...30 yrs ago today God blessed me with Monica Michelle Merriweather--and world was never the same! Happy Birthday Monica!!! WE LUV YOU!!

...new toys in 'The Hole'--somebody Skype me so I can try my new webcam...

...communiques, creations and cryptic concoctions all cavorting out of 'The Hole'...

...Tonight we celebrate God's perfect gift to us--let us receive it and share it with everyone we know...MERRY CHRISTMAS...

...Headlines from 'The Hole'--broadcasting the 2011 Rose Parade with LA Radio Reading Service--HALLELUJAH!...

...Happy, halcyon holidays for humanity--health, hope and holly from the house of hilarity...aka 'The Hole'...

...so Cliff Lee is BACK in the National League...??--Oy vey...!

...here's a new link to 'Christmas Right' by Rosalind Graham...visit Roz's page and say 'Hi'...
http://www.voices.com/people/herbmerriweather

...Enjoy a 'new' Christmas Classic--'Christmas Right' by Rosalind Graham--if you like it, visit Roz's page and let her know...
http://www.voices.com/talent/demos/view/67640

...HALLELUJAH!!...My new nephew is here--7lbs 8oz of Merriweather magic! This kid is gonna be great in the Lord...!

...slaving over a hot microphone--Herb stares down complicated copy for the folks at Fifth Pocket Productions...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RX24IKDQ_Q

..."It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..." in 'The Hole'--Nativity scene, stockings, lights..I LOVE it...

...adding new clients to an ever-growing list--Thank God...!!...

...a big THANK YOU to Shannon & Ahmed @ Fifth Pocket Productions for a great session--I LUV meeting new friends...

...out of 'The Hole' and into the studios of Fifth Pocket Productions--note to self: don't forget the breath mints...

...late night lunacy in 'The Hole'...is there any other...?

...out of 'The Hole' and into the urban wilderness--Beverly Hills...

...Oh oh--the 'Voices' Celebrate Christmas 2010...
http://www.voices.com/people/herbmerriweather

...Good Morning, All--the creative, coffee-fueled cavern called "The Hole" is crankin' out creatures and consuming cookies...

...God is good--enjoying a reunion with dear friends Willie Evelyn Stevenson (Mommy) and the legendary Theo Johnson, Jr...

...another crate of cartoonish creations crashing crazily out of 'The Hole'...

'...keep on pushing--straight ahead...' Jimi Hendrix

...new morning, new mercies, new mountains to move...

...invoices, auditions and emails--TCB in 'The Hole'...

...AAAIIIEEEE!! Run--Gojira visits 'The Hole'...

...Breakthrough, Breakthrough, Breakthrough...!

...had vocal rehearsal yesterday with Cora, my niece Kila and Rosalind Graham--man, those chicks can SANG...!

...Spring forward, Fall back--into bed...!

...on a wall in 'The Hole'--"...a merry heart does good like medicine..."

...you are all emphatically empowered to excel--use that power to bless others...

...anxiously awaiting absolute approval for the latest project from 'The Hole' (creative mecca for mirth, mayhem and Merriweathers)...

...wondrous webinar from Voices.com on tap in 'The Hole'...

...'The Hole' crackles to late night life with goodies for the upcoming holiday...

...God is magnificent and worthy to be praised...!

...the most recent ramblings at 'Megaphone Musings"...http://herbmerriweather.blogspot.com/2010/10/aint-to-proud-to-beg.html

Ain't To Proud To Beg...!

