We recently connected with Raul Vega and have shared our conversation below.

Raul, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I’m one of the fortunate few who has! It’s taken years of learning, re-learning, and un-learning everything I thought I knew about music and storytelling — both in film scoring and voiceover. As much as vocational schools can prepare you, nothing truly readies you for the fast-paced, ever-changing flow of the entertainment industry. Adaptability is crucial. While it’s easy to focus on your own scope of work, there are thousands of people working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring it all together.

I’ve gone through countless days and nights of self-doubt — and I still do from time to time. Imposter syndrome is part of the gig. But the upside is that it always creates opportunities to grow and learn more. I started by making coffee for the legendary composer Hans Zimmer, and years later, I won my first Grammy as a recording engineer for Dune: Part II with him. Anything is possible.

There’s no cheat code or shortcut. You just have to keep going, keep fighting, keep adapting, and keep pushing yourself — even when no one else will. In the end, it’s worth it.

Raul, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a voiceover director, writer, producer, and — as of this year — a first-time Grammy-winning recording engineer. For the past 13+ years, I’ve worked full-time as a digital instrument designer for the legendary composer Hans Zimmer. My role involves helping to create the sonic landscapes and tools used in blockbuster films like Interstellar, Dunkirk, Top Gun: Maverick, Formula 1, and Dune: Part I & II. To say my job is demanding would be an understatement — it requires countless hours of precision and deep listening. Being even a small cog in the grandfather clock of film music storytelling is a humbling, extraordinary experience.

Alongside this, I run a boutique voiceover production company called Phantom Voixes. I write, direct, edit, and record professional VO reels for up-and-coming actors looking to showcase their range and versatility. From coaching to reel design, I take pride in helping my clients present work that is strong enough to get representation and compete in the VO space.

What sets Phantom Voixes apart is its intimacy and focus. Larger studios often bring in multiple people to cut a reel together, but with me, it’s personal and hands-on from start to finish. Every client gets a product that is highly tailored to their voice and creative goals. I make it a point to know my clients well, creating an environment where they feel free to express their truest voice.

The challenges vary — from brand-new clients stepping into the booth for the first time, to seasoned veterans refining their edge. But I welcome those challenges. As long as there’s mutual respect, we always get the job done in a way that feels both stress-free and fun.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I’ll go with the obvious one here — especially for non-creatives. Part of starting my company has been about championing the voices of the thousands of actors who migrate to L.A. every year to chase a dream. With the rapid expansion of AI, the value of real artists is more important now than ever.

I don’t believe voiceover will ever be a dying space, no matter how many AI voices companies begin using internally. At the end of the day, it’s up to us — as artists and as a society — to promote the relevance of the human experience. There is truth and vulnerability in our voices that no algorithm can replicate. Real storytelling requires real people.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Playing with others — hands down. While much of my work requires solitude, the most rewarding part is the collaboration. There’s something magical about working with other artists in real time — the discovery, the unexpected turns, the way we push and inspire each other in ways that can’t be scripted. That energy exchange alone makes every long hour worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.phantomvoixes.com
• Instagram: @rowdyvega

Image Credits

Charlie Chappell