The Power of the Mic

In September Elwood Writers recorded Fathers’ Day stories for Vision Radio Australia (VAR).

I accompanied Barry to the studio for his reading of ‘Phase’, a story about a young man whose relationship with his father deepens and evolves as the son explores his sexuality.

While Barry read, presenter Tim McQueen edited on the other side of the soundproof glass panel. Barry has a mellifluous voice and it was thrilling to hear his coming of age tale lift off the page and take on new life. (‘Phase’ is humorous in parts and I had to keep from laughing.)

…

Singers– whether on stage or in the studio – know the power of the microphone. The amplification of voice carries their music to a wider audience – freeing them to become more of the song.

The same goes for the spoken word.  An ‘open mic’ forum lets us focus on the true story.

The idea of reading in rowdy bars in small-town America was nerve-wracking to me as an Australian student there. But once on stage I adopted a public persona, and one that I rather liked.

Add to preparing your work for an audience with the uplift of reading into a microphone, and you have a powerfully intoxicating formula.

I asked Barry how he enjoyed recording in the studio. He’s no show pony, but says that he loved it. Hearing your story transported to the wider world is a power buzz you might not want to miss.

Elwood Writers most recent broadcast on Cover to Cover is named The Writers’ Choice recorded in October 2024. You can listen to it. Just quick click here.