Recently I was involved with a job assignment that taught me several lessons...not the least of which was to ask for help when you need it.
We as voice over artists sometimes cocoon ourselves into our own little niches--working alone on projects both simple and extensive--relying on our talent, previous experience and know-how to get us through. Usually that combination of brains and savvy is enough to keep us consistent (and our clients happy). But what happens when equipment or experience or both leave you wanting...unable to deliver what you've promised?
In my case, I had simple one-sentence audio files to produce--the client had already enjoyed my audition and was ready for a complete product. After quickly recording and sending them, the client replied saying that the files were unusable and that there was a major audio problem. This news put me on high panic alert. 'Unusable!' 'Major Audio Problems!' I couldn't rest. Painstakingly, I re-recorded the entire project--lovingly auditing the files and assuring myself that, even though I may have rushed at first, this product would be much more to the customers liking. 2 days later my bubble was burst by the news that even though the files sounded better, they were still unusable and now the customer is expressing concern and even sent me samples of other audio files to give me direction. OH, NO! Faced with the possibility of forfeiting a much needed job, my mind began to race. What do I do? I'm obviously not getting it. That's when I realized that if I'm not getting it, I need to talk to someone who DOES get it. Someone local, with their own studio, who had the expertise, the equipment, and the patience to deal with such monumental incompetence!
Enter John Taylor--Hollywood voice over legend and newly-minted non-smoker!
After sending him an email filled with drama, he told me to send him a couple of the faulty files. Not much later, I got my answer--I record way too hot (and have been doing so for quite some time). John gave me a crash course in new era digital recording that sent me scurrying to my Soundforge program and resetting just about everything--including my own ancient ideas about audio reproduction.
Are you on the horns of a dilemma? Got a real head-scratcher that's not only costing you time and peace of mind but possibly money and reputation as well? You don't have to go it alone! Once you realize that others in the industry have answers and are willing to help, you can get better in your craft. If you remain 'teachable' you can overcome and excel.
Gratitude abounds...and I sound much better now! Lessons learned, job completed and John Taylor has shoved his cape back under his shirt--ready to come to someone else's rescue on a moments notice!
Thanks, John...and Happy Voicing everyone!

...still rainin', still dreamin'...(with apologies to Jimi)...

...out of 'The Hole' and on the road to Las Vegas tomorrow--I'm going to visit the money that they took on my last trip...

...edit (ed'it) v. 1. To assemble the components of (e.g. a film or soundtrack), as by cutting and splicing...

...auspicious auditions and alarming alliteration--ambling amiably at 'The Hole'...

..."Fire in 'The Hole'!...creative fire, that is--put that bucket down...

More Than A Legend...

The recent passing of legendary soul singer/songwriter Solomon Burke triggered a flood of emotion and memories that washed over our entire family. My niece, Kila, has been a life long friend of Queen Victoria Burke (one of Solomon's 21 children) and through that relationship we gained rare insight into his world and personality.
Solomon Burke was more than a legend--when Kila's infant daughter passed away from complications at birth, it was Solomon Burke who officiated the services...comforting and embracing all of us.
Solomon Burke was more than a legend--a man of devout faith, he insisted that gospel music be a part of his repertoire...and he insisted that my sister, Rosalind Graham, be the featured gospel singer at the Long Beach and Monterey Blues Festivals.
Solomon Burke was more than a legend--he was a man who ate with us and fed us; he laughed and teased with us and he mourned with us; he prayed and worshipped with us, sang with us and even appeared on Rosalinds' television ministry program (resplendent cape and all) just because she asked him to.
Solomon Burke was much more than a legend--he was a dear, dear friend...

...Happy Thanksgiving to my beloved Canadian Constituency--late, but heartfelt nonetheless...

...eerie noises and flashing lights cascade from 'The Hole'--not to mention a few auditions...

...Andy Boyns in Hollywood (and in 'The Hole') with yours truly...
http://andyboyns.com/vo/2010/10/podcast-herb-merriweather.html

...'The Hole' has been virtually everywhere today--video chat w/Mehmet Onur in Turkey, Voices.com webinar...auditions...ZOOM!!

...Congrats to the Cincinnati Reds--NL Central Champs 2010...(it just wasn't in the Cards this year...)

...if you are taking yourself too seriously--DON'T...!

...OK--it's Friday, so...YYEEEEE-HHAAAAA!!

...'The Hole' is alive--with the sound of music...

Yeee-Haaa! The client said he could use my audition 'as is'...is God good?...ABSOLUTELY...!

Action packed auditions and demos distributed globally from 'The Hole'...not to mention the occasional electronic burp of tecnology...

YYYEEEEE-HHHHAAAA! Michael Winslow as 'Stench in "Pondscum"...vocal metamorphosis at its best...!

Testing the SKYPE network...Excelsior!

...AARRGH!...bein' as how it's 'Talk Like A Pirate' day, methinks I'll be polishin' me pegleg and countin' dubloons, me hearties...

