Podcast Summary: The Voice Over Coffee Shop – Episode VOCS 079 | Coffee with Kevin Kilpatrick

Release Date: July 19, 2024

In the 79th episode of The Voice Over Coffee Shop, host Andrew Morrison engages in an insightful conversation with Kevin Kilpatrick, a multi-award-winning voiceover artist renowned for his work in automotive campaigns and various national commercials. This detailed discussion delves into Kevin's career trajectory, his transition from radio to voiceover, his approach to production and coaching, and his future aspirations within the industry.

1. Introduction to Kevin Kilpatrick

Andrew Morrison kicks off the episode by introducing Kevin Kilpatrick as a seasoned voiceover artist whose voice is familiar to many across the United States.

Notable Quote:

[00:54] Kevin Kilpatrick: "Thank you for calling Enterprise Rent a Car for quality assurance. Your call may be monitored or recorded."

2. Kevin's Early Career in Radio

Kevin recounts his beginnings in radio during his college years in Magnolia, Arkansas, highlighting how a friend's encouragement led him to the microphone despite his initial disinterest in coffee.

Notable Quote:

[01:33] Kevin Kilpatrick: "I had to do the morning show on a local radio station in Magnolia, Ark. I had no interest in coffee at the time. But my buddy was like, 'Trust me, have some coffee. It'll really help you get through those mornings.'"

He shares a pivotal moment when being fired from his first radio job due to missed shutdowns taught him the importance of discipline and commitment.

Notable Quote:

[07:20] Kevin Kilpatrick: "Getting fired was a big eye opener for me, man. It was like, Kevin, if you want to be serious."

3. Transition to Voiceover

After over a decade in radio, Kevin explains his gradual shift to voiceover work, particularly in automotive commercials, inspired by observing the industry's shift towards corporate structures and the instability faced by radio professionals.

Notable Quote:

[09:01] Kevin Kilpatrick: "I started thinking, I can hustle this up and make a living. And so 2004 is when I left radio behind and it was just a grind ever since."

4. Building K2 Production Company

In 2013, Kevin established his production company, K2, expanding his services beyond voiceover to include production, editing, and other ancillary tasks essential for sustaining a voiceover career.

Notable Quote:

[12:15] Kevin Kilpatrick: "I've always offered production, I've always thrown it out there. And now I have a successful production company that runs on its own."

He emphasizes the importance of diversifying income streams within the voiceover field to ensure financial stability.

5. Involvement in "Making Waves" Podcast

Kevin discusses his collaboration with Bobby Maxwell to create the Making Waves VO Podcast, initially named the Middle Class VO Podcast. The podcast aims to empower and educate voiceover artists by sharing experiences and addressing industry challenges.

Notable Quote:

[29:30] Kevin Kilpatrick: "We said we should just record this and let it be a podcast. And that was it."

The rebranding to Making Waves reflects their growth and broader mission within the community.

6. Coaching and Mentoring

As a coach at the Tennessee Voiceover Studio and with VO Gurus in New York, Kevin shares his approach to mentoring emerging voiceover artists, focusing primarily on narration and corporate narration based on his extensive experience.

Notable Quote:

[35:24] Kevin Kilpatrick: "I've been working with top-level coaches and trying to get better at my craft. And I've seen results and I'm getting national gigs."

7. Daily Routine and Voiceover Practice

Kevin outlines his disciplined daily routine, starting with coffee and interacting with his dog, followed by reviewing scripts and engaging in vocal warm-ups to maintain vocal health and performance quality.

Notable Quote:

[27:34] Kevin Kilpatrick: "I start with vocal warmups and then I get into the script, easing into the read to protect my vocals."

He recounts a past incident where overextending his vocal range led to a temporary loss of his voice, underscoring the importance of moderation and proper technique.

Notable Quote:

[42:12] Kevin Kilpatrick: "I went to a 10 and I lost my voice doing that read. I was not able to work for about three days."

8. Equipment and Investing in Gear

A tech enthusiast, Kevin discusses his investments in high-quality recording equipment to enhance his sound quality. From starting with an Audio Technica 4033 to upgrading to a Neumann U87 and eventually settling on the Manley Reference microphone, his journey reflects a commitment to professional excellence.

Notable Quote:

[46:41] Kevin Kilpatrick: "I upgraded to the Apollo Twin and now I have both the 416 and the Manley Reference in operation."

He highlights the significance of a well-equipped recording booth in achieving superior audio results.

9. Future Goals and Training for Trailers

Kevin reveals his ambition to break into the elite world of movie trailers, acknowledging the competitive nature of the field and his ongoing training to refine his skills for this specialized niche.

Notable Quote:

[22:12] Kevin Kilpatrick: "My next level goal is trailers. I'm immersing myself in that world in terms of training."

He underscores the necessity of continuous improvement and targeted training to succeed in high-stakes voiceover segments.

10. Personal Interests and Life Outside Work

Balancing his professional life, Kevin shares his love for outdoor activities, including golfing and boating, as well as his passion for sports, particularly following the St. Louis Cardinals.

Notable Quote:

[53:16] Kevin Kilpatrick: "In the summertime, I golf and I get on the lake. We've got us a 22-foot pontoon, and I'm out there about every weekend."

11. Conclusion and Where to Find More

Wrapping up the conversation, Kevin directs listeners to his website, kevinkilpatrick.com, and the Making Waves VO Podcast available on major streaming platforms. He invites the audience to explore his extensive gallery of photos and stay connected through his various professional channels.

Notable Quote:

[54:30] Kevin Kilpatrick: "Check out the gallery page on my website, because I've got a ton of photos in there with some people that may be surprising to people."

Andrew Morrison thanks Kevin for his time, emphasizing the value of Kevin's insights on malleability and continuous training in building a successful voiceover career.

Key Takeaways:

• Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Kevin's journey from radio to voiceover highlights the importance of adapting to industry changes and continuously honing one's craft through training and coaching.

• Diversification of Skills: Establishing a production company like K2 and offering ancillary services ensures financial stability and opens additional revenue streams within the voiceover market.

• Professionalism and Discipline: Kevin's emphasis on discipline, accountability, and professionalism has been pivotal in his sustained success and ability to secure national gigs consistently.

• Investment in Quality: Upgrading recording equipment and maintaining a professional booth underscores the significance of technical excellence in delivering high-quality voiceover performances.

• Community and Empowerment: Through the Making Waves VO Podcast, Kevin contributes to empowering the voiceover community by sharing experiences, addressing challenges, and fostering a supportive environment.

For more about Kevin Kilpatrick and his work, visit kevinkilpatrick.com and listen to the Making Waves VO Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.