Working Class Audio

WCA #590 with Phillip Broussard –Gulf Coast, Kingsway, Teatro, Rick Rubin, and Prioritizing Vibe

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:05:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer/engineer/mixer and archivist, Phillip Broussard who has worked with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Slipknot, System of a Down, and many more

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Texas upbringing
Jobs in Gulf Coast refineries
First studio internships in Austin
Houston and Austin
Kingsway Studio in New Orleans
Prioritizing vibe over gear
Relocating to Los Angeles
Managing Teatro in Oxnard
Collaboration with Rick Rubin
Handling limited recording budgets
Skills in reading the room
Balancing career and family life
Negotiating rates and invoicing
Audio archiving and session restoration
Networking to find new music

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Inspiration and Imagination

Credits:

Guest: Phillip Broussard
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #589 with Mitch Easter – R.E.M., Drive-In Studio, Don Dixon, North Carolina, and Fidelatorium Recordings

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:55:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcome musician/songwriter/producer/engineer Mitch Easter known for his work on the early R.E.M. records as well as his work with the db's, Game Theory, and Marshal Crenshaw as well as his own band Let's Active.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Background and Upbringing
Early Interest in Recording
Drive-In Studio
Fidelatorium Recordings
Balancing Multiple Roles
Collaboration with Don Dixon
The Music Industry and the Indie Ecosystem
Influences and Inspirations
Views on Retirement

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Creating Opportunity

Credits:

Guest: Mitch Easter
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #588 with Joe Costa– Ordering Lunch with William Shatner, Berklee School of Music, Mixing from Home, and Reading the Room

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:55:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes engineer/mixer Joe Costa who has worked with Ben Folds. Sara Bareilles, William Shatner and many more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Ordering Lunch with William (Bill) Shatner
Working with Ben Folds
Mixing from Home
Moving to Nashville
Berklee School of Music
Reading the Room

Links and Show Notes:

Joe On Instagram @costa71
Watch the Interview on YouTube

Matt's Rant: Know Your Value

Credits:

Guest: Joe Costa
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #587 with Willie Green – The Green House, Physical Media, Business Strategy, Daily Patterns, and Innovation

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:20:00 -0700

Producer, engineer, artist, and professor Willie Green returns to WCA to chat with Matt about about his new studio adventure and much more! Willie has worked with renowned artists such as Armand Hammer, The Roots, The Alchemist, and Wiz Khalifa.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

The Green House Expands!
Physical Media
Marketing Strategies for Creative Spaces
Daily Patterns and Balancing Responsibilities
Adapting to Client Needs and Studio Management
Business Strategy
Innovation

Links and Show Notes:

Willie Green’s Website

Matt's Rant: Which music industry do you work in?

Credits:

Guest: Willie Green
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #586 with Richard Chycki Part 2– Management, Networking, Cultural Transition, Future Plans, and The Rush Connection

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:29:00 -0700

This is part 2 of a discussion Matt had with multi-platinum mixer and engineer Richard Chycki whose clients include such rock royalty as Rush, Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Skillet, Mick Jagger, Alice Cooper, Pink and many more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Management
Networking: Building Relationships for Success
Cultural Transition: From Canada to the U.S. Music Scene
The Rush Connection: Networking and Opportunities
Navigating the World of Immersive Audio Technologies
Future Plans and Networking in Nashville

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Auto Pilot

Credits:

Guest: Richard Chycki
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #585 with Jade Alysse Berry – Passion for Music, Overcoming a Health Crisis, Navigating Industry Politics and Client Communication

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:19:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixing engineer, producer and composerJade Alysse Berry, whose path to mixing was sparked by a life‑changing health event and a deep love for music. Jade shares practical insights on creativity, collaboration, and setting clear boundaries with clients.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

How a health crisis redirected Jade’s career toward audio engineering
Challenges and politics of the music industry
Collaborative dynamics with partner Bob Horn
The creative process of mixing
Setting boundaries
Understanding client expectations
Effective communication

Links and Show Notes:

Jade on Instagram

Matt's Rant: The Home Studio

Credits:

Guest: Jade Alysse Berry
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #584 with Tom Camuso – Preserving Les Paul's Legacy, Education, Los Angeles vs. New York, Cracking the Preservation Code, and Weather

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:25:00 -0700

Matt is joined by grammy winning engineer Tom Camuso who has worked with Lenny Kravitz, Blondie, Steve Earl as well as a number of commercial, television and film projects. Tom is also the Chief Engineer at The Les Paul Recording Studio in Holly wood.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Preserving Les Paul's Legacy
Los Angeles vs. New York
Cracking the Preservation Code
Weather
Education
Library of Congress

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Economic Reevaluation

Credits:

Guest: Tom Camuso
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #583 with Richard Chycki Part 1– Networking, Finances, ATMOS, Learning from Major Artists, and Adapting to Technological Changes in Audio

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:11:00 -0700

Matt is joined by multi-platinum mixer and engineer Richard Chycki whose clients include such rock royalty as Rush, Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Skillet, Mick Jagger, Alice Cooper, Pink and many more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

NAMM Experience

Current State of Immersive Audio
Moving to Nashville: Reasons and Plans
Early Musical Journey and Transition to Engineering
The Shift from Musician to Engineer
Adapting to Technological Changes in Audio
The Future of Atmos and Immersive Audio
Artist Reactions to Immersive Mixing
The Evolution of Atmos Technology
Learning from Major Artists
Navigating the Music Industry
Financial Strategies in Music Production
The Importance of Networking
Mixing Classic Records in Atmos

Links and Show Notes:

Rich's Site

Matt's Rant: The Expenses

Credits:

Guest: Richard Chycki
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #582 with Joel Weldon Willis – Church to indie music, Freelancing, Grammy Nominations, Remote Mixing, and The Importance of Collaboration Over Competition

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:27:00 -0700

Matt welcomes Grammy Nominated producer /engineer/mixer Joel Weldon Willis.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Building a Home Studio
Early Experiences in Music Production
Transitioning to Freelance and Indie Music Scene
Creative Approaches to Music Production
Navigating Financial Challenges in the Studio
Recording Techniques and Live Sessions
Lessons Learned in the Studio
Freelancing and Renting Studio Spaces
Community and Collaboration in Music Production
Balancing Promotion and Authenticity
The Impact of Grammy Nominations
Adapting to Client Needs and Communication
Remote Mixing
Handling Criticism and Professional Growth
The Importance of Collaboration Over Competition

Links and Show Notes:

Joel's Site

Matt's Rant: Inspiration

Credits:

Guest: Joel Weldon WIllis
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #581 with Sanford Parker – Chicago Music Scene, Independent Artists, Managing Overhead, and Getting out of Florida.

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:58:00 -0700

Matt welcomes Producer /engineer/mixer and film composer Sanford Parker. As an artist he’s performed and released albums with extreme heavy and industrial bands like Black Cross Hotel, Corrections House, Mirrors for Psychic Warfare and Minsk. Throughout the years he’s collaborated with members of Sonic Youth, Ministry, Napalm Death and Neurosis as well as producing and mixing albums for Darkthrone, Voivod, Brutal Truth, Pelican, YOB, Hide, Youth Code, Wovenhand, Rwake, Local H and many others.

Takeaways

Sanford opened his studio in March 2020, just before the pandemic.
He prefers working with independent artists and punk music.
Chicago's music scene is affordable compared to other major cities.
Managing overhead is crucial for running a successful studio.
Sanford transitioned to mixing in the box for efficiency.
He values genuine relationships with artists over bureaucracy.
The pandemic shifted his work focus back to mixing.
The flexibility of working remotely with clients.
Learning to navigate financial discussions with bands.
Independent music often allows for quicker decision-making.

Links and Show Notes:

Sanford's Site

Matt's Rant: Your Journey

Credits:

Guest: Sanford Parker
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #580 with Steve Chadie – LIVE FROM NAMM 2026

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:29:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back GRAMMY-winning recording engineer and producer Steve Chadie live from the AudioScape booth at NAMM 2026 to talk about recording bands. Steve has worked with WIllie Nelson, Los Lonely Boys, Wilco, and the Supersuckers.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Mic placement and monitoring.
The bleed
Band dynamics
Food and energy levels
Expectations
Creative ruts.
Being invisible
Headphone mixes
Less substance abuse

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: The People

Credits:

Guest: Steve Chadie
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #579 with Fran Cathcart – Studio Ownership, Herbie Hancock, Stress, and Moving to the Bay Area

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 20:37:00 -0700

Matt welcomes producer/engineer/composer Fran Cathcart. Fran having just moved to the Bay Area from New York recounts his journey in studio ownership, working with Herbie Hancock, and facing down serious challenges that would make most throw in the towel, yet he still keeps going.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Studio Ownership
Herbie Hancock
Early Digital Recording
Divorce
Covid
Getting Sued
Stress
Moving to the Bay Area

Links and Show Notes:

Fran's Site

Matt's Rant: Client Communication

Credits:

Guest: Fran Cathcart
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #578 with Joe Caithness – Pro Audio Minimalism, Finding Balance, Decluttering, Embracing Whimsy, and The Bell Curve

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 21:54:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Mastering Engineering Joe Caithness. Joe has worked on mastering the soundtrack music for games such as Borderlands, and Tekken, the soundtracks for the Netflix movie Close, bands such as Don Martin 3 and Palooka 5.

In this episode we discuss Pro Audio Minimalism.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Pro audio minimalism focuses on efficiency and workflow.
Post-pandemic, many have adapted to home studios.
Stripping down gear can lead to better productivity.
Quality of work is not determined by the amount of gear.
The bell curve illustrates the journey of audio engineers.
Social media can exacerbate gear obsession.
It's important to focus on skills rather than equipment.
Minimalism can reduce stress in the creative process.
Finding balance in audio engineering is crucial.
Personal interests outside of audio can influence spending. Being debt-free allows for better control over finances.
Intentional communication can streamline workflows and reduce confusion.
Minimalism in workflow can lead to increased efficiency.
Decluttering can help identify unnecessary subscriptions and expenses.
Applying minimalism to business practices can enhance focus and productivity.
The thrill of the hunt can lead to unnecessary clutter if not managed.
Intentional equipment purchases can prevent buyer's remorse.
Every purchase has a domino effect on workflow and finances.
Embracing whimsy can make minimalism enjoyable and fulfilling.
Sharing resources can benefit others and reduce personal clutter.

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant:

Credits:

Guest: Joe Caithness
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #577 with Justin Gray – Immersive, Balancing Family Support, Belief In Your Work, Early Surround, & Being Engineer and Artist

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:42:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Producer, Mixer & Mastering Engineer Justin Gray. Based in Toronto, Canada, Justin has worked on projects for Snoop Dogg, Brandy, Nicky Youre, Mother Mother, Arkells, Jamie Fine, Lola Brooke, Upsahl, and The Sheepdogs.

In this conversation, Justin Gray discusses his album 'Immersed', exploring the creative process, technical aspects of immersive audio, and the importance of community and collaboration in music production. He shares insights on funding, marketing strategies, and the role of social media in promoting his work. The discussion also touches on the challenges of balancing family life with artistic pursuits and the significance of believing in oneself as an artist.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Innovative immersive audio
Early surround experiments
Community-driven collaboration
Canadian arts funding
Value of physical media
Social media promotion
Impact of recognition
Balancing family support
Belief in the work
Engineer and artist

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Forming Your Own Bubble

Credits:

Guest: Justin Gray
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #576 with Alan Evans – Health, Creativity, Reflections, Client Interactions, and 2026

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:30:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, singer and, songwriter, Alan Evans. Alan is of course well known as a member of his band Soulive. He's also been a past guest on WCA #133 and 328.

Matt Boudreau and Alan Evans reflect on the past year and share insights on creativity, health, and the music industry. They discuss the importance of recharging creatively, embracing technology, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to ensure longevity in their careers. The duo also emphasizes the significance of simplicity in music production, the role of album artwork, and the power of community and connection in fostering creativity. As they look ahead to 2026, they express excitement for new projects and the journey of self-discovery in their artistic endeavors.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Reflections on the past year
Creativity and staying inspired
Recharging creatively
Health, wellness, and career longevity
Simplicity in music production
The role and value of album artwork
Community and connection as creative fuel
Looking ahead to 2026
New projects on the horizon
Self-discovery through artistic work

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: What's Inspiring Me

Credits:

Guest: Alan Evans
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #575 with Michael Beinhorn – Remote Production, Artist Development, Risk Taking, High-End Listening, and Unique Voices

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 13:22:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer Michael Beinhorn who has worked with The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, Herbie Hancock, Korn, Marilyn Manson, Weezer, Ozzy Osbourne, Hole, Cuco, Aerosmith & Violent Femmes. Michael originally appeared on WCA #029 back in 2015.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Music production
Remote production
Pre-production
Music critique
Mainstream music
AI in music
Unique voices
Music industry
Creativity in music
Music technology
Artist development
Risk-taking in music
Music analysis
Recording industry
Listening setup
Collaboration

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Auto Pilot

Credits:

Guest: Michael Beinhorn
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #574 with Stephen DeAcutis –Owning Your Time, Getting It Right At The Source, Solving Audio Problems, and Performing Live

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:04:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixer, producer, engineer, writer, and performer Stephen DeAcutis. Stephen has worked with Vanilla Fudge, Gladys Knight, Travers and Appice, Corey Glover, and Cyndi Lauper.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Owning Your Time
Embracing Old and New
Celebrating the New Generation
Solving Audio Problems
Working From Home
Communicating with Musicians
Getting It Right At The Source
Performing Live

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Staying Positive

Credits:

Guest: Stephen DeAcutis
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #573 with Natalie Bibby – AIR Studios, Direct to Disc, Attended Sessions, MPG, and Connecting with Others

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:28:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mastering and lathe cutting engineer Natalie Bibby who works at AIR Studios in the U.K.. Natalie has worked with Kraftwerk, Bring Me The Horizon, Lola Young, Jimmy Eat World, The Vaccines, Lewis Capaldi, GIRLI, and CATTYShe's also led a world-class mastering workshop at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, UK.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Early musical influences
Starting in recording & mixing
University training & goals
Metropolis internship lessons
Moving into mastering
Live cuts & direct-to-disc
Half-speed mastering overview
Learning & mentorship insights
AIR Studios
Value of attended sessions
Managing client expectations
Hybrid mastering workflows
How mastering engineers listen
Common mixing problems
Music Producers Guild
Challenges for studios
AIR’s cutting reputation
Vinyl cutting process
Mastering vs. cutting
American mastering mystique

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: How we present ourselves

Credits:

Guest: Natalie Bibby
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #572 with Alex Crescioni - Extreme Metal, Techniques, Clients, Survival, and Letting Go.

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:48:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back guitarist, producer, and mixing/mastering engineer Alex Crescioni to talk about Extreme Metal production. Alex is known for his work with Burton C. Bell, Deverauxx, and Siglos.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Extreme Metal
Techniques
Sounds
Room Tone
Business
Survival
Letting Go

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Spread the Work

Credits:

Guest: Alex Crescioni
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #571 with Don Setaro –DEEP DIVE - Gary Young Hospital For The Chemically Insane

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:39:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer/engineer/mixer and record label owner Don Setaro. Matt and Don get into a deep dive discussion of the re-issue process for former Pavement drummer, Gary Young's album "Hospital For The Chemically Insane". Former WCA guests Dan Johnson and Justin Perkins chime in to talk about their role in the process. Enjoy.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Pavement
Gary Young
Detective Work
Restoration
Tape Rescue
Mastering from CD
Re- Issue
Keeping the Vibe

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Structure

Credits:

Guest: Don Setaro /Dan Johnson/Justin Perkins
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #570 with Ken Sluiter – A deep dive into stereo rebuilds for Atmos mixing.

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:02:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer/engineer and mixer Ken Sluiter to delve into the intricate process of stereo rebuilds for Atmos mixing. They discuss the challenges of finding and organizing original material, the importance of matching to comparison masters, and the unique aspects of each project. Ken shares insights on the ingestion process, the role of research in understanding original recordings, and the potential of AI tools in audio restoration. The discussion also touches on the future of mixing and the evolving landscape of music production. Enjoy.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Stereo rebuilds for Atmos mixing.
The process involves gathering original assets and recreating mixes.
Each project is unique, requiring a tailored approach.
Matching to a comparison master is crucial for accuracy.
Researching the original recording can provide valuable insights.
AI tools can assist in stem separation but have limitations.
Finalizing mixes involves careful listening and adjustments.
The future of audio mixing may involve more AI and technology.
Understanding the original recording process is key to successful rebuilds.

Links and Show Notes:

Ken on WCA #166

Matt's Rant: Music Expo/AES/NAMM

Credits:

Guest: Ken Sluiter
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #569 with Dan Johnson & Catherine Vericolli – Audio Restoration/Archive Deep Dive

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:28:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Dan Johnson of Audio Archiving Services and Catherine Vericolli of Central Audio Archiving to do a deep dive into the world of audio archiving, preservation, and restoration.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Analog Tapes
Analog Machines
Modular Digital Multitracks
DAT Machines
DASH Machines
Pro Digi
Retrospect
Mezzo

Links and Show Notes:

Links to Dan

Links to Catherine

Matt's Rant: This AI Thing

Credits:

Guest: Dan Johnson & Catherine Vericolli
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #568 with John Cuniberti – OneMIc, Dynamics, Acoustics, Placement, and 2 Tracks

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:51:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back John Cuniberti who produces, engineers, mixes and masters records for many artists including most notably Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar, The Dead Kennedys, and Chicken Foot. John originally appeared WCA #005 back in 2014 and returns to do a deep dive into his OneMic recording concept. -Enjoy

In This Episode, We Discuss:

OneMic Series
Dynamics
Acoustics
Placement
Tempo
2 Track as Multi-Track
Ribbon Mics

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Focus of Your Attention

Credits:

Guest: John Cuniberti
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #567 with Gena Johnson – Listening to Artists, Keeping Overhead Low, Career Champions, and Glitter Walls

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:13:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy Winning producer/engineer/mixer Gena Johnson who has worked with Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, and John Prine. Enjoy.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Leave your ego at the door
Make people feel comfortable
Listen to the artist
Labels are business partners
Word of mouth work
Feminine energy in production
Women in the industry
Classical voice training for 12 years
Internship at Welcome 1979
Learned tape machines and soldering
Assisting at Nashville studios
First number one record
Working at RCA Studio A
Rewiring Studio A intensively
Mentor Michael Wagner's influence
Champions Vance Powell and Daryl Thorp
Walls painted with glitter
Keep overhead low
Good attorney and manager combination

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Sonic Intrusion Revisited

Credits:

Guest: Gena Johnson
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #566 with Mike Blodgett – Isolated Ground, Ground Rods, Isolation Transformers, Power Conditioners, and Electrical Safety

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:01:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back engineer/producer electrician, Mike Blodgett to discuss electricity and pro audio! Enjoy.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Isolated Grounds
Isolation Transformers
Ground Rods
Power Conditioners
Apartment Power
Home Studio Power
Electrical Safety

Links and Show Notes:

Mike on WCA #348

Matt's Rant: How You Listen

Credits:

Guest: Mike Blodgett
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #565 with Hans-Martin Buff – Tearjerkers, Peter Gabriel, Real World, Binaural, and ATMOS

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 18:51:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back engineer/producer and 3D audio geek, Hans-Martin Buff to discuss mixing Peter Gabriel's I/O as well as his own project Tearjerkers.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Tearjerkers
Peter Gabriel
Real Word Studios
Binaural Mixing
ATMOS
Format Haters

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Focused Discussion

Credits:

Guest: Hans-Martin Buff
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #564 with Steve Dierkens – Career Path Shift, Joy in Work, Financial Balance, Global Collaborations, and Redefining Success

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 17:30:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer, Producer, Mixer Steve Dierkens. In this conversation, Steve shares his journey from as a succesful enginer working in film in California to a professional audio engineer and producer living in Canada. He discusses his early influences, the transition to a professional career, and the lifestyle changes that came with moving to Canada. Steve reflects on the challenges of building a studio, the importance of family, and the reevaluation of his career goals. He emphasizes the need for joy in music production and offers insights into financial perspectives in the audio profession. The conversation also touches on remote collaborations, social media challenges, and the definition of success and happiness in the industry. Enjoy.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Career path shift
Family-driven choices
Moved to Canada
Studio-building challenges
Joy in work
Financial balance
Valued client relationships
Global collaborations
Social media pressure
Redefining success

Links and Show Notes:

Steve and Chris Selim's Podcast

Matt's Rant: More on Streaming vs Physical Media

Credits:

Guest: Steve Dierkens
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #563 with Jon Rezin– Working Remotely in Ohio, Mixing, Saving Time, Skills and Network

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 19:56:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy winning Mixer, Producer, & Mastering Engineer Jon Rezin who has worked with Natalia Jimenez, One Direction, Andy Grammer, BoA, and Santana.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Working Remotely in Ohio
Mixing
Saving Time
Skills
Network
Building Relationships
The Masked Singer
American Idol

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Streaming vs Physical Media

Credits:

Guest: Jon Rezin
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #562 - STEVE GENEWICK talks SPINAL TAP

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:49:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Recording and Mixing Engineer Steve Genewick. Steve gives us the full behind the scenes look into the making of the new Spinal Tap record "The End Continues". From the initial phone call to the release of the record and movie we get into the details.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Initial Phone Call
Where to Record
Setup
Mics, Preamps, etc..
Mixing
Mixing in ATMOS
WIG Day!
In The Box
Cracking Up

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Perfection

Credits:

Guest: Steve Genewick
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #561 with Jordan Lonn – FOH, Paying Dues, Failing Kidney's, Home Town Gig, and Sustained Energy

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:40:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Jordan Lonn, Head Audio Engineer at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, California. The venue hosts a wide range of performances, including musical acts such as Joss Stone, Joan Osborne, and the Count Basie Orchestra, as well as musical theater and stand-up comedy.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Guitar Center
Dropping Out Of College
Paying Dues
Sustained Energy
Failing Kidney's
Health Epiphany
Home Town Gig
FOH
Gallo Center

Links and Show Notes:

Gallo Center for The Arts

Matt's Rant: Acting Territorial

Credits:

Guest: Jordan Lonn
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #560 The Backup Episode – 3-2-1 System, Nevada City Fire Scare, Altadena Fire Experience, and Best Practices & Considerations

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 15:43:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Nominated producer, engineer, and mixer Travis Ference as well as multi-instrumentalist, sound designer and audio engineer Kerry Rose to talk all about backing up and archiving audio. Enjoy.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

3-2-1 System
Best Practices & Considerations
Insurance & Liability
Personal Experiences
Travis's Altadena Fire Experience
Kerry's Nevada City Fire Scare
Scorched Earth
Remote/Cloud Storage
Challenges with Cloud
Offsite NAS
Methodology Over Tools

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: The Many Hats We Wear

Credits:

Guest: Travis Ference and Kerry Rose
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #559 with Moses Schneider – Hansa Studios, Disco Powder, Obscuring Audio, The Wall, and No Sandwich Recording

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 16:30:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes engineer and producer Moses Schneider. The Berliner is responsible for some of the most successful records of recent years. The Beatsteaks achieved their breakthrough in the German charts under his direction. His other productions include Tocotronic, Fehlfarben, Dendemann, Kreator and others. In 2008, Schneider was nominated for the German music award Echo for his work on "Kapitulation" by Tocotronic and "Limbo Messiah" by the Beatsteaks. In 2018 and 2022 he was nominated for the German music Award "Preis für Popkultur" as "favorite Producer".

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Hansa Studios
The Pixies
Gil Norton
Gordon Raphael
New York
Berlin
Disco Powder
Gentrification
Obscuring Audio

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Walking.....yes walking

Credits:

Guest: Moses Schneider
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #558 with Ady Parzentny – Barcelona, Artist Support, Studio Connections, and the Audio Nomad Book

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 18:03:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Ady Parzentny. Adrian Parzentny is a German‒Polish music producer, audio engineer, and creative adventurer. With over 13 years of travel and music production experience, Adrian has recorded traditional musicians across Morocco, the Sahara Desert, and beyond — often in remote villages, mountain ranges, and DIY setups built inside vans and hotel rooms.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Barcelona move
Audio Nomad book
Studio connections
Modeling
Freelance audio
Travel recording
Gear philosophy
Artist support
Music mediums
Authentic living
Intuition guides

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: More Discipline

Credits:

Guest: Ady Parzentny
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #557 with Assaad Lakkis– Bullfunk Studios, Financial Realities, Continuous Learning, Perseverance, and Mental Health

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:11:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, and musician Assad Lakkis, the creative force behind Bull Funk Zoo and owner of Bull Funk Studios in Dubai. Assad’s career blends boundary-pushing rock, funk, and experimental sounds with his work producing and recording artists from around the world, making him a central figure in the Middle Eastern music scene.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

The Bullfunk Identity
Time in the US
Bullfunk Studios
Learning and Mentorship
First Studio Challenges
Job Market in Dubai
Current Home Studio
Financial Realities
Client Acquisition
Diversified Income
Continuous Learning
Perseverance
Mental Health

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Self-employed discipline

Credits:

Guest: Assad Lakkis
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #556 with Toby Lloyd– Working in Film, Returning to Music, New Zealand Scene, Being a Good Dad, and The Morning Cold Plunge

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:34:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, mixer, Toby Lloyd who runs Tiny Triumph Recordings in Wellington, New Zealand. Toby's career spans working in film (The Hobbit Trilogy, Avatar, Mortal Engines) as well as music by playing a central role in the New Zealand Music world.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Producing And Mixing Music
Rooftop Recording Studio
Meditation And Cold Plunge
Punk Rock Beginnings
110 Studio Rejections
Sound Recordist On The Hobbit
Learning In Collaboration
Eight Years In Film
University Studio Engineer
Full-Time Music Producer
Intimate Studio Design
New Studio Lease
Parenting Five Children
Artist Relationship Building
Financial Discipline Strategy
Wellington Music Challenges
Safe Space For Artists
Staying In New Zealand
Stories Of Perseverance

Links and Show Notes:

Toby's Studio

Matt's Rant: A Brainstorm

Credits:

Guest: Toby Lloyd
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #555 with Pierre de Reeder – Rilo Kiley, LA Survival, 64 Sound, and A New Studio Business Model

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 18:54:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer/engineer/musician Pierre de Reeder. Pierre owns and runs 64 Sound and is a member of the band Rilo Kiley.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Rilo Kiley
LA Survival
64 Sound
Dave Trumfio
Recording on 8 Track Cassette
New Studio Business Model
Bonding with the Landlord
The Hunt

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Money Talk

Credits:

Guest: Pierre de Reeder
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #554 with Mark Pistel – Sampler Revolution, Disposable Heroes, Consolidated, Union Work, and Adapting to Industry Changes

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:24:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes engineer and producer Mark Pistel. His extensive credits include influential work with Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and Consolidated, as well as notable collaborations with artists such as Meat Beat Manifesto, Grace Jones, Hercules and Love Affair, Chuck Prophet, Rykarda Parasol, Machines of Loving Grace, Holly Herndon, Los Mocosos, and many others.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Growing up in Duluth
Vibrant San Francisco Scene
Sampler Revolution
Disposable Heroes Album Production
Jack Dangers
Adapting to Industry Changes
Union Work

Links and Show Notes:

https://www.markpistel.com

Matt's Rant: Differences

Credits:

Guest: Mark Pistel
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #553 with Stefan Bock – Being Too Early, Inventions, Immersive Audio, Pure Audio Streaming, and the Value of Good Acoustics Spaces.

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 19:27:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer & Producer Stefan Bock. His credits include productions for Peter Maffay, Herbert Grönemeyer, Sarah Brightman, Yello, 2L, Berliner Philharmoniker and Deutsche Grammophon.

Due to his expertise in the field of immersive audio, Stefan Bock is a renown speaker at international congresses, including those of the Audio Engineering Society and the Association of German Sound Engineers. He is also a regular lecturer at the ARD.ZDF Medienakademie. Enjoy.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Being Too Early
Inventions
Immersive Audio
Pure Audio Streaming
MSM Studios
The Beauty of Niche
Good Acoustics

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Nerd Groups

Credits:

Guest: Stefan Bock
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #552 with Daniel Holter – Studio Aesthetics, Hospitality, Presentation, Relationships, and Cashflow

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:49:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, mixer, composer and songwriter Daniel Holter. Daniel first appeared in 2018 on WCA Episode #179. Over the years, Daniel has mixed music by artists such as Nick Lowe, Field Report, Over The Rhine, Amos Lee, Blitzen Trapper, Collections of Colonies of Bees, Phil Keaggy, Crowded House, Dead Horses, WebsterX, and Ryan Higa. He’s also composed and/or produced thousands of cues currently being used by such varied clients as Apple, Nike, Google, Microsoft, GM & Gatorade, virtually all of the top shows on HBO, ESPN, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and all across the globe in tv, radio, advertisements, video games and film. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Studio Aesthetics
Hospitality
Making Artists Feel at Home
THUD Studios
Relationships
Cashflow
Seattle
Family Business
Candles

Links and Show Notes:

Daniel on WCA #179
The Candles! (discount Applied on Checkout)
THUD Studio

Matt's Rant: The Curse

Credits:

Guest: Daniel Holter
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #551 with Dane Giordano – Sun Studio, Steve Albini's Kindness, Financial Discipline, and Diversifying Services

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:15:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer and Composer Dane Giordano who has engineered artists for Warner, Sony and Universal Music Group. Dane has composed music for Film, Video Games, Television and more! He is also one of the House Engineers at Young Avenue Sound & Sun Studio.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

First Studio Experience
Touring Survival Methods
Bad Engineer Experiences
Positive Studio Experiences
Flat Rates
Engineering Transition
Sun Studio
Electrical Audio Internship
Steve Albini's Kindness
Professional Studio Habits
Embrace Beginner Mindset
Clients By Word-Of-Mouth
Financial Discipline
Diversifying Services

Links and Show Notes:

Dane's Site

Matt's Rant: Session Documentation in the 21st Century

Credits:

Guest: Dane Giordano
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #550 with Justin Francis – Remote Studio Benefits, Nashville Efficiency, Beyond Music Row, and Navigating Payment Ethics

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:15:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy WInning Producer/engineer/mixer, Justin Francis who has worked alongside artists like Sheryl Crow, Kacey Musgraves, Tyler Childers, Lake Street Dive, Justin Timberlake, Madison Cunningham, Gary Clark Jr, Sarah Jarosz and Lauren Daigle. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Early Music Passion
Audio Production Path
Studio Immersion
Formal Audio Training
Nashville Career Growth
Efficient Studio Culture
Navigating Payment Ethics
Community Client Insights
Nashville's "Clicky" Nature
Remote Studio Benefits
Beyond Music Row

Links and Show Notes:

Justin's Site

Matt's Rant: Simplification

Credits:

Guest: Justin Francis
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #549 with Ian Shepherd – Mastering Democratized, AI, Physical or Virtual Gear, and Empty Nests

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:44:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back mastering engineer and host of The Mastering Show, Ian Shepherd. They dive into the current state of mastering, AI’s growing role, work/life balance, and in-the-box vs. out-of-the-box mastering. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Companion podcast episode
Advances in mastering technology
The rise of AI mastering
Shift toward releasing singles
Impact of social media
Mastering now democratized
Lower barrier to entry
AI lacks human context
AI results often bland/generic
Humans provide taste and nuance
Networking challenges in rural areas
Technology removes many practical limits
Career hasn’t suffered despite changes
Facing an empty nest soon
Focus on intentional, joyful work
Known as the "loudness guy"

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Building Things

Credits:

Guest: Ian Shepherd
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #548 with Dan Malsch – Touring Guitarist to Full-Time Engineer, Building a Studio Career, Mixing Ghost, Working with Andy Wallace, and Running a Successful Studio Outside the Big Cities

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 20:08:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer and mixer Dan Malsch to discuss his journey from guitarist to studio owner, working with bands like Ghost and Avenged Sevenfold, building studios with his own hands, and maintaining a no-ego approach to recording at the highest level. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Dan Malsch’s Journey From Guitarist to Music Producer

Explore how Dan transitioned from touring with his metal band Wicked Mariah to becoming a full-time producer and mix engineer.