...men look on the outward appearance, while God looks at the heart...

...is today fraught with peril--or full of opportunity...?...YOU decide...

...the celebration of (Inter) National Voice Over Month continues--with a little help (?) from our friends...http://www.voices.com/demo_detail/62343

...the celebration of (Inter)National VO Month continues--with a little help from our friends...http://www.voices.com/demo_detail/62343

...Happy Labor Day weekend--where we are looking forward to NOT laboring...

...I hereby appreciate and recognize every voice over that has influenced my global existence--from 'toon to topical to timeless...

...'The Hole' is open late tonight--Our slogan: We never close--but we DO nod off from time to time...

...hurtling headlong out of 'The Hole' with hyperkinetic hyperbole and hope--HALLELUJAH!...

...I will lift my eyes to the hills where my help comes from...my help comes from The Lord--maker of heaven & earth...

...8 auditions, some updates, a little feedback--all tumbling heavily from 'The Hole'...time to go swimmin'...!

Here is the link to 'The Cajun Experience'...I read excerpts from "Evangeline"...
http://www.history.com/shows/swamp-people/videos/playlists/exclusive-videos#

...Measuring Success..new blog at Voices.http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2010/08/how_do_you_measure_success.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+vox+%28Vox+Daily%29com...

...special guests in 'The Hole'--two of my nieces making their VO debut...giggles aplenty but they sound good...

...a new month brings new mercies and new opportunities--they are both gifts from God...

...'The Hole' is crowded today--I have a host, no--a gaggle, no--a whole bunch of characters just hangin' out with me... Luv it...!

...just booked a 'History Channel' job via my buddy Ralph Hass...Is God good...?--Oh, yes He is...

...Today 'The Hole' is populated with French chefs, singing beavers, and grumpy old men...what fun!...

...as I gaze into the fog of tomorrow--I see a flying dog in your future...cute little fella with really big ears...

...on my way to read the comix @ LA Radio Reading Service--do something for somebody else today--see U in the funny papers...

...'We're gettin the band back together...' not really--but we did all recently connect after 20-plus years... Ah,memories...

...from 'The Hole' to the OC...we just keep rockin'...

Stay Connected

To everyone within the sound of my virtual voice...If there is someone you know--any friend or family member--that you haven't spoken to in weeks or months or years, please reconnect with them. Drop the argument, forget who's right or wrong--go ahead and make the call. Time and distance and attitude can rob you of your most precious moments--and people.
The last time I saw April I could scoop her up in my arms and toss her around like any loving uncle would...I talked to her father today for the first time in over 20 years and discovered that April went home to the Lord this past October...
I should have been there to teach her how to whistle and belch and shoot milk from her nose--all the things a decent uncle would teach his niece...in addition to sharing my faith, taking up for her in a fight and making sure she knows she can trust me.
But this blog isn't about me or April--it's about you...and yours.
Go ahead---make the call...

...look out, world...fire in 'The Hole'--creative fire, that is...

...laughter is the best medicine--so I'm takin' a HUGE dose of the 3 Stooges, with a WB cartoon chaser...life is grand...!

...YEEE-HAAA...My wife bought me NEW JEANS--now I can peel off these black ones and give 'em a proper sea burial...

...the beautiful thing about today is...it's beautiful!

...'I'm awake, I'm alive and I know what I believe inside'...declaration of faith from the band Skillet...

...gonna be in San Diego sometime today--I'm waving at Penny and James even tho' I can't visit...

...the 4th was GREAT--I'm still burpin' crab salad and fireworks...will be nibbling throughout the day...

...Freedom ain't free--pray for those who protect us in other lands...Happy 4th...!

...on tap for today--antiques and auditions...Awesome...!

...more magnificent auditions hurtling out of 'The Hole'...

...Be bold...be strong...be loving and kind...be great on behalf of someone else...

...May God richly bless every one of you. Today is the day you finish it, start it, dream it--or make it real...

...Thank you, Lord for new clients...

...out of 'The Hole' and into the sunshine--life's a beach and then you fly...

...strange lights and eerie sounds coming from 'The Hole'....

