The Theater of the Mind: Why Audio Still Matters in a Visual World
An Interview with Randy Kemp of RK1 Productions on the recent episode of The Profitable Creative…
Welcome to another edition of The Profitable Creative, the only corner of the internet that helps passionate creators turn their talent into a thriving business. I’m your host, Christian Brim — and yes, shoutout to our one listener in Managua, Nicaragua. Beautiful people, complicated politics, and somehow... this podcast made its way there. Wild.
Joining me today is a familiar voice behind the scenes: audio engineer and media veteran, Randy Kemp of RK1 Productions. You’ve heard his work, even if you didn’t know it — he’s the one making me sound good every episode. Today, we dig into his journey, the evolution of audio media, and the timeless power of the human voice.
The Man Behind the Mic: Who Is Randy Kemp?
Randy describes himself first and foremost as a dad, a creative, and a business owner — albeit a self-deprecating “alleged” one. His career has spanned decades, starting with his deep-rooted love for audio and radio. What kept him hooked? “The theater of the mind,” Randy says — that magical space where sound fuels imagination, letting your brain paint scenes more vivid than any screen ever could.
Why Audio Endures in a World Obsessed with Video
It’s no secret that video dominates the media landscape. But as Christian points out, people are increasingly just listening to video. Netflix, YouTube — even they’re adapting scripts so people can follow along without watching.
Randy agrees: “I retain more when I hear it,” he says. His experience backs it up — from hosting field trips at his old studio to consulting on commercial sound design, Randy’s seen firsthand how little attention video creators often pay to audio. “If you can’t hear it, it doesn’t matter how pretty it looks.”
A Return to Radio? Maybe.
Believe it or not, radio is making a comeback. Randy shares that 94% of American adults consume audio daily, and over 90% of post-COVID office workers listen to radio while at work.
But as audio consumption rises, so does concern about AI replacing human voices. Randy is critical of this trend: “There’s no humanity in it. It pretends, but it can’t really connect.” A good DJ or host — human ones — create a one-on-one relationship with listeners, even when thousands are tuning in.
Audio in a Fast-Changing World: Tech, Tools & Pitfalls
Randy has lived through the media world’s transformation — from quarter-inch tape and two-inch videotapes to today’s digital, subscription-based ecosystems.
Take Pro Tools, the industry-standard software Randy uses. It started as a tool he loved; now, he’s locked into an ever-evolving subscription model, constantly updating software he doesn’t always need. “It’s expensive, hard to keep up, and sometimes you just want to stick with what works.”
He also cautions against shiny object syndrome: “Does it solve a problem? Does it make you money? If not, don’t spend the money.”
Skills vs. Problem Solving: What Clients Really Value
Randy shares a crucial insight for creatives: clients don’t always pay for your skill — they pay you to solve a problem. Sometimes that means editing audio. Other times, it's sourcing voice talent, finding music, or handling licensing headaches.
One example? A casino wanted to use Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love” with custom lyrics. Randy helped manage the licensing and even handled the studio re-record. “It wasn’t cheap — six figures — but we made it happen.”
Lessons from the Journey: Advice to Younger Creatives
If Randy could go back to when he launched his business at 44, what would he change?
“Don’t try to grow too fast. And don’t try to do everything yourself.” He wishes he’d brought in help sooner — to focus on what he does best while others handled what he didn’t enjoy or excel at.
Christian summarizes it perfectly: “Focus on the 20% of what you do that creates 80% of the value. Delegate or eliminate the rest.”
Voice Acting, IP Rights, and… Telemarketing?
A few fun rabbit trails included:
Voice acting is acting, not just “sounding good.”
Licensing music (like Aerosmith’s Love in an Elevator) involves navigating layers of intellectual property — publishing, performance, mechanical rights — and yes, it can be done.
Smiling while talking works. Randy confirms this old telemarketing trick: “You can hear a smile. You can even hear a frown.”
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Pivot, Keep It Human
Randy’s core belief: embrace change, but keep people at the center. Despite technological shifts, the power of human collaboration, voice, and connection hasn’t gone anywhere.
“I want to keep doing this. I love who I work with and what we create,” Randy says. “I’m not ready to throw in the towel — white hair notwithstanding.”
If you enjoyed this episode, share it, rate it, subscribe — and if you didn’t… just tell us and we’ll edit Randy out. (His words, not ours.)
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