Building and Running a Professional Recording Studio

Learn how Dan used his construction background to build a world-class recording studio in the Poconos from the ground up.

Working With Major Artists Like Ghost and Avenged Sevenfold

Dan shares behind-the-scenes stories of working with chart-topping rock and metal bands including Ghost, Avenged Sevenfold, and Gojira.

Mixing in Dolby Atmos

Get insight into how Dan created an Atmos mix room in two weeks and how he mixed Ghost's Impera and Skeletor albums in Dolby Atmos.

Collaborating With Legendary Mixer Andy Wallace

Hear how a chance meeting led to a close working relationship with Andy Wallace and how that partnership elevated Dan’s career.

Running a Successful Studio in a Secondary Market

Discover how Dan attracts big-name clients to his Pennsylvania studio without being based in LA, Nashville, or New York.

How to Maintain Long-Term Clients as a Music Producer

Dan discusses how professionalism, personal communication, and trust help him retain high-profile clients year after year.

Balancing Studio Life and Family Life

Hear how Dan prioritized being present for his family while running a busy studio and raising two kids.

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Persistence

Credits:

Guest: Dan Malsch
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #547 with Lij Shaw – Friendship, Communication, Collaboration, Mixing, and Time Management

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:52:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, songwriter and host of Recording Studio Rockstars Lij Shaw.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Friendship & Communication
Studio & Workspace
Costa Rica Trip
Music & Production
Collaboration & Mixing
Identity & Roles
Time Management

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Barriers

Credits:

Guest: Lij Shaw
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #546 with Elad Marish –Surf Culture, The Magic of KISS, Guitar Obsession, Post Production Powerhouse, and The Growth of Swell

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 08:44:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Elad Marish, co-founder and producer at Swell Music + Sound, a leading creative audio agency based in San Francisco. Elad and his team at Swell have brought music, sound design, and audio branding to high-profile clients including Apple, Nike, Google, and Uber, working on everything from global ad campaigns to immersive brand experiences.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

The Magic of KISS
Wearing Out Record Needles
Hating Piano
Surf Culture
Guitar Obsession
Early Parenthood
Painful Band Experiences
Post Production Powerhouse
Growing Swell Sound
Navigating COVID
Staying Lean

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Getting Some Space

Credits:

Guest: Elas Marish
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #545 with Howie Beck - Musician to Producer, 4 Tracks to Pro Tools, Independence, Polishing Turds, and Saving the Day

Mon, 26 May 2025 18:21:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Howie Beck who is a multi Juno nominated Mixer, Producer and musician located in Toronto who has mixed or produced music by artists as diverse as Feist, Charlotte Day Wilson, Barenaked Ladies, Chilly Gonzales, Ron Sexsmith, and the Weather Station amongst many more. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Musician to Producer
4 Tracks to Pro Tools
Challenges & Rewards of Audio Production
Polishing Turds
Smart Financial Decisions
Health Care Challenges
Problems with Apple and ATMOS
Independence to Set Schedule
Saving the Day

Links and Show Notes:

Howie's Website

Matt's Rant: Small Chunks

Credits:

Guest: Howie Beck
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #544 with Benedikt Hain – Helping Bands Record Better, Mixing in Bavaria, Revisions, and Client Filter

Mon, 19 May 2025 15:32:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixing engineer and podcaster Benedikt Hain. Benedikt discussed his journey from growing up in Bavaria to becoming a full-time mixing engineer and running a studio called Outback Recordings . Benedikt has worked with with bands like Pulley and Swallow's Rose and labels like Warner Music and SBÄM Records. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Remote Mixing In Bavaria

• Mindset and Songwriting

• Exclusive Focus on Mixing

• Client Revisions

• Mixing Heavy Rock

• Lessons Learned From His Podcast

• Client Filter

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Enjoying the Journey

Credits:

Guest: Benedikt Hain
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #543 with Sarah Register –Mastering, 10,000 Hours at Once, NYC & The Nervous System, Avant Garde, and PLaying with Kim Gordon

Mon, 12 May 2025 17:18:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mastering engineer, Composer, and Guitarist Sarah Register. Her mastering clients include Faye Webster, Channel Tres, Jeffrey Lewis, Alice Longyu Gao, Lee "Scratch" Perry, S.G. Goodman, Wye Oak and many more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Identity & Balance
Avant Garde
Egoic Attachment to Past Methods
Health and Sanity
NYC & The Nervous System
10,000 Hours at Once
Playing with Kim Gordon
Touring
Mastering In The Box
Being Flexible on Rate

Links and Show Notes:

Sarah’s Site

Matt's Rant: The Battle for Organization

Credits:

Guest: Sarah Register
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #542 with Emre Ramazanoglu – ATMOS For Brian Eno, Session Drumming, Fashion Shows, Family Balance, and ADHD

Mon, 05 May 2025 17:39:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, mixer, drummer, and composer Emre Ramazanoglu who has worked on projects for Brian Eno, David Bowie, Noel Gallagher Nova Twins and many more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

ATMOS for Brian Eno
Ziggy Stardust. & Ken Scott
Playing on Pillows
Mimicking Reverb
Fashion Shows
Session Drumming
Giving a Shit
ATMOS Success
Apple Issues
Dolby Curve
Know Your Worth
Family Balance
ADHD

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Embrace the Unpredictable

Credits:

Guest: (Current Guest)
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #541 with Michael Roache – Producing Game Sound, Blizzard, Formosa, Mental Health, and Storytelling Across Mediums

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 16:02:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Producer Michael Roache who has worked for Halo/KDA, Blizzard, Formosa, Rebound, and TNM. Now he is launching a new company called Broken Stick. Enjoy.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Pyramind
Producing Game Sound
Blizzard
Formosa
Mental Health
Storytelling Across Mediums
Consulting

Links and Show Notes:

Broken Stick Productions

Matt's Rant: Staying Well Rounded

Credits:

Guest: Michael Roache
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #540 with Max Dearing – Struck by Lightening, Building a Studio, Pounding Sand, Inflation, and Fasteners.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:08:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes recording and mix engineer at Dark Pine Studios, Max Dearing, to discuss his brush with being struck by lightening, the healing nature of music, and building a studio. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

North Carolina Talent
Journey Into Music and Recording
Recording Studio Design
Studio Building Experience
Critical Measurement
Construction Challenges
Being Struck by Lightening
Live Sound Production

Links and Show Notes:

Dark Pine Studios

Matt's Rant: Revisiting Imagination

Credits:

Guest: Max Dearing
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #539 with Mixerman –New Book, Five Planes of Space, Studio Design & Monitoring, Budgeting & The Punter

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:25:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Mixerman (aka Eric Sarafin) to talk about his new book MIXERMAN'S Ultimate Guide to PRODUCING Records, Music & Songs. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Studio Design & Monitoring
Mixerman's New Book
Producing Philosophy & Process
Five Planes of Space
The Punter
Budgeting & Money
Music Business Landscape

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Finding Your Place

Credits:

Guest: Mixerman
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #538 with Greg Norman – Steve Albini, Electrical Audio, Community, Family, & Institutional Knowledge

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:30:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Greg Norman of Electrical Audio to the show to talk about his journey, Steve Albini, the future of Electrical Audio and much more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

State of Electrical Audio
Steve Albini's Influence
Greg's Interest in Sound
Internship with Steve
Growth and Independence
The Financial Aspect
Legacy and The Future

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Visiting Other Studios

Credits:

Guest: Greg Norman
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #537 with Peter Craft – Napa Destination Studio, Bonding Experiences, Life in Tech, Songwriters as Magicians, and Inspiration of Scenes

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 18:24:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau chats with Peter Craft of Boxer Lodge Studio in Napa. From a tech career to full-time audio engineering, Peter shares his inspiring path back to music. Hear about his early recording dreams, building a destination studio, recording philosophy, and working with the vibrant Bay Area Americana scene. A journey of passion, creativity, and community. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

The Day to Day
Past Experiences
Influences & Philosophy
Studio and Gear
Career Transition
Pricing
Love for Audio
Unforeseen Expenses

Links and Show Notes:

Peter's Studio

Matt's Rant: Thank you!

Credits:

Guest: Peter Craft
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #536 with Robert Kirby – Leaving Home, Tahoe, Education, Fantasy Studios, Growth, and The Noise Shop

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 18:50:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Bay Area producer and engineer Robert Kirby, who shares his journey from audio student to studio intern, assistant, and ultimately to running his own studio space. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Building a Sustainable Audio Career
Gaining Experience at Legendary Studios
Creating Opportunities Through Relocation
Starting With DIY Audio Experimentation
Leveraging Early Interests for Growth
Embracing Hands-On Studio Education
Transitioning From Hobbyist to Professional
Pursuing Formal Audio Education Intentionally
Learning From World-Class Sessions
Growing Through Industry Mentorships
Staying Versatile With Income Streams
Building Reputation Through Referrals

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: A Different Way To Handle Money

Credits:

Guest: Robert Kirby
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #535 with Case Newcomb – COVID Career Shift, Industry Connections, Taking Command, Learning Process, and Customer Service

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 12:30:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes San Francisco based Producer, Engineer and Mixer Case Newcomb. Case works out of many studios including Hyde Street and 25th Street Recording and has worked on projects for Ishmael Reed, NVRMAN, and Rafe Stepto. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Audio Journey
COVID Career Shift
City College Program
First Real Mix
Passion For Audio
Mentors
Industry Connections
Early Mixing Struggles
Taking Command
Customer Service
Learning Process
Career Aspirations

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: The People Around You

Credits:

Guest: Case Newcomb
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #534 with Brendan Duffey – Genre Diversity, Grounded Mindset, Career Evolution, Peaceful Living, and A Berklee Degree

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 16:18:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Winning Producer, Mixing and Mastering Engineer Brendan Duffey who has worked on projects for Bruce Dickinson, Devon Townsend, Sheryl Crow, Kendrick Lamar. Brendan is also the Senior ATMOS mastering engineer for Million Dollar Snare.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Relocation
Studio build
Atmos mixing
Hip-hop projects
Bruce Dickinson
Genre diversity
Berklee degree
Teaching plans
Pricing growth
Networking
Grounded mindset
Peaceful living
Career evolution
Encouragement

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Dealing with Challenges

Credits:

Guest: Brendan Duffey
Host/Engineer/Editing/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #533 with Mike Fraser – Mixing, Psychology, Workflow, Managers, and Starting as a Janitor

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:02:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Legendary rock mix engineer Mike Fraser to discuss his 40+ year career crafting iconic records for Aerosmith, AC/DC, & more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Mixing approach – Keeping it minimalist & focusing on the song
Time management & career longevity in the music business
Building trust with high-profile artists in the studio
Gear & workflow preferences – Why he sticks to SSL consoles & NS-10s
Adapting to the industry’s shift to digital & remote work
Navigating band dynamics & working with creative personalities
Dropping Out of School
Starting as a Janitor

Links and Show Notes:

Mike's Website

Matt's Rant: Reignite the Spark!

Credits:

Guest: Mike Fraser
Host/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #532 with George Bokos –Studios In Athens, Nap Time, Working With Remote Clients, and Sunlight Over Isolation

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:58:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes George Bokos who runs Grind House Studios Athens in Athens, Greece. George has worked with numerous bands including ALL SINS UNDONE, CALYCES, COSTIN CHIOREANU, and BLACK KAISER.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

From Musician to Studio Owner
Studios In Athens
Working With Remote Clients
Working with Drummers
Nap Time in Athens
Sunlight Over Isolation
Choosing Gear That Makes an Impact
Being Part of The Team

Links and Show Notes:

Grind House Studios Athens

Matt's Rant: 30 Second Burst Method

Credits:

Guest: George Bokos
Host/Engineer/Producer/Editing: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #531 with Travis Ference– LA Fires, Rebuilding a Studio, Insurance Lessons, Backup Strategies & Community Support

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 11:12:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, and mixer Travis Ference who has worked worked on projects for Imagine Dragons, John Mayer, Ariana Grande, and Bush, to name a few. Travis is also the host of the podcast Progressions: Success in the Music Industry.

Travis recently lost his studio in the fires in Altadena and this episode is all about that.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

The LA fire’s impact on Travis’s home and studio
The challenges of rebuilding after disaster
Community support in times of crisis
Key lessons on insurance and coverage gaps
Backup strategies for audio professionals
Using AI and cloud services for recovery
Planning a flexible studio rebuild
First responders and aid efforts
Protecting your gear, business, and home

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Planning for The Worst

Credits:

Guest: Travis Ference
Host/Engineer/Editing/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #530 with Justin Perkins – Mastering, Client Experience, Data Archival & Backup, Automation & Templates and Streamlined Communication

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 17:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mastering Engineer Justin Perkins who has worked with The Replacements, Rufus Wainwright, En Vogue, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Shania Twain, Jellyfish, Johnny Cash, The All-American Rejects, Rickie Lee Jones, Donna Summer, Busta Rhymes, Jason Mraz, Lucero, Hanson, New Kids on the Block , Sum 41, Asia

Justin Perkins' success as a mastering engineer is not solely based on his audio skills but also on his meticulous approach to business operations. His emphasis on automation, client communication, and data management provides valuable lessons for anyone in the audio industry seeking to optimize their workflow and deliver exceptional service. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Streamlined Project Intake & Communication
Automation & Templates
Client Experience
Mastering Workflow & Tools
Data Archival & Backup

Links and Show Notes:

Justin's Site
WaveLab: Mastering software.
iZotope RX: Audio repair and quality control.
Samply: Lossless audio delivery and approval platform. Use Code WCA20
OmniFocus: Task management software.
Backblaze: Cloud backup service.
NeoFinder: Hard drive cataloging software.
Thunder Bay 8 and Mini 4 (OWC): External hard drive enclosures.
Carbon Copy Cloner: Backup software.

Matt's Rant: Piggy Backing off of Victory

Credits:

Guest: Justin Perkins
Host/Engineer/Editing/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #529 with David Stagl – Worship Sound, Broadcast, Bruce Springsteen, Live Sound Mistakes, and Feedback City

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:33:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mixing Engineer David Stagl who has worked on projects for or with North Point Community Church, Christ Fellowship(West Palm Beach, FL), Eagle Brook Church (Minneapolis, MN), musical artists: Kristian Stanfill, Jesus Culture, Passion, Phil Keaggy, North Point Music and in broadcast: Discovery Channel, HGTV. Corporate: Home Depot, Wyndham Vacations, and Motorola.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Post Production
Broadcast
Audio Books
Worship Sound
Dolby ATMOS
Live Sound Mistakes
Audio Professionals in Religious Settings
Immersive Audio for Churches
Worship Audio Challenges and Solutions
North Point Church

Links and Show Notes:

David's Site

Matt's Rant: Humility in Audio

Credits:

Guest: David Stagl
Host/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #528 with NAMM 2025 – Community, Gear We Saw, Companies We Like, Seminars, Good Shoes, and Drinking Water

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:21:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt is joined by Chris Selim from Mixdown Online ‪and Lij Shaw from Recording Studio Rockstars to discuss our NAMM 2025 experience.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Wearing Good Shoes
Drinking Water
Community
Gear We Saw
Companies We Like
Seminars at NAMM
Podcaster and YouTuber Things

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Connecting With People At NAMM

Credits:

Guest: NAMM 2025
Host/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #527 with Owen Davies – Studio Design, Recording Everything, Tap Dancing, and Building THE Home Studio

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 08:37:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer / Producer Owen Davies who has worked with Broken Teeth, Survival, Fangs Out, Netherhall, Yo Titan, and Brookhorse.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Building THE Home Studio
Working with a Studio Designer
Navigating Studio Design Challenges
Lessons from Early Studios
Tap Dancing and Legal Battles
Freelancing and Passion Projects

Links and Show Notes:

Owen's Studio

Matt's Rant: Things You Should Charge For (In My Opinion)

Credits:

Guest: Owen Davies
Host/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #526 with Adam Haggar – Los Angeles Life, New Jersey Living, The Importance Of Networking, Maintaining High Standards, and a Passion For Music

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 17:19:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mastering engineer Adam Haggar who has worked with Migos, Belinda Carlisle, and The Antlers.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Adam's Journey In The Audio Industry
Different Cities, Studios, And Roles Within The Music Industry
His Approach To Mastering And Building His Business
The Importance Of Networking
Challenges Of Maintaining High Standards In A Competitive Industry
Value Of Staying Connected To One's Passion For Music

Links and Show Notes:

Adam s Site

Matt's Rant: Los Angeles

Credits:

Guest: Adam Haggar
Host/Engineer/Producer/Editor: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #525 with The Pellicci Brothers – Shared Commitment, Creative Collaboration, Cultural Influence, Literal Creativity, and Burlap

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 12:52:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back the Pellicci Brothers, Jay and Ian, who appeared originally on WCA #054. They have worked with Deerhoof, John Vanderslice, Sleater-Kinney, and the Magnetic Fields.They currently run Brothers (Chinese) Recording in the Bay Area.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Challenges in Naming
Unintentional Uniformity
Studio History
Literal Creativity
Creative Decision Making
Not Planning
Studio Projects
Burlap

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Identity

Credits:

Guest: The Pellicci Brothers
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #524 with Michael Romanowski – Immersive Audio, Critical Listening, Value Of Community, and The Dangers of Comparison

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 23:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Winning mastering engineer, Michael Romanowski. Michael’s extensive credits include Alicia Keys, Bonnie Raitt, Lyle, Lovett, Earth Wind & Fire, Kane Brown, and the Grateful Dead.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Studio Acoustics
Immersive Audio Advocacy
Future Of Immersive Audio
Value Of Community Collaboration
Critical Listening Skills
Balancing Artistic Vision With Label Demands
Bass Management Challenges In Immersive Audio
Consumer Perceptions Of Immersive Audio
Role Of VR And AR In Audio Localization
The Dangers of Comparison

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Year End Review

Credits:

Guest: Michael Romanowski
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #523 with Lizzie Westsmith – Role of a Monitor Engineer, Touring Life Balance, Community, and 924 Gilman Influence

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes monitor engineer Lizzie Westsmith who has worked for numerous bands and sound companies including Rancid, Ice Spice, Rat Sound and Coachella. Lizzie shares her journey from discovering her love for audio at Berkeley's iconic Gilman Street to navigating the challenges of the live production industry.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Role of a Monitor Engineer
Maintaining Personal Balance
924 Gilman Influence
Addiction and Recovery
Rate Transparency
Touring Life Balance
Systems Engineering Goals
Financial Management Strategies
Community and Respect

Links and Show Notes:

Lizzie on Instagram

Matt's Rant: Parlay, Pivot and Change Course

Credits:

Guest: Lizzie Westsmith
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #522 with Ed Donnelly – Independent Mindset, Live Recording, Indie Bands, Immersive Audio and Inspiration

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:29:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Producer/Engineer Ed Donnelly, who has worked with Willie Nelson, Zac Brown, Old 97s, Son Volt, Del McCoury, Nathan Jacques, Lorin Hart, Cole Gallagher, The Lonesome Captain, Trent Summar & The New Row Mob

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Musical Journey and Career
Live Event Recording Journey
Journey From Performer to Producer
Independent Artist Budget Challenges
Managing Budgets in Independent Bands
Music Industry Evolution and Strategy
Inspiration and Approaches in Work
Independent Artists and Audio Professionals
Immersive Audio Formats and Music

Links and Show Notes:

Ed's Studio

Matt's Rant: Revisiting Community

Credits:

Guest: Ed Donnelly
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #521 with Maor Appelbaum – Genre-Specific Mastering, Creating Analog Hardware, Building Client Relationships, and Being Part of the Team

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 21:08:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back mastering engineer Maor Appelbaum (originally on WCA #062)to discuss his career, his approach to mastering across genres, and how he adapts to new technology. Maor has worked on projects for artists such as Faith No More, Yes, and Meat Loaf.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Genre-specific mastering approaches
Creating and collaborating on new analog hardware
Strategies for effective client communication
Building and maintaining long-term professional relationships
The value of being part of a collaborative team in the audio process

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: The Value of Independent Clients

Credits:

Guest: Maor Appelbaum
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #520 with Jeremy Goody – Studio Rebranding, Shifting to Voice Recording, Battling Cell Towers, Building Faraday Cages, and Overcoming Obstacles

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 21:21:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt reconnects with engineer and studio owner Jeremy Goody, who was last featured in Episode 85. Jeremy has worked on VO projects for Microsoft, Nuance, Google, Seasonal Visions, and music projects for John Santos, Anticon, and Winfred E. Eye.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Studio Rebranding
Battling Cell Towers
Building Faraday Cages
Shifting to Voice Recording
Podcasting

Links and Show Notes:

Credits:

Guest: Jeremy Goody
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #519 with J.J. Blair – Studio Construction, Microphone Insights, Heart Surgery, and Navigating the Modern Music Landscape

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt reconnects with Grammy-winning producer and engineer J.J. Blair, last featured in Episode 96. J.J. shares the challenges of building a state-of-the-art recording studio in the Hollywood Hills and offers insights from his popular "Microphone Mondays" series. He also opens up about his recent heart surgery and recovery, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health in a demanding profession.

J.J.'s impressive credits include producing and mixing the Grammy-winning album Press On by June Carter Cash, engineering Rod Stewart's Grammy-winning and #1 Billboard album The Great American Songbook, Vol. 3, and engineering and mixing Joanna Connor's #1 Billboard Blues album, 4801 South Indiana Avenue.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

"Microphone Mondays" series
Building a state-of-the-art recording studio
Acoustic design, soundproofing, and the science of great studio environments
Incorporating vintage and modern gear, including a custom Rupert Neve console
Adapting production techniques for genres from Motown to modern rock
Reflections on heart surgery, health, and maintaining resilience in the industry
The importance of studying hit productions and what makes songs stand out
J.J.'s experience with social media success and connecting with audiences

Links and Show Notes:

Credits:

Guest: J.J. Blair
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

WCA #518 with Willie Green - Teaching Hip-Hop, Mentoring, Collaborating with Artists, and Hearing Your Work on the Other Side of the Globe

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:37:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt talks with Paul "Willie Green" Womack, a producer, engineer, and professor based in Brooklyn, NY. With nearly two decades of experience, Willie shares his passion for hip-hop production, teaching, and building meaningful connections in the studio. Having worked with renowned artists such as Armand Hammer, The Roots, The Alchemist, and Wiz Khalifa, Willie provides an insider's perspective on balancing artistry with the technical demands of audio production.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Teaching Hip-Hop History and Vocal Production
Remote Education and In-Person Dynamics
Building a Studio in Brooklyn
Mentoring Upcoming Artists
Bridging Creativity and Technical Expertise
The Role of Community in Creative Spaces
Balancing Work and Passion Projects
The Unique Challenges of Teaching During COVID
Willie's Journey from Engineer to Educator

Matt's Rant: Blank Spaces

Links and Show Notes:

Willie Green's Website

Credits:

Guest: Paul "Willie Green" Womack
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

WCA #517 with Julie Kathryn - Career Shift, Sample Creation, Becoming the Artist, Collaborative Mixing, Film Scoring, and Parenting

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 01:24:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt discusses Julie Kahryns extensive experience in the music industry as a producer, sound designer, composer, and educator. With a background spanning from criminal justice to a full-time music career, Julie has worked on a wide range of projects, including crafting unique audio samples for top software companies such as Ableton, Output, Cherry Audio, Splice, and Bandlab, as well as supervising music for films, and composing original scores.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Career Shift From Justice
Roles: Producer, Composer, Designer
Teaching at Berklee NYC
Early Music Influences
Mentor Tony Conniff's Guidance
Learning Logic Pro
Income From Samples
Film Music Supervision
Balancing Creativity and Business
Parenthood's Career Impact
Building Artist Confidence
Collaborative Mixing Work
Income Diversification
Influences: Brian Eno, Laurie Anderson
Film Scoring Techniques

Matt's Rant: Your Health

Links and Show Notes:

Julie's Site (iamsnowangel.com)

Credits:

Guest: Julie Kathryn
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

WCA #516 with Will Holland - Internship Turned Career, Ownership Advantages, Low Overhead, Setting Rates, and Staying Young

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 23:21:00 -0700

In this episode, Matt talks with Will Holland, owner of Chill House, a 2,000-square-foot studio in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Will has worked with acts like SeepeopleS, Club d'Elf, Nth Power, Berklee, and the Lowell Chamber Orchestra.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Chill House Studio Location
2,000 Square Feet Space
Multiple Studio Rooms
Local, Mid-Level Clients
Will's Boston Beginnings
Internship Turned Career
Ownership Advantages Discussed
Low Overhead Emphasized
Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Work-Life Balance Focus
Future Relocation Possible
Classic Rock Influence
Staying Young
Setting Rates

Matt's Rant: Following Up!

Links and Show Notes:

Will's Studio

Credits:

Guest: Will Holland
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

WCA #515 with David Streit - Workflow Innovation, Gear Investments, Client Relations, Studio Efficiency, and Post-COVID Realities

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 23:21:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau welcomes back audio engineer David, initially featured in WCA #210. David dives into his journey since his last interview, sharing updates on his Portland-based studio move, reflections on the city's music scene post-COVID, and how the pandemic shifted industry dynamics. David offers insights on balancing live sound with studio recording, the adaptive approaches required in today's music landscape, and how Portland's music community is showing resilience in challenging times. David has worked with fourhundred, Lucid Aisle, Storm Large, Kelly Koval, Joshua Lowe and the Juncos.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Relocating Studio Spaces and Adapting to New Work Environments
Post-COVID Shifts in Portland’s Music Scene and Industry-Wide Changes
Balancing Live Sound, Studio Recording, and Creative Roles
Community Support, Artist Resilience, and Collaborative Culture in Portland
Freelance Audio Strategies: Workflow Tips, Gear Decisions, and Client Relations
Navigating New Music Production Trends and Managing Technical Challenges
Challenges in Sustaining a Music Career in a Changing Industry Landscape

Matt's Rant: Refuse to Giveup

Links and Show Notes:

Credits:

Guest: David Streit
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

WCA #514 with Christal Jerez - Education, Immersive Audio, Motherhood, New York Love, and VH1 Documentaries

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:41:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, recorded live at AES 2024 in New York, Christal Jerez shares her career journey from Los Angeles to the UK. She discusses her experiences in live and studio sound, her move to the UK for a PhD, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with freelance work. Christal has worked with artists such as Lil Kim, Malik Moses, Al-Doms, and Timi O.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Move to the UK: Christal relocated to earn a PhD for the Andrew Scheps Music Production Scholarship, focused on immersive audio, supported by her family.
Immersive Audio: Passion for 3D sound and binaural audio, working with psychoacoustic experts at NYU.
Early Inspirations: Grew up in LA, influenced by family gatherings and VH1 documentaries.
Education Path: Studied audio production in university, learned hands-on through radio station work recording live bluegrass music.
Career Growth: Mentored by Serge Tsai at Platinum Sound, rising from assistant to freelance engineer. Focused on client relationships and studio professionalism.
Challenges as a Woman in Audio: Faced bias and underrepresentation in the industry. Emphasized importance of mentorship and resilience.
Balancing Work & Motherhood: Struggled to balance freelance work with being a mother, setting boundaries to manage family and career.

Matt’s Rant: AES 2024 Debrief

Links and Show Notes:

Credits:

Guest: Christal Jerez
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

WCA #513 with Joel Jaffe - Navigating 40 Years of Studio Life, Recording Legends, Perfecting Live Room Techniques, Overcoming Bay Area Challenges, and Getting Out of the Chair

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 20:17:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau chats with veteran producer and engineer Joel Jaffe, founder of Studio D Recording. Joel reflects on his 40-year journey running a renowned Bay Area studio, working with legendary artists like Faith No More and Huey Lewis, and perfecting live room recording techniques. He also shares insights on overcoming the challenges of studio life, the evolving music industry, and his decision to step away from day-to-day operations, or as Matt puts it, “getting out of the chair.”

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Challenges of running a studio in the Bay Area
Building and managing Studio D Recording
Recording techniques for live rooms and handling isolation
Working with iconic artists like Faith No More, Huey Lewis, and Soundgarden
The impact of streaming and the changing music industry
Balancing a 40-year career with family life
Lessons learned from mentors and iconic engineers
Advice for aspiring audio engineers and producers
Shifting from studio ownership to freelance work

Matt’s Rant: Revisiting Putting Yourself Out There

Links and Show Notes:

Credits:

Guest: Joel Jaffe
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

WCA #512 with Dr. Mary Mazurek – Classical Recording, Mentoring, Microphone Techniques for Live Performances, Evolution of Audio Technology, and Moving to Canada

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau talks with Grammy-nominated recording engineer and educator Dr. Mary Mazurek about her work in classical music recording and her approach to teaching and mentoring.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Grammy-nominated projects
Challenges of recording classical music
Microphone techniques for live performances
Managing acoustics in different environments
Mentoring young engineers
Practical learning in audio
Evolution of audio technology
Moving to Canada
Summers in Chicago

Matt’s Rant: The most important thing is what comes out of the speakers!

