Audio Path Podcast

John Kimbrough and Trent Harrison open up their gear cases and share the essential tools every audio engineer should have—whether you’re stepping into someone else’s studio or mixing live on the road. From communication tips to packing smart for any gig, they break down real-world strategies that keep sessions smooth and shows running strong. Tune in for practical insights, road-tested advice, and a peek inside John’s Pelican case of must-have audio gear.

In this episode of Audio Path John and Trent dig into the essential business side of making music. They talk about how to copyright your songs the right way, why contracts matter and how to approach them without fear, and what you really need to know about royalties and getting paid. Along the way they share personal stories from their own experiences in the studio and explain how artists can protect themselves while keeping the creative process fun and stress free. Whether you are an artist producer or engineer this conversation will help you understand the business of music and set yourself up for long term success.

Ever wonder what a typical day looks like for someone making a living in audio? In this episode, Trent and John pull back the curtain on their daily routines — from recording sessions, editing, mixing, and live sound gigs to the behind-the-scenes admin work that keeps everything running. They share real stories, honest insights, and lessons learned about scheduling, time management, boundaries, and avoiding burnout in the music industry. Whether you’re chasing your first studio job or building a freelance career, this episode gives you a grounded look at what it really takes to make audio work your full-time life.

In this episode of The Audio Path Podcast, John and Trent dive deep into how they each began their journeys as audio engineers—first as musicians on stage and then behind the console in the studio. They share personal stories of first gigs, DIY recordings, learning signal flow, and navigating early mistakes. Whether you’re dreaming of your first live gig or setting up your own home studio, you’ll walk away with actionable tips on ear training, learning your gear, building connections, and finding your first clients.

In this episode of Audio Path, John Kimbrough and Trent Harrison dive into one of the biggest questions for musicians: how do you actually make money in the music industry? From gigging and merch sales to running a studio, teaching lessons, live sound, producing, sample packs, and even owning a venue, they share their own journeys, side quests, and the hard-won lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your income streams, this episode is packed with ideas and real-world advice for building a sustainable music career.

Building a home studio doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. In this episode, we break down the essential gear, software, and room setup tips to help musicians, songwriters, and producers create professional recordings right from home.

Do you really need a music or audio degree to make it in the industry—or can you just jump right in? John Kimbrough and Trent Harrison share how their very different paths shaped their careers, from formal schooling and scholarships to self-teaching, internships, and real-world trial by fire. Packed with stories, lessons, and straight talk, this episode helps you figure out which path might be right for you.

In Part 2 of our conversation on the music-making journey, we dive into what happens after the final master. You’ve poured your soul into the song—now what? In this episode, John and Trent break down the modern landscape of music distribution in 2025, exploring how to release your music effectively in a post-CD world.

We unpack the pros and cons of platforms like DistroKid and CD Baby, discuss how physical media like CDs and vinyl still have a role (yes, really), and outline why a solid release strategy matters more than ever. We also explore the “waterfall method,” smart social media tactics, the value of good mastering, and how to get your music on playlists.

Whether you’re a DIY artist ready to share your first single or a seasoned musician looking to adapt to today’s fast-moving industry, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you get your music heard.

Welcome back to Audio Path! In this episode, we dive into the first half of what it takes to bring a song to life—from rough idea to polished track—before it ever hits streaming platforms.

We walk through the real-world steps of recording: scratch tracks, studio sessions, editing, mixing, and mastering. Whether you're flying solo or working with a band, we share actionable advice, hard-earned insights, and some funny horror stories to help you better understand the full recording journey.

Whether you’re new to recording or knee-deep in your next project, you’ll walk away with clear next steps and maybe even a little inspiration to level up your craft.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we get into the release process.

Welcome to the very first episode of Audio Path! We’re taking a real-world look at what it means to make a living in music—far from the major industry hubs. In this kickoff episode, we introduce ourselves and share how this podcast came to be.

We also dive into what it's like stepping into a professional recording studio or performing live on stage for the first time. From preparation and performance tips to studio etiquette, gear checklists, and the importance of hydration and metronomes—we cover it all from our own experiences behind the board and on the road.

You’ll also hear what we’re currently working on, from video translation projects to mastering a new genre-blending EP.

This is Audio Path—where the hustle is real, and the passion runs deep.