It’s is not everyday that I get to work with such a lovely client as I did this week while in the studio for Rio 2. Working with my youngest daughter Claira was a total blast. I was so proud of my girly. Even though she seemed to be extra nervous this time, she made it through dialogue, some a cappella singing AND an a cappella modulation to the next key! And to make it even more fun that they let her record her character’s introduction,”Claira the Capybara,” using her own name since it rhymed! (It’s become her new nickname around the house… “Claira Claira Capybara… come put your things awaaaay!”)

I had her try a few different versions… one with a little smaller voice, one a little breathy and a few versions of the song with vibrato. As always, it’ll be really fun to see what they end up using!

Academy Award winning sound designer Gwen Whittle challenged our boundaries in the most interesting 3 hours of work I think I’ve ever had. Though it’s possible my half decent “cricket” sound got me hired, we ended up making a bunch of menacing insect sounds, inhaling noises, creaks, snaps, buzzing and humming… you name it. Because I was one of the only chics, they ended up using my smaller higher sounds for a minor side-kick character called “Skeet”. I’m so stoked for this opportunity and can’t wait to hear what they end up keeping!

Really excited to be able to sing on such a beautiful score. James Newton Howard always comes up with great stuff… eerie yet melodic… the perfect balance to entrance you yet not distract you.