Links and Show Notes:

Credits:

Guest: Dr. Mary Mazurek
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

WCA #511 with Gabriel Shepard – 25th Street Recording, Building, and Maintaining Client Relationships, Burning Out, and Learning from Other Producers

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 19:09:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, we welcome back Engineer/Producer Gabriel Shepard, who first appeared on WCA #011. Now, 500 episodes later, Gabriel returns to share more from his journey. Gabriel's impressive client list includes Cake, The Kronos Quartet, Bassnectar, Raphael Saadiq, and The Residents.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

25th Street Recording
Building Client Trust
Creative Collaboration
Crafting Signature Sound
Navigating Industry Changes
Freelance Persistence
Audio Gear Insights
Mixing Strategies
Studio Workflow
Client Communication
Recording Challenges
Evolving Sound Trends
Learning from Other Producers
Earning Fans of Your Work

Matt's Rant: Covid!

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Gabriel Shepard
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #510 with Steve Lack- Freedom In Podcasting, Freelance Journey Shifts, Midlife Career Pivot, Seinfeld, and Working from a Sailboat

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 15:32:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Steve Lack shares his extensive background in audio post-production and podcasting. Steve reflects on his time working with Warner Brothers Discovery and his contributions to iconic shows like Seinfeld. With experience at NPR, VPM, Al Jazeera, and HBO, Steve now operates remotely from Richmond, Virginia. He discusses the flexibility of podcasting and how his journey from network television to podcasting has shaped his approach to building lasting client relationships.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Freelancing Journey Shifts
Early Adoption Of Pro Tools
Discovery Channel Experience
Remote Podcast Production
Transition From Drumming To Film Composition
Midlife Career Pivot
Freedom In Podcasting
Networking And Relationships
Working From A Sailboat
Overcoming Corporate Mergers
Embracing Technological Changes

Matt's Rant: Learning to Swim First

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Steve Lack
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #509 with Alberto de Icaza- Mastering, Cash Flow Management, From Mexico to New Jersey, to Texas, Client Relations, and Crashing His Car

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 18:44:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, mastering engineer Alberto de Icaza shares his journey from Mexico City to the U.S., transitioning from playing in metal bands to becoming a mastering engineer. Now based in Austin, Texas, Alberto discusses his path to mastering during the pandemic and the importance of building client relationships organically through word-of-mouth.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

AI Tools Usage
Mastering Career Shift
Industry Challenges
Impact Of AI On Work
Client Relations
Networking Expansion
Spanish Market Strategy
Social Media Promotion
Professional Collaborations
Remote Work Preference
Cash Flow Management
Studio Setup
Adapting To New Tech
Working With Key Mentors
Crashing His Car
From Mexico to New Jersey, to Texas

Matt's Rant: All The Other Stuff

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Alberto de Icaza
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #508 with Cesar Mejia – Navigating Post-COVID Teaching, Balancing Studio Ownership, Diversifying Income Streams, Expanding Shelter Studios, and Longtime Collaboration with Herbie Hancock

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 05:29:00 -0700

In this episode of Working Class Audio, host Matt Boudreau welcomes back Cesar Mejia, a longtime friend of the podcast, to discuss his continued journey as an educator, studio owner, and audio professional. Cesar, first featured in episode #117 back in 2017, shares his experiences navigating the post-pandemic world, teaching the next generation of musicians, and balancing life at his studio, Shelter Studios.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Cesar Mejia's Return to Podcast: Reflecting on his first appearance in 2017, episode 117, and discussing his journey.
Teaching Post-COVID: Cesar talks about teaching at Cal State Dominguez Hills and Whittier College, highlighting changes in student mentality and the shift in teaching due to the pandemic.
Students' Musical Preferences: Discussing the differences between students at Dominguez Hills, who are more electronic-focused, and those at Whittier, who are often acoustic musicians.
Shelter Studios and Family Property: Cesar's studio, Shelter Studios, is located on family property that he inherited. He is working on possibly expanding the space while keeping the studio comfortable and home-like.
Balancing Expansion and Stability: Conversations about the benefits of expanding the studio or staying in the current location and the importance of financial stability.
Wiring and Additional Gigs: In addition to teaching and studio work, Cesar occasionally takes on wiring gigs for other studios, keeping his income diversified.
Collaboration with Herbie Hancock: Cesar continues to work with Herbie Hancock, especially on tours post-COVID, and handles audio tasks such as mixing stems for live performances.

Matt's Rant: Being in Asset

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Cesar Mejia
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #507 with Ebonie Smith - Memphis Upbringing, Education, Atlantic Records, Administrative Proficiency, and Multitasking As A Necessity

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 04:30:00 -0700

My guest for this episode is Producer/Engineer/ Composer Ebonie Smith, who currently holds the esteemed roles of senior audio engineer and producer at Atlantic Records. Ebonie has worked on projects for The Hamilton Cast Album, Janelle Monae, Sturgill Simpson, and Jason Mraz.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Memphis Upbringing and Tri-State Area
Radio and Musical Influences
Transition from Sports to Music
College Struggles and Musical Pursuit
Technological Fascination and Audio
Barnard College Audio Tech Job
Pursuit of Music Technology
Parental Expectations vs. Music
NYU and Advanced Music Studies
Career Start at Atlantic Records
Evolution from Editing to Producing
Hamilton Cast Recording Involvement
Creating an Incubator Program
Move to Los Angeles Decision
Differences Between NYC and LA
Atlantic Records Role Transformation
Producing Unique Label Projects
Challenges in the Music Industry
Importance of Administrative Proficiency
Balancing Multiple Creative Roles
A Continuing Passion for Audio
Multitasking Is a Necessity
Full Control of the Signal Chain

Matt's Rant: Making Opportunity For Yourself

Links and Show Notes

Ebonie's Site

Credits

Guest: Ebonie Smith
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #506 with Wesley Heaton & Kamaron Lockwood – Studio Resilience, DIY Spaces, Live Sound Lessons, Gear Overload, And Lessons From Their First Studio Fiasco

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 06:35:00 -0700

My guests today are Wesley Heaton and Kameron Lockwood, producers, engineers, and mixers from Indianapolis, Indiana. They are studio partners at Holy Ground Productions and have extensive live sound experience working with bands like Bingo Boys, Skeletonwitch Rituaal, and Pillars.

In this episode, we discuss:

Studio Location And Name
Early Friendship Timeline
Growing Up Experiences
Meeting Through Audio
Live Sound Frustrations
Musical Background Origins
Gear Acquisition Journey
First Paid Recordings
Studio Environment Challenges
DIY Venue Recordings
Recording School Experiences
Self-Education In Audio
Recording With Anthrax
Transition From Live Sound
Studio Construction Challenges
Importance Of Deposits
Business Partnership Dynamics
Studio Community Focus
Lessons From First Studio
Hospitality And Client Comfort

Matt's Rant: Perfection

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Wesley Heaton and Kameron Lockwood
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #505 with Ben Pike – Vinyl Mastering, Lathe Cut Records, Analog Studio Setup, and Navigating Chronic Illness

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 20:31:00 -0700

My guest today is Mastering Engineer Ben Pike, who runs an analog-based mastering and record cutting studio in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Ben specializes in vinyl mastering and custom lathe cut records, working primarily with independent artists. He has collaborated with artists and groups such as ATA Records, Yaatri, The London Ambient Orchestra, Smith & The Honey Badgers, and King Zepha.

In this episode, we discuss:

Leeds, West Yorkshire Roots
Discovering Recording Technology
DIY Recording Beginnings
Home Studio Evolution
Transition to Mastering
Vinyl Mastering Journey
Analog Studio Setup
Custom Lathe Cut Records
Challenges of Chronic Illness
Building a Mastering Studio
Navigating the Music Industry
Supporting Independent Artists
Small Batch Vinyl Production
Innovative Vinyl Techniques
Mastering and Cutting Synergy
Restoring Vintage Gear

Matt's Rant: The Art of Being Concise

Links and Show Notes

Ben Pike's Studio: Rare Tone Mastering
Jeff Powell Companion Episode

Credits

Guest: Ben Pike
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #504 with Jordan Brooke Hamlin – Encouraging Artistic Risk, Moxe Studio, Nashville's Music Culture, Zeppelin Hippies, and Reclaiming Neglected Land

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0700

My guest today is Producer/Multi-Instrumentalist/Engineer, Jordan Brooke Hamlin, who has worked with Indigo Girls, KT Tunstall, Vienna Teng, Lila Blue, Katie Herzig, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Allison Russell, and Brandy Clark.

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In this episode, we discuss

Upbringing In Kentucky
Music-Loving Family
Zeppelin Hippies
Deep Connection To Music
Early Music Exposure
Discovery Of Production
Sarah McLachlan Influence
Running Her Studio
Creating Artist Space
Mental Health Focus
Challenges In Nashville
Supportive Studio Environment
Economic Challenges
Studio Setup Efficiency
Working With Labels
Navigating Industry Changes
Moxie Studio Origin
Residential Studio Blend
Artist Commune Vision
Reclaiming Neglected Land
Importance Of Environment
Balancing Creativity And Deadlines
Nashville's Music Culture
Contrasting With Los Angeles
Session Efficiency Vs. Exploration
Encouraging Artistic Risk
Challenges In Studio Ownership
Supporting Independent Artists
Grant Programs For Artists
Gender Equity In The Audio Industry
Financial Pressures On Music
Organizational Tools (Airtable)
Payment Delays From Labels
Navigating Professional Relationships
Empathy For Touring Artists
Evolving Industry Dynamics

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Matt's Rant: Getting Organized

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Links and Show Notes

Book Matt mentions in Interview: Day Trading Attention
AirTable
Jordan's Studio

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Credits

Guest: Jordan Brooke Hamlin
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #503 with Tony Brooke - Audio Data Management, Seasonal Income Fluctuations, Career Coach Influence, Music Data Management Tools, and Getting Credit

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 06:52:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy Nominated Music Metadata Professional Tony Brooke. Tony has worked on projects for Richard Thompson, Coldplay, David Byrne, twenty one pilots, Maroon 5, Jane's Addiction, Duran Duran, Steve Miller, Norah Jones, Erasure, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Doobie Brothers, Sarah McLachlan, Elvis Costello, Seal, George Clinton, Emmylou Harris, Indigo Girls, Lucinda Williams, Dave Chappelle, Khaled & Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Stern Grove Festival, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. He's also worked for Pandora/SiriusXM and Warner Music Group.

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In this episode, we discuss

Tony's Audio Production Journey
Background and Education
Bay Area Move
Technical Skills & Equipment
Live Music Engineer to Entrepreneur
Tascam DA88 Benefits
Multi-Track Services
Gig Organization Logistics
Music Industry Experiences
Seasonal Income Fluctuations
Business Diversification
Website Development
Ultimate Track Sheet
Career Transition Insights
Digital Console Shift
Career Coach Influence
Master's Degree Pursuit
Family Support Gratitude
Work-Life Balance Challenges
Music Industry Pressures
Honesty and Humility Importance
Music Data Exchange Research
DDEX XML Format
Pandora Credit Inclusion
Apple Credit Attribution Issues
Identifier Initiative
Music Data Management Tools
Sound Credit Replacement
Muse.AI & Other Databases
Data Accuracy Challenges
Technological Changes Preparation
Three-Tiered Data Storage
Data Preservation Strategies
Copyrighted Compositions Importance
Streaming Service Identification
Online Course Idea
Digital Data Management Strategies

Matt's Rant: Embracing Social Media

Links and Show Notes

Book Matt mentions in Rant: Day Trading Attention
Tools for capturing data in the studio:
Sound Credit: https://www.soundcredit.com/
Session Studio: https://www.sessionstudio.com/
VEVA Collect: https://vevacollect.com/
ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier): http://isni.org/
ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code): https://www.iswc.org/
DDEX standards for music data exchange: https://ddex.net/
CLIP - Free resource to learn industry terminology, creator rights, and how to get credited and paid: https://goclip.org/en/music
Master Tape Rescue project to find a home for lost tapes and other formats (Brian Kehew and Danny White): https://www.mastertaperescue.com/
Tony Brooke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybrooke/
SilentWay.com: http://www.silentway.com/

Credits

Guest: Tony Brooke
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #502 with Hans-Martin Buff - From Journalism to Audio: Exploring Binaural Sound, Working with Prince, Dolby Atmos, and Mastering the Art of Sequencing and Assembly

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0700

My guest is Hans-Martin Buff, a Recording Engineer, Music Producer, and 3D Geek based in Munich, Germany. Hans has worked with Prince, Peter Gabriel, and the Scorpions.

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In this episode, we discuss

Introduction and Background
Family Musical Influence
Early Musical Interests
Educational Background
Transition to Music Career
Pachyderm Studio Experience
Nirvana Recording Sessions
Working with Prince
Paisley Park Experience
Prince's Influence on Hans
Challenges in the Industry
Difficult Clients and Lessons
Technical Recording Techniques
Personal Growth and Development
Sequencing and Assembly
Memorable Projects and Highlights
Impact on Personal Music Enjoyment

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Matt's Rant: When to Let it Go

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Links and Show Notes

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Credits

Guest: Hans-Martin Buff
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #501 with Chris Dugan – Green Day Tours, Studio Setup, Balancing Work and Family, Travel Tips, Freelance Pricing, and Backup Technology

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0700

My guest today is Grammy-winning engineer and Mixer Chris Dugan, who has worked on projects for Green Day, Gaslight Anthem, Weezer, and Alanis Morissette.

---------------------------------

In this episode, we discuss:

Touring and Work with Green Day

European Tour
Recording Live Shows
Studio Engineer
Mixing for TV Broadcasts
Transition to More Mixing
Mixing with the Artist Present

Studio Setup and Equipment

Family-Friendly Home Studio
Home Studio Customization Efforts
Studio Setup During the Pandemic
Importance of Sound Reflections
Portable Mixing Setup Benefits
Atmos Setup Decision Factors
Affordable Speaker Tuning

Balancing Work and Family

Balancing Family and Work
Parenting While Touring
Encouraging Kids' Musical Interest
Family's Involvement in Music
Kids' Interest in Studio

Travel and Jet Lag Tips

Managing Sleep and Travel
Jet Lag Recovery Strategies
Efficient Airport Tips
Global Entry Efficiency
Time Shifter App Usage

Freelance Work and Pricing

Freelance Pricing Challenges
Word-of-Mouth Opportunities
Managing Project Deadlines
Impact of Unconventional Tracks
Importance of Politeness
Importance of Session Prep

Backup Storage and Technology

Backup Storage Discussions
Travel-Friendly Work Strategies

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Matt's Rant: The Battle for Your Attention

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Links and Show Notes

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Credits

Guest: Chris Dugan
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #500 with Catherine Marks - From Architect to Producer, Fearlessness, Supportive Mentors, Managing Creative Conflicts, and Capturing the Immediacy of a Moment

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0700

My guest today is Grammy-winning London-based producer and mixer Catherine Marks, who has worked on projects for boygenius, Wolf Alice, and The Mysterines.

In this episode, we discuss

Upbringing in Australia
Early exposure to music through parents' record collection
Participation in a Yamaha piano course at an all-girls school
Development of interest in songwriting and record production
Studying architecture at the University of Melbourne
Taking a year out to work in Dublin
Introduction to Dublin's music
Immersion in live music and DJ nights in Dublin
Discovery of interest in music production and reverb
Transition from architecture degree to music production career
Learning about music production while working for Flood
Recording a song with Elastica, gaining Flood's attention
Fearlessness and willingness to take opportunities
Early advice from her father and
Support from the Dublin community
Early experiences in the studio,
Multitasking in various roles
Learning via observing, asking questions, and reading manuals
Development of skills and studio efficiency
Mentorship from Alan Moulder
Working with producers like Dmitry Tikovoy, Ben Hillier, and Flood
Importance of capturing the immediacy of a moment over technical perfection
Discipline to let go of awareness and move forward in projects
Managing creative conflicts and rising from unknown engineer to sought-after producer
Establishing connections with key individuals in the music industry
Importance of mutual understanding and communication in the recording process
Working with Alan Moulder and Flood, enhancing her career
Mutual respect and high expectations foster professional growth
Importance of enjoying projects and respecting colleagues
Prioritizing a balanced lifestyle over immediate success
Pressure to maintain career momentum and need for self-care to prevent burnout
Consistent commitment and passion for work
Experiences and reflections on winning a Grammy award
Highs and lows of industry recognition
Challenges of being away for extended periods during album work
Anticipation for future projects and collaborations

Matt's Rant: 500 Episodes and Pressing On

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Catherine Marks
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #499 with Stephen Kerrison - Touring to Mastering, Weird Jungle, Liverpool Music Scene, Instilling Confidence, Listening, and The Importance of Taste in Mastering

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0700

My guest today is UK-based mastering engineer Stephen Kerrison, known for his work with Petbrick, Ditz, Charles Watson, Jake Isaac, Lleo, and Liz Lawrence. This is Stephen's second appearance on Working Class Audio, his first being WCA #413 alongside Katie Tavini, a fellow Weird Jungle Mastering Collective member.

In this episode, we discuss

Weird Jungle Collective Update
Liverpool Music Scene Evolution
Working Under a Record Shop
From Touring to Mastering
Collective's Structural Changes
Industry's Financial Realities
Instilling Confidence
Balancing Creativity and Technique
Musicians' Record Perspectives
Older vs. Younger Musicians
Transition to Mastering
Mastering Different Genres
Challenges of Live Performance
Importance of Taste in Mastering
Exploring the UK Music Scene
Collaborative Music Environment
Managing Work-Life Balance
Financial Strategy
Use of Backing Tracks
Maintaining Artist Confidence
Comparison to Visual Art
Listening
Checking Out The Competition
Seth Godin

Matt's Rant: Stepping Away

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Stephen Kerrison
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #498 with Jacob Winik - Gillman Street Experiences, Improving Live Sound, Tiny Telephone, Improved Quality of Life, and Cosmic Standard

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0700

My guest today is Jacob Winik, the COO, Technical Director, and Sound Designer at Cosmic Standard, an audio production company he co-founded with his wife, Eliza Smith, in January 2020. Jacob has collaborated on projects with TED, Patagonia, Dropbox, KQED, Samantha Crain, Meernaa, Doe Eye, and Steep Ravine. He previously worked as an audio engineer at Tiny Telephone in San Francisco.

In this episode, we discuss

Bay Area Upbringing
Parents' Musical Influence
Early Punk Music
Divorce Sparks Punk Interest
Gillman Street Experiences
Technology at Home
Early Instruments
School Band Reluctance
Discovering DIY Punk
College Band Experience
House Shows in College
Obsessed with Music Making
Improving Live Sound
Early Recording Awareness
DIY Recording at Gillman
First Demo Recording
College Film Studies
Pursuit of Music Recording
Internship at The Compound
Learning Basic Recording Skills
Building Client Relationships
Internship at Fantasy Studios
Analog Tape Recording Challenges
Journey Recording Experience
Interning with Magic Magic Orchestra
John Vanderslice
Studio Setup at Tiny Telephone
Transition to Professional Engineer
Hands-on Learning with Tape
Podcast Company Formation
Balancing Overhead Costs
Scalable Team Structure
Remote Work Adaptation
Handling Pandemic Challenges
Client Training Remotely
Improved Quality of Life
Building Client Relationships

Matt's Rant: Moving Through Your Audio Career with Blinders On

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Jacob Winik
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #497 with Danny Reisch - Dallas Childhood Memories, Back to the Future, Daytrotter Sessions, Austin Music Scene, Moving to LA, and Making Records on Cassette 8 Tracks.

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0700

My guest today is Los Angeles-based Producer/Mixer/Engineer/Drummer Danny Reisch, who has worked on projects for Local Natives, Dirty Projectors, Khruangbin, Barns Courtney, White Denim, Other Lives, Shearwater, Sun June, Tele Novella, Intocable, Halo video game ( last 3 seasons), The Green Knight score (a24), Disney Peter Pan score, Interview With The Vampire score, Willie Nelson, Ed Sheeran, Lizzo, The Zombies, Counting Crows, Jimmy Cliff, Father John Misty and many more.

In this episode, we discuss

Dallas Childhood Memories
Early Band Experiences
Four Track Beginnings
Michael Jackson Obsession
Back to Future Influence
Supportive Creative Family
Unique School Experience
Discipline
College Music Degree
Early Audio Awareness
Atmos Mixing Insights
Texas State University
Touring and College Life
Sound Design Job
Band Experiences Takeaways
Respect for Bands
Working with Passionate Clients
Good Danny's Studio Journey
Early Studio Challenges
Austin Music Scene
Daytrotter Sessions Impact
South by Southwest Frenzy
Live Recording Skills
Move to Los Angeles
Pandemic Mixing Shift
Film Score Mixing
Financial Ecosystem Differences
LA Studio Setup Challenges
John Congleton's Advice

Matt's Rant: What If?

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Danny Reisch
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #496 with Don Zientara - Historical Significance, Studio Relocation, Curated Gear Choices, Surfing, and Staying Young, and Back to the Basement Where It All Started

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0700

My guest today is the return of producer/engineer/mixer Don Zientara. Don has been highly influential in the D.C. hardcore music scene for over 30 years for his work with iconic punk and rock bands, including Fugazi, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Jawbox, and The Evens. His contributions have been pivotal in shaping the sound of many Dischord Records artists.

In this episode, we discuss

Studio Relocation
New Basement Setup
Historical Recordings
Studio Gear Changes
Analog to Digital Shift
Compact Studio Space
Recording Challenges and Success
Microphone Selection Strategy
Digital Console Benefits
Outboard Gear Preferences
Lower Overhead Costs
Promotion and Clientele
Reflection on Studio History
Neighborhood and Noise Management
Surfing and Staying Young
Selective Project Choices
Client Reactions
Control and Live Room Setup
Communication in Studio
Evolution of Punk Scene
Consistent Studio Rates
Historical Significance
Industry Perception

Matt's Rant: Beginning the Journey

Links and Show Notes

Don on WCA #106
Don Zientara's Biography: Wikipedia
Inner Ear Studio: Inner Ear Studio Official Website
Rights of Spring: Rights of Spring - Wikipedia

Credits

Guest: Don Zientara
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #495 with Elliot Vaughan - City of Black Sabbath, Music In the House, Mission Impossible Night, and Persistent Learning

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0700

My guest today is Bristol, UK-based producer and mixer Elliot Vaughan, who has worked on projects by Frank Turner, Jason Ringenberg, Spunge, Ugly Kid Joe, Sonic Boom 6, The Wildhearts, Masca, and Hectares. Elliot is also an MPG Awards 2024 Breakthrough Producer Of The Year Nominee.

In this episode, we discuss

Bristol
Miles to Kilometers Conversion
City of Black Sabbath
Birmingham Heavy Metal Roots
Born Near John Bonham
Mom's Bank to Nurse Career
Dad's Ever-Changing Jobs
Peacefully Divorced Parents
Music In the House
Piano Practice
Hated Old Piano Teacher
Drum Lessons to Escape Math
Parents' Divorce Silver Lining
Drums vs Piano
Early Band Touring Adventures
Recording Studio Misfit
Mission Impossible Night
Pro Tools Learning Struggles
Band Tour Realization Moment
Day Job at Museum
Begging for Studio Time
Faked Experience for Bands
Building Reputation
Persistent Learning

Matt's Rant: Change of Heart

Links and Show Notes

Elliots site

Credits

Guest: Elliot Vaughan
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #494 with Aaron C Schroeder - Battle of the Bands, Palm Pilot Payment, Recording a Scene, and The Return to Physical Goods

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 22:26:00 -0700

My guest today is Producer/Engineer Aaron C Schroeder, who has worked on projects for Willie Nelson, Hotegaia, Hallows, Arden Leas, Sharkie, Coasthouse Materials, and Hollow Earth Radio.

In this episode, we discuss

Texas Upbringing
Roller Blading & Silverchair
Battle of the Bands
Early Recording Experiments
Recording School
Studio Watchdog
Recording Willie Nelson
Palm Pilot Payment
Recording at Home
Mell Dettmer
Moving to Seattle
Working In a Gay Porn Store
Recording a Scene
Landlord Challenges
Recording in A Former Strip Club
Running a Basement Studio
The Fugazi Ethos
Don Zientara
Diversification of Audio
Podcasting Gigs
The Return to Physical Goods
Patreon Page
Audio for Film
Business Manager Role
Chuck Vanderbilt

Matt's Rant: Not Missing Out on Life

Links and Show Notes

Jacob Sciba on WCA #263
Steve Chadie on WCA #245 / #487
Alan Evans on WCA #133 /#328
The Altec Bird Cage
Aaron's Patreon
Aaron's Site

Credits

Guest: Aaron C Schroeder
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #493 with William Garrett - Stereo Under the Stairs, Tossing X-Rays, After Hours Recording, Producing for Spotify, Hugging Smokey Robinson, and Burt Bacharach's Jacket

Mon, 27 May 2024 19:38:00 -0700

My guest today is Producer, Engineer & Mixer William Garrett. William has worked with a LARGE amount of people! That's includes Esperanza Spalding, Grouplove, John Legend, The Head and the Heart, Migos, Zara Larsson, The Shins, Max Richter, Sting, Ed Sheeran, Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, TLC, Arcade Fire, Miley Cyrus, Norah Jones, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez, The National, Greta Van Fleet, St. Vincent, Iron & Wine, Luke Combs, Jack White, The Raconteurs, Cyndi Lauper, John Cale, Conor Oberst, New Kids On The Block, Michael Monroe, Jennifer Lopez, John Waite, Slayer, Brandi Carlile, Def Leppard, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Shawn Mendes, Mac Miller, Elton John, Yo-Yo Ma, Michael Bublé, Jon Batiste, Vampire Weekend, Carly Rae Jepsen, Alicia Keys, The Lumineers, Alanis Morissette, Black Pumas, James Blake, Finneas, Arlo Parks, Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Samara Joy, Molly Tuttle, and Margot Price........to name a few!

In this episode, we discuss

Winston Salem, North Carolina
Tobacco Leaves
A Great Childhood
Stereo Under the Stairs
Early Musical Influences
Wipeout!
Playing Coffee Houses
Tossing X-Rays
Sound on Sound Recording
Boarding School in Maine
The World of Jingles
Nashville Sessions
Political Science and Economics
Berklee College of Music
Networking
Working as a Janitor
Driving Cabs on the Side
Burt Bacharach's Jacket
Tape Copy Guy
Alpha Media Records
After Hours Recording
House Sound Guy
Recording band Demos
The Norah Jones Story
Changing Technology
Presence and Perseverance
Jolly Automatic
Slayer
The Black Crowes
Rick Ruben
Ed Stasium
George Drakoulius
Hugging Smokey Robinson
Producing Artists for Spotify
Getting Laid Off
Going back to Freelance
Being Grateful

Matt's Rant: Going the Extra Mile

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: William Garrett
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #492 with Toby Campen - Mastering Mindset, Switching Lanes, Keeping Rates Up, Human Interaction, and Taking Care of Yourself

Mon, 20 May 2024 20:42:00 -0700

My guest today is Mastering Engineer Toby Campen, based in Brighton, UK, who has worked with Black Pines, Everyday Saints, The Endearing, Young Empress, Thorisson, Bekimachine, Rodney Cromwell, Daniel Hugh, Gemma Cullingford, The Droppers Neck, and Pixelstorm.

In this episode, we discuss

Growing up in Essex
Recording His Band
Crappy College Studio
Liner Note Reading
Recording Local Bands
Book Heavy Recording Classes
Archiving
Mixing for Film and TV
Mastering Mindset
Switching Lanes
Setting Up a Business
Going Part Time
Help From Wierd Jungle
Inspiration from Justin Perkins
Inspiration from Glenn Schick
Early Mistakes
Keeping Rates Up
Travis Ference
AI Considerations
Getting Clients
The Tube
Human Interaction
Social Media Messaging
Audio Minimalism
Taking Care of Yourself
Standup/Sit Down
Production Expert

Matt's Rant: Net 30 and Beyond

Links and Show Notes

TobyCampen.com

Credits

Guest: Toby Campen
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #491 with Bruno Barcella - Brothers Influence, Attraction of Tape, Laundry Room Recording, Importance of Family, and Music in Sarnico, Italy

Mon, 13 May 2024 21:01:00 -0700

My guest today is Producer/ Recording and Mixing Engineer Bruno Barcella, based in Sarnico, Italy, who has worked with The Peawees, Bee Bee Sea, Faz Waltz, The Manges, Dahlmanns, Kurt Baker, Gluts, The Apers, Freez, and Zatopeks.

In this episode, we discuss

Sarnico, Italy
Brothers Influence
American Music
Playing Drums
Recording in Middle School
Punk Rock Bands
The Attraction of Tape
Sense of Community
Vasco Rossi
60's Girl Groups
Power Pop
Laundry Room Recording
Becoming a Studio Partner
Mixing at Home
Big Tree Studio
Live Sound
The Weird Jungle Influence
Trading Sticks for Faders
Importance of Family
Grumpy Live Sound People
Rates
Steve Albini

Matt's Rant: Reflecting on Steve Albini

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Bruno Barcella
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #490 with Joe Bagale, AKA Otis McDonald - Music with Family, San Francisco, The Creation of Otis McDonald, Hyde Street Studios, Pandemic Recording, and Working 9-5

Mon, 06 May 2024 21:33:00 -0700

My guest today is artist, producer, engineer, mixing, and mastering engineer Joe Bagale, AKA Otis McDonald, who has worked with Aloe Blacc, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Eric Krasno, King Canyon, Nicholas Payton, Son Little, Nigel Hall, and Adam Deitch.

In this episode, we discuss

Growing up in Rochester
Music Teacher Dad
Attic Studio
Music with Family
Playing Drums
Bill Clinton on Sax
Recording Lessons from Dad
Home Recording
Steve Gadd
Eastman School of Music
Moving to San Francisco
Intro to Pro Tools
Coast Recorders
Jazz Mafia
Connecting the Dots
Becoming a Producer
Micky Hart Band
YouTube Library
Identity Crisis
The Creation of Otis McDonald
Facebook Sound Collection
Pandemic
Royalties
Song a Week
Hyde Street Studios
Working 9-5
The New Music Industry
Financial Philosophy
Pandemic Recording

Matt's Rant: Another Habit Talk

Links and Show Notes

From Matt's Rant Mike Seniors Multitracks
Joe's Site
Sebastian Richard on WCA
Michael Romanowski on WCA
Alberto Hernandez on WCA
Alan Evans on WCA
Nino Moschella on WCA
Pedal mentioned in interview

Credits

Guest:
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #489 with BZ Lewis - Big Spring, TX, Tumbleweed Smith, Outlier Status, Prophetic Dreams, and The Yellow Page Crowd

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 22:35:00 -0700

My guest today is Composer/Producer/Engineer BZ Lewis who has worked on projects for Blame Sally, Roberta Flack, MTV, Microsoft, Mapplethorpe, World Poker Tour, Dateline, All My Children, The Shield, and Guitar Hero to name just a few.

