In this episode of Audio Path, we dive into the 80/20 rule and how it applies to life and work in the audio and music industry. From clients and gear to plugins, workflow, and saying no to the wrong opportunities, we explore how a small portion of your efforts often produces the biggest results. We talk about prioritizing the right projects, avoiding burnout, building trust through consistency, and adopting an abundance mindset instead of a scarcity mindset. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your career, this conversation will challenge you to step back, evaluate what’s truly working, and learn how doing less can actually move you forward faster.

In this episode of Audio Path, John and Trent take a brutally honest—and hilarious—look at the mistakes that can cost you the gig in both studio and live audio environments. From early-career blunders to fresh-off-the-road fails, they dig into real stories that reveal how ego, lack of preparation, bad attitudes, gear assumptions, and even boredom can sabotage your reputation fast.

They also share unforgettable encounters with difficult artists, chaotic festival situations, broken routing, warehouse acoustical nightmares, rogue click tracks, and engineers who should probably switch careers.

Whether you're new to audio or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons, red flags to watch for, and reminders that the simplest rule still holds true: don’t be a jerk.

Tune in, cringe along with them, and learn how not to blow your next gig.

In this honest and eye-opening episode, John and Trent pull back the curtain on one of the most challenging parts of working in the music industry—dealing with difficult artists and strained client relationships. Trent shares a recent real-world studio experience that went unexpectedly off the rails, walking through the red flags, communication breakdowns, revision overload, mismatched expectations, and the hard lessons learned along the way.

Whether you’re an engineer, producer, or artist, this episode is packed with practical wisdom on setting boundaries, managing revisions, guiding creative direction, protecting your time, and identifying when a collaboration simply isn’t the right fit. A must-listen for anyone building a sustainable career in music.

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.