Amplirecathon 2011: New Readers of 2010 Part 1

[cantarina]

Masterlist here.

Favourite New Readers of 2010, Part 1

I don't remember how this theme came about, although I can say that when I sat down to start compiling this list, there were several names I put on it right away, the readers I knew through shared fantoms. While poking around the archive afterward, though, I discovered a whole slew of amazing readers I might otherwise never have heard and I'd really encourage you to give some of these awesome, awesome creators a try, even if you don't know the fandoms they read in.

It's also worth noting that I defined "first reading in 2010" by the submission date of the first story on a reader's page at the Audiofic Archive (if only for the sake of not over-complicating my life with the need to research) so it's possible that one or two of these readers actually recorded for the first time in 2009 or earlier. Also, this is also only Part 1, so you can expect another post of at least thing length on this topic before Amplirecathon 2011 is done \o/



adistantsun
It's been years since I regularly listened to J-Pop and I was never involved with the fandom, but when this reader's voice came up on my playlist, I literally sat up straighter and made a sound of pleased surprise. Given the chance, I'd listen to adistantsun for hours! I tried to pick a favourite or two, but they're all marvellous readings; perfect pacing, humorous and solemn by turns, full of subtle quirks that really help bring the stories alive. Here's the link to the reader tag (J-Pop RPF).

lexnc
The reading of With My Tail in the Air (Star Trek XI), is this reader's only recording to date and it makes me want to give out an award for "Best McCoy Deadpan" and more importantly, for "Best Cat Noises". It's a really dynamic, energic reading with affected voices that capture the spirit of the characters beautifully. Also, lots of awesome cat sounds.

moon_maiden36
This reader has recorded in the Kuroshitsuji, Death Note, and Bartimaeus Trilogy fantoms. This reader's voice is so incredibly, irresistibly sweet with a quiet intensity in the narration. I listened to Snowfall (Kuroshitsuji) and Liar (Kuroshitsuji) and would rec the latter in particular, but I'd encourage you to go explore!

quinara
The story is written in a style that reminds me a lot of oral storytelling and Quinara works that. Energy and inflections and interest are poured into this piece and I think it's the closest I've ever come feeling like I'm in a room full of oral storytellers plying their craft. The reader's only story is Campfire Tale for the End of Days (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

hee7 (or zenodameaccount)
Their recording of The Machine Unmakes the Man (Princess Tutu) starts off deceptively quiet and calm. It's entirely pleasant to listen to with lots of subtle dips to help keep things going. And then! All of a sudden there's emotion pouring out of the reading, strong and vibrant, with great occasional use of music and effects to complement the action and to mark characters.

aralias
This is another reader with only one story, but their Sixth Doctor and Peri voices are fabulously spot on (you'll have to excuse my flail, because they really are that good). I love the high-energy give-and-take between the characters and the way the dynamic noticeably changes as more characters are brought into the scene. The recording in question is When We Were Six (Doctor Who 1963 & 2005).

constance_b
Can I say that I find the sole recording by this reader jovial? (Thank You for Flying Church of England, Stargate: Atlantis) Because there's such good humour and cheer that it's infectious! I love the character voices, the pacing is solid, and it's all a perfect match for the story.
ETA: kate_nepveu informs me that constance_b has actually done quite a few recordings. I'm delighted to be wrong!

mamaffy
Such a soft, soothing voice! The readings are very steady and smooth without ever falling flat. Check out The Underlying Problem (due South)

the_binary_alchemist
The reader has a warm and open voice, but it's character voices that really sell it for me. They're often good enough that I'd expect to hear the lines delivered in a film. The combination is instantly captivating, even to someone like me, who doesn't know the fandom, but the reader is also capable of taking on a slightly darker edge when the story calls for it. To put it simply, I'm entertained when I listen! This reader's only recording is called Rats, Roaches, and Revenge (adapted from Fifty Trips Around the Sun (Fullmetal Alchemist).

calliglad
calliglad delights me just about no end. Although most of of their full list of recordings represents Merlin fandom, a canon I'm not particularly familiar with, she charmed me utterly with Paradisi / / Inferno (MP3, M4B, Supernatural), where her slow, weighty, stately, silence-filled pace was paired to absolutely deadly effect with a story of Castiel travelling through Hell, searching for Dean. The same style of reading complements Apotheosis (MP3, M4B, Sherlock [BBC]).