In this episode, we discuss

The Origin of BZ
Big Spring, TX
Tumbleweed Smith
Reel to Reel Duplication
Outlier Status
David Koresh
UT Austin
Guilt Over Leaving Music
Prophetic Dreams
Starting a Production Company
Making a Movie
Moving From Texas
Easily Digital Audio
Riding a Bike
San Francisco Studio
Working in Mall Music Store
Media Creature
Luck
POPTUNA
Company Splits
Working with New Beginners
Music Libraries
Saving Early
Frugal Living
Work-Life Balance
Yellow Page Crowd

Matt's Rant: Taking the Weekend Off

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: BZ Lewis
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #488 with Gavin Haverstick - Acoustical Design, Love of Music, Investing in Yourself, Creating Inspiring Rooms, Acoustic Myths, and Meeting People Where They're At

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 22:44:00 -0700

My guest today is Acoustical Consultant Gavin Haverstick. Gavin has worked on projects for Ringo Starr, Coldplay, Twenty One Pilots, Louis Bell, Tim Henson, Tori Kelly, David Crowder, and Luca Pretolesi.

In this episode, we discuss

Small Town in Indiana
Colorado State University
Love of Music
Highschool Sweethearts
Musical Theater
Love of Stability
Robotics and Mechanical Engineering
Working for Auralex
Laminating Battery Cells
Going Solo
Relationships
Hiring People Better Than You
Rider Leadership Solutions
Investing in Yourself
Adding Value
Meeting People Where They’re At
Underestimating Isolation
Building Codes
Aiding Contractors
Working with Dolby
ATMOS Rooms
Creating Inspiring Rooms
Storage Space
Lighting
Acoustic Myths
Planning for the Future
Core Values

Matt’s Rant: Stepping Outside The Bubble

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Gavin Haverstick
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #487 with Steve Chadie - Sharing Knowledge, Leaving the Nest, Gig Snagging, Low Maintenance Living, and The Loudness Button

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 21:21:00 -0700

My guest today is the return of Grammy-winning engineer and Mixer Steve Chadie. Steve has worked on projects for Willie Nelson, Los Lonely Boys, Particle Kid, & Supersuckers.

In this episode, we discuss

The Shroom Room
Rupert Neve Design
The Well-Behaved Self
Potty Mouth
Too Much Truck Time
Denton, Texas
Titty Bingo
Expanding Client Base
Management
Painfully Introverted
Networking
Willie Nelson
Leaving the Nest
College Ball
Leaving Texas
Making it Work
Being Challenged
Time to Make The Doughnuts
The Inner Asshole
Staying Invisible
Wendel Junior
Missle Command
Low Maintenance Living
Ikigai
Free Work
Gig Snagging
Legal Pads
Mold Sickness
Recalls
Thinking About Quitting
The Loudness Button
Commitment
Willing to Learn
Nighttime Calm
Financial Advice
Sharing Knowledge

Matt’s Rant: Tune Out

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Steve Chadie
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #486 with Ryan Ordway - Music Learned Via Camping, The Rembrandts, Fallback Plans, Client Trends, and the Portland Music Scene

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 22:33:00 -0700

My guest today is Producer/Engineer/Songwriter, Ryan Ordway. Ryan runs The Studio Portland and has worked with 98.9 WCLZ Studio Z Series, The Heavy Heavy, Gregory Alan Isa Kov, Nature Valley, and actor Xander Berkeley.

In this episode, we discuss

Central New Hampshire
Music Learned Via Camping
Being Connected Technologically
The Rembrandts
Fallback Plan
LA Kicking his Ass
Not Going to Berklee School of Music
Starting on Tape
Home Studio Struggles
Moving to Portland
Clear Lines Between Home and Work
Studio Portland
Facelift for an Old Studio
Portland Music Scene
Speaker Choice
Ready to Record
Client Trends
Mark Rubel
Focusing on the Client
Songwriter Perspective

Matt’s Rant: Food for Thought

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Ryan Ordway
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #485 with Andy Nelson - Recording Friends, Financial Realities, Wedding Invitations, Getting Serious About Audio, and Postal Jobs

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 21:42:00 -0700

My guest today is Producer/Engineer/Mixer Andy Nelson. Andy has worked on projects for Pain of Truth, 200 Stab Wounds, Fireworks, Primitive Man, Never Ending Game, Full of Hell, Dead in the Dirt, Gridiron, Harms Way, Weekend Nachos, and Inclination.

Andy is also the guitarist of Weekend Nachos, Singer/Guitarist of Dust Muscle, and bassist of Like Rats, a self-described art education dropout and a former synthesizer tech.

In this episode, we discuss

Early Days
Middle-Class Western Household
School band
Columbia College
Getting Serious About Audio
Recording Friends
Pricing
Music Industry's Challenges
Financial Realities
Postal Workers
Imposter Syndrome
Partnership with Pete Grossman
Chasing Other Sounds
Wedding Invitations
Navigating Financial Waters
Future Plans
Financial Tips

Matt's Rant: Pricing

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Andy Nelson
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #484 with Fernando Reyes - Leaving Peru, Challenging Cultural Norms, Life in a Different Language, Working with Michael Brauer, and Flying Solo

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 21:12:00 -0700

My guest today is Mix Engineer Fernando Reyes, who has worked on projects for The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, Aerosmith, Fabio Capri, ARIZONA, and Idina Menzel. Fernando has also spent the last 7.5 years working as Michael Brauers' assistant.

In this episode, we discuss

Lima, Peru
Exposure to Computer Recording
Early Recording
Leaving Lima
Challenging Cultural Norms
PowerPoint
Planning Ahead
Therapy
Full Sail
Flying Solo
Adulting
Life in a Different Language
Grandparents Spoiling
Friends
Alternaitves to School
Electric Lady Studios
General Assistant
Michael Brauer
Longevity
Raising Questions
Thrown Into the Deep End
Doing His Own Thing
Lessons Learned
ATMOS
New York to Miami
Watering The Seeds
Having Family Close
Taking Meetings
Building Community
Management

Matt's Rant: The Gear We Choose

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Fernando Reyes
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #483 with Lars Deutsch - Impact Mixing, Composition, Classical Music, Heavy Metal, Soccer, and Brute Force Networking

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:29:00 -0700

My guest today is composer, producer, and engineer Lars Deutsch.

Lars has worked with 88 Rising Accura Adidas Amazon Anthony Anderson (Transformers) Blacklist (Trailer) Brett Gelman (Stranger Things) Budweiser California Energy Upgrade CBS Conde Nast (featuring BTS, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Rihanna, Black Pink, Alicia Keys, ASAP Rocky and Dolly Parton, Chris Hemsworth, David Schwimmer, Jessica Chastain, Malin Akerman, Idris Alba, Hillary Duff, Scotty Pippen, Dwayne Haskins, Danielle Brooks, Kendrick Sampson and Billy Eichner) Epson FOX Flying Theater Mexico City Generali Ghostface Killah (Wu-Tang Clan) Intel IRKO Higher Brothers Honda Hyundai Ian McKellen (Lord Of The Rings) James Earl Jones (Darth Vader) Joji Kate Micucci (Scrubs, Big Bang Theory) Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid's Tale) Katie Melua Keith Ape Keke Palmer (Hustlers) Lewis Hamilton Magic Wands MBL Mercedes Neckermann Niki Nowness (Louis Vuitton) Oreos Palm Springs Film Festival Patrick Williams Paul Alexander Juutilainen Philip Rivers (NFL quarterback) Philips Rachel Shelley (Deep State) Red Bull Rich Brian Ruinart Stephen King's The Passenger Tencent The Martian (trailer) The Masked Singer Toyota Voices for Children VW Wink Martindale (Tic-Tac-Dough)

In this episode, we discuss

Heavy Metal and Soccer
Classical Music
Excited About Guitar
Studying in London
Composition
Audio Branding
Impact Mixing
Berlin
German Stereotypes
Love of Los Angeles
Brute Force Network
Working with Irko
Mixing on His Own
Prodixing
Development
Cash Flow
Always Working
Flagship Projects
Pricing
Voice Doubles
Credits
Revisions

Matt's Rant: Always Be Learning

Links and Show Notes

Lar's Site

Credits

Guest: Lars Deutsch
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #482 with Ken Lewis - Working from Ohio, Cancelling Vacations, Go Getter Attitude, Producing Remotely, and Mixing Night

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 20:47:00 -0700

My guest today is Grammy-winning producer/mixer/finisher Ken Lewis. Ken has worked on projects for BTS, The Old Kanye, Taylor Swift, and David Byrne.

In this episode, we discuss

Working from Ohio
Playing Guitar at 10
Basement Records at 16
Berklee College of Music
Parents Support
Go Getter Attitude
Talent is the Entry
Moving to New York
Getting Mugged
Soundtrack Studios
Interning Etiquette
Specializing
Cancelling Vacations
Working From Home
Leaving New York
Producing Remotely
Being Perceived as Too Expensive
ATMOS
Running A Little Factory
Having Open Heart Surgery
Getting More Rest
Make More Money Than You Spend
Money Press
Mixing Night

Matt's Rant: Reflecting on Mark Rubel

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Ken Lewis
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #480 with Pete Grossman - Local Hardcore and Metal, Chicago Recording Studios, Word of Mouth, Balancing Family and Playing Guitar Upside Down

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 19:02:00 -0700

My guest today is Pete Grossman, Producer/Engineer/Mixer/Mastering Engineer and owner of Bricktop Recording in Chicago, Illinois. Pete has worked with Veil Of Maya, Inclination, Frail Body, Gates to Hell, and Weekend Nachos.

In this episode, we discuss

Library Research
Playing Guitar Upside Down
Guitar Lessons
Jazz Band
Columbia College
Family Building
Family Business
Studio Building
Contractor Pricing
Isolation
Word of Mouth
Low Overhead
Property Taxes
Local Hardcore and Metal
Calendar Management
Covid
Accommodating Clients
Remote Work
18 Years of Business
Balancing Family
Growing Financially
No Console
Future Studio Plans
Chicago Recording Studios

Matt's Rant: Business Continuity

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Pete Grossman
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #479 with Richard Carrasco - Punk Rock, Electrical Engineering, Sync Libraries, Lame Contractors, and New Studio Construction

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 18:36:00 -0700

My guest today is Producer/Engineer/Composer/Mixer Richard Carrasco, who runs FullWave Studios in Eastvale, California.

In this episode, we discuss

South Los Angeles
Weekend Cleaning
Middle Child
Playing Guitar
Community College
Electrical Engineering Degree
Punk Rock
GODSNATAS
Creating a Label
Book Your Own Fucking Life
Electro Magnetics
US Navy
Freelance Recording
Garage Studio
New Studio Construction
Job Flexibility
Haverstick Designs
Lame Contractors
Taking Over Construction
Sync Libraries
Creating Clinics
Live Instruments for Libraries

Matt's Rant: Update on School

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Richard Carrasco
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #478 with Javi Bañuelos - Work Ethic, Day job Balancing, Keeping the Family Happy, Tchad Blake, and Justifying Purchases

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 21:34:00 -0700

My guest today is audio engineer Javi Bañuelos, who has worked with Kayla Von Der Heide, Manantial de Fuego, Daise. , and Kiki Diago, Dreamlover.

In this episode, we discuss

Victorville, CA
Tchad Blake
South Bay
Hawthorne, CA
Sibling Influence
Drumming/Playing in Bands
Old School Parents
Work Ethic
Demos to Records
Mix with The Masters
Losing Sleep
Pricing
Payment Plans
Dayjob Balancing
The Railroad
Communication
Hearing Protection
Growing the Audio Biz
ATMOS
Sonos
Audeze
HEDD
Home Studio
Family Dynamic
Roommates and Neighbors
Word of Mouth
Being an Introvert
Keeping the Family Happy
Justifying Purchases

Matt's Rant: The Cold Hard Truth

Links and Show Notes

Javi on Instagram

Credits

Guest: Javi Bañuelos
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #477 LIVE From NAMM 2024 Part 2 - Imposter Syndrome, Mixing Remote, ATMOS, Self Promotion, and Carrots and Celery

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 20:14:00 -0700

WCA Live from the PMC Booth at NAMM 2024. My guest is Andrew Scheps. Andrew is a mixing and recording engineer, producer, and record label owner in the United Kingdom. Andrew's work with various artists includes Green Day, Low Roar, Adele, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hosier, My Brightest Diamond, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Jay Z, and Black Sabbath.

In this episode, we discuss

Structure of The Day
Andrew Talks to Awesome People
Carrots and Celery
Imposter Syndrome
Not Living in LA
Mixing Remote
Soundflow
Other Professions
Mailbox Money
Selling Gear
Shopping for Gear
ATMOS
Steve Genewick
Greg Penny
Room Simulation/Virtualization
Self Promotion
Q&A
Memphis Recording Scene
Diversification

Matt's Rant: Getting to Work

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Andrew Scheps
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #476 LIVE From NAMM 2024 Part 1 - State of ATMOS 2024, Home Setups, Stereo Rebuilding, Catalog vs Front Line Work, and The Naysayers

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 20:37:00 -0700

WCA Live from the PMC Booth at NAMM. My guests, Steve Genewick (Paul McCartney, Robert Cray Band, Mary J Blige ) and Brad Wood (Liz Phair, Veruca Salt, Smashing Pumpkins) talk all about ATMOS.

In this episode, we discuss

State of ATMOS 2024
Headphones and Speakers
Home Setups
DIY Aspects
Economics of ATMOS
Stereo Rebuilding
Catalog and Front Line Work
Artist's and ATMOS
Tracking for ATMOS
The Naysayers
Consumer Electronics
Stereo and ATMOS at the Same Time
Delivery
Smaller Rooms

Matt's Rant: Charting Your Own Path

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Brad Wood & Steve Genewick
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #475 with Brian Vibberts- Learning Everyday, Getting Fired, Building Confidence, Bruce Swedien, Networking, and Cardboard Patch Bay's

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:34:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy-winning recording & Mixing Engineer Brian Vibberts, who has worked on projects for Chick Corea, Michael Jackson, Disney, and Metallica.

In this episode, we discuss

Portland, CT
School Band
Chorus
Buying Vinyl
Early Recording Experience
NASA
Shuttle Challenger Accident
Switching Majors
Berklee College of Music
Asking to Be Paid
Parents Business
DJ Business
Right Track Recording
Learning Everyday
Cardboard Patch Bay
The Hit Factory
Getting Fired
Sony
More Skills
Building Confidence
Bruce Swedien
Being Diverse
Moving to Los Angeles
Over Qualified
Home Studio
Navigating LA
Joining Groups
Networking
Working From Home
Dinosaurs
Opportunities
Star Trek

Matt's Rant: Patience

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Brian Vibberts
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #474 with Luke Argilla- Snowboarding, The Eureka Moment, Drum and Bass Music, Working in ATMOS, and Adventures in Freelancing

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 20:22:00 -0700

My guest is Luke Argilla, a Grammy-nominated Mixer / Music Producer. Luke has worked on projects by Wu-Tang Clan, Summer Walker, and Slauson Malone 1, plus he's a member of the famed Drum and Bass Group Bachelors of Science.

In this episode, we discuss

Bay Area Raised
Playing Guitar at 11
Punk Rock Music
Communications Academy
Hip Hop
Snowboarding
Dr. John Barsotti
Analog at SF State
Working in Tahoe
Deciding on College
The Eureka Moment
Drum and Bass Music
Bachelors of Science
IATSE Local 16 Union
Dolby Labs
Working in ATMOS
ATMOS in Nightclubs
Adventures in Freelancing
Splitting Time between LA and SF
Importance of Family
ATMOS in an Apartment
Getting Work

Matt's Rant: Networking

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Luke Argilla
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #473 with David Rideau- The Tracking Guy, The Wisdom of Jam and Lewis, Mentoring by Bruce Swedien, Staying in the Box, and Recording in Denmark

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 22:14:00 -0700

My guest is a Grammy-winning mixer/engineer, David Rideau, who has worked with Janet Jackson, Marcus Miller, Earth Wind and Fire, George Benson, Juan Gabriel, and Boney James.

In this episode, we discuss

The Louisiana Connection
Growing up In Phoenix
Audiophile Dad
Mom's Musical Family
ASU
Social/Psych
The Scully Tape Machine
Arizona State Fair
The US10 Freeway
Audio Workshops
West Lake Pro
The Car Wash Session
Mentoring by Bruce Swedien
80 hour Weeks
All About Relationships
The Wisdom of Jam and Lewis
Recording in Denmark
All Over The Map
Not Being Extravagant
Mixing at Home
Staying in the Box
ATMOS
Janet Jackson ATMOS Work
Stems vs Tracks
No Mobile Rigs

Matt's Rant: Examining the New Year 2024

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: David Rideau
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #472 with Leslie Ann Jones Part 2- Operating at a High Level, Exceeding Low Expectations, Surrounded by Greatness, Being Open to Growth, and The Importance Travel

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 19:33:00 -0700

My guest is a seven-time Grammy Award-winning Recording and Mixing Engineer, Record Producer, and Director of Music Recording and Scoring at Skywalker Sound, Leslie Ann Jones. This is part 2 of a two-part interview.

In this episode, we discuss

Operating at a High Level
Being Present in a Session
Professionalism
Mix Magazine
Skywalker Sound
George Lucas
Surrounded by Greatness
Knowing Your Limitations
Being Open to Growth
Riding Faders
Institute for Recording Arts
Be Yourself
Finding Mentors
Retirement
Buying an RV
The Importance of Travel

Matt's Rant: Who You Spend Your Time With

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Leslie Ann Jones
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #471 with Leslie Ann Jones Part 1- The Big Chair, Enjoying a Challenge, Cheat Sheets, The Automatt, Contributing as an Engineer, and Punching Above Your Weight

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 10:30:00 -0700

My guest is a seven-time Grammy Award-winning Recording and Mixing Engineer, Record Producer, and Director of Music Recording and Scoring at Skywalker Sound, Leslie Ann Jones.

In this episode, we discuss

Growing up in Beverly Hills
Spike Jones
PA Company
ABC Studios
Capital Studios
Education Via Hi-Fi Mags
Creating Cheat Sheets
The Big Chair
Danny Thomas's House
Going to Rehearsals
Playing with Cousins
Doing Live Sound
Self-Taught Path
Contributing as an Engineer
Tascam Half Inch 4-Track
Sherwood Oaks Experimental College
Enjoying a Challenge
West LA Music
Punching Above Your Weight
The Automatt
Fred Catero
The Bay Area
First Digital Recording
Tony Williams
The Great American Music Hall
Freelancing
Staff Recording Jobs
Synching Machines
Phil Ramone
ISDN

Matt's Rant: Taking Things off Your Plate

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Leslie Ann Jones
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #470 with Jeanne Montalvo - Human Jukebox, 24 Hour Engineer, Classical vs Latin Music Recording, Podcasting, and Getting Work

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 20:34:00 -0700

My guest is Audio Engineer/Producer Jeanne Montalvo, who has worked with Ivy Queen, Making Movies and Ruben Blades, Flor de Toloache, and Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra, Bobby Sanabria, Renee Goust, Erni Lu, and Lucy Kalantari.

In this episode, we discuss

Dominican Republic
Settling in New York
Music in Household
Classically Trained
Distracted by Musicality
Tendonitis
Human Jukebox
Georgia State
Foreign Language Studies
Studying in Barcelona
Starting from Scratch
Falling Asleep on Mackie Manuals
What is a Buss?
AES Paris
Jim Anderson from NYU
The BANNF Center
Tanglewood Festival
Opera Gig
Doing Podcasts
Live from Latino USA
24 Hour Engineer
Classical vs Latin Music Recording
Getting Work
Being a Women in Audio
Needs-Based Audio Gear
Podcasting

Matt's Rant: Persistence

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Jeanne Montalvo
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #469 with Ryan Ulyate - Doing a Solo Record, Taking on a Different Role, Planning for ATMOS, The Tom Petty Catalog, and The Imaginary Glass Window

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:34:00 -0700

My guest is the return of Grammy Nominated producer/engineer Ryan Ulyate, who has worked with Tom Petty, George Harrison, Traveling Wilburys, Mick Fleetwood & Friends, and ELO. Ryan has jumped through the "Imaginary Glass Window" to create a solo record, which we discuss in this episode.

In this episode, we discuss

The Tom Petty Catalog
Making a Solo Record
Planning for ATMOS
Taking on a Different Role
The Imaginary Glass Window
Difficulty in Writing Lyrics
California Song
Putting Things Together
Mastering with Romanowski
The ATMOS Mercedes
1973 Instrumentation
Recording Steve Ferrone
Getting Nominated for a Grammy
ATMOS Downloads
Lessons for Audio Pros Who Write
Blu-Ray
The Japanese Market
Being Aware of Audio Trends
Creature of Habit

Matt's Rant: Staying Calm, Staying Humble

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Ryan Ulyate
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #468 with Ady Parzentney - Hit The Road Music Studio, Recording in Morocco, Walking Your Path, Focusing on the Positive and Beautiful Mistakes

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:32:00 -0700

My guest is Musician, Mixing Engineer, and mobile Music Producer Ady Parzentney from Hit The Road Music Studio. Ady has traveled in a mobile recording studio for five years, supporting local artists. During the pandemic, he stayed two years in Morocco with his life partner Kasia, and together, they created over 40+ Singles, Music Videos, 2 LPs, and 6 Live Shows to keep the music up and running. As a music producer, he has worked with Nani Noam Vazana, Mehdi Nassouli, and Karim Ziad, who plays with bands like Snarky Puppy, Lala Tamar, Omri Mor, and many more.

In this episode, we discuss

Born in Poland
Raised in Germany
Playing in Punk Bands
Living in the Rehearsal Room
DNA and Music
Pure Magic Through Music
Working Young
Parental Acceptance
Hit The Road Music Studio
Recording at 13
Bad Studio Experience
Walking Your Path
Expanding Musical Horizons
Seeing the Sun
Recording in Morocco
The Yes Moment
Van as Vocal Booth
Creating Temporary Studios
Car Maintenance
Working 16 Hours a Day
Focusing on the Positive
Dust and Gear
Recording in the Desert
Warren Huart's Support
File Management
Reaper
Writing a Book
Location Recording
Hiring a Business Coach
Exploring Los Angeles
BMG
Beautiful Mistakes
Music is Community

Matt's Rant: Using What We Have

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Ady Parzentney
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #467 with Paula Salvatore - Sewing Clothes, Sound City, Capitol Studios, Rental Furniture, The Front Office, and Supporting Clients

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 20:01:00 -0700

My guest is Paula Salvatore, VP of Client Relations & Studio Marketing, Universal Music Group. Paula has worked with Al Schmitt, Paul McCartney, John Mayer, Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, Phil Ramone & David Foster. She has worked 33 1/3 years in Capitol Studios/UMG Studios. Paula is featured in Dave Grohl's documentary "Sound City" as the Studio Manager in the 80s. She was instrumental in getting Al Schmitt a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Capitol Records building.

In this episode, we discuss

The Rolling Stones
Sewing Clothes
The Fashion Path
Kendun Studios
First Job at a Recording Studio
Rose Mann-Cherney
Candace Stewart
Sound City
Capitol Studios
Rental Furniture
The Front Office
Al Schmitt
Women in Studios
Basic Human Skills
Supporting Clients

Matt's Rant: Revisiting Saying No to Work

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Paula Salvatore
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #466 with David Hughes - Shine On Studio, College Radio, Getting Clients, Commercial Studio at Home, and Learning Through Mistakes

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:04:00 -0700

My guest is Producer/Engineer David Hughes, who runs Shine On Studio and has worked with The Mid-Whiskeys, Justin Fawsitt, and SaidTheAnimals.

In this episode, we discuss

Being the New Kid
Love of California
Sanyo Tape Recorder
Recording Uncle
Bootleg Tapes
College Radio Station
CMJ
Saint Marys College
Taking a Loan
Opening His First Studio
Working in Radio
Driving Muscle Cars
Studio in an Office Building
Commercial Studio at Home
Technology
Getting Clients
Unexpected Work via Networking
Clients with Guns
Learning Through Mistakes
Ultrasonic Record Cleaning
No Love for Guitar Center
Origin of Shine On

Matt's Rant: Repairs

Links and Show Notes

Shine On Studio

Credits

Guest: David Hughes
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #465 with Chris Athens - Mastering, Burning Out, Health, Outworking Others, Remote Rigs, and a Girl From Texas

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 20:20:00 -0700

My guest is a Grammy-winning Mastering engineer, Chris Athens, who has worked on projects for Coldplay, Blink 182, Coheed and Cambria, Drake, Rick Ross, and the Beastie Boys.

In this episode, we discuss

New York Upbringing
Listening to Music
Songs in the Key of Life
Playing Instruments Badly
Wasn't a Joiner
Primitive Electronic Music
Working at Sony
Discovering Mastering
Keeping His Mouth Shut
Tape Librarian
Learning in Reverse
Reissues
Fit for Mastering
Moving into Mastering
Working at Sterling Sound
Tom Coyne's Assistant
Heavy Hitters
Chris Muth
Regional Gear
Starting Late
Outworking Others
Attended Hip-Hop Sessions
Getting a Room at Sterling
Tom Coyne's Influence
A Girl from Texas
Burn Out
Moving to Austin
Working From Home
Building at Home
Health
Balance
Refusing Attended Sessions
Shootouts
Having a Remote Rig

Matt's Rant: Saving for Retirement

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Chris Athens
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #464 with Damian Taylor - Exploring the Artist's World, Kung Foo Films, Knocking Down Dominoes, Planting Seeds, and Controlling Your Narrative

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 20:21:00 -0700

My guest is a Grammy-nominated Producer / Mixer / Writer Damian Taylor. Damian has worked with Björk, The Prodigy, Bomba Estereo, The Killers, Trust, Arcade Fire, and Odette.

In this episode, we discuss

Pan-Oceanic
Worldly Parents
Making Quick Friends
Tough Older Brother
Selling Books Door-to-door
SAE
Playing Multiple Instruments
Live Electronics
The Reactiable
Playing with Björk
Early Exposure to Recording
Gun on the Console
Exploring the Artist's World
Knocking Down Dominoes
Parenting and Producing
Guy Sigsworth
Kung Foo Films
Pro Tools Mastery
Stalling Out
Studying Business
Management
Getting Your Own Gigs
Planting Seeds
GPS Management
Build Your Production Breakthrough
Controlling Your Narrative

Matt's Rant: Practice, Practice, Practice

Links and Show Notes

Damian's Site

Credits

Guest: Damian Taylor
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #463 with Mike Senior - High Powered Education, Concertos with Yo-Yo Ma, Compressed Studio Path, Mix Rescue, Sound on Sound, and Remote Recording

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 19:42:00 -0700

My guest is a Recording/Mixing Engineer and Educator, Mike Senior. Mike has been a Sound On Sound magazine contributor for 20+ years (including 65 Mix Rescue columns), Author of Mixing Secrets & Recording Secrets books, Author of The Mix Review production critique blog, and Host of the web's most extensive free multitrack download library for mixing students/teachers.

In this episode, we discuss

Classically Trained
Windsor Castle
Boys Choir
High Powered Education
Emotional Breakdown
Tanglewood Festival
Concertos with Yo Yo Ma
Desire to Record Himself
Roland VS880
Busking
Studio in Wimbledon
Sound on Sound
Academic PTSD
Residential Studio Work
Moving to Cambridge
Mix Rescue
Project Studios
Bobby Owsinski
Moving to Germany
Remote Recording
Network for Gear
Wearing Gloves
Compressed Studio Path
Being Diversified
Reflecting on Past Work
Avoiding Changing Platforms

Matt's Rant: Talking You Out of a Building a Studio

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Mike Senior
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #462 with Candace Stewart - East West Studios, The Importance of Brothers, Collecting Guns, Loyalty, Engineers as Pilots, and Hotels with Technology

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:26:00 -0700

My guest is the legendary manager of East West Studios in Los Angeles, Candace Stewart.

In this episode, we discuss

The Importance of Brothers
Substance Experimentation
Growing up a Jock
Amazing Parents
Dad Survived Normandy
Mom was Bipolar
Talking Books at Dinner
Dad worked for Lockheed
Growing up in South Carolina
Book Worm/Stoner
Desire to Be A Diamond Cutter
Geology
Moving to California for Love
Bartending
The Two Hot Tamales
Paula and Rose
Studio Managers as Women
Take One
Experience in Hospitality
Mike Clink
Unsung Heros
Good with Money
Hotels with Technology
Red Zone Studio
Training Future Clients
John Porter
Sound Castle
Buddy King
Gangster Rap
Collecting Guns
Slash and GNR
Tape Tug of War
Firehouse
Tina Clark
Cello Drama
Resignation Letter
Height of Rock and Budgets
East West
Doug Rodgers
Phillip Stark
Historical Acoustics
Bill Putnam
Studio Advice
Banks
Drinks
Community
Plumbers and Electricians
Loyalty
Challenges
Engineers and Producers as Clients
Producer/Engineer Managers
Integrity
Book Before the Night Before
Ryan Hewitt
Treat Your Alum Well
A&R
Engineers as Pilots
Broken System
It's Not about you

Matt's Rant: Expanding Our Experiences

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Candace Stewart
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #461 with John Pfiffner - Becoming a Southerner, Piano Regrets, Fostex X15, Socioeconomics, and Living Lean

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:50:00 -0700

My guest is Producer/Engineer John Pfiffner, who has worked with Geggy Tah, Mitch Easter, and Church Girls. John is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

In this episode, we discuss

North Carolina
Mitch Easter
REM
Growing Up In Michigan
Becoming a Southerner
Atticus Finch For Dad
Culture Shock
Sanford and Son
Southern Accents
School Chorus
Sister In Ballet
MTV
VHS Tapes
Guitar
Piano Regrets
Great Teachers
Smoke Breaks and Coffee
Awareness of Recording
Fostex X15
Tascam 246
James Brown
Trying to Keep a Band Together
Living in Atlanta
Drinking Sweet Tea
Playing Covers
Playing with McKay Garner
Bad Run of Tape
Early Studio Lessons
Learning Phase
No Real Jobs
Cover Bands
College Radio & Hair Metal
Dentist Office Studio
Living Lean
Magic in Musicians
Feeling Isolated
Susan Rodgers
1176 Knobs
Mitch Easter
John Keane
Tape to ADATS to Pro Tools
Planning Ahead
Calendars
Scott Solter
Socioeconomics

Matt's Rant: Credits

Links and Show Notes

John's Site

Credits

Guest: John Pfiffner
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #460 with Abigail La Bianca - Jersey Driving, Learning the Building Blocks, Attic Mini Studio, Fighting Back, and Personal Goals

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 18:32:00 -0700

My guest is Audio Engineer / Production Manager Abigail La Bianca, who has flown PA, done monitors, and front of house for various artists, including Lindsey Stirling, Sara Evans, and Phillip Phillips.

