Jon Stojan
Image credit: Pocket FM
Last week, the historic Culver Hotel in Culver City lit up with a different kind of stardust. The unmistakable energy of voices that bring stories to life. The audio series platform Pocket FM hosted the second edition of its signature voice artist celebration, which is now officially branded as “SoundStage by Pocket FM.” With over 60 voice artists (VOAs) from across the United States in attendance, the event was a spirited homage to the stars behind the mic, those who give voice to Pocket FM’s multiple blockbuster audio series.
A Community Celebration
The evening wasn’t just about applause and awards. It was about building deeper connections with Pocket FM’s vibrant and growing community of VOAs.
The goal of the event was simple. In the short term, it aims to bring the Pocket FM voice artist (VOA) community closer together. In the long term, however, it lets the wider entertainment world, especially in the US, see that the company is building a vibrant, global storytelling ecosystem powered by some of the best voices out there.
“It was our way of saying thank you. These artists are the soul of our platform,” said Lalit Gangwar, Head – US, at Pocket FM. “We wanted to create a space where they felt celebrated, connected, and inspired.”
Lights, laughter, and loud cheers
The festivities kicked off in style with a red carpet welcome, creating a true Hollywood moment for the VOAs, complete with flashes, fanfare, and fun interviews.
The night rolled on with stand-up comedy that had people doubling over, a steady flow of drinks and music, and the kind of conversations that go from casual catch-ups to creative collabs by the end of the night.
Not just performers but partners in storytelling
Image credit: Pocket FM
Many of these voice artists have helped Pocket FM reimagine how immersive audio storytelling is consumed, voicing everything from romance to thrillers, fantasy to drama.
“SoundStage is a reinforcement of our commitment to the voice community,” said Gangwar. “We are raising the bar for what voice artists can expect, not just in terms of recognition, but in terms of community, support, and opportunity.”
Among the most talked-about moments of the night were the spontaneous jam sessions, heartfelt thank-you speeches, and candid behind-the-scenes clips that made their way to social media. Artists left the venue not just with trophies and swag, but with something more profound: a sense of belonging.
Beginning of a Bigger Story
As the evening wrapped up, there was a quiet sense of joy and connection in the air. SoundStage wasn’t just about lights, music, or awards; it was about a VOA community.
For the voice artists, it was a rare moment where their hard work was celebrated, their voices were recognised, and they knew that their presence truly mattered. After all, these talented professionals typically spend hours behind a microphone — often unseen — and yet, they are the ones breathing life into every story they tell.
For Pocket FM, the evening was an opportunity to bring its growing community of artists closer, to say thank you in person, and to show the platform really stands for storytelling with soul, powered by real people.
As the company continues to grow across the globe, one thing is certain: the bond with its voice artists will always come first. SoundStage is only the beginning of that journey — one that is full of exciting stories and powerful voices to tell them.