Audio Path Podcast

For the first time on Audio Path, Trent and John welcome a special guest: Whitney Harrison, co-owner of Live at Ted’s in Wilmington, NC. Whitney shares what it’s really like to run an independent listening room—from booking artists and managing operations to surviving the challenges of COVID and building a thriving music community. The conversation covers the realities of venue ownership, common mistakes artists make when seeking gigs, what promoters look for when evaluating talent, and the importance of hospitality, networking, and perseverance in the live music world.Whether you're a musician, venue owner, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers an honest look at the work that goes into creating unforgettable live music experiences.

Mastering is finally getting its moment on Audio Path. In this episode, John and Trent break down what mastering actually is, why it matters, and clear up some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the process. From loudness myths and streaming platform confusion to reference tracks and the difference between mixing and mastering, this crash course covers the essentials without the overwhelming jargon.The guys explain why mastering is more than “just making it louder,” how a great master enhances a mix rather than fixes it, and why skipping this final step can leave your music falling short after all the hard work of recording and mixing. Whether you’re new to audio production or looking to better understand the finishing stage of your music, this episode gives you practical insight into why mastering is the packaging that helps your song cross the finish line.

When is the right time to leave the day job and go all in on music? In this episode, John and Trent share the stories behind their transitions from part-time creatives to full-time audio professionals. From studio startups and freelance uncertainty to side hustles, networking, and taking calculated risks, they break down the realities of building a career in music and audio. They also talk about the mindset shifts, financial considerations, and encouragement from trusted people that helped them finally make the jump. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time to bet on yourself, this episode is for you.

This episode dives into the world of church music and its role as a powerful training ground for musicians. John and Trent unpack the tension between creativity and structure in modern worship, from “playing the parts” to finding your own voice. They explore how local churches can become launching pads for original music, why many great players come out of that environment, and how to take a song from a simple idea to something worth recording.Whether you’re a worship leader, a band member, or just curious about the CCM space, this conversation offers practical insight on collaboration, growth, and creating something authentic instead of just copying what’s already out there.