In this episode, we discuss

Jersey Driving
Homeschool
Isolated From People
Dad's Studio
Attic Mini Studio
Strict Homelife
Abusive Environment
Culture Shock
Socialization
The Band Experience
Stage Fright
Adopting the Uniform
Contemporary Music Center
Loving Audio
Women in Audio
Discouraged to Be in Music
Fighting Back
Handtrucks
Crushed Pelvis
Podcast Editing
Working for Clair Brothers
Learning the Building Blocks
Terrified of Driving
Church in a Box
Leaving in the Middle of the Night
Working During COVID
Casino Gig
Moving to Nashville
Studio Work
The Dialect of Audio Tribes
Nashville Challenges
Going on Tour
Quitting Over the Phone
Life Changing Decisions
Reflecting on the Past
Embracing the Freelance Life
Hanging PA
Meyer Sound
Rain killing boxes
Handling Being Gone
Building a Resume on Linkedin
Networking
Clashes of Personalities
Personal Goals

Matt's Rant: Home Rigs

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Abigail La Bianca
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #459 with Anni Casella - Art and Consciousness, 3-Dimensional Audio, Following Breadcrumbs, Learning How To Listen, and Less Crap in the Path

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:11:00 -0700

My guest is Mastering Engineer, Producer, and Yung Priestess Anni Casella, who works with Kay peeri evie, Club Casualties, and does circuit design with Paul Reed Smith.

In this episode, we discuss

Engineer Parents
Jaco and Crayons
Audio Doula
Making Soup
Art and Consciousness
Silas Brown and Peter Deneberg
Mark Kenise
Avalon EQ
Paul Reed Smith
3 Dimensional Audio
Muscle Shoals
Time Domain
Mastering
Taking a Step Back
Word of Mouth
Don't Open a Studio
Following Breadcrumbs
Heba Kadry
Building Microphones
Being Autistic
Looking for Opportunities
Build Community
Grocery Store Meltdown
GAS
Building Gear
Tools for Making ART
Apple Ear Buds
Hearing Peoples Monitors
Self Control
Learning How To Listen
Mics with Paul Smith
Modding Apex Mics
Less Crap in the Path

Matt's Rant: Analogies

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Anni Casella
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #458 with Matt Hennessy - Radio Shack, The Legendary Traxster, Chicago Basements, Cognac, and Being Locked into the Studio, Literally

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 19:55:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy-nominated mixer/engineer Matt Hennessy. Matt has worked with R Kelly, Jay Z, Kanye West, Twista, The Legendary Traxster, Jamila Woods, PJ Morton, and G Herbo.

In this episode, we discuss

Illinois Upbringing
Radio Shack
The Walkman
Playing Alto Sax
Eye of The Tiger
Berklee School of Music
Interning
The Reality of the Music Biz
Changing Direction
The Grind of School
Back Street Boys Studio
In Over His Head
Cabrini Green
Chicago Tracks
Assembling Frankin-takes
Transitioning to Pro Tools
Being in Touch with RnB and Hip Hop
Drug Dealers Washing Money
Safe-Guarding Clients Work
Thug Labels
The Legendary Traxster
Being Literally Locked into the Studio
Rebuilding the Client Base
Being in Control of Your Building
6 Feet of Sewage
Cognac
Chicago Basements
Albini and Tape
The Village Business Model
ATMOS
Financial Philosophy

Matt's Rant: Discovery

Links and Show Notes

Matt's Studio Site

Credits

Guest: Matt Hennessy
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #457 with David Davis - Fuzzy Sharks, The Fantasy World of LA, Hipster Sleep Noise, Headbangers Ball, and Mountain Dew

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 19:00:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy-winning producer/mixer David Davis, who has worked on projects for PWNT, Izzy Bizu, Miguel, and The War on Drugs.

In this episode, we discuss

East Tennessee Upbringing
Headbangers Ball and Mountain Dew
Chicago Metal Shows
Running from The Law
White Zombie
Hour Drive to School
Going to CRAS
LA Internships
Roaches
Moms Passing
The Fantasy World of LA
Being Grateful
Great Radio
Ocean Studios
Runner Positions
East West
Climbing the Ladder
Leaving East West
Maintaining a Home Studio
Fuzzy Sharks
Fried Chicken
Fireman
Hipster Sleep Noise
Creating Home Base
Work/Life
Production
Not Getting Credit

Matt's Rant: Audio Grownups

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: David Davis
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #456 with Ryan Hewitt - Taking Care of Business, Solution-Oriented Thinking, Infinite Possibilities, Spare Mics, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 17:04:00 -0700

My guest is Producer/Mixer/Engineer Ryan Hewitt, known for his work with The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blink-182, and Noah Kahan, among many others. Ryan last appeared on WCA in 2015 on WCA #023.

In this episode, we discuss

Reflecting on the Past
The Red Hot Chili Peppers
Keeping Things Fresh
Enthusiasm for ATMOS
Being Solution Oriented
Management Decisions
Taking Care of Business
The Point System
Lawyers
Working During Covid
Los Angeles
Revisiting Analog
Letting Go
Upleveling
The Optimist View
Staying Focused
Discipline
Awareness
Solution Oriented Thinking
Infinite Possibilities
Spare Mics

Matt's Rant: The In-Between Moments

Links and Show Notes

Ryan's Site
Ryan's First WCA Episode
Huberman Lab (Mentioned in the interview)

Credits

Guest: Ryan Hewitt
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #455 with Josh Garcia - SoCal Upbringing, Straight to Chaos Life, Audio Parenting, Dealing with Life, and The Wretching Crew

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 14:18:00 -0700

My guest is Record Producer/Mixing Engineer/Front of House Engineer Josh Garcia. Josh has worked with Depeche Mode, Leftover Crack, Me First And The Gimme Gimmes, and Uke Hunt.

In this episode, we discuss

SoCal Upbringing
Behavioral Issues
Remo Drums
Recording to 4 Tracks
Internship in LA
Robin, The Yeller
Moving to Santa Cruz
The Banana Slugs
Internship in San Jose
Straight to Chaos Life
Interning at The Plant
Getting Fired
Joining Hyde Street
Studio in Chico
Audio Parenting
Front of House
Depeche Mode
Santa Barbara
SF Soundworks
Self Promotion
Dealing with Life
The Wretching Crew

Matt's Rant: Remote Recording

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Josh Garcia
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #454 with Jeff Powell - Cutting Lacquer, not Vinyl, Daily Fed Ex Visits, Fathers, Mothers, Stampers, Charlie Brown Christmas, and 1950's Technology

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 19:14:00 -0700

My guest is Vinyl Mastering Engineer Jeff Powell, based in Memphis, Tennessee. Jeff has worked with Jackson Browne, Allison Kraus, and Robert Plant, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, Dusty Springfield, Afghan Whigs, T-Bone Burnett, Al Green, Elvis Presley, and The Black Keys.

In this episode, we discuss

Focus on Laquer Cutting
Cutting Lacquer, not Vinyl
Daily Fed Ex Visits
Sam Phillips
Chip and Swarf
Apollo/Transco Fire
MDC Lacquers
Keeping the Line Moving
Curing, Ditches, Halos,
Blowing a Cutter Head
3 Step Plating
Fathers, Mothers, and Stampers
Charlie Brown Christmas
Humidity
T-Bone Burnett
Chris Muth
Larry Nix
HD Vinyl
Culture of Vinyl
Backlog of Work
1950's Technology
Business Planning
Last Minute Loans
Credits
Preview Deck
Elliptical EQ

Matt's Rant: Revisiting Backing Up

Links and Show Notes

Jeff On WCA #015
Neo Finder (mentioned in Rant
Hire Jeff! jeff at takeoutvinyl.com

Credits

Guest: Jeff Powell
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #453 with Jason Kick - Basketball Band, Working at Radio Shack, The Tascam 388, Playing in Bands as Exercise, and Black Magic

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:33:00 -0700

My guest is Producer/Audio Engineer Jason Kick, who is the chief engineer at Santo Recording in Oakland. Jason has worked with Mild High Club (Gold-certified), Marinero, Sonny & the Sunsets, Abracadabra, Maus Haus, Healing Potpourri, Mustard Service, Mae Powell, and Body Double.

In this episode, we discuss

Basketball Band
Garage Band
Music Theory
Positive Studio Experience
The Tascam 388
Live Sound
Adobe Audition on PC
Daytrotter Sessions
San Francisco Studios
Santo Recording
Surviving
Stage Hand Work
Working at Radio Shack
Being Frugal
Studio Economics
LA living
Finding Work
Playing in Bands as Exercise
David Lynch
Transcendental Mediation
Unfocused Bands
Tracking vs. Mixing
Black Magic

Matt's Rant: To Self-Promote or Not

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Jason Kick
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #452 with Steven Lee Tracy - The Worst Intern, The Biggest Roaches, Strict Upbringing, Stories of the Saints, and Finding Solace in Music

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 21:17:00 -0700

My guest is producer/engineer Steven Lee Tracy who has written music for MTV, Adobe, Axon, and many others. He wrote, produced, and toured with Seattle indie band The Myriad for a decade. Worked on records for Besides Daniel, Orkesta Mendoza, and Mexrrissey,

In this episode, we discuss

Commercial Studio in Tucson
Strict Upbringing
Moving Out
Selling His Car for Gear
The Fostex R8
Mental Health
Fathers Approval
Writing Horrible Songs
Machines of Loving Grace
Harvey Mason Jr.
The Biggest Roaches
Seattle Studio Internship
Tucson Good
The Myriad
Michael Ilbert
Hansa Studios
The Worst Intern
Record Deal
Matt Goldman
Real Estate Taxes
Atlanta
Divorce
Projects That Make You Hate Music
Recording in Albuquerque
Stories of the Saints
Hotel Mini Studio
Advice to Small Studios
Finding Solace in Music

Matt's Rant: The Sale of Avid

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Steven Lee Tracy
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #451 with Justin Gray - Playing Bass, Transition to Audio, ATMOS, Competing with Yourself, Being Challenged, and Having Nerdy Friends

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 13:51:00 -0700

My guest is Producer, Mixer & Mastering Engineer Justin Gray. Based in Toronto, Canada, Justin has worked on projects for Snoop Dogg, Brandy, Nicky Youre, Mother Mother, Arkells, Jamie Fine, Lola Brooke, Upsahl, and The Sheepdogs.

In this episode, we discuss

Listing to Music with Dad
Playing Bass
Transition to Audio
Getting to the Other Side of the Glass
Immersive Audio
ATMOS
SACD
Wedding Bands
Film Music
Having Nerdy Friends
Canadian Funding
Competing with Yourself
Getting Paid
Inspiration
Health
Musical Project
Being Challenged
Movement of Players

Matt's Rant: Getting Paid

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Justin Gray
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #450 with Vance Powell - Getting Along, Being In Control, Too Rogue, Diversification, and an Unnatural Fear of Failure

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 20:02:00 -0700

My guest is seven-time Grammy award-winning producer, engineer, and mixer Vance Powell. Vance's list of credits includes Chris Stapleton, Elle King, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather, The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, Wolfmother, Seasick Steve, Black Prairie, Tinariwe, and Jeff The Brotherhood, among many others.

In this episode, we discuss

Grammy's and Dog Shit
Jealousy
Unnatural Fear of Failure
Fresh Produce
Getting Along
Taking Responsibility
Being In Control
Diversification
Phish
The Complexity of Live Sound
Too Rogue
Jack and Chris
Looking to the Future
Leaving Nashville
Nashville Resources
ATMOS

Matt's Rant: Reflecting On 450 episodes.

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Vance Powell
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #449 with A.J.Hicks - Wearing Many Hats, Flotation Tanks, Panic Attacks, Music as a Tool, and the Panasonic Cassette Recorder

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 19:36:00 -0700

My guest is Producer/Engineer Musician A.J. (Austin James) Hicks. A.J. has worked with Powerhouse, Fang, Suede Razors, Ultra Sect, Camellia Boutros, and Scott Erdy. A'J' has also worked with some of the best Bay Area musicians and producers, including Michael Rosen, Michael Urbano, Jim Bogios, Jeff Campitelli, Uriah Duffey, James DePrato, Jerry Becker, Vicki Randle, and Vooo.

In this episode, we discuss

Wearing Many Hats
Panasonic Cassette
Alzheimer's
Music as a tool
Music and the Brain
Panic Attacks
Flotation Tanks
Pandemic Recording
Chabot College
Michael Rosen

Matt's Rant: Audio Personalities

Links and Show Notes

A.J.'s Site

A.J.'s new album

Michael Rosen on WCA

Credits

Guest: A.J.Hicks
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #448 with Tim O'Sullivan - Cars on Fire, The Phoenix Sun, Niko Bolas, Eric Valentine, and Polite Persistence

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:49:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy Nominated producer /engineer Tim O'Sullivan who has worked with Rayland Baxter, Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Mia Doi Todd, Chicano Batman, and É Arenas.

In this episode, we discuss

The Phoenix Sun
Uncles Band
College Studio
Cars on Fire
Mechanical Engineering
Arizona Studios
Working at Capital
The Runner Pool
Niko Bolas
Being Honest
Basic Signal Flow
Night Crew
Eric Valentine
Archives at EMI
Amazing Time
Polite Persistence
Working for UTA
Studio Installs
Brooklyn
Tech work

Matt's Rant: Doing Audio in Public

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Tim O'Sullivan
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #447 with Harold LaRue- Mastering, Michigan Winters, Restaurant Lessons, Discharging Capacitors, Connecting Via The Union, and Professional Communications

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 20:36:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy Winning Mastering engineer Harold LaRue who has worked with Wayne Shorter, Terri Lyne Carrington, Esperanza Spalding, Lisa Bella Donna, Jeffrey Osborne (L.T.D.), Joey Alexander, Kayley Hill (The Voice), Jack Russell's Great White, and Southern Raised.

In this episode, we discuss

Navy Brat Life
Michigan Winters
4 Track Entry
Ronan Chris Murphy
Software Development
Pro Audio Repair
Discharging Capacitors
Restaurant Lessons
Earned Marketing
Food Recycling
Retro Instruments
Moving Around the US
Networking via NARAS
Transitioning to Mastering
Growing Tired of Moving
Moving to Houston
Connecting Via The Union
How to Join The Union
Winning a Grammy
Professional Communications

Matt's Rant: Studio Owner Diversification

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Harold LaRue
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #446 with Andrew Oedel- Running a Church Studio, Costco TV's, Diversification, Goodfellas, and Dressing Up As An Elf

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 14:00:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy Nominated Recording Engineer/Mixer Andrew Oedel. Andrew owns Ghost Hit Recording and has worked with Sophie B. Hawkins, Brynn Cartelli, Mandy Harvey, Heather Maloney, Rachael Price, Seth Glier, The Front Bottoms, Sincere Engineer, and Watsky.

In this episode, we discuss

Growing up in Western Mass
Early Focus on Music
Connecticut College
NYU
Internships
Freelancing
Avatar
Casting A Wide Net
Dressing Up As An Elf
Customer Service
Handouts
Willing to Clean Toilets
Studio Etiquette
Goodfellas
Working with Watsky
Studio in a Warehouse
220-Year-Old Church Studio
Double Mortgages
Accommodating Outside Producer/Engineers
Studio Rates
Family
Costco TV's
Diversification
Studio Expenses
Property Tax

Matt's Rant: Matt's New Machine

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Andrew Oedel
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #445 with Brad Smalling- Adopting ATMOS, Watching the Bottom Line, Relationships, Outreach, and Networking

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:22:00 -0700

My guest is Brad Smalling, Atmos Creative, Engineer, and Owner of Evergroove Studio. Brad has worked on projects for J Balvin, Carly Simon, Story of the Year, RoSaWay, and Enisa, Bava.

In this episode, we discuss

Reconnecting
Athena Wilkinson
Ergonomic Nightmare
Adopting ATMOS
Spousal Instinct
UMG
J Balvin
Wes LaChot
Watching the Bottom Line
D Mixing
Solar Power
Inspiration
Business Coaching
Relationships
Outreach
Sonos ERA300
Getting Out and Networking

Matt's Rant: Sonic Intrusion

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Brad Smalling
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #444 with Jacob Light- The Acute Student, Survival, Focus, Discipline, Financial Literacy, and Music as Religion

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 19:48:00 -0700

My guest is Producer/Engineer and owner of Modern Tone Studios, Jacob Light. Jacob has worked with Tess Stevens & The Details, Briget Boyle, Lipstick, and many local artists, bands, and singer/songwriters that write fantastic music.

In this episode, we discuss

Israel
School and Music
Falling in Love with The Beatles
Legendary Mix Tapes
Curators
Recording Discovery
Digidesign VHS Tapes
Focus and Discipline
Growing the Network
Weed and Pizza
School Negotiations
Survival
Lack of Entitlement
Israeli Airforce
Acute Student
Moving to The US
Starting Over
Music as Religion
Building a Studio
Running a Successful Studio
Financial Literacy
Buy Back Your Time

Matt's Rant: A New Laptop

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Jacob Light
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #443 with Golden Gate Mixers - Mixing Collective, Mutual Respect, Working in Silos, Coffee Bar Needs, and Putting on Pants

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 19:46:00 -0700

My guest is my mixing and mastering collective with Reto Peter and Mckay Garner called Golden Gate Mixers.

In this episode, we discuss

Mixing Collective
Celebrating Wins
Working in Silo's
Mutual Respect
The Dynamics of Numbers
Working from Home
Putting on Pants
Feeling Isolated
Coffee Bar Needs
Focusing
Space Constraints
Selling Gear
The Hassle of Setup
Apartment Studios
Separation
Soundproofing
Neighbors
ATMOS Considerations
Competition
Support Systems

Matt's Rant: Working From Home

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Golden Gate Mixers
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #442 with Louie Gonzalez - Family, Listening Habits, Recording as a Drug, Financial Consistency, Day Gigs, and Being Happy

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:52:00 -0700

My guest is Recording Engineer/Mastering Engineer/Producer, Louie Gonzalez who has worked on projects with Tropa Magica, Discordant, 4thy, LIV, Suzie True, little fighter, and Banana Leaf Boy.

In this episode, we discuss

San Pedro California
Swimming
Family
Access to Music
Oldest Child
Value in Failure
Death Metal Pedal
Recording as a Drug
Cal State Dominguez
The Apple Store
Financial Consistency
Viacom CBS
The Shelter Studios
Moving to Mastering
Listening Habits
Saying No
Day Gigs
Purchase Decisions
Having Audio Pay For Itself
Being Happy

Matt's Rant: Taking My Own Advice

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Louie Gonzalez
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #441 with Anna Frick- Polyester School Band, Mix Tapes, Post College Challenges, Saturn Return, and Surviving the Cut

Mon, 29 May 2023 20:07:00 -0700

My guest is Colorado-based mastering and restoration engineer Anna Frick who has worked on projects for Billy Strings, Wayne Gottstine (of Split Lip Rayfield), Wood & Wire (GRAMMY-nominated), Ben Sollee, Bill & the Belles, Stelth Ulvang, Cellista, Cody Qualls, Curtis McMurtry, Lil Smokies, LVDY, Dzirae Gold, Justin Hiltner, The Rise and Fall of Paramount Records (Third Man Records), the Navajo Nations (oral history project).

In this episode, we discuss

Fort Collins Born
Outdoor Upbringing
Polyester School Band
Game Boy Soundman
Recording Friends
Positive Recording Experience
Mix Tapes
Music Industry Studies
CU Denver
Post College Challenges
Booking Agency Internship
Trying to Get a Foot In The Door
Calling the Cops
Audio Book Publishing
Editing Room Tone
Airshow Mastering
Saturn Return
Financial Planning
Developing Workflows
Mastering Mastering
QCing
The Growth of Hearing
File Management
Surviving the Cut
CRM Nerd Fest
Going Solo
Setting Up Shop
Wind Over the Earth
Branding
Centering Oneself

Matt's Rant: How Are We Spending Our Time?

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Anna Frick
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #440 with Tess Greenham - Training the Ears, Understanding the Business, Mastering Notes, Sonic Growth, and Working with Her Dad

Mon, 22 May 2023 19:20:00 -0700

My guest is Los Angeles-based Mastering Engineer Tess Greenham, who has worked with Trousdale, McCall, RF Shannon, Cami Petyn, and Bellsaint.

In this episode, we discuss

Growing Up In SF
Moving to LA
Awareness of Audio
Working with Her Dad
Pandemic Discovery
Training the Ears
Understanding the Business
Keeping Calm with Clients
Mastering Notes
Sonic Growth
Appreciating Analog Gear
Honoring the Artist's Intention
Dealing with Slammed Mixes
Learning From a Parent
Being a Nepo Baby
Being Organized
Leaving the Sonic Nest
Working From Home
Financial Approach

Matt's Rant: Taking Care of the Clients

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Tess Greenham
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #439 with John McBride - Always Learning, The Golden Rule, The Next Lennon and McCartney, Positive Attitude, and Inside Blackbird

Mon, 15 May 2023 15:46:00 -0700

My guest is Engineer/Mixer, Studio Owner, and Live FOH Engineer John McBride, who many know as the man behind Blackbird Studios. John has worked with his wife, Martina McBride, Stevie Nicks, Dave Stewart, Take 6, Joss Stone, and Greta Van Fleet, to name a few.

In this episode, we discuss

Wichita, Kansas
Joe Walsh
Parents Musical Tastes
The 10 Best Years of Music
Piano Lessons
Save The Music
Dissecting Music
The Next Lennon and McCartney
Chemistry Major
Getting Laughed at By The Bank
Starting a Sound Company
Always Learning
Parents House Collateral
Selling to Clare Brothers
Having No Debt
Positive Attitude
James Brown to Metallica
RATT and the Birth of KYFO
Small World of Touring
Moving to Nashville
Garth Brooks
The Golden Rule
Building Blackbird Studios
Richard Dodd
Vance Powell
Rolf Zweep
Mark Rubel
Luck in Business
Gretch Round Badge
Inside Blackbird
Trina Shoemaker

Matt's Rant: Investing in Yourself!

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: John McBride
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #438 with Orlando Torres - Discovering His Uncles Walkman, Multi Tracking with Cassettes, Recording at Mom's House, Putting Yourself Out There, and Enjoying Family

Mon, 08 May 2023 18:12:00 -0700

My guest is engineer Orlando Torres based in Los Angeles. Orlando has worked with Abraham Laboriel, Joey DeFrancesco, Alex Acuña, Lee Rocker, and Kobe Bryant, to name a few.

In this episode, we discuss

Born in Mexico
Mexican and US Culture
Discovering the Walkman
Late Night Edgy Television
Guitar Lessons
Multi Tracking with Cassettes
Construction
Audio School
Recording at Mom's House
Learning the Techincal Ropes
Figuring It Out
Ditching an Office Job
Love and Laughter Studios
Mentors
Diversification
Playback Gigs
Enjoying Family
Permanent Job Considerations
Introverts and Extroverts
Coffee the Great Connector
Helping Others
Putting Yourself Out There
Finances
Working from Home
Local Work

Matt's Rant: Don't Be Afraid to Fail!

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Orlando Torres
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #437 with Noam Levinberg - Tel Aviv and New Jersey, Sibling Competition, Earning Your Place in the Studio, Building Plugins, and Diversification

Mon, 01 May 2023 15:13:00 -0700

My guest is Noam Levinberg, a mixing and mastering engineer in Tel Aviv, Israel. He has worked on various projects for Artlist.io, providing music for companies such as Netflix, Volvo, Stripe, Google, Adobe, Shopify, and Nike. He's also the owner and creator behind the plugins from Safari Pedals.

In this episode, we discuss

Tel Aviv and New Jersey
Sibling Competition
Teenage Recording
Supportive Parents
Hanging Outside a Studio
Dreaming About Studios
Earning Your Place in the Studio
Recording and Living in India
Fluid Time in India
Building a Client Base
Working Relationships
MWTM Revalations
Building Plugins
Having Kids
Diversification

Matt's Rant: Are You Running on Autopilot?

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Noam Levinberg
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #436 with NAMM 2023 - Garth Richardson, Grace Design, Audiomovers, AEA, Antelope Audio, and Soundflow

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 19:05:00 -0700

All of the guests for this episode were recorded on my recent trip to NAMM 2023. They include Producer/Engineer Garth Richardson, Igor Maxymenko from Audiomovers, Julie Tan from AEA, Momchil Shishkov (Momo) and Nick Georgiev from Antelope Audio, and Christian Scheuer from Soundflow.

In this episode, we discuss

Garth Richardson
Talking Grace M908
Garth's Real Reverb
Igor Maxymenko from Audiomovers
Omnibus
Transmitter
Inject
Julie Tan from AEA
Buying AEA
TRP3
RPQ3
Momchil Shishkov (Momo) and Nick Georgiev from Antelope Audio
ATLAS I8 Speakers
Orion Interface
Christian Scheuer from Soundflow
Bounce Factory
Stream Deck
Izotope RX Workflows
Eucon Integration

Matt's Rant: Talking ATMOS

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: NAMM 2023
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #435 with Maria Elisa Ayerbe - Education, Latin America, Understanding Culture, The Listening Experience, and Needing a Nap

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 20:48:00 -0700

My guest is Maria Elisa Ayerbe, a producer/engineer who has worked with MaryJ Blig, New Kids on the Block, and Kronos Quartet.

In this episode, we discuss

Bogota, Columbia
Family
Mom in Television
Working for Pizza
Dad Architect/Music Lover
Studying Music
A Tiny Audience
Education
Electronically Inclined
Teaching
MTSU
Dealing with Sexism
Music Theory
Getting Bored
Needing a Nap
Dancing Music
Latin American Culture
Community Involvement
Diversification
Running a Record Label
Women in Audio
Languages
Understanding Culture
The Listening Experience

Matt's Rant: NAMM Recap

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Maria Elisa Ayerbe
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #434 with Shawn Dealey - Hockey and Punk Rock, Work Ethic, Handling Business Friendships, Sweetwater Studios, and Having a Steady Gig

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 18:55:00 -0700

My guest is Shawn Dealey, Chief Engineer and ATMOS Mixer at Sweetwater Studios. Shawn has worked with Counting Crows, Animals As Leaders, Jared James Nichols, Propagandhi, Bones Owens, and The Weakerthans.

In this episode, we discuss

Middle of Canada
Hockey and Punk Rock
Dad's Road Case Company
Early Exposure to Recording
Drum Tech Work
Learning the Studio Business
Work Ethic
Touring
Connections and Networking
Recording the Counting Crows
Leaving the Road
Joining Forces with a Studio Competitor
Working for Sweetwater
Handling Business Friendships
Running Sweetwater Studios
Lynn Fuston
Having a Steady Gig

Matt's Rant: Security

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Shawn Dealy
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #433 with Nicholas Messitte - Discovering Audio, Creating Opportunities For Yourself, Drug Use and Abuse, Theatrical Podcasts, and ChatGPT

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 14:30:00 -0700

My guest is Producer/Engineer/Sound Designer/Editor/Mixing & Mastering Engineer Nicholas Messitte, who has done podcasting work for Amazon, ABC, iHeartRadio, NPR, and music work for Animal Adjective, Super City, Micah E. Wood, Leland Sundries, Pete Mancini.

In this episode, we discuss

Kids
His Dad's Musical Side
Early Recording
Discovering Audio
Boss Recorder Experiments
Oceans Eleven
Guitar Center
Imagination and Mixing
Creating Opportunities For Yourself
Drug Use and Abuse
Working from Home
Dealing with Opportunities
Finding Your Value
Spirituality
Listserves and Getting Work
Money and Taxes
Theatrical Podcasts
Opening Doors
Keeping it Fun
ChatGPT

Matt's Rant: Fear of Missing Out

Links and Show Notes

Nick's SIte

Credits

Guest: Nicholas Messitte
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #432 with Phil Feinman - Bedrock LA, Studying Electronics, Taking Care of Staff, Microphone Technology, and Infrasonic Sound

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 16:28:00 -0700

My guest is mastering engineer Phil Feinman who has worked with Lauren Ruth Ward, Mae Martin, Guns N' Roses, Band of Horses, Butch Vig, and Weird Al Yankovic. Phil is also a part of the team at Infrasonic Sound.

In this episode, we discuss

Long Island Upbringing
Murphy's Music
University of Hartford
Entrepreneurial Parents
Playing Drums
Studying Electronics
Working for Telefunkin
Crime in Connecticut
Moving to Los Angeles
Working at East West
Running a 40,000 SF Spot
Bedrock LA
Tech Work
Grumpy Tech Theory
Losing Space
Taking Care of Staff
Working for Infrasonic
Working at AKG
Culture Change
Microphone Technology
Mastering

Matt's Rant: Tools for Organization

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Phil Feinman
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #431 with Josh Rogosin - Recording Tiny Desk Concerts, Rejecting Stage Life, World Travel, Recording Music with Field Recorders, and National Public Radio

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 21:48:00 -0700

My guest is Josh Rogosin, an accomplished audio engineer and producer who has worked with a wide range of renowned bands and musicians. With an extensive background at NPR, Josh is best known for his outstanding work on the Tiny Desk Concerts series.

In this episode, we discuss

Growing up in Hollywood
4 Track Amazment
Move to New Hamshire
Acting in Theater
Culture Differences
Rejecting Stage Life
Musical Theater Sound
NPR
Working Analog at Radio
Apprenticing in New York
Radio Expeditions
Leaving Theater Sound
Fulltime Position
World Travel
Voodoo
Signal Flow & Routing
Getting Laid Off
Market Place in LA
Recording Tiny Desk Concerts
Shotgun Mics
The Mechanics of Tiny Desk
Recording Music with Field Recorders
NPR Pay Rates
Union
Blue Man Group

Matt's Rant: Connecting with Others

Links and Show Notes

Tiny Desk

Credits

Guest: Josh Rogosin
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #430 with Stephen Cole - Data Cassettes, Recycled Magazines, Self Sufficiency, Mini Disk 4 Track, and Music 24/7

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 20:00:00 -0700

My guest is Liverpool-based Producer/Studio Owner/Composer Stephen Cole, who has worked with Ex-Easter Island Head, Bonnacons of Doom, Lonesaw, a.P.A.t.T., /Sainsbury's, Nokia, City Council.

