There are moments in an artist’s journey that remind us just how much preparation happens before a performance ever reaches the screen.
Hollywood Vocal Studios is thrilled to celebrate the Emmy nomination of “The Devil You Know,” an original song featured in the Prime Video series Spider-Noir and performed by actress and singer Li Jun Li.
The song, written by Warren “Oak” Felder, Sebastian Kole, and Daniel Pemberton, has been nominated for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics at the 78th Emmy Awards.
For Hollywood Vocal Studios, this nomination is especially meaningful. Our Founder and Master Vocal Coach, Adreana Gonzalez, worked privately with Li Jun Li for approximately three months to prepare her vocally for the songs she performs throughout Spider-Noir, including “The Devil You Know.”
While the Emmy nomination recognizes the extraordinary work of the song’s writers, we are incredibly proud to have played a role in helping prepare Li for the vocal performances audiences ultimately experience on screen.
Three Months of Vocal Preparation for Spider-Noir
When an actor is asked to sing for a major television production, the work involves much more than simply learning a song.
During three months of vocal coaching, Adreana worked with Li Jun Li to prepare her voice for the musical demands of the series.
Professional vocal preparation for film and television can require attention to:
- Vocal technique and consistency
- Breath support and control
- Tone and resonance
- Phrasing and musicality
- Stylistic authenticity
- Emotional connection to lyrics
- Vocal stamina
- Confidence in the recording and performance environment
The ultimate goal is not simply to create a technically strong vocal. It is to help the performer sound authentic to the character, the music, and the world of the production.
When Vocal Technique Meets Character
Film and television singing presents a unique challenge.
Unlike a traditional vocal performance, an actor is not simply performing as themselves. The vocal choices must also serve the character.
That means technique and storytelling have to work together.
A vocal coach may help an actor determine how much polish is appropriate, how the character would phrase a lyric, where emotional vulnerability should take priority over vocal perfection, and how to maintain healthy technique while still creating a believable performance.
This intersection of vocal technique, acting, and musical storytelling is one of the most exciting parts of coaching performers for film and television.
For contemporary singers and actors alike, the objective is not to erase individuality. It is to develop enough technical freedom that the performer can make artistic choices without the voice getting in the way.
Fixing Vocal Strain, Breaks, and Pitch Issues
Preparing the Voice for a Professional Recording
Professional recording environments create another set of demands.
A microphone captures everything.
Small inconsistencies in pitch, breath, diction, tone, or tension that might disappear during a live performance can become much more noticeable in a recording.
As a result, preparation becomes essential.
A singer needs to be able to repeat phrases, respond quickly to creative direction, adjust vocal choices, and maintain consistency throughout a session.
That reliability is one reason professional artists often continue working with vocal coaches throughout their careers.
“The Devil You Know” Earns an Emmy Nomination
“The Devil You Know” was written by acclaimed songwriters and composers Warren “Oak” Felder, Sebastian Kole, and Daniel Pemberton for Spider-Noir.
The song has been nominated for an Emmy in the category of Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.
It is part of a remarkable awards showing for Spider-Noir, which received multiple Emmy nominations across music, visual effects, makeup, sound, stunts, and other areas of television production.
Celebrating Li Jun Li and the Spider-Noir Creative Team
We could not be more excited for Li Jun Li and everyone involved in bringing the music of Spider-Noir to life.
Major television productions are deeply collaborative. Writers, composers, actors, directors, musicians, producers, vocal coaches, recording engineers, and countless other creatives contribute their expertise before viewers ever see the finished product.
It was an honor for Adreana to be part of Li’s preparation for this project.
Most importantly, we congratulate Warren “Oak” Felder, Sebastian Kole, and Daniel Pemberton on their well-deserved Emmy nomination for “The Devil You Know.”
Professional Vocal Coaching at Hollywood Vocal Studios
At Hollywood Vocal Studios in Venice, CA, Adreana Gonzalez and the HVS coaching team work with singers at every stage of their careers.
Our clients include aspiring singers, recording artists, actors, touring performers, and professional entertainers preparing for demanding opportunities in music, film, television, auditions, recording sessions, and live performance.
Training may include:
- Contemporary vocal technique
- Recording preparation
- Audition coaching
- Performance coaching
- Artist development
- Vocal health and longevity
- Building range, mix, and belt
- Stylistic development
Every voice is different. Therefore, every coaching process should be different.
Train With Hollywood Vocal Studios From Anywhere in the World
You do not have to live in Los Angeles to train with Hollywood Vocal Studios.
Singers can work with us in person at our Venice, California studio or through live virtual vocal lessons from anywhere in the world.
Our virtual clients receive the same personalized approach to technique, artistry, repertoire, audition preparation, recording preparation, and professional development as our Los Angeles-based singers.
Whether you are preparing for your first audition or stepping onto a professional film set, having a trusted vocal coach can help you walk into the opportunity prepared.
Your Next Opportunity Starts With Preparation
An Emmy nomination may be the moment audiences see.
But behind opportunities like this are months—and often years—of preparation.
That is why professional vocal coaching is about much more than learning how to sing a song. It is about building a voice you can depend on when the opportunity arrives.
Hollywood Vocal Studios congratulates Li Jun Li, Warren “Oak” Felder, Sebastian Kole, Daniel Pemberton, and the entire Spider-Noir team on this exciting recognition.
And we are incredibly proud that Adreana Gonzalez had the opportunity to help Li prepare her voice for the music audiences are now hearing in the series.
Ready to prepare for your next opportunity?
Train privately with Hollywood Vocal Studios at our Venice, CA studio, or work with us through live virtual vocal coaching from anywhere in the world.