Firstly, let me start by giving a huge shout-out to Shelley Avellino before I get started. My adventure in Singapore would’ve been nothing without her. Thank you friend. I had a great time hanging out with you.
My Singapore Story
There’s a unique kind of freedom that comes with solo travel, especially when you’re deep into a multi-country tour through Asia. The air is different, the sights are new, and the cultures are among my favorites. For me, these long stretches away from home, documenting my journey through countless pictures and commentary for friends and family back home, are a lifeline. It wasn’t just about sharing; it was about battling the quiet solitude of the road. Each post, each comment, created a phantom travel companion, and a comforting connection with my people. But sometimes, the universe has a way of turning phantom companions into real, breathing, laughing ones. My stop in Singapore, the second leg of six of my 2025 Asian tour, was about to prove just that.
My first day in Singapore unfolded with the usual rituals of arrival: settling into a new city, soaking in the initial impressions, and, of course, uploading my first batch of photos to IG & Facebook. And then, the notification popped up – a comment from none other than Shelley Avellino. Shelley, a colleague and friend from the voiceover world, living in Singapore? It felt like a plot twist straight out of a movie. The notion of simply pretending to have travel companions evaporated; I was actually going to hang out with a genuine local. The excitement was immediate and palpable. It would be the first time I had seen someone I knew in two weeks.
From Facebook Friend to Singapore Guide
The very next day, we met up mid-day and kicked off a whirlwind of local discovery. Shelley Avellino, despite her British native roots, has truly become a global citizen, with Singapore being her most recent home after living in places like Vegas, Hong Kong, and Hawaii. This expansive life experience, as she would later tell me, has gifted her a broader cultural perspective, a valuable asset she seamlessly weaves into her voiceover performances. With Shelley as my guide, Singapore transformed from a series of stunning landmarks into a living, breathing narrative. We zipped up the cable cars to Sentosa, the panoramic views of the cityscape blurring into the shimmering sea. Then it was down to the cleanest Metro system I had ever encountered – a testament to Singapore’s legendary efficiency and order, one that I even beat out Tokyo’s. As the afternoon turned into evening, we found ourselves at Clarke Quay, Singapore’s riverside hub. We dipped into an Irish pub for dinner, where we shared stories over dinner. It was a truly authentic immersion into Singaporean life, far beyond what I had found on Tripadvisor.
It was easy, filled with laughter and deep conversation about our travels and the way we see the world, and voiceover. The fun continued the following day when I visited Shelley at her home. It was there, amidst the comfort of her personal space, that I had the privilege of sitting down with her for an interview. This wasn’t just a casual chat; it was a deep dive into her world, her journey, and the craft we both share.
The Interview with Shelley Avellino & Her Voiceover Journey
Shelley began by reintroducing herself, sketching out the rich tapestry of her life’s journey that had brought her to this island nation. Her voice, as she described it, is pleasant, warm, and trustworthy – qualities that resonate deeply across various voiceover genres, from commercials and documentaries to e-learning and explainer videos. She carries a neutral UK accent, a distinct advantage in the global voiceover market, something she naturally acquired from her British upbringing but honed through years of training. As we spoke, I could see glimpses of her home voiceover studio, a testament to the dedication and professionalism required in our industry.
I asked her about what led her into the world of voiceover, expecting a grand revelation or a meticulously planned career pivot. Her answer was refreshingly candid: she “fell into it.” During her time in Las Vegas, she found herself doing corporate e-learning voiceovers and discovered a natural aptitude and enjoyment for the work. Her voice was well-received, and that positive feedback became the gentle nudge that propelled her into a full-fledged career.
The Drive and Discipline of a Voice Actor
What keeps her motivated, I wondered, in an industry that demands constant reinvention and resilience? Her answer was simple yet profound: the sheer variety of the work and the interesting people she gets to work with. Every project, every script, presents a new challenge, a fresh opportunity to explore a different facet of her voice and interpret a new story. This constant evolution, this endless stream of unique human connections, fuels her passion and keeps her engaged, project after project. It speaks to the heart of what makes voiceover so captivating – it’s never just about the words; it’s about the stories we tell and the people who bring them to life.
As a seasoned voiceover coach, Shelley also emphasized the critical importance of proper training and guidance in this competitive industry. It’s not enough to simply have a good voice; one must understand the technical aspects, master performance skills, and navigate the complexities of the business. She spoke of the need for developing a thick skin, qualities that are essential for anyone hoping to build a lasting career in voice acting. It’s a demanding profession, requiring not just talent but also a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.
We delved into the significance of a dedicated home studio, a crucial investment for modern voice actors, and the paramount importance of sound quality. As a gear enthusiast myself, I can attest that a pristine recording, free of extraneous noise and perfectly balanced, is the foundation upon which all great voiceover work is built. Her insights underlined the meticulous attention to detail that underpins successful voice over, a detail that often goes unnoticed by the casual listener but is deeply appreciated by producers and clients.
Shelley Avellino’s take on the Future of Voiceover
The conversation naturally drifted to the future of voiceover, particularly the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence. Shelley shared her perspective on AI’s place in the industry, acknowledging its growing presence but also reaffirming the irreplaceable value of human nuance, emotion, and interpretation. While AI can replicate sounds, it struggles to capture the subtle complexities of human experience, the authentic emotional texture that brings a script truly to life. It was a thoughtful discussion, balancing the practicalities of technological advancement with the enduring artistry of human performance.
As the interview concluded, Shelley provided her website and contact information, a clear invitation for aspiring voice actors and potential clients to connect with her. Her passion for helping others succeed in this field was palpable, a genuine desire to share her knowledge and guide new talent.
Leaving Shelley’s home that day, my heart was full. The unexpected joy of meeting a friend in a foreign land, sharing laughter, exploring a new city, and then delving into a professional conversation about our shared craft, was truly special. It reminded me that travel isn’t just about the places you see, but the connections you make along the way. And sometimes, those connections are exactly what you needed, transforming a solo journey into a shared adventure. Shelley Avellino, with her global spirit and insightful perspective, became a real friend and savior on this leg of my journey, proving that the world, even on a long solo trip, is always full of surprises and remarkable voices.