In this episode, we discuss

Liverpool
4 Track
Data Cassettes
Prank Calls
Slayer
Recycled Magazines
Mini Disk
Ambient Noise Core
Self Sufficiency
Community Studio
Audio Movers
Studio In a Church
Studio G
Buying Gear
Reinvesting In the Studio
Music 24/7

Matt's Rant: Checking Your Work

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Stephen Cole
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #429 with Andy Reed - Remote Collaboration, Mixing at Low Volumes, Working in Small Markets, Communication Advice, and Covid Era Survival

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 19:41:00 -0700

My guest is Producer/Engineer Andy Reed, who has worked with Amy Petty, The Legal Matters, and The Verve Pipe; this is Andy's second appearance on WCA.

In this episode, we discuss

Covid Era Survival
Remote Collaboration
Changes to Gear
Mixing at Low Volumes
Working in Small Markets
Advice to Others
Online Presence
Communication Advice
Health Challenges
Exercise
Business Changes
Running a Commercial Home Studio

Matt's Rant: Keeping Your Foot on the Gas

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Andy Reed
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #428 with J Clark - Headbangers Ball, Punk Rock, Touring, ATMOS, Kenny G, and The Clarinet Incident

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 16:22:00 -0700

My guest is Mixer J Clark, who has mixed for Madame Gandhi, Elle King, Cautious Clay, and Jennifer Lopez. J is also a member of the Infrasonic Sound team.

In this episode, we discuss

Born in Indiana
Minneapolis
Seattle
Headbangers Ball
Skateboarding
Touring
Kenny G
The Clarinet Incident
American Punk Rock
Playing in Bands
Recording School
Post Production
Sound Design
ATMOS & Sony 360
Short Sightedness
Working for Infrasonic
Work/Life Balance
Finances

Matt's Rant: Keeping Your Cool

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: J Clark
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #427 with Brett Bullion - BC/AC, MAX Msp, Remote Mixing, Expectations, and the Minneapolis Music Scene

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 17:07:00 -0700

My guest is Producer / Mixer Brett Bullion, who has worked with The Bad Plus, Margaret Glaspy, Low, and Bad Bad Hats. This is Brett's second appearance on the show; he originally appeared on WCA #147.

In this episode, we discuss

Home Mix Room
Before Covid/After Covid (BC/AC)
Acoustics
Treatment vs. Sound Proofing
Getting Work
Max MSP
Playing Games
The Finances of Audio
Career
Management
Minneapolis Music Scene
Traveling for Work
MWTM
Emulation
Budgets
Expectations
Remote Mixing
Deep Glenns
In the Box vs. Out of the Box
Buying Habits

Matt's Rant: Transparency

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Brett Bullion
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #426 with Pete Droge - Seattle Punk Rock, Boombox Multitracking, Investing in Career, Diversifying in all Directions, and Staying Mellow

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 20:56:00 -0700

My guest is Producer/Engineer, Singer-Songwriter & Media Composer Pete Droge. Pete has had a diverse career as a solo artist and producer, working with Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam and Chris Ballew of The Presidents of the United States of America. He's had movie cameos and hit songs. Produced, engineered, and mixed national broadcast ads. Composed, produced, engineered, and mixed scores for three feature films and several shorts, including Sam Jones' "Miles to Go Before I Sleep" for Showtime. He's also had Film and TV placements, including Dumb & Dumber, Zomblieland, Grey's Anatomy, Nashville, and many more. He's also a member of the band The Thorns with Matthew Sweet and Shawn Mullins.

In this episode, we discuss

Cassette Machines
Moving Around
Dad's Group Homes
Washington State
Piano Lessons
Guitar
March of Crimes
Seattle Punk Rock
25th Hour
Mellow Vibe
Going Solo
Boombox Multitracking
Mike and Stone from Pearl Jam
Brendan O'Brien
Comping
Learning Recording as an Artist
Southern Tracks
Surviving
How Music is Made
Playing to the Venue
Doing Well
Producing
Building a Studio
Investing in Career
Moving into Audio
Arrangement vs. Mixing
Working on Commercials
Diversifying
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Meditating

Matt's Rant: Automation

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Pete Droge
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #425 with Evan Bakke - Power Station New England, Minneapolis Suburbs, Working with Fluff, Working for Prince, and Recording in Che Guevara's House

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 21:23:00 -0700

My guest is Engineer/Mixer Evan Bakke, who is the chief engineer and studio manager at Power Station New England. Evan has worked with Jake Huffman, Prince, Chuck Leah, and Sam Nitsch.

In this episode, we discuss

Minneapolis Suburbs
Production School
Working with Fluff
Jim Scott Influence
Living in His Car
Bouncing Around
Moving to Bolivia
Recording in Che Guevara's House
Trying out Nashville
Working for Prince
Power Station New England
Studio Manager Duties
Recording in Connecticut
Work/Life Balance

Matt's Rant: Collectives

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Evan Bakke
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #424 with Kevin Paul - Pirate Radio, Getting into the Chair, Working with Nick Cave, Knowing Your Value, and Revamping Audio Education

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 06:55:00 -0700

My guest is Producer/Mixing/Mastering Engineer Kevin Paul who has worked with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Goldfrapp, and Paul Simon.

In this episode, we discuss

Growing up in London
Pirate Radio
Hip Hop Culture
DJing
Learning Signal Flow
Working for a Sleaze Bag
Konk Studios
Lesson Learned
Working Long Hours
Cooking Analogies
Mute
Archiving
Boy to Man
Getting into the Chair
Working with Nick Cave
Working at Abbey Road
Surround Mixing
Working Remote
Education Work
Kevin's Podcast
Mixing Challenging Tracks
Knowing Your Value
UK Studio Health
Revamping Audio Education

Matt's Rant: Freelance Challenges

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Kevin Paul
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #423 with "Greazy" Wil Anspach - Iraq War, Marine Corp, Purple Heart, Working at East West, Communication, and Those Tik Tok Posts

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 21:05:00 -0700

My guest is Producer/Engineer, Marine Corps veteran, and Purple Heart recipient "Greazy" Wil Anspach. Will has worked with Killer Mike, Jon Batiste, Vic Mensa, Zach de la Rocha.

In this episode, we discuss

Coal Mining Grandfather
Musical Mixtures
John, The Piano Player
Marine Corp
Military Training
Iraq War
The Slow Mover Award
Progressive Metal Band
Meth Head Engineer
Selling Tibetan Rugs
CRAS
Having a Child
East West History
Interviewing for an Internship
Working at East West
80 Hours a Week
Marriage and Divorce
Impact of The Marine Corp
Making Mistakes
Working Freelance
Robert Caranza
Personalities in Rap and Rock
Stepping Outside
Communication
Those Tik Tok Posts
The Role of Tracking

Matt's Rant: Keeping Your House in Order

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: "Greazy" Wil Anspach
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #422 with Mat Leffler-Schulman - The Bartender Analogy, Handling Money, Flooded Basements, Analog Mastering, and Oblique Strategies

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 21:07:00 -0700

My guest is Mat Leffler-Schulman, a mastering engineer based out of Baltimore, Maryland, who has worked with Jon Batiste, will.i.am, Blondie, Gipsy Kings, The National Symphony Orchestra, and Ice Cube.

In this episode, we discuss

Flooded Basements
DC Suburbs
Running a Studio
Spousal Business Partner
MTSU
Handling Money
Business Entities
Errors and Omissions
Row House Studio
Moving Overseas
The Finances of Remote Work
Moving to Mastering
The Bartender Analogy
Analog Mastering
Working from Home
Word of Mouth
Oblique Strategies
Mastering Process
Rates
Likes and Dislikes of Pro Audio
Work/Life Balance

Matt's Rant: Holding the Line

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Mat Leffler-Schulman
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #421 with Raelynn Janicke - Mastering and Managing, New York Hardcore, Absorbing New Info, Being a Good Hang, Staying Healthy, and Communication

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 19:47:00 -0700

My guest is Raelynn Janicke, a mastering engineer and studio manager for Infrasonic in Nashville. Raelynn has worked with The Shins, Hematite, J.R. Carroll, Kayla Hall, Talia Stewart, and Bazookatooth.

In this episode, we discuss

Growing up in Selkirk, NY
New York Hardcore
Alto Sax
Church
Moving to Boston
Computer Science
Crying in The Bathroom
A Capella
Moving to Nashville
Bartending
Reid Shippen
Getting Hired by Infrasonic
Mastering and Managing
Running a Mastering Facility
Absorbing New Info
Traffic Cop
Being Nice to People
Being a Good Hang
Communication
Client Focus
Billing Practices in Mastering
Work/Life Balance
Staying Healthy

Matt's Rant: Personal Check In

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Raelynn Janicke
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #420 with Hugh Padgham Part 2- Approach to Production, Gearbox Records, The Analog Sound, The Excess of the '80s, and Not Cutting Corners

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy Winning Producer Hugh Padgham who has worked with Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Genesis, The Police, XTC, and David Bowie. He's also well known for THE Gated Drum Sound on "In The Air Tonight." This is Part 2 of a 2-part interview.

In this episode, we discuss

Approach to Production
Steve Lillywhite
Trust in Management
Producer Differences
The Excess of the '80s
Comparing Eras of Recording
Superior Drummer
Budgets of Old
Mixing Workflow
Hugh's Jazz Label
Gearbox Records
The Analog Sound
Thelonious Monk
Buddy Rich
The Momentum of Recording
Digital Recorders
Recording Sting
The iPod's Effect
Home Studio Phase
PIL Metal Box
Not Cutting Corners
Finances for the Future
Divorce
Giving Back

Matt's Rant: Saying Yes

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Hugh Padgham
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #419 with Hugh Padgham Part 1- Jingles, Recorders without Counters, Miles Copeland, Townhouse Studios, and THE Gated Drum Sound

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 23:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we discuss

Buckinghamshire Upbringing
Boarding School in Oxford
Led Zeppelin 1
Pipe Organ Building
Writing Studio Letters
Recorders without Counters
Working on Jingles
Getting Fired
Pie Studios
Lansdowne Studios
Virgin Records
Manor Studios
Townhouse Studios
SSL
NAB vs. CCIR
Getting into Production
Peter Gabriel
Steve Lillywhite
Phil Collins
XTC
THE Gated Drum Sound
Management
The Police and Miles Copeland
Points and Royalties
Non-Featured Artists
Residential Studio Hell

Matt's Rant: Adapting

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Hugh Padgham
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #418 with Dave Greenberg - Finding Your Value, Studio Real Estate Lessons, Specializing, Learning from Failure, and a Spite Career

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 17:00:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy-Nominated mastering engineer Dave Greenberg who has worked with Lamb, Switchfoot, Gone is Gone, Niklas Paschburg, The Soft Moon, The Shotgun Wedding Quintet, Mickey Hart, Jelen, Feed the Rhino, and many more.

In this episode, we discuss

Photography and Music
Sound and Art
Spite Career
Bad Studio Experience
Assisting in Boston
Cutting Edge Audio
Steven Jarvis
BAYVC
Boomtown
Keller and Cohen
Fred Catero
ISDN
Matt Getting Fired
Moving to Florida
Buying Property
Sonopod
Bankers Hours
Mastering
Specializing
Finding a Building
Designing studio
Studio Real Estate Lessons
Learning from Failure
Finding Your Value

Matt's Rant: The Love of Audio

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Dave Greenberg
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #417 with Pamela Parker - Hyde Street Studios, Occupying Multiple Lanes, Collaboration, Growing Up In DC, and Penny Loafers with Dimes

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 06:25:00 -0700

My guest is Producer, Engineer & Funk Rock Artist Pamela Parker, based in San Francisco. Pamela has worked with Flor De Toloache, Iman Shumpert, and Shock-G and is also a staff engineer at the famed Hyde Street Studios.

In this episode, we discuss

Growing Up In DC
Oklahoma Stop
Penny Loafers with Dimes
Playing Numerous Instruments
Soul Searching
Reliving Critical Moments
Music School
Exposure to Studios
One World Studios
Electric Lady Studios
Citizen Cope
Managing Avalon Studios
Color and Music
Side Hustles
Rehearsal Studio/Studio Combo
Jam Cruise
Michael Franti
Maestro Curtis
East Coast
Hyde Street Studios
Singing and Engineering
Occupying Multiple Lanes
Vocal Coaching
Challenging Clients
Collaboration
Surviving

Matt's Rant: Speaking to the Right Audience

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Pamela Parker
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #416 with Jez riley French - Listening Below the Surface, Contact Mics and Hydrophones, Traces, Swapping Cassettes, and Music Shop Blokes

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 20:00:00 -0700

My guest is Sound Artist Jez riley French. Jez is widely regarded as having played a pivotal role in expanding the use of contact microphones, hydrophones, electromagnetic coils, ultrasonic detectors, geophones, and VLF receivers in the sound arts, sound design (for the screen, theatre, and radio), and music in a wide range of contexts. His work has included commissions and performances for

Tate Modern (UK)
The Whitworth (UK)
Paradise Air (Japan)
MoT - Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (Japan)
Spikersuppa Lydgalleri, Oslo (Norway)
Baltic (UK)
Steklenik (Slovenia)
Museo Reina Sofia (Spain)
Catalyst Arts (N. Ireland)
Artisphere (USA)
Harpa (Iceland)
Mengi (Iceland)
The Wired Lab (Australia)
Mullae Art Space (Korea)
q-02 (Belgium)

In this episode, we discuss

Open Space of Yorkshire
New Wave and Punk
Sharp Recorder
Fascination with Listening
Sexism in Music
Discovering Contact Mics and Hydrophones
Listening Below the Surface
Pre-Internet Research
Music Shop Blokes
Swapping Cassettes
Feeling Right to Press Record
Traces
Setting up a Distribution Company
Durational Listening
The Emotion of Listening
Audio Memory
Recording Mediums
Sound Art
Making a Living
Field Recording Approaches
There Are No Rules
Influences

Matt's Rant: Holiday Reset

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Jex riley French
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #415 with David Kalmusky - Acid Dropping Hippies, Drum Lessons with Levon Helm, Advocating For Yourself, Addiction Studios, and Swinging the Bat Everyday

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 01:15:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy Nominated producer, engineer, session guitarist, and mixer David Kalmusky who has worked with Shawn Mendes, Carrie Underwood, Mötley Crue, Keith Urban, and Journey.

In this episode, we discuss

Stratford, Ontario
The Band
The Rebels/The Hawks
Acid Dropping Hippies
Drum Lessons with Levon Helm
Guitar Lessons with John Till
Family Friends
Addiction Studios
Career Growth in Canada
First Nashville Session
International Conduits
Swinging the Bat Everyday
Focus on the Body of Work
Overnetworking
Mistakes
Experimenting on Your Own Time
Underground Echo Chamber
Building a Workshop
Advocating For Yourself
Social Media Restraint
Division in the Studio
Education

Matt's Rant: Rewriting Our Code From The Groundup

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: David Kalmusky
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #414 with Todd Burke - One-Stoplight Towns, Grandmaster Studios, Cocaine Trafficking, Sleeping on a Gobo, The Social Aspects of Recording, and All About Relationships

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 01:15:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy Nominated Recording Engineer Todd Burke, who has worked with Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, The Kooks, Belle and Sebastian, M83, and Fitz and the Tantrums.

In this episode, we discuss

One-Stoplight Towns
Colorado
Arizona
California
Conservatory of Arts and Sciences
Grandmaster Studios
Cocaine Trafficking
Sylvia Massey
Sleeping on a Gobo
Ben Harper
The Right Questions at The Right Time
The Social Aspect of Recording
Practicing on Downtime
Figuring Out Your Rate
All About Relationships
Record Better
Tony Hoffer
Affordable Tracking Needs
Enhanced Zoom Calls
Human Interaction

Matt's Rant: Working Remotely

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Todd Burke
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #413 with Katie Tavini and Stephen Kerrison - Running a Virtual Mastering Facility, Sharing Knowledge, The Right Reasons, Social Media Preferences, and Imposter Syndrome.

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 22:02:00 -0700

My guests today are mastering engineers Katie Tavini and Stephen Kerrison, 2/3rds of the virtual mastering facility/collective, Weird Jungle.

In this episode, we discuss

Running a Virtual Mastering Facility
Social Media Preferences
Quitting Archiving Job
Imposter Syndrome
Handling Attended Sessions
Liverpool Music Scene
Juggling Calendars
Love of Music
Sharing Knowledge
The Right Reasons
Rates

Matt's Rant: Enveloping

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Katie Tavini & Stephen Kerrison
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #412 with Nathan Ruyle - Growing Up on a Farm, The Wild West, Sound for Film, Bootstrapping and Staying Nimble

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 23:31:00 -0700

My guest today is a Sound Designer / Re-recording Mixer and founder of This Is Sound Design in Burbank, California. Nathan's credits include Joyland - Cannes Jury Prize, Academy Awards, I Love My Dad - SXSW Jury & Audience Award, The Voyeurs - Amazon Studios United Skates - HBO, Academy Awards Short List Searching - Sony, Sundance.

In this episode, we discuss

Growing up on a Farm
Scouting
Theater
Singing in Bands
Technology Exposure
Sound Design for Theater
Saint Louis
Cal Arts
Survival
Walt Disney
The Wild West
Coming to California
Building Studios
Making Your Own Way
The Film Industry
Analog vs. Digital Production
Studio Consolidation
NPR and Marketplace
Mixing Efficiency
Bootstrapping
Leasing to Own Gear
Indie Film
Staying Nimble
Financial Track Record

Matt's Rant: Detours

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Nathan Ruyle
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #411 with James "Fluff" Harley - The Origin of Fluff, Hockeytown USA, Fear of the Unknown, Operating at a Top Level, and Surviving the Prince Bootcamp

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 19:23:00 -0700

My guest today is Engineer/Mixer James "Fluff" Harley, who has worked with KoRn, Prince, and Yumi Matsutoya.

In this episode, we discuss

The Origin of Fluff
Hockeytown USA
Car Accident
Recording School
Fear of the Unknown
Craving Knowledge
Crazy Synchronizing
Operating at a Top Level
Tough Skin
Being a Facilitator
Magic in The Booth
Taking a Year Off
Moving to LA
Audio Test Kitchen
Los Angeles
Surviving the Prince Bootcamp
Making a Living
The Stress of the Music Biz
Getting up at 5 AM
Figuring Out What to be Paid
Working with Korn

Matt's Rant: Making Lists!

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: James "Fluff" Harley
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #410 The Impact of WCA Guests - The Emotion of A Mix, Field Recording, Backing Up and Archiving, The Cup Test, and the Many Lessons Learned.

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 15:31:00 -0700

Engineer, theatrical sound designer, and editor of WCA Anne-Marie Pleau joins Matt to discuss the impact that particular WCA guests have had on each of them.

In this episode, we discuss

Michael Brauer
Jessica Thompson
George Vlad
Field Recording
Backing Up and Archiving
The Emotion of A Mix
Brian Charles
Saving Masters from a Fire
Tchad Blake
Leslie Braithwaite
Staying Steps Ahead
The Cup Test
Sara Carter
Getting into audio as an adult
Bryan Matheson
Dan Johnson
Working Your Say Up The Ladder
Survival
Andrew Scheps
Steve Albini
Piper Payne
Leslie Braithwaite

Matt's Rant: Dealing with Burnout

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #409 with Roy Silverstein - Golden Handcuffs, Burning Out on the Corporate Life, Building a Studio, Taking a Paycut, and No Regrets

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 15:30:00 -0700

My guest is Engineer and studio owner Roy Silverstein who has worked with Stephen El Rey, The Verigolds, The Finches, Matelotage, and Blue Largo. Roy owns Rarefied Recording in San Diego.

In this episode, we discuss

Evanston, Illinois
The House Piano
Playing Guitar
University of Miami
Working for Qualcomm
Moonlighting as a Recording Engineer
Burning Out on the Corporate Life
Working with Wes Lachot
Building a Studio
Golden Handcuffs
Taking a Paycut
No Regrets
Looking Ahead
Neve Genesys
Marketing His Studio
Working with Interns

Matt's Rant: Doing It Yourself

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Roy Silverstein
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #408 with Justin Cortelyou - Working with the Greats, Chuck Ainlay, Mike Shipley, Bob Ezrin, Soultrain Sound Studios, Family Time, and Meditation

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:12:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy Nominated Mixer/Engineer/Producer Justin Cortelyou, who has worked with Paul McCartney, Hollywood Vampires, Taylor Swift, Andrea Bocelli, Phish, The Darkness, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan.

In this episode, we discuss

Greensburg, PA
Playing Trombone
Youth Orchestra
Ibanez Guitars
Shred Metal
MTSU
How to Be a Good Assistant
Mr. Miyagi
Chuck Ainlay
Radar
Soundstage
Mike Shipley
Moving to LA
The Mutt Lang Editing Style
Surviving 2007
The Wall
Bob Ezrin
Quitting Bob
Soultrain Sound Studios
Family Time
Meditation

Matt's Rant: Using a Financial Advisor

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Justin Cortelyou
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #407 with Maryam Qudus - Pursuing Music, Transitioning to Recording, Spacemoth, The Role of Recording in Marriage, and So Much Coffee

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 06:47:00 -0700

My guest is Producer / Engineer / Mixer Maryam Qudus who has worked with Spellling, Toro y Moi, Sad13, Tune-Yards, and Zelma Stone. Maryam also writes, records, and produces music for her solo project Spacemoth and composes music for film on top of all that! Enjoy!

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing up in the Bay Area
Parents from Afghanistan
Days in the Family Restaurant
The Role of Language
Pursuing Music
Stacking The Cheese
Singing on The Countertop
Recording at Tiny Telephone
Teaching
Transitioning to Recording
So Much Coffee
Women's Audio Mission
Surviving
The Joy of Recording
The Role of Recording in Marriage
Spacemoth

Matt's Rant: The Complexities of Selling Gear

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Maryam Qudus
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #406 with Joe Carrell - Owen & Bobby Bradley, Being Allowed to Fail, In The Hot Seat, Being on the Cusp of Change, and Helping People Have a Good Time

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 06:27:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy Nominated mixer, engineer, and producer Joe Carrell who has worked with Walt Disney, Chase Goehring, Jane Monheit, Birdland Jazz Club, Linda Lavin, and George Jones. Joe has had 11 Grammy Nominations and mixed/recorded 33 number ones in multiple genres.

In this episode, we discuss:

Branson, Missouri
Treasure Ilse Studios
Southern Illinois
Early Music Lessons
Cheap Trick
School Band
Pursuing Studio Drumming
Jeff Porcaro
Recording Drums
The Other Side of The Glass
Owen & Bobby Bradly
Being Allowed to Fail
In The Hot Seat
Leaving the Nest
Moving to Nashville
Family of Four
Being on the Cusp of Change
Wayne Hahn
Relationships
Never Discuss Questionable Things
Being Professional & Neutral
Keeping Your Mouth Shut
Being Team Player
Being The Bright Spot
Attention to Detail
Helping People Have a Good Time
Financial Strategy
Saying No To Work

Matt's Rant: One Mic Recording

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Joe Carrell
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #405 with Dan Johnson - Solving Archiving Puzzles, Burning Out, Rogue Tape Machines, Going Independent, and Not Cutting Corners

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 17:29:00 -0700

My guest is Audio Archivist Dan Johnson, who owns and runs Audio Archiving Services. Dan has worked with several well-known artists, including KISS, Jackson Browne, Jimi Hendrix Estate, WAR, TOOL, Duff McKagan, Aimee Man, Tommy Boy Records, Trust Records, Ansonia Records, Now-Again Records, Light In The Attic Records, ORG Records, Warner Bros, Universal, and Sony.

In this episode, we discuss:

Rural Upbringing
Foreigner's "Hot Blooded"
Recording the Radio
Playing in Bands
Medical Records Work
Failed A&M Internship
Poor Brad
Working at Ocean Way
Friends with the Tech Staff
Surviving as a Runner
Thomas Maps and Pagers
No Guns at Capital
Burning Out
Cleaning Rat Traps
Working for Ikea
Living in a Closet
The Benefits of Capital
Going Independent
Audio Archiving
It's All About Friendships
Tape Triage
70 Hours a Week
Tape Machine Scarcity
Noahs Ark of Tape Machines
United Archiving
Not Cutting Corners
Solving Archiving Puzzles
Rogue Tape Machines
Rod Stewart Farting
Knocking Michael Jackson Down

Matt's Rant: Appreciating Our Tools

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Dan Johnson
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #404 with Chris Clark - Playing Trombone, The Draw of Classical Music, The President's Own Marine Band, Classical Recording, Planning for Second Career, and the Perfect Guilt Trip.

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 05:18:00 -0700

My guest is Recording Engineer, Producer, and Trombonist, Chris Clark. Chris works with artists such as Jack Sutte, Thomas Circle Singers, Jonathan Bisesi, and The Lantana Trio on the recording side of things, but he also plays Trombone in The President's Own Marine Band.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing Up in Commerce, Texas
Playing Trombone
Listening to Dad's Vinyl Collection
Family Listening to Orchestral Music
Hiring an Outside Teacher
The Draw of Classical Music
Dad's Return to Music
The Perfect Guilt Trip
Curtis Institute of Music
Blind Auditions
Active Duty Marine
The President's Own Marine Band
Jumping Into Recording
Creating a Production Company
Classical Recording
Gear Used on Remotes
Planning for Second Career
Accepting Video
Working With Great Musicians
Source to Destination Editing
Insurance
Time Management

Matt's Rant: Whatever Works

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Chris Clark
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #403 with Catherine Vericolli- Changing Audio Careers, Shifting Mindset, Learning on The Fly, 90's Digital Formats, and Archivists Anonymous

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 07:17:00 -0700

My guest is Catherine Vericolli, the Chief Transfer Engineer & Archive manager for Infrasonic Mastering. Catherine works on projects for Third Man, ORG Music, Oh Boy! Records, and Sun Records. This is Catherine's second appearance on the show. She originally appeared on WCA #035 in 2015.

In this episode, we discuss:

Changing Audio Careers
Moving to Nashville
Moving Two Studios
Selling Her House
Getting Into Archiving
The Economics of Archiving
Nashville Recording Practices
Academia
Shifting Mindset
Getting Settled
Learning on The Fly
Comparing Stress in Audio Jobs
Play and Pray
90's Digital Formats
World War 2 and Tape
Archivists Anonymous
Prosumer Audio
ATMOS
MONO
Will The Transfer Work Runout?
The Dixie Cups

Matt's Rant: Let's Read a Letter

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Catherine Vericolli
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #402 with Arne Frager - The Plant Studios, Finding a Path to Recording, Studio on the Beach, Lessons for Aspiring Studio Owners, and the Best Gig He Never Did

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 01:05:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy-Winning producer and engineer Arne Frager. Arne is known for his run as owner/operator of The Plant Studios in Sausalito and his work with Paul McCartney, Prince, Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Santana, Dolly Parton, and Clare Fischer.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing up in Cleveland
Lifetime musician
Selling computer systems
Finding a path to recording
Recording in the 70s
Spectrum on the beach
Having no fallback, so you have to succeed
Ray Brown
Sony Digital 2 Track
George Winston
Eric Prestidge
Learning to survive
Mars Studios
Almost arrested for picking up gear
The best gig I never did
Al Schmitt
The story of The Plant
The Plant in the 90s
The dark times
Seeing mistakes from the past
Lawsuits against home studios
Lessons for aspiring studio owners

Matt's Rant: Book Recommendations

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Arne Frager
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #401 with Matt Wallace - Staying Visible in the Business, Crushing it with ATMOS, Keeping a Low Overhead, and the Importance of Alternative Income

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 04:55:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy-Winning producer, engineer, and mixer Matt Wallace. This is Matt's second appearance on the show, originally appearing on WCA #046. He has worked with Faith No More, Maroon 5, O.A.R., Dio, Tank and The Bangas, Replacements, Eric Gales, 3 Doors Down, Andy Grammer, Blackberry Smoke, Ludo, Train, Blues Traveler, Satchel, Mushroomhead, and I Prevail.

In this episode, we discuss:

Status since the last episode
Difficulties in the industry
Challenges with ATMOS Legacy Mix
ATMOS and Apple, WTF?
Crushing it with ATMOS
Smart Speakers
Moving Towards the Future
What kept you in the business?
If you build it, they will come
Keeping low overhead
Musician first, construction second
Importance of Alternative Income
Staying Visible in the business
"Prodixing"
Band performance quality
ProTools - No need for those pesky chops
Studio Deluxe
Vibe is more important than gear
Studio space influences performance
Leaving the Bay Area
LA is the best place to make a record

Matt's Rant: Managing Your Money

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Matt Wallace
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #400 with David Hewitt - Car Racing, Recording Trucks, Dallas Summer Heat, and Recording the Stars in a Golden Era of Live Music

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy-Winning Remote Recording Engineer David Hewitt. David has worked with many artists, including, The Rolling Stones, Frank Zappa, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis, Neil Young, The Who, Pavarotti, Simon and Garfunkel, Live Aid, Allman Brothers, Newport Jazz Festival, Aretha Franklin, Hall & Oates Bob Seger, Jackson Browne, and George Benson.

David is also the father of former WCA guest and friend of the show, Ryann Hewitt.

In this episode, we discuss:

Upbringing in Montana
Early Music Exposure as a Military Brat
Travel As a Way of Life
First Career in Car Racing
Struggling guitarist to punching the record button
First Recording Job at Regent Sound Studios
Adventure with Record Plant NY
Mahavishnu Orchestra
King Biscuit Flower Hour
Just Making Shit Work
Recording Aerosmith in the Dallas summer heat
Remote Recording Rates
Making a Living
Concert for NY after 9/11
David Bowie America
Remote recording vs. Studio recording
On the Road Book
Keeping the truck secure during a show
Financial Advice

Matt's Rant: Reflecting on 400 Episodes

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: David Hewitt
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #399 with Dave Schiffman Part 2 - Mix Note Etiquette, The Journey of Creating a Studio, Deciding on ATMOS, Communication with Bands, and Evolving the Craft

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Part 2 of my interview with Grammy Winning Producer/mixer and Engineer who has worked on projects for System of a Down, Audioslave, The Mars Volta, PUP, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Adele, Vampire Weekend, Cass Mccombs, Thrice, and Haim.