...tonight the Redbirds invade Toronto--will Canada survive...?

...new week, new adventure--YYEEE-HHAAA!...Let's RAWK...!

...Happy Fathers Day...God Bless the guys who protect us, love us, work for us and crack us up--good job, fellas...

...basketball season may be over--but baseball is still around. GO CARDINALS!!...

...2010 NBA CHAMPION LOS ANGELES LAKERS...

...oh,no...He's back on line...None can escape the terror...AAIIIEEEE!!

...'Rejoice, rejoice--we have no choice but to carry on...' C,S,N&Y circa 1971...

...5 auditions away--new client booked--my future is so bright...aww, you know the rest...

...excited to see what the Lord has in store for today--mercy, majesty and mirth (because a merry heart is like good medicine)...

...The Lord is good--and His mercy endures forever...

...just spent the day truckin' with my friends from Istanbul--radio studio, the mall next door, Hollywood swingin',etc...

Thanks and God bless to all I met @ VOICE 2010--to those I missed...your time is coming! BWWHAHAHAHA...!

...hard lessons learned--insight shared at the 'Diversity In Voice Over' panel. Dave Fennoy, John Garry & others...

...boy, talk about a charged atmosphere--the Red Carpet event had it all. Seasoned pros and gifted newbies from EVERYWHERE!...

...overheard from 'The Little Rascals'--Wally: "Hey Stymie...where ya goin'?" Stymie: "I don't know, but I'm on my way!"...

...I hear the rumbling vibration, the distant hum getting louder as it approaches--no place to hide...It's VOICE 2010!...

...auditions augmented and admitted...now it's on the road in Glendale...

...Good morning, all--would anyone else like another cup of coffee while I'm getting mine...?

'Aiieee-Hee, Mon Ami!'--Social Networking At It's Best

For those of you who are curious to know if anyone has actually received work through social networking--I give you 'Exhibit-A'. http://www.voices.com/talent/demos/view/51569
Voice Over Artist and Hockey Authority Ralph Hass generously passed along the lead for this project in July of 2009. Why me? Well, I don't think it was my good looks! He thoughtfully remembered that I had told him that I was working on some Cajun characters (accents, lingo, etc) and that this particular producer/director (uber-talented Jeff Hall) was looking for that flavor.
Now here is where it gets tricky...
Ralph actually admitted to not being very good at Cajun-type reads. Wait--what? A person who wisely looks at his own weakness (if you will) and then turns it into an opportunity for someone else? Ralph quickly followed his 'I can't' with '...but I know who can!'
For social networking to work there has to be an honest exchange of ideas, resources and ,yes, even leads to jobs. Not only has Ralph made a lot of people happy with his selfless act, but he has demonstrated the cornerstone principle of social networking--give and it shall be given to you!
Gee...that almost sounds Biblical, don't it...

...looking forward to VOICE 2010--and meeting all of the people who have inspired, taught, nurtured and encouraged me to excel...

...'it ain't over 'til it's over' (Yogi Berra)--so DON'T GIVE UP!...

...contest this weekend btw my favorite team (Cards) and my fave AL team (Angels). Like the Angels but...GO CARDS!

...into 'The Hole' and 'Under The Ice' (with apologies to Todd Rundgren)...

...audition already sent...now we gotta roll to the next adventure...!

...Thank God for another: day/chance-to-get-it-right/opportunity-to-do-good/cause for celebration...

...out of 'The Hole', and on my way to church--"gonna go praise the Lord a little bit..." (Beverly Hills Brats)...

...vigorous, vibrant voices and vocal variations venturing from the vault (aka 'The Hole')...

...from surfers to Shakespeare--I LOVE this voice over stuff!!...

...action-packed auditions, dynamic demos, prodigious production powers on display in 'The Hole'...

...YYYEEEE-HHAAAAA!!!...

