Today we’d like to introduce you to Linnea Mohn
Hi Linnea, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve taken a meandering approach. I grew up singing, was an actor and singer in college (Augsburg University) and wanted to keep on with that, but wasn’t sure how to make it work. I started a job at the front desk of an ad agency (Space150) and a producer-friend thought I could use my voice for more than the outgoing voicemail. I made a voice over demo, found an agent, and have made my living as a voice actor for nearly 16 years.
Disconcertingly, AI threatens to replace real-life humans voices with voice “fonts”. It’s a whole thing. Stay tuned.
In 2015, I became a radio host (Go 96.3) and had my own show ‘Lazy Sunday’. I played Royksopp, Mazzy Star, D’Angelo…that was fun.
As a musician, I’ve played with a menagerie of music, theater, and dance projects—Live Action Set, James Sewell Ballet, Coach Said Not To, The Alpha Centauri, Jonatha Brooke, Aby Wolf, Dessa, and my main squeeze Rogue Valley. I fell in love with the drummer and we have two hilarious kids.
What else…I’ve been sober for 12 years (which is crucial to my well-being) and became a master gardener in 2022 (also crucial to my well-being).
I continue to seek out creative projects that I find interesting, challenging, or funny. Bonus if they’re all three.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Choosing to play music put me in environments where alcohol was not only ever-present, but sometimes how we got paid. Coming to a realization that my relationship with it was unhealthy was difficult. Family and friends helped me get help and I’m more present now in every way despite still grappling with anxiety and the reflex to escape it. I think most everyone is in a different spot on the absolute-confidence-imposter-syndrome-continuum each day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My personal, professional, and creative lives intertwine.
I sing and play keys in Rogue Valley. The depth and breadth of our music catalog makes me proud. We’ve released six albums—four of which are inspired by the seasons and all of which are great company on a road trip. We’ll be playing on the rooftop of the Hewing Hotel on June 16th. Bring your father figure.
There’s an incredible and challenging show called PROTEST: A Revolutionary Rock Opus on the horizon (June 23rd at Chanhassen Dinner Theaters) where I’ll perform songs I wrote inspired by Greta Thunberg and the Women’s March as well as sing Joan Baez’s Prison Trilogy. It’s a massive collaborative effort with Perrin Post (Buffalo Gal Productions) at the helm. Half original songs written to reflect the current political climate and half historical protest jams that land many of the same punches; equity, human rights, climate change and much more. There are many other incredible artists in the mix. It’s not to be missed.
I’m a freelance voice actor represented by Wehmann Talent Agency. I’ve voiced campaigns for everything from Northshore Orthopedic hospitals to Winnebago to Envy apples to Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and much more. I’ve nailed the cold read—meaning, I can read a script having never seen it and make it sound like the copy is something spontaneous that I just thought up. I also have a skill for implementing contradictory direction; serious but smiley with a hint of sarcasm? I’m your gal. It may seem like an easy job, but I’d characterize it more as simple and straightforward.
I also do audio description for 3 Play Media. Should you ever find yourself watching The Good Place on Netflix late at night, check the audio settings, choose audio description from the closed captioning menu, and there I’ll be.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
As I mentioned earlier, the advent and creep of AI is changing voice over immeasurably. I consider the use of voices without the involvement of the people to whom those voices belong to be theft. I think there will need to be legislation along the lines of anti-trust in order to curb the use of AI in mimicking the identities of actors. It’s deeply concerning; not unlike the way music aggregators (like Spotify et al) have undercut musicians, image generators have undercut visual artists, and fast fashion has undercut designers. We’re really going to need to steer the AI ship away from plagiarism island.
Of course, with technological advancements comes the need to evolve abilities and skills which is why I’ll be uploading my consciousness into a bird of paradise. I kid…but you never know. 😉
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Linneamohn.com
- Instagram: @linneaawake
- Other: https://Lostinroguevalley.com