In this episode, we discuss:

Parting Ways with Rick Rubin
Stellastarr
Role with Rick vs. Engineers
Dry vs. Wet
Mix Shootouts
Importance of Artist Feedback
Evolving the Craft
Keeping a Good Vibe
Dealing with Varying Personalities
Communication with Bands
Mix Note Etiquette
Mix Adjectives
The Journey of Creating a Studio
Deciding on ATMOS
Doing ATMOS That Makes Sense
Money and Engineering
Priorities on What You Really Need
Gear Should Be used, Not Just Displayed
Work-Life Balance
Only as Good as Your Last Credit

Matt's Rant: Inspiration from Outside the Audio World

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Dave Schiffman
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #398 with Dave Schiffman Part 1 - Tape Copies, Chicken and Egg Issues, Lessons from Rick Rubin, The Land of Yes, and Not Being Tall Enough To Record

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy Winning Producer/mixer and Engineer who has worked on projects for System of a Down, Audioslave, The Mars Volta, PUP Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Adele, Vampire Weekend, Cass Mccombs, Thrice, and Haim.

In this episode, we discuss:

Giving Up Piano
Dad's Love of Big Band/Yacht Rock
Playing Trumpet
Marching Band
Not Being Tall Enough To Record
Following Credits on Albums
Making Tape Copies
Chicken and Egg Issues
Moving Up the Studio Ladder
Surviving on Tuna Fish Sandwiches
"Smoking Section" of Planes
Working at Ocean Way
Moving to LA from NY
Working with Rick Rubin
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Lessons from Rick Rubin
East Coast Honesty
The Land of Yes

Matt's Rant: Who are We Spending Time With?

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Dave Schiffman
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #397 with Bryan Cook - Recording as An Exit Strategy, Chillin with Tom Dowd, Landing at A&M Studios, and Doing Non-Music Things

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy Nominated Mixing engineer Bryan Cook who has worked with U2, One Republic, Jeff Goldblum, and Switchfoot.

In this episode, we discuss:

Early life in Philly
Studios - A thing that people did
Love for Jazz
Saxophone
Recording as an exit strategy
Bluejay Internship
Chillin with Tom Dowd
Ryan Hewitt
Deciding on a move to LA
Landing at A&M Studios
Moving up in the industry
Professionalism - Egos working together
Moving up the engineering ladder
Sensing upcoming burnout
Michael Andrews
Nobody likes the bad vibe guy
Walk Hard
Transitioning to flying solo
One Republic
How artists find an engineer
U2 project
Push them into the pool
Mixing from home
How to do pricing?
Handling disappointment
Ease with setup
Bounce Factory
Doing non-music things

Matt's Rant: Audio File Management

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Bryan Cook
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #396 with Nick Townsend - Punk Rock, Community College, Fishing, Mastering and Cutting Lacquers

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0700

My guest is Los Angeles-based mastering engineer Nick Townsend. Nick loves cutting Lacquers and has worked on releases by Cheap Trick, Weezer, Iron Maiden, Bad Religion, Garbage, Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Grimes, and more. Nick works at Infrasonic Sound.

In this episode, we discuss:

Musical Household
Stoner Rock Uncle
Drums at Grandmas House
Punk Rock Bands
Catching the Recording Bug
Community College Recording Program
Pete Lyman
Mechanical Side of the Brain
Fishing
Clay Shooting
Outdoors Activities
Interning
Cutting Lacquers
Cutter Heads
Freelance Mastering
Infrasonic
Apollo Lacquers Fire

Matt's Rant: Audio Degrees

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Nick Townsend
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #395 with Daniel Rowland - Rehab vs. College, MTSU, Adrian Belew, LANDR, and The ATMOS Gold Rush

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0700

My guest is Daniel Rowland, Head of Strategy and Partnerships at LANDR, Co-owner of Immersive Mixers, Professor at MTSU, and audio engineer. Daniel has worked with Nine Inch Nails, Adrian Belew, Disney, Pixar, David Foster, Star Wars, Marvel, DC Comics, Denzel Curry, Netflix, Fox, Flo Rida, Seal, and Phillip Glass.

In this episode, we discuss:

Playing Guitar
Rehab vs. College
MTSU
Production Work
Adrian Belew
NOISE
LANDR
AI Mastering
Linkedin
Rejection of New Ideas
Time Management
The ATMOS Goldrush

Matt's Rant: Things to Consider When Building a Studio

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Daniel Rowland
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #394 with Mike Tucci - Playing in Bands, Seeing the Value In Recording Studios, Working at Masterdisk, The Slow Magic Of LA, and Focusing on Results, Not Gear

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy-Nominated Mastering Engineer Mike Tucci, who has worked with Cory Henry, Living Colour, Doja Cat, Chris Brown, Young Thug, and Unstoppable Death Machines.

In this episode, we discuss:

Queens
NYC
Music in Heard Growing Up
Playing in Bands
Seeing the Value In Recording Studios
Going to College
Understanding Recording
Masterdisk
Howie Weinberg
Moving o LA
Moving Into The Box
Not Depending on Other People's Gear
Slow Magic Of LA
Keeping a Simple Setup
Working From Home
Results Are The Only Thing That Matters

Matt's Rant: Who is Professional?

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Mike Tucci
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #393 with Leff Lefferts - The World of Film Sound, Working with Randy Thom, Telling Stories, Planning Your Life, Financial Security, and ATMOS

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0700

My guest is Leff Lefferts making a return to WCA after his first appearance on WCA #101. Leff comes from a music recording background but has worked in film sound for the last 16 years at Skywalker Sound. He's worked as a Sound Effects Editor, Sound Editor, Supervising Sound Editor, Sound Designer, and Re-Recording Mixer on various movies, including, The Croods: A New Age, The Revenant, The Peanuts Movie, How to Train Your Dragon 2, and many more.

In this episode, we discuss:

Randy Thom
Skywalker Sound
ATMOS
Telling Stories
Roles in Film Sound
Technology Changes
Content on Streaming Services
Planning Your Life
Music Industry vs Film Industry
Watching the Credits
Making Records for Enjoyment
Financial Security
UA Plugins
Early Days of Pro Tools
Bay Area Pro Audio Lore

Matt's Rant: Being Proactive

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Leff Lefferts
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #392 with Rachael Moore - Meeting Your Heroes, Community of Success, Thinking Outside the Box, T Bone Burnett, and The Value of Being a Good Human Being

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy-Nominated engineer/mixer Rachael Moore. Rachael primarily works with T Bone Burnett and, as a result, has worked with Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Elvis Costello, and Jessica Chastain. Rachael also has a hectic freelance schedule working around Nashville, where she is currently based.

In this episode, we discuss:

Early Years in Texas
Getting Your Feet Wet at Full Sail
Internship with Jacquire King
Meeting Your Heroes
Community of Success
Dealing with Challenges
Sound Emporium
Financially Making it Work
Learning to Tune Pianos
Thinking Outside the Box
Working with T-Bone
T-Bone Burnett
How You Make People Feel In a Session
Do’s and Don’ts with T-Bone
Freelancing
Home Studio
The Traveling Rig
Dealing with Recalls
Advice for the Up and Comers
Financial Lessons As You Grow
Think of income as a triangle
The Value of Being a Good Human Being

Matt's Rant: Sonic Space

Links and Show Notes

Rachel Moore Instagram

Credits

Guest: Rachael Moore
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #391 with Steve Rosenthal Part 2 - Magic Shop History, NDA's, 9/11, Importance of Good Staff, and The Business of Restoration

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy-Winning producer, studio owner, and archivist Steve Rosenthal. The man behind the Magic Shop in New York. Steve has worked on projects for Woody Guthrie, Les Paul, Blondie, David Bowie, Foo Fighters, and Erroll Garner projects. Part two of a two-part interview.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing a Client Base
Magic Shop History
⁠Roger Moutenot⁠
⁠Ed Stasium⁠
The World Before Nirvana
Studio Ownership
Lessons Learned Running a Studio
⁠Sonic Highways⁠
Importance of Good Staff
Ownership Style
Getting Coffee for Rick Rubin
NDA's
The Dissolution of the Magic Shop
The Impact of 9/11
Shifting to Restoration
⁠Ted Young⁠
Working with Blondie
Lou Reed
Reinventing yourself
⁠Nora Guthrie ⁠
DA-88s and ADATS
MARS
The Business of Restoration

Matt's Rant: Billing

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Steve Rosenthal
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #390 with Steve Rosenthal Part 1 - Driving Cabs, Punching 16th Notes, Bathrobe Sessions, Living in Dreamland, and The Search for the Perfect Console

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing up in NY
Getting Started on a Development Deal
The Recording Institute of America
Bad Cab Driver Turned Engineer
Early Days at Atlantic
Learning the "Atlantic Recording Way"
Punching 16th Notes
Skully 12 track
Learning Business and Engineering
Mentorship
Bathrobe Sessions
Buying the Fixtures
⁠Otis Blackwell ⁠
Working in the Basement at A&R Records
Buying a Studio in Manhattan
Living in Dreamland
New Wave and Punk in the 80s
Technology Informing Art
Sonic Fashion Trends
⁠Alan Lomax⁠
Sonic Cues
⁠The Plangent Process ⁠
⁠The Magic Shop⁠
Building a Studio for Making Rock Records
The Search for the Perfect Console

Matt's Rant: Billing

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Steve Rosenthal
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #389 with Carlos Castro - Falling in Love with Recording, Dealing with Hypocrisy, Bruce Swedien, Bilingual Opportunities, and The Bigger Picture

Mon, 30 May 2022 06:00:00 -0700

My guest is a Grammy-Nominated Mixer, Engineer, and Producer, Carlos Castro. Carlos has worked with Shawn Colvin, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Luis Miguel, Shaila Durcal, and many others.

In this episode, we discuss:

Raised in Mexico City
Family History in Music
Falling in Love with Recording at 16
⁠Full Sail Center ⁠
Dealing with Hypocrisy
⁠Bruce Swedien⁠
The Bigger Picture
Learning from Bruce
Understanding Sonic Personality
Avoiding Paralysis from Analysis
⁠Terry Howard ⁠
⁠Experience at Ocean Way ⁠
Learning on the Night Shift
Ocean Studios & Mama Joes
⁠Jerry Finn ⁠
⁠Checking Polarity with Galaxy Audio⁠
Neve 5224 Compressors
Building WaterSound Studios
Built From the Ground Up
Maintaining Relevance in the Market
Bilingual Opportunities - Both language and cultural
Advice for Up and Comers

Matt's Rant: Well-built tools.

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Carlos Castro
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #388 with Will Kennedy - Harvard AV, New York Struggles, LA Mentors, ATMOS, and the Rise of the Unintentional Tech

Mon, 23 May 2022 06:15:00 -0700

My guest is a Producer, Mixer, and Recording Engineer, Will Kennedy. Will has worked on projects for O.A.R., U2, Michael Franti and Spearhead, OneRepublic, The 88, B-52s, Jason Mraz, and many more.

In this episode, we discuss:

Early Life in Farmland
Band Directors
Berklee College of Music
Behind the Scenes Person
Ocean Way Nashville
Allen Sides
Unintentional Tech
Life is Short Moment
Right Track Recording
Hard to Be Broke In New York
Want work? Plan a Vacation
Health Issues
Back to Boston
Harvard AV Department
Moving to LA at 30
Ray Charles Enterprises
Carl Beatty
Shady Work in Northridge
David Bianco
Dave's Room
Matt Wallace
The Back Room Guy
Working Well with Others Matters
The Future of ATMOS
Kali Audio
Affordable Atmos
JBL Intonato
The Love Shack Atmos Mix

Matt's Rant: Paying it Forward

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Will Kennedy
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #387 with Bobby Owsinski - The Mix Engineers Handbook, Dolby Atmos, Collecting Ideas, Networking, and Clarity

Mon, 16 May 2022 19:36:20 -0700

My guest is a mixer, producer, author, and coach Bobby Owsinski. Bobby is the author of many books, including The Mixing Engineers Handbook; Bobby has also worked with many artists and companies, including Mick Taylor, Joe Houston, Rhino DVD, Forbes, Surround Pro Magazine, Adrianna Marie, and her Groovecutters. This is Bobby's second appearance on the show.

In this episode, we discuss:

Dolby Atmos
5.1 Surround
Kludging Surround Tools Together
The Mix Engineers Handbook
Smart Plugins
Dynamics Timing
Self-Mastering
Saturation
Collecting Ideas
Networking
Clarity

Matt's Rant: Random Thoughts

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Bobby Owsinski
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #386 with Richard Dodd Part 2 - Kung Fu Fighting, Cowboy Engineering, Testing Limits, Sleight of Hand, and The Old Way

Mon, 09 May 2022 06:32:00 -0700

My guest is a self-described lucky bastard, grammy-winning engineer Richard Dodd who has worked with Tom Petty, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Clannad, Mike Moran, Del Newman, and Brian Protheroe. This is part 2 of a 2 part interview.

WCA #385 with Richard Dodd Part 1 - Electronics Apprentice, Lansdowne Studios, Peter Coleman, Ashley Howe, Trying To Fit In, and Dropping in For the First Time

Mon, 02 May 2022 20:19:00 -0700

My guest is a self-described lucky bastard, grammy-winning engineer Richard Dodd who has worked with Tom Petty, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Clannad, Mike Moran, Del Newman, and Brian Protheroe.

In this episode, we discuss:

Luton Beginnings
School Band
Peter Coleman
Ashley Howe
Discovering Recording at 14
First Professional Recording Gig
Put Up or Shut Up
Counsel Housing
Electronics Apprentice
British Aircraft Corporation
Late Night Friday Sessions
Lansdowne Studios
Cassettes
Studio Interview Golden Questions
Leaving His Apprenticeship
Studio Trajectory in England as a New Engineer
From Within the Rabbit Hole
Trying To Fit In
LA - Like Walking Into The Movies
Overcoming Studio Hazing
Recording All Night at 17
Atomic Rooster
Solid Family Life
Dropping in For the First Time
Gerald Chevin
Helping Annie Farrow
Respect for Musicians
Stanley Myers
Editing Tape - No Redos
Going Freelance

Matt's Rant: The Role of Gear

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Richard Dodd
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #384 with Sam Moses - Private Closet Parties, Musical Assassins, Focusing on Mastering, Leaving the Church, and The Curtain Wall System

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 18:39:16 -0700

My guest is Mastering engineer Sam Moses based in Nashville. Sam has worked with Billy Ray Cyrus, Joan, Nightly, Smallpools, Shoffy, and The Aces. Sam has also developed The Curtain Wall system of acoustics.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing Up in the Middle of Nowhere
Aspiring Pro Golfer
Blue Grass Cross Roads
Cornfield Concerts
Secret Boombox Rap Recordings
Discovering Music As A Career
Chicago Living
Recording vs. Rock Stardom
Zach Jablow
Making HipHop Beats
Working Retail
Keys to The Studio
Discount Apartment Recording to Keys For a Studio
Private Closet Parties
Learning Mastering
West Palm Beach's Creative Sound
Daniel Zayas
Studio Artist Development Project
A Good Step but Not enough
Joe Barresi
Mix with the Masters in France
Going to Nashville
Michael Hugues
Musical Assassins
Paul Moak
Focusing on Mastering
People make it possible
Mentoring Matthew Garber
From Mentor to Peer Births a Podcast
The Attack and Release Show
Home Studio Evolution
The Curtain Wall System
Nashville Community
Leaving the Church
Focus on the Present
Bad Religion (Not the band)

Matt's Rant: The Importance of Our Peers

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Sam Moses
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #383 with Michael Cumming - Trading London for Philly, Leaving School, Cooking, Building a Studio, and Rewarding the People You Inconvenience

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 16:15:37 -0700

My guest is London-born, Philly-based producer/engineer Michael Cumming who has worked with The Sun Ra Arkestra, Orion Sun, Odean Pope, Tom Hamilton, Sophie Coran, Trap Rabbit.

In this episode, we discuss:

Moving from London to Philly
Falling in Love with the US
Brothers Influence
Leaving School
Cooking
Building a Studio
Business with Friends
Communication
Rewarding the People You Inconvenience
Get Up and Go Attitude
Gil Norton at Costco
Quality of Life
Trust in the Accent
Age Challenges
Harvesting Spaghetti
Philly Studio
Building Acoustic Treatments
Open Room Recording
Getting Financially Comfortable
Gear Issues

Matt's Rant: ATMOS Update: Post ATMOS Tuning Update

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Michael Cumming
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #382 with Sara Carter - COVID Silver Linings, Learning By Teaching, Giving Away Secrets, Self Development Time, and Having Fun With It

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 05:40:00 -0700

My guest is the return of mixing engineer Sara Carter who has worked with Corinne Bailey Rae, KT Tunstall, Wistful Sleepers, and BPMoore. Sara has worked at the BBC, worked in the Motor Trade, and has a great YouTube channel called Simply Mixing.

In this episode, we discuss:

COVID Silver Linings
Simply Mixing on YouTube
Learning to Learn
Brewing Exams
Teaching Visually
Imposter Syndrome
Opportunities from YouTube
Warren Huart
Produce Like a Pro
Video Challenges
Putting It All Out There
Learning from Content Creation
Mix with the Masters
Overcoming Self-Doubt
Taking A Chance
Balancing Mixing and YouTube
Self Development Time
Advice for Aspiring Audio Teachers
Equipment for YouTube
Lack of Trolls
Learning By Teaching
Audio Gigs from YouTube
One-to-One Mentorship
Production Advice for YouTube
Get It Working, Then Improve
Giving Away Secrets
Having Fun With It

Matt's Rant: ATMOS Update: It's all working!

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Sara Carter
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #381 with Ed Stasium - Tape Recorders, Making Prank Calls, Living Colour, Vari Speeding JFK, Time Travel, and the Lockerbie Plane Crash

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 22:06:00 -0700

My guest is Producer/Engineer Ed Stasium who has worked with Skull Snaps, The Ramones, Talking Heads, Living Colour, the Smithereens, and many more.

In this episode, we discuss:

Mono Webcore Record Player
Music Filled House
Slag Heaps
Playing Piano
Childhood Tape Recorders
Making Prank Calls
Playing in Bands
Seafoam Green Strat
Bob Margouleff
Scully 12 Track
Bruce Swedien
Tony Bongiovi
The Ramones
Living Colour
Ron St. Germain
Vernon Reid
Malcolm X
MLK
Vari Speeding JFK
Producer Royalties
Time Travel
Moving Around
Lockerbie Plane Crash
Carrying His Own Edit Block
Regrets

Matt's Rant: Inspiring Others

Links and Show Notes

edstasium.com
WCA on Instagram
Connect with Matt on Linkedin
Current sponsors & promos

Credits

Guest: Ed Stasium
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #380 with Nick Raskulinecz - Rock Star Dreams, From Runner to Grammy Winning Producer, The Foo Fighters Story, Connecting with people, and Living on Taco Bell

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:42:17 -0700

My guest is Grammy Winning producer, engineer, mixer Nick Raskulinecz who has worked with Rush, Alice In Chains, Foo Fighters, Deftones, and many more.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing up in Knoxville.
Rock Star Dreams.
Falling in love with the guitar.
Instrument knowledge helps speak the language.
Drummers are a different breed.
College money bought an 8-track.
Switching gears - Dreams of Rock stardom to Recording Guru.
Brian Bell
Opportunity at Sound City.
Living on Taco Bell and loving it.
From runner to assistant.
Leaving the nest - quitting the band.
The recording obsession.
Greg Fidleman
Transitioning beyond assistant.
Odd jobs to engineer.
Danzig
Duff McKagan
Barely surviving but doing well.
The Foo Fighters Story.
Working on One By One
Matt Hyde
Connecting with people.
Logistics on getting paid.
Alice and Chains and the new singer.
Breaking the ice with a new group.
Working with Rush.
What decisions made this career possible?
Work-life balance.
Moving back to Tennessee - Family matters.

Matt's Rant: Perseverance

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Nick Raskulinecz
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #379 with Margaret Luthar - BANFF, NPR, Moving to Big Bad LA, The Studio Bubble, and Fancy Cocktails

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 17:32:00 -0700

My guest is Broadcast Recording tech and Grammy Winning Mastering engineer Margaret Luthar.

In this episode, we discuss:

Moving to LA From Nashville
NPR
Welcome to 1979
Chicago Mastering Service
What Works and What Doesn't
Finding the Right Software for Each Client
The Value of CRM
Living in Norway
BANFF
Canadian Immigration Drama
Pennsylvania Origins
Why NPR After Cutting Vinyl?
Acknowledging the Studio Bubble
Work-Life Balance & Freelance
Benefits of a Corporate Environment
Moving to Big Bad LA
Mary Mazurek on WCA
The Importance of Always Learning
Running For a Clear Mind
Staying Mobile
Fancy Cocktails
Acclimating To a New Place

Matt's Rant: Dolby Atmos Update

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Margaret Luthar
Producer/Host/Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #378 with Ryan Ulyate - Self Taught Skills, Making a Living, Vibe Patrol, Dolby Atmos, Tom Petty, and Whatever It Takes

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 16:42:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy Nominated producer/engineer Ryan Ulyate who has worked with Tom Petty, George Harrison, Traveling Wilburys, Mick Fleetwood & Friends, and ELO.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing Up In California
Family and Music
Dad's Influence
Hollywood Saxophone Quartet
Crappy Musician Turns Into Kick-Ass Recording Engineer
Building Model Kits
Self Taught Skills
Studio Sound Recorders
Whatever it Takes
Foot In The Door at Studio City
Old School Industry Behaviors
Working on Sad Eyes
“Est” Training
Alain Chamfort
Making a Living
Working with Craig Harris
Television Sound Design
Jeff Lynne
Shut Up and Let The Artist FIiure It Out
Ringo, George, and Paul
Tom Petty
The Highway Companion
Mudcrutch
Vibe Patrol
Topanga Studio
Dolby Atmos
Tesla X Atmos
Financial Advice

Matt's Rant: Just Doing It!

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Ryan Ulate
Producer/Host/Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #377 with Rob Folson Jr - DMV, Go Go Music, Working for the Church, 9 to 5 Audio, and The Drag that is Commuting

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 18:44:22 -0700

My guest is a producer, engineer, mixer, Rob Folson Jr., who has worked with Rare Essence, The Chuck Brown Band, Ceelo Green, Citizen Cope, Blackbyrds, The Huck-a-Bucks, Tracey Lee, Black Alley, Greg Rice, Leonard Taylor-Arron Burroughs.

In this episode, we discuss:

The DMV
Quitting College
Go Go Music
Discovery of Recording
Sequencers
Playing The Kennedy Center
Church Mixing
Working for the Church
Charles Harris
A/V for the NIH (National Institute of Health)
Benefits and 401K
The Drag that is Commuting
Home Studio
Studio One
Dealing with Burnout

Matt's Rant: Helping Ukraine

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Rob Folson Jr.
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #376 with Brian Charles- Zippah Recording Studio Fire, Community Support, Band Directors, Studio Insurance, and The Jimi Hendrix Pep Rally

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 19:48:00 -0700

My guest is Brian Charles, producer, engineer, mixer, writer, educator, guitarist, and plug-in designer. Brian has worked with The Sheila Divine, Dispatch, Weakened Friends, Marina and the Diamonds, The Gigolo Aunts, and Mike Slap. Brian is the owner of Zippah recording, which suffered fire damage in December of 2021.

In this episode, we discuss:

Moving Around As a KId
Boston
Grade School Rock Band
Early Recording Discoveries
Jimi Hendrix Pep Rally
Band Directors
Being a Tape Op
Writing and Producing
Zippah Recording Studio Fire
Making Improvements
Studio Finances
Water and Smoke
The Smell of a Campfire
Community Support
Studio Insurance
Manufacturer Support
Transatlantic Reverb

Matt's Rant: Dolby Atmos Update

Show Notes

Rant Notes

Credits

Guest: Brian Charles
Producer/Host/Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #375 with Hillary Johnson - Home Ownership, Pandemic Records, Experiencing The Symphony, Home R&D, and The Love of Recording Bands

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 16:45:00 -0700

My guest is New York-based recording engineer and producer Hillary Johnson. Hillary has worked with Bootblacks, Bell Hollow, The Prids, and Second Still. This is Hillary’s second appearance on the show. Her first appearance was on WCA #003.

In this episode, we discuss:

Home Ownership
Moving To the Exurbs
Future Home Studio
Livestreaming DJ
Home R&D
AV Design
Learning Logic
Home Studio Plans
House Buying Process
Experiencing The Symphony
Having Your Own Space
Having a Day Job
New York Recording Ecosystem
Studio Closings
Pandemic Records
The Love of Recording Bands

Matt's Rant: Collectors and Users

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Hillary Johnson
Producer/Host/Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #374 with Kolton Lee - Target Karaoke Machine, Dumpster Diving, Working with Jacquire King, Finding Your Role, and the Green Beret’s of Audio

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 18:00:38 -0700

My guest is mixer, engineer, producer Kolton Lee. Kolton worked with producer Jacquire King for several years and has worked with artists such as Daughtry and Shania Twain. He currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.

In this episode, we discuss:

Cave Creek, AZ
Target Karaoke Machine
Garageband
Dumpster Diving
Craig Schumacher
Cave Creek Studio
The Need to Grow
Moving to Nashville
Working with Jacquire King
Session Documentation
Green Beret’s of Audio
Finding Your Role
Working Multiple Jobs
Financial Advice
Moving Back to Arizona
Working with High Profile Artists
Getting Reestablished
Luna and Apollo’s

Matt's Rant: Audio and Fame

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Kolton Lee
Producer/Host/Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #373 with Mark Abrams - Puremix, Supportive Family, Automation, Intention, and Skipping the Bar for the SSL

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 20:30:00 -0700

WCA #373 with Mark Abrams – Puremix, Supportive Family, Automation, Intention, and Skipping the Bar for the SSL

My guest is Columbus, Ohio-based Producer/Mixing Engineer Mark Abrams. Mark has worked with Angel Lopez (Kanye West, Coldplay, Sam Smith), Kara Dioguardi, Spencer Sutherland, Buggie, Effee, Mark Stepro (Drummer for Butch Walker, The Wallflowers, Aaron Lee Tasjan), Ryan Brown (Drummer for Dweezil Zappa), Kid Runner, and Lydia Loveless. Mark is also the content manager for Puremix.

In this episode, we discuss:

Matt’s Shower Voice
Growing up in Illinois & Ohio
Supportive Family
Discovering Audio
Conservatory of Recording
Weather
Skipping the Bar for the SSL
Bullshit Studio Behavior
Parents Basement Studio
Getting Financially Savy
Working Jobs You Hate
Work Ethic
Working for Sweetwater
Doing Post Work
Nintendo Games
Las Vegas
Building a New Studio
Carl Tatz Designs
Watching Vance Powell Work
Puremix
Intention
Six-Figure Home Studio Podcast
Zapier

Matt’s Rant: Staying on Top of Your Money

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Mark Abrams
Producer/Host/Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #372 with Glenn Schick - Mastering Without Speakers, Customer Service, Audio Travel Tips, Streaming Levels, and Working Remote

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 18:54:00 -0700

My guest is Grammy-Winning mastering engineer Glenn Schick. Glenn abandoned his old mastering rooms in Atlanta and masters all of his records on the go, on headphones, and travels the world doing so.

In this episode, we discuss:

Queens Upbringing
Discovering Recording
Transitioning To Mastering
Moving to Atlanta
Atlanta Hip-Hop
Customer Service
Downsizing
Working in The Box
Mastering Without Speakers
Retraining the Brain
Room Simulation Software
Audio Travel Tips
Artificial Intelligence
Streaming Levels
Vinyl Mastering
New Communities
Working Remote

Matt's Rant: Our Passion

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Glenn Schick
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #371 with Pete Morse - Mixing for Video, Sketchy Contractors, Working From Home, Camaraderie, and Frozen Dance Parties

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 18:54:00 -0700

My guest is Pete Morse, who runs Red Vault Audio in Portland, Maine.

In this episode, we discuss:

Portland Studios
Red Vault Audio
WWF
Working From Home
Building a Studio at Home
Studio Build Details
Sketchy Contractors
Camaraderie
Mixing for Video
Stock Music Creation
Perfectionism
MTV Influence
Pink Floyd
0% Financing
Streamdeck
Worklife Balance
Frozen Dance Partys
SBA Counseling
Family Communication

Matt's Rant: More Backup Talk!Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Pete Morse
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #370 with Nikki McGuinness - Farm Life, Studio Building, Thinking on Your Feet, Pygmy Goats, and Falling Off Ladders

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 23:07:00 -0700

My guest is Songwriter / Engineer / Producer Nikki McGuinness, who runs Creation X Recording based on a farm in Berkshire, England.

In this episode, we discuss:

Farm Life
Building a Studio
Contractors
Open Recording Spaces
Learning to Record
The Corporate World
Low-Grade Depression
Health Issues
Thinking on Your Feet
Pygmy Goats
Loving Life
Ladders
Creative ventures
Choosing Gear
Sylvia Massey

Matt's Rant: Capturing Stories

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Nikki McGuinness
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #369 with Heidi Trefethen & Ben Bernstein- Dolby Atmos, Gear Purchases, Audio Janitors, and Breaking Into Matts' House

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 19:46:00 -0700

My guests today are former WCA guests Heidi Trefethen and Ben Bernstein. Heidi is a French Hornist, multi-instrumentalist, educator, and sought-after sound engineer. Ben is a producer, engineer, and mixer based in Oakland, California.

In this episode, we discuss:

Dolby Atmos
Studios Vs. Covid
Future Sessions
Skywalker Sound
Gear Purchases
Studio Ownership
Breaking Into Matt's House
Gear Lending Library
Broken Guitars
Mountain Music
Great Musicians
Getting Along
Audio Janitors

Matt's Rant: Mixing it Up!

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Heidi Trefethen & Ben Bernstein
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #368 with Wavy Wayne - Thinking Bigger Picture, One Bad Night, Audio Education, Social Media Advice, and 7 AM Algebra

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 19:21:39 -0700

My guest is mixing engineer and audio educator Wavy Wayne, who has worked with Jim Jones, Future, Ashanti, Yo Gotti, Dave East, and many more.

In this episode, we discuss:

St. Louis
Discovering Music
Being a Kid Rapper
Positive Studio Exposure
Stage Fright
Sony Acid
Education
7 AM Algebra
One Bad Night
Getting Kicked Out of Full Sail
Surviving in New York
Audio Education
School Debt
Thinking Bigger Picture
Teaching in St. Louis
Social Media Advice

Matt's Rant: Clear the Clutter!

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Wavy Wayne
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #367 with Brad Dollar - Moving to Nashville, Getting Work, Classic Money Mistakes, Survival, and Time Travel Retrospective

Sun, 26 Dec 2021 19:02:00 -0700

My guest is producer, engineer, and coach Brad Dollar who has worked with Bob Weir, Journey, G-Eazy, and Parmalee.