Honoring Mom

I love the Bill Cosby story where he tracks the career of the young male athlete. He and his father rise early for practice and exercise. His dad takes him to games, meets, combines and drills. The young athlete works out under the wise and watchful gaze of his dad. He's finally drafted, has success on the field and when he scores the Super Bowl winning touchdown--they stick the camera in his face and he says to the world with a big, wide grin--"Hi, Mom!"
No one on this planet has the influence, insight or inspiration that a mother has. Throughout history mothers have been instrumental in the shaping of the future. From simply caring for her children in the most intimate way to speaking up before kings in behalf of her offspring--mothers are critically important. Sometimes shrewd, sometimes overbearing, the zeal of motherhood is a gift from God--akin to His own brand of stubborn, unconditional love.
This is the year where we recognize the power and dignity of ALL mothers, affluent or not. many times Mom does what she must because others are lost in ego or misguided judgement. Other times she is overwhelmed by the enormity of her task.
So--it is up to the rest of us to celebrate her battle and her triumph. It's up to the rest of us to give aid and comfort to a warrior who never really leaves the battlefield--ever!
Call her. Embrace her. Honor her. Cherish her. Above all--love her.
p.s. Yeah I know this had nothing to do with voice over--or did it? My mom watched cartoons and The 3 Stooges WITH me and always laughed when I imitated people around me. Hmmmm...

...and we're off--two quick, quirky, quality auditions already gone with more coming. Man, I love this job...

...when your own words fail you--speak His words instead...

...the 'Voices' are back! Celebrating 2 years at Voices.com with lunacy for all http://www.voices.com/talent/demos/view/28603

...nothing like finishing off an all-nighter with a good dose of The Three Stooges..."Brighto makes old bodies new"...

...in the truck--on the road...moving and shaking (that should stop once I take my medication)...

...Advice for today: Refuse to lose--get up, get down, and get with it...YEEE-HAAAA!...

...one of my wonderful nephews told me, "Unc...Keep on rockin''...I think I'll take his advice...

...a trip to the airport...and then a trip to 'The Hole'...good stuff is brewin'...

...enough of this tomfoolery (or herbfoolery)...back to work...Back to 'The Hooooooooooolllleeee'... gotta watch that first step...!

...brand new week...brand new opportunity...brand new mercies...LET'S ROCK!!...

...Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you...

...cooking in the creative cauldron known as 'The Hole'...characters and cucumbers are most welcome...

The Voice Of The Family

I just did something that we all dread--attended my grandmothers funeral. It was quite a large family affair as my grandmother was 95 years old when she died and all three of her children had children who had children...and she was very well-known to all of them.
This is not an exercise in morbidity-quite the contrary. Once we all got past the most dreaded moments together, we all began to get acquainted and reacquainted...some of us meeting for the very first time! I looked out over the crowd of people as we gathered one more time at the motel where we stayed. There was such an array of gifted, talented individuals (not to mention cute and sometimes precocious kids) it was hard to take it all in.
There were prophets, producers, poets...rappers, writers, rockers...musicians, artists, composers... truck drivers, executives, chefs, actors...every one of them VERY good at what they do and everyone of them eager to write a new chapter in our family's history. I found myself choking up with pride and gratitude that I was a part of something wonderful!
So the final word in this particular tome is--heed the Voice of the family.
When is the last time you hugged your stubborn father or your meddling mother or your brother-in-law who owes you money? I know of only one perfect Person in history and He taught us to forgive the imperfections of others.
I don't mean to preach--it's just that my particular experience opened a whole new chapter in my life--and I don't think we need something as traumatic and gut-wrenching as a funeral to do that.
Who are YOU related to? It could be someone very special...
Happy Voicing!

...Back in the West...and back in 'The Hole'! Supernatural love to my family--who, after saying goodbye--said 'Hello!'...

...the sun rises on creative craziness and audacious auditions in 'The Hole'...

...I cried out to God with my voice--to God with my voice; and He gave ear to me...
Psalms 77:1

...'There must be more to a singer than just a song'...Rosalind Graham

...with God, nothing is impossible!...

...Happy Birthday to my niece Kila Thomas--a great li'l mommy and a blessed young woman of God. You RAWK, Tub! (woo-hoo)...

...today, it's just the opposite--out of the spectacular sunshine and deep into the creative cavern known as 'The Hole'--what fun!!

...early auditions from 'The Hole'--now into the great outdoors!...

...Happy St. Patricks Day to all the Irish--and all those who wish they were...

...Good morning, Los Angeles. It's 4:00 am and here's your morning wakeup call...

