo
It was onto the next and final phase of having some type of digital presentation prepared that I would be able to upload onto the internet.  Thank goodness for having a millennial in the house to expedite final phase of the production (a 27-year old daughter who recently moved back home to save money to purchase her first home).  Once I downloaded all of the photos of artists, sponsor logos and the .mp3 files to my free Dropbox account, it took her about two hours to create this e-promo.  Amazing to know what's currently possible from a production stand point.

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...Making of MADCatfish Blues Radio Spot:
Step #3 - Add Blues Music Track

This man is a walking encyclopedia of everything jazz and blues, which was right on time when it came to selecting music that would fit the time allotted, as well as deliver the right mood for the commercial.

Step #3 (continued) Click > below to watch Video of James Janisse Adding Blues Music

Finally, it was time for James Janisse to combine the two tracks (voice and blues music) into an MP3 file, and for my benefit, he burned it onto a CD. Thought I'd allow room for a little trivia engagement and ask if you know the name of the blues track that he selected.  Better yet, can you name the artist as well?

Want to make your work more enjoyable whenever and wherever you have an internet connection?  Logon to KJMJRadio.com for "The Finest in Jazz & Blues", compliments of James Janisse. 

KJMJRadio.com