World‑class session vocals for producers and composers.
I help producers, composers, and music teams bring world-class vocals to life — from major artist albums to film soundtracks and national commercials.
Trusted on projects ranging from Star Wars and Spider-Man to recordings with artists like Neil Young and Post Malone.
Three roles.
And the projects that defined each.
Session Vocals
Lead and backing vocals for movies, commercials, and albums. Remote and in-studio. Pop, classical, gospel, country, Spanish — whatever the score or producer calls for.
I joined a 40-person choir alongside a 95-piece orchestra for La La Land, singing on iconic songs like "Another Day of Sun," "Someone in the Crowd," and "City of Stars." The film went on to win 6 Oscars, including Best Original Score and Best Original Song. The encore? Performing live at the Hollywood Bowl with composer Justin Hurwitz conducting — and a memorable backstage moment with Emma Stone!
Reprise · 2016
Vocal Contracting
I book and direct singers for artist albums, film and television, and national commercials, drawing on a trusted network of SAG-AFTRA and non-union singers across Los Angeles.
Twenty-five-plus years of calling the right voices for the room.
Neil Young Called Me.
Not his manager.
Not his assistant.
Neil Young.
A few days later, I was hiring singers for what became EARTH, his 2016 live album. On the album, we became known as the Vanilla Singers.
Directing vocal performance on set for commercials and film — including non-singers asked to sing on camera. Get the picture right the first take, fix it before the audio post does.
Three months of vocal prep for five 30-second commercials! Me and my husband Dana Nielsen recorded endless demos as lyrics kept changing. 😅 Then came rehearsals and a week of overnight filming at Disney's Golden Oak Ranch. As on-set vocal coach, I guided 6 singing actors through every take under director Kitao Sakurai. Long nights, lots of caroling, and a whole lot of holiday fun!
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Charissa Nielsen
Vocals on scores, national campaigns, and records. Contracting choirs and ensembles when a room needs more than one voice.
The short list.
The credentials.
In their words.
Charissa is a joy to work with in every aspect. Whether she’s singing lead, contracting background vocalists, or managing a full choir — she makes every room calmer and better.
Music Director & Choral Conductor
Charissa Nielsen is far and away the most resourceful, creative, energetic, and connected singer and vocal contractor in Los Angeles. She has a voice like an angel and a rolodex like a fixer.
Grammy-Winning Engineer & Producer