...hey, I'm on my way to Ontario...California, that is...

...I might be losing an hour--but I'm saving some sunshine...

...I wouldn't call it burning the midnight oil--but we're keeping strange hours here in 'The Hole'...

...fire in 'The Hole'...voice over fire, that is...

...me, Cora and 5 of 10 are going to church! Startin' them grandkids off young...

...action, alacrity, attitude and awesome audio--all emanating from 'The Hole'...

...many thanks to Tori, Julie and all the great people at Garden of Sound Sudios in Hollywood for making me sound good...

...back in my Cajun kitchen. Aiieee-hee--Huckleberry's back...!

...out of 'The Hole' and into the 'Garden of Sound'(studio, that is)...

...the Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?...

...audio research & development--maintenance and monkeyshines today in 'The Hole'...

OK...let's try that link again for the 'Vipo' trailer...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oLh7XQm7zE

...awright, you victorious voicers...check out Andy Boyns' new podcast at http://bit.ly/dbHIX3...

...out of 'The Hole' and into the sunshine--on the road again...

Ahh...Memories!

Do you remember the first time you ever heard your own voice over work? No, not the studio playbacks or the samples you produce and provide for your own website...I mean the finished product, the on-air commercial, the animated feature.
Was there a feeling of exhilaration and accomplishment--was the 'Gee Whiz' factor in full effect?
Having voiced commercials, documentaries and other projects that are produced and then aired in other regions or even countries, I finally had the chance recently to enjoy a portion of a completed project--complete with character animation, voice, special effects...the whole nine yards. What a rush (and a blessing)!
I pause for a special recognition to Stephanie Ciccarelli and the good folks at Voices.com for being instrumental in this wonderment.
OK...so now it's your turn. Do us all a favor and share your moment! That giddy moment when you heard you not being you--but being you being someone (or something) else.
C'mon...it'll be fun and educational (Geez, I sounded like my 5th grade teacher just then).

...unusual utterances and some audience interaction...oming soon from 'The Hole'...

Anxiously awaiting my first great, great nephew...I'm gettin' old--not growing up!

Where Is 'The Hole'?

As an "old school" creative artist, I find that I have to surround myself with pads of paper and scads of pens/pencils/markers. Mainly because creativity is unpredictable--it may hit you anywhere, anytime! Many times I'll come home from a day of networking (or just working) with all kinds of napkins, notes, scribbles and scratches--all creative tidbits to be acted out, acted upon or optioned for action in the future.
My longsuffering and lovely wife, Cora (watching as I empty my pockets of all this 'creativity')immediately ushers me and my stuff into the one place in our home where my creative crap is not only welcome, but necessary. The sanctum sanctorum known as 'The Hole'!
'The Hole' (better known by its nickname-'The Hole')is the place of peace...the cove of creativity...the oasis of artistry. It's a place where lunacy and alliteration collide with very interesting effects. Birthplace of Big Mike, Tuff Guy Percy and a host of other unusual characters, it is less man-cave in it's usefullness but more like an intimate sound stage. Indeed, sound takes center stage as we work with voices, music and sound effects to come up with something that will inform, entertain and amuse.
Here are some of the house rules of 'The Hole':
1. All are welcome (especially kids...they always hang around outside listening to all the mayhem going on inside.)
2. It's a place of solace--not only do I show up to work, but I also show up to meditate and pray.
3. No cussin' spittin' or fightin' (although some yellin', screamin' and singin' is allowed!)
I'm sure that everyone should have a special place to pray, create, work and laugh. It may not all happen in the same room, but be sure to carve yourself out some precious space: to be who you are, to sharpen your craft, exercise your gift and entertain the world!

...a lofty descent into the creative cavern known as 'The Hole'...

...Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me. Bless His holy Name for He has done great things for us...

...communicating, reverberating, instigating,investigating, coordinating and promulgating--all live from 'The Hole'...

...YEEEE-HAAAA!! First Monday of a brand new year...Let's RAWK!...

...First day of the new year and he's back in 'The Hole' again--this time he's travelling to the Civil War...

...Happy New Year to all--and Happy Birthday to my baby, Rachael Finee Merriweather...