In this episode, we discuss:

Moving to Nashville
Coaching
Transition of Culture
Music Business
Competition
Buying a House
Getting Work
Bay Area vs. Nashville
Recording School
Mentors
Grammy U
Survival
Classic Money Mistakes
Managing Money Tip
Time Travel Retrospective
Just Ask
Advice For Newbies

Matt's Rant: Do We Really Need A Website?

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Brad Dollar
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #366 with Perry Leenhouts - Anything is Possible, US & Europe Comparison, Punk Rock Lessons Learned, and Living in an Abandon School.

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 21:00:00 -0700

My guest is Perry Leenhouts, producer, engineer, and owner of Point Break Sound Studio in Stockholm, Sweden. Perry is also a member of the band, The Travoltas.

In this episode, we discuss:

Point Break Sound
Welfare State
US & Europe Comparison
The Travoltas
Pop Rock Lessons Learned
Working with Others
Being in The Van
From Drummer to Engineer
Living in an Abandon School
Public Radio Internship
Anything is Possible
Stockholm
Shared Space
Marketing
Finances
Taxes

Matt's Rant: Another Dolby Atmos Update

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Perry Leenhouts
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #365 with Alex Allinson - Cooking, Parallels, Presentation, Running a Studio, and Taking the Crooked Path

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 20:16:53 -0700

My guest is Alex Allinson, producer/engineer, and co-owner of The Bridge Sound and Stage in the greater Boston area.

In this episode, we discuss:

Interning
Being Driven
Taking the Crooked Path
Cooking
Parallels
Not Coasting
Avoiding Growing Stale
Moving On
Diverse Clients
Presentation
Running a Studio
Saving For the Future
Financial Mentors

Matt's Rant: End of The Year Downtime

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Alex Allinson
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #364 with Chris Collier - Fathers Influence, Controlling Your Destiny, Getting Involved, Client Tree Branches, and Realizing Your Worth

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:12:00 -0700

WCA #364 with Chris Collier – Fathers Influence, Controlling Your Destiny, Getting Involved, Client Tree Branches, and Realizing Your Worth

My guest is producer, engineer, mixer, and multi-instrumentalist Chris Collier, who has worked with Lynch Mob, Mick Mars, Korn, Whitesnake, and many more.

In this episode, we discuss:

Fathers Influence
Home Studios
Getting Your Name Out There
Identity Crisis
Being a Homebody
The Drive of Recording
Just Doing It
Discovering Pro Tools
Getting Involved
Controlling Your Destiny
Recording Dave Grohl Style
Moving to Vegas
Mick Mars
Client Tree Branches
Realizing Your Worth

Matt’s Rant: Remembering the Bigger Picture

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Chris Collier
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #363 with Chaz Root - Classical Training, Going Blind, 4 Track Mastery, and Residential Recording

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 19:01:53 -0700

My guest is producer, engineer, and mixer Charles Root III, better known as Chaz Root of Electric Owl Works Recording in upstate New York.

In this episode, we discuss:

Root History
Playing Bars
Drinking Ages
Classical Training
Stuttering
Going Blind
Garbage Picking Stereos
Wah Wah Discovery
Rudy Van Gelder
4 Track Mastery
Starting Small
Electric Owl Works
Residential Recording
Finances

Matt's Rant: Taking a Break from the Audio PartyLinks and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Chaz Root
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #362 with Matt Ross-Spang - New Studio, 60's and 70's Inspiration, 30,000 Feet Of Cable, 15% Redneck, and Nice But Not Too Nice

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0700

My guest today is grammy-winning producer, engineer, and mixer Matt Ross-Spang. This is Matt's second appearance on WCA.

In this episode, we discuss:

Sam Phillips Recording
New Studio
Crosstown Concourse
Sun Studios
Workflow
Steven Durr
Wiring
30,000 feet Of Audio cable
Aesthetic Choices
15% Red Neck
60's and 70's Inspiration
Custom Headphones System
Howard Hughes OCD
Nice But Not Too Nice
The Price of Wood

Matt's Rant: Staying Positive

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Matt Ross-Spang
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #361 with Patrick Keane - Tinkering, Being Prepared, Choosing Gear, Room Building, and Problem Solving Lessons

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 19:31:00 -0700

Today, my guest is Portland, Maine-based mastering engineer Patrick Keane.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing up w/out Screens
Tinkering
Problem Solving Lessons
Being Prepared
FOH
Producing
Discovering Mastering
Bob Ludwig
Choosing Gear
Selling Gear
Room Building
Finances
Retirement

Matt's Rant: A Belated Birthday Celebration

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Patrick Keane
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #360 with Bryan Matheson - Keeping a Studio In Business, Always Learning, Good Landlords, and RTFM!

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 18:52:25 -0700

Today, my guest is studio owner, engineer, composer, and vocalist Bryan Matheson who owns and runs Skyline Studios in Oakland, California.

In this episode, we discuss:

Teac 2340
PCM Beta
Leos Pro Audio
Skyline Studios
Converting A Warehouse
Chips Davis
Ad Work
Keeping Outside Noise Out
Client Growth
Keeping a Studio In Business
Always Learning
RTFM
Covid Survival
UVC Lights
Good Landlords
Live Streaming
Sustaining Waves
Work/Life Balance

Matt's Rant: Use It or Lose it!

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Bryan Matheson
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #359 with Will Yip - Feeding Off Stress, Setting Goals, Power of Routine, Investment in Songs, and Hard Working Parents

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:12:40 -0700

Today, my guest is Grammy-nominated record producer, audio engineer, songwriter, and musician Will Yip who has worked with Lauryn Hill, Panic! at the Disco, Blacklisted, and many others.

In this episode, we discuss:

Hard Working Parents
Strict Upbringing
Drums
Feeding off Stress
Falling in Love with Recording
Free Demos
Setting Goals
Mom's Basement Studio
Buying into a Studio
Investment in Songs
Starting a Record Label
Management
Power of Routine
Taking Care of Your Body

Matt's Rant: Complacency

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Will Yip
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #358 with Robert Carranza - East LA, Lessons from Musicians, Gear vs. Good Songs, Listening, and Family

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:20:00 -0700

My guest today is 4x Grammy Awarded Mixer, Engineer, Producer Robert Carranza. Robert has worked with Ozomatli, Marilyn Manson, Jack Johnson, Los Lobos, and many others.

In this episode, we discuss:

East LA
Black Sabbath
Music Today
First 4 Track
Bruce Swedien
Floating Assistant
Studio Managers
Pagers
Paul Rothchild
Getting Fired
Lessons from Musicians
Asking Questions
Listening
Emotion
Money Management
Gear vs. Good Songs
The Beatles
Mentors
Ego
Family

Matt's Rant: Communication

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Robert Carranza
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #357 with Michael James - Small Town Strategies, Dolby Atmos, Alternator Records, Shelter In Place, and a Room of 100 People

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 18:27:35 -0700

Today, my guest is producer, mix engineer, and artist Michael James. Michael has worked with Hole, L7, Robben Ford, A.J. Croce, and many others. This is Michael's second appearance on the show.

In this episode, we discuss:

Reflecting on Petaluma vs. Los Angeles
Balance
Pandemic Related Changes
Fiber Internet
Rogue Amoeba
Zoom
Dolby Atmos
Alternator Records
Shelter In Place
Alternative Audio Business
Tire Balancing
Having Open Plans
Small Town Strategies
Room of 100 People

Matt's Rant: Dolby Atmos Update

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Michael James
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #356 with Todd Hutchisen - Blinders on Head Down, Serving the Scene, Anti-Trend, Triple Sessions, and Family Balance

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 17:40:30 -0700

Today, my guest is musician, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and engineer Todd Hutchisen, co-owner of Acadia Recording Company located in Portland, Maine.

In this episode, we discuss:

Taking Ownership of Acadia
Studio Names
Tripple Sessions
Rudy Van Gelder
Don Zientara
Anti-Trend
Gear Restraint
Buying and Building Once
Analogies
Studio Ownership
Blinders on Head Down
Family Balance
Financial Philosophy
Serving The Scene
Safe Covid Sessions

Matt's Rant: Knowing when to say Yes or No to Gigs

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Todd Hutchisen
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #355 with Jason Phelps - Lobster, Landlords, Studio Partnerships, Portland, Maine, and Bluegrass

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 18:21:28 -0700

Today, my guest is producer, engineer, and musician Jason Phelps, co-owner of Acadia Recording Company located in Portland, Maine.

In this episode, we discuss:

Portland, Maine
Lobster
Acadia Recording CO.
Gateway Mastering
Landlords
Mini Splits
Studio Business
Shared Workflows
Studio Partnerships
Grants and Loans
Handling Studio Money
Trust
Making People Comfortable
8 Tracks
Back Ordered Guitars
Bluegrass
Networking
Teaching
Having A Plan

Matt's Rant: Having Coffee with New Friends

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Jason Phelps
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #354 with Tom Gordon - Granny's House, Weed Offerings, 80 Hour Weeks, Sammy Davis Jr., and Advice from Shelly Yakus

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 18:44:06 -0700

My guest today is Producer, Engineer, and Educator Tom Gordon. Tom has worked with Ozzy Osbourne, Dr. Dre, The Beach Boys, Boyz II Men, Willie Nelson, Whitesnake, and Bruce Dickenson of Iron Maiden, to name a few.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing up In Reno
Theater Parents
Sammy Davis Jr.
Reel to Reel Discoveries
Endless Love
Granny's House
USC
Discovering Recording
Advice from Shelly Yakus
Milli Vanilli
Spec Deals
Music Bias
Weed Offerings
Working with Famous People
Whitesnake
Imirage Studios
Teaching
80 Hour Weeks
Lessons for Students

Matt's Rant: Inspiration from Other Things

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Tom Gordon
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #353 with Matt Qualls - Van Burnout, Doctors Office Recording, Working with Limitations, Sound Baths, and Memphis

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 18:16:29 -0700

My guest today is recording, mixing, and mastering engineer Matt Qualls who is based in Memphis, Tennessee.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing Up In Memphis
Early Recording
Van Burnout
Doctors Office Recording
Ardent Studios
Working with Limitations
Neve VR-60 and Toothpicks
Studio Maintenance
The Bay Area
Albuquerque
Feeling Retired
Gear Talk
Sound Bath
Moving Back to Memphis
Young Avenue Sound
Nashville vs. Memphis
Invasion
Sacrifices

Matt's Rant: Over Committing

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Matt Qualls
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #352 with Sean O'Keefe - Quitting School, Wednesday Warriors, Hacking the Intern Process, Managers, Royalties, and Soft Cities

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 18:42:25 -0700

My guest today is Grammy Nominated Mixer, Producer, Sean O'Keefe who has worked with Fall Out Boy, Hawthorne Heights, and The Plain White T's, among many others.

In this episode, we discuss:

Chicago
4 Track Recording
Academic Father
Quitting School
Living in an Office
Wednesday Warriors
Lessons Learned from Gravity Studios
Hacking the Intern Process
Smart Studios
Fall Out Boy
Evanston
Soft City
Managers
Royalties
Economic Lessons
Gear Doesn't Matter

Matt's Rant: Random Thoughts

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Sean O'Keefe
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #351 with Travis Ference - Talent Shows, Capital Studios, Waiting for the Phone to Ring, and Doing Awful Things to Audio

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 18:22:00 -0700

My guest today is Grammy Nominated Mixer, Producer, and Recording Engineer Travis Ference. Travis has worked with Imagine Dragons, John Mayer, Ariana Grande, and Bush, to name a few.

In this episode, we discuss:

North Carolina
Blooming Late
Selling his only Zeppelin CD!
Talent Shows
Sports
Berklee College of Music
Boston
LA
Capital Studios
Waiting for the Phone to Ring
Life As a Studio Runner
Disney Pop
Doing Awful Things to Audio
Independence
Personality Types in Audio

Matt's Rant: Staying Organized

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Travis Ference
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #350 with Leslie Brathwaite - Island Culture, The Craft of Recording, Taking Pride in Work, Valuing Peace, and Salads for Whitney Houston

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 16:10:47 -0700

My guest today is recording and mixing engineer Leslie Brathwaite, who has worked with Pharrell Williams, Outkast, Björk, TLC, Jay Z, Madonna, Ludacris, Young Jeezy, Akon, T.I., Monica, Michael Jackson, Cher, Mary J. Blige, 2Pac, Notorious B.I.G just to name a few.

In this episode, we discuss:

Virgin Islands
Calypso Music
Birth of Hip Hop
Drum Machines
Island Culture
Making Dubs
Leaving The Island
Full Sail
The Craft of Recording
Dallas Austin
Salads for Whitney Houston
Apple IIE
Taking Pride in Work
Good and Efficient
Building Relationships
The Cup Test
Turning Work Down
Valuing Peace
Mixing in the Box
Money Talk
Mix Philosophy

Matt's Rant: Revisiting Habits

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Leslie Brathwaite
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #349 with Craig Alvin - Muscle Shoals, Mentors, Survival, Bible College Neves, And A Brand New Studio

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 16:27:02 -0700

My guest today is Grammy-Winning Mix Engineer and Producer Craig Alvin. Craig's recording credits include Hanson, Little Big Town, Amy Grant, Vanessa Carlton, Will Hoge, Andrew Belle, Brittany Howard, and a Grammy for his mix work on Kacey Musgraves' Golden Hour album in 2019.

In this episode, we discuss:

Vancouver, Washington
Bible College Neves
5 O'Clock People
Joe Chicarelli
Always Be Listening
Oklahoma City
Advice on Nashville
Muscle Shoals
Mentors
Larry Crane
Aretha Franklin
Cost of Living
New Studio
Work/Life
Survival
Quality of Tracks

Matt's Rant: Do We Always Need to Get Paid for Our Stuff?Links and Show Notes

Craig's Site
Craig On Instagram
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin
Current sponsors & promos

Credits

Guest: Craig Alvin
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #348 with Mike Blodgett - Reno to East Oakland, Starving Musician, Building a Studio, and Becoming an Electrician.

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 17:22:13 -0700

Today, my guest is producer, engineer, composer, and electrician Mike Blodgett, the owner of Electric Sparky Land recording in East Oakland.

In this episode, we discuss:

East Oakland
Live/Work Space
Reno, Nevada
Viola
Field Recording
4 Tracks
Starving Musician
Becoming an Electrician
Business Practices
Building a Studio
Creating A Record Label
Recording Bands Live
Choosing Gear
Talking Electricity
Hiring an Electrician

Matt's Rant: Atmos Studio UpdateLinks and Show Notes

Mike's Studio
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin
Current sponsors & promos

Credits

Guest: Mike Blodgett
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #347 with Beckie Campbell - Controlling The Live Beast, Building A Resume, Planning for The Future, and Running Your Life From The Road

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 05:45:00 -0700

My guest today is Live Sound engineer Beckie Campbell. Beckie does FOH for major acts like the Indigo Girls and the Commodores. She's also the owner of B4Media Production LLC, where she Produces corporate events, festivals, and live shows all over the US.

In this episode, we discuss:

Live Sound
Union Work
The UP of Michigan
FullSail
Building A Resume
Worship Sound
Controlling The Live Beast
Building Troubleshooting Skills
Setting Rates
A1 AND A2 Distinctions
Working On Digital Consoles
Taking Deep Breaths
Recording Shows
Hearing Protection
Money Management
Planning for The Future
Health and Wellness
Work/Life Balance
Running Your Life From The Road
Health Insurance

Matt's Rant: Making time for your imaginationLinks and Show Notes

Beckie on Facebook
Beckie on Linkedin
Beckie on Instagram
Beckie's Website
Soundgirls Site
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin
Current sponsors & promos

Credits

Guest: Beckie Campbell
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #346 with Dante Fumo - Post Production, Immersive Audio, Recording for 6 Packs, Finding Work, and The Sunk Cost Fallacy

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 03:47:28 -0700

Today's guest today is sound designer, mixer, composer, and writer Dante Fumo. Dante started recording indie bands in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has since branched out into sound design for film and games and relocating to Minnesota.

In this episode, we discuss:

Copywriting
Prog Rock
Audio School
Recording for 6 Packs
Basement Studios
Day Jobs
Freelance Writing
Building a Studio
Working From Home
Post Production
Game Sound
Immersive Audio
Selling Gear
Lower Overhead
Studio Identity
The Sunk Cost Fallacy
Finding Work
Volunteering
Local Work Opportunities
Slack Channels
Hobby vs. Profession
Finances

Matt's Rant: Dolby Atmos UpdateLinks and Show Notes

Dante's Site
Dante on Instagram
Dante on Twitter
Sound Anchor DAW stand
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin
Current sponsors & promos

Credits

Guest: Dante Fumo
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #345 with Chuck Zwicky - Collaboration, Analogies, Deterministic Latency, Social Media, and Flowers Next To Your Name

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 06:10:31 -0700

Today's guest is producer, engineer, mixer Chuck Zwicky, making a return appearance on WCA. Chuck has worked with Prince, Soul Asylum, The Rembrandts, Mandy Moore, and many others.

In this episode, we discuss:

Collaboration
Social Media
COVID
Money
Survival
Analogies
Prince
Nostalgia
AI
Radio
Flowers Next To Your Name
1000 Sheets of Paper
Deterministic Latency
Outboard Gear

Matt's Rant: My Favorite Hobby

Links and Show Notes

Chucks Website
Chucks First Interview on WCA
George Vlad Interview
SonoBus that Chuck mentioned
Facebook Feed Eradicator Matt mentioned
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits

Guest: Chuck Zwicky
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #344 with Tim Palmer - Treating People Well, Remote Clients, Comfort Zones, and Prodixing (Production + Mixing)

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 23:07:00 -0700

Today's guest is producer, engineer, mixer, Tim Palmer known for his work with Pearl Jam, U2, Cutting Crew, Tears for Fears, and many more. This is Tim's second appearance on the show.

In this episode, we discuss:

Key to Repeat Clients
Treating People Well
Humanizing Revisions
"Prodixing" (Producing + Mixing)
Remote Clients
Past vs. Present
State of Songwriting
Mutt Lang
Handling Compromise
Studio Building
Hearing Safety
Rethinking Gear
Music Cares
Black Fret
Pricing
U2
Comfort zones

Matt's Rant: Thinking and Working GloballyLinks and Show Notes

Tim's Site: https://timpalmer.com/
Black Fret: https://www.blackfret.org/
Music Cares: https://www.grammy.com/musicares
Tim's First Interview on WCA: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-025-with-tim-palmer/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits

Guest: Tim Palmer
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #343 with Tanner Campbell- Holding Court, Pound Puppies, Quality of Character, Imposter Syndrome, and Audio Dramas

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 01:22:59 -0700

My guest today is podcast engineer, content producer, and thought leader Tanner Campbell.

In this episode, we discuss:

Pound Puppies
Holding Court
IT Influence
Podcasts
Marijuana Legalization
Colorado
Podcast Audio Quality
Imposter Syndrome
Portland, Maine
ATM Studio
Joanne Fabrics
Podcast Studio
Corporate Clients
Joan London
Marketing Locally
Quality of Character
Surviving COVID
Bankruptcy Discussions
Binaural Audio
Spotify
Q-code
Audio Dramas

Matt's Rant: Random Thoughts

Links and Show Notes

Tanner's Studio: https://guthtaigh.com/
Tanner's Site: https://www.tannerhelps.com/
Tanner's Blog: https://blog.tannerhelps.com/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits

Guest: Tanner Campbell
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #342 with Steve Sykes - Jazz in Philadelphia, The Guys in the White Coats, The Other Side of The Glass, Miami Vice, and The Deli Accident.

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 14:44:00 -0700

My guest today is producer/engineer/mixer, Steve Sykes. Steve has worked with Stanley Clark, Al Jarreau, Smokey Robinson, Enrique Iglesias, and many more. He talks to us from his studio in Los Angeles.

In this episode, we discuss:

Jazz in Philadelphia
10th-Grade Education
Lunch in Denver
Homelessness
The Guys in the White Coats
The Deli Accident
Payphone Gig Offer
Learning Drums
Day Labor Jobs
Recording
Mike Chapman
Al Schmitt
Bill Smith
Steve Genewick
Pete Doell
Miami Vice
Syncing
Always Be in Record
Musician Engineers
Work-Life Balance

Matts' Rant: Reclaimed Wood Walls

Links and Show Notes

Steve's Site: https://www.stevesykes.com/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits

Guest: Steve Sykes
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #341 with Cynthia Daniels - Paying Dues, Proper Training, East Hampton, and The Downton Abbey Effect

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:56:02 -0700

My guest today is Grammy and Emmy award-winning producer/engineer Cynthia Daniels. Cynthia has worked with an incredible amount of talented ed people from the worlds of music, Broadway, television, radio, and film.

In this episode, we discuss:

Stamford, Connecticut
Early Influence of Audio Equipment
Not The Chick on The Couch
Al Grundy
Institute of Audio Research
Paying Dues
Boot Camp of Audio
Weeding People Out
Proper Training
Phil Ramone
Inspiring Talent
Headphone Mixes
Talking With Other Engineers
Timing
Know Your Worth
Downton Abbey
Psychedelic Spinning Wheel of Doom
Hamptons Studio
John Storyk
Covid Protocols
Lockouts
Alec Baldwin

Matt's Rant: More Dolby Atmos

Links and Show Notes

Cynthia's Studio: http://monkmusicstudios.com/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits

Guest: Cynthia Daniels
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #340 with Collin Dupuis - Mid-West Work Ethic, Growing up In Michigan, The Learning Process, and Moving to Nashville

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 18:08:30 -0700

Today's guest is Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and mixer Collin Dupuis who has worked with many artists, including Lana Del Ray, Cage The Elephant, and the Black Keys.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing up In Michigan
Norman Druce
Glenn Brown Productions
Impedance
The Learning Process
Detroit, MI
Nashville, TN
Al Sutton
Wiring and Tech Work
Working Late Hours
Vintage King
Working in Italy
Cost of Living in Michigan
Mid-West Work Ethic
Motown
Dan Auerbach
Moving to Nashville
Getting Replaced
Loyalty
Engineer Roles

Links and Show Notes

Collin's Site: www.collindupuis.com
Collin on Instagram: @collin_dupuis_mixer/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits

Guest: Collin Dupuis
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #339 with Sean Mclaughlin - Studio Marriages, Pushing the Envelope, Nashville vs. Boston, and Mini Split AC Units

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 06:57:06 -0700

Today's guest is producer, engineer, mixer, and assistant professor at Berklee school of music, Sean McLaughlin. Sean has worked with notable producers Andy Johns, Jimbo Barton, Carmen Rizzo, and artists Rush, Elliott Smith, Marilyn Manson, Death Row Records, and many others. This is Sean's second appearance on the show, with his first being on WCA #037.

In this episode, we discuss:

Zoom Teaching
Renting Studio Space
Mini Split AC Units
Studio Marriages
Great Landlords
Thought Leaders
Template Mixing
Billy Decker
Taking the Clients Temperature
Nashville vs. Boston
Audio Student Observations
Berklee Staff
Kaizen
The Myth of Sisyphus
Perfection
Pushing the Envelope
Screwing Up Star Wars

Links and Show Notes

Sean's Studio Site: https://www.37ft.com/
Sean's Site: http://theseanmclaughlin.com/
Sean's Previous Episode: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-037-with-sean-mclaughlin/
Dolby Link: https://bit.ly/35j8gmY
Dolby Surround Panner: https://bit.ly/3vjScfi
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits

Guest: Sean McLaughlin
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #338 with Jessica Thompson - Backup Strategies, File Management, Spending Money To Make Money, and Silver Linings

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 04:47:51 -0700

My guest today is GRAMMY-nominated mastering and restoration engineer, audio preservationist, and educator Jessica Thompson. Jessica originally appeared on WCA in episode #080, and I'm thrilled to have her back on the show to talk about backup strategies for audio, restoration, some gear talk, and changes in her new studio she is planning at her house.

In this episode, we discuss:

Admin Work
Archiving
Formats
File Management
Backup Strategies
Working From Home
Data Tape Restore
DAT Tapes
Modular Digital Multitracks
COVID Work Challenges
Silver Linings
Building A Home Studio
The John Cuniberti ATR
Spending Money To Make Money
Gear
Backup Buddies
Zynaptic
Bettermaker EQ
Weiss Mastering
Turntables
Audeze Headphones
Future Formats

Links and Show Notes

Jessica's Site: https://www.jessicathompsonaudio.com/
Jessica on Instagram: @jathompso/
Jessica's Previous Episode: WCA #080
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits

Guest: Jessica Thompson
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #337 with Peter Claes - Live Sound, YouTube, Sharing Knowledge, and The Family Music Shop

Mon, 31 May 2021 16:27:31 -0700

My guest today is live sound mixer, audio coach, and noise abatement consultant Peter Claes, who lives in Hasselt, Belgium.

Peter has a great Youtube channel that I watch called Masterclaes (spelled with his last name in mind ) Master Claes, and I enjoy his approach to teaching and sharing knowledge. After connecting on Linkedin, we made arrangements to join me to share his experience working in live sound with bands such as Simple Monds, The Human League, and Arsenal.

In this episode, we discuss:

Hasselt, Belgium
Family Music Shop
Music School
Live Sound
Reading Music
Using Studio Gear Live
Playing In Bands
Mentors
Climbing The Live Sound Ladder
Working With Others
Making A Living
Business Outlook
Challenges
Striving For Perfection
Working With Musicians
Coaching
Sharing Knowledge
Masterclaes
The Critics
Ambition vs. Work/Life
Post COVID Work

Matt's Rant: Exploration

Links and Show Notes

Peter's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MasterclaesBE
Peter's Site: https://www.varisound.be/
MasterClaes: https://masterclaes.be/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits:

Guest: Peter Claes
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #336 with Val Garay - Making Hits, Teaching Others, Coaching Assistants, and The Stanford School of Medicine

Mon, 24 May 2021 14:50:41 -0700

My guest today is producer, engineer, mixer Val Garay. Val has had an incredible career working with Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Kenny Rogers, Ringo Starr, Bonnie Raitt, Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Pablo Cruise, Queensrÿche, Santana, and many others. Val has garnered 5 Grammy wins, over 100 gold and platinum records, an Emmy nomination, and over 125 million worldwide record sales. In 1982, he shared a Grammy Award for Record of the Year with Kim Carnes for the iconic song, "Bette Davis Eyes." We catch up with Val at his home in Los Angeles.

In this episode, we discuss:

Vals Dad
Frank Fillipetti
Stanford School of Medicine
Songwriting
Lou Adler
Dave Hassinger
Studio Work
Bill Schnee
Dissecting Mixes
Making Hits
Teaching Others
Niko Bolas
Royalties
Business
Choosing Representation
Working with Avid
Coaching Assistants
Do-overs
Work-Life Balance

Matt's Rant: Getting Back Out in Person!

Links and Show Notes

Val's Site: http://www.valgaray.com/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits:

Guest: Val Garay
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #335 with Dan Alexander - Vintage Recording Gear, Guitars, Radical Parents, Bill Putnam, and The Drain of The Studio Business

Mon, 17 May 2021 02:00:00 -0700

My guest today is engineer, former studio owner, author, and vintage gear dealer, Dan Alexander.

Dan was a fixture of the Bay Area recording scene in San Francisco for many years. He ran the same studio space I did, the former Coast Recorders building on Mission Street in San Francisco as well as Coast on Harrison. He’s spent many years of his life buying and selling vintage guitars and vintage recording equipment which we will talk about. He’s got a new book out called “Dan Alexander Audio: A Vintage Odyssey" He talk s to us from his home in Los Angeles.

In this episode, we discuss:

Radical Parents
House UnAmerican Activities Committee
The Rockets
Eddie Money
Bay Area Music
Selling Guitars
Grocery Store Studio
Vintage Recording Gear
Wheeling and Dealing
Hyde Street Studios
Coast Recorders
Coast on Harrison
Bill Putnam
The Drain of The Studio Business
Getting Evicted
Divorce
Rising Gear Prices
Gear Clones

Matt's Rant: Getting out of the Chair!

Links and Show Notes

Dan's Site: https://danalexanderaudio.com/
Dan's Book: Dan Alexander Audio: A Vintage Odyssey
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits:

Guest: Dan Alexander
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #334 with Jack Rubinacci - Dealing with Tinnitus, Working with Tchad Blake, iPad Production, and Sleeping By The Hotel Piano

Mon, 10 May 2021 06:34:00 -0700

My guest today is musician, songwriter, author, and producer, Jack Rubinacci. Born in Rome, raised in the UK, and now residing in Norway.

Jack has been through the music industry on both sides of the glass including recorded his debut release with Tchad Blake Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, he’s sold produced and mixed his own releases, he’s opened for Joe Cocker, Lionel Richie, and Arcade Fire to name a few. Like many in the industry, Jack suffers from Tinnitus. He’s written two books on the topic and it is the focus of our conversation in today's episode. Jack came as a referral from our good friend and studio rat James Ivey. I felt it was important to have Jack on to discuss this topic of tinnitus since many people don’t.

In this episode, we discuss:

Tinnitus
Monitoring low
Earplugs
Meeting Dad at 10
Sleeping By The Hotel Piano
Tchad Blake
Sympathetic Producers
IPad Production
Dealing with Tinnitus
Getting inside the Song
Ear Nose and Throat
Prepping Your Ears for Sonic Assault
Tools to Counteract Tinnitus
Sound Therapy

Matt's Rant: The Great Al Schmitt

Links and Show Notes

Jacks tinnitus website www.helpmytinnitus.com
Overcoming Tinnitus. 12 Tools That Helped Me Overcome Tinnitus
A Musician With Tinnitus: 14 Tools That Help Me Perform And Cope With Tinnitus
Jack's Instagram
Jack on Spotify
Jack's Site: http://www.jackrubinacci.com
Jack on Youtube
Journey of Sound to the Brain
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits:

Guest: Jack Rubinacci
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #333 with Alex Crescioni - Doom Metal, Peter & The Wolf, Bad Intern Experiences, and Garage Sale Four-Tracks

Mon, 03 May 2021 04:02:00 -0700

My guest today is producer, engineer, mixer Alex Crescioni.

Alex is based in Los Angeles at his studio Stygian Sound, located in the legendary Sound City studio complex. He works with a wide variety of rock & metal bands on Nuclear Blast Records, Napalm Records, Wind-Up Records, Craft Recordings, Cleopatra Records, Metal Assault Records, Steamhammer Records, Sliptrick Records, EMP Label Group, Gore House Productions, Frontiers Records, Danse Macabre Records, and Minotauro Records. I've followed Alex's career for a long time and am happy he's here to join me for a chat. Alex Crescioni, coming up here on The Working Class Audio Podcast.

In this episode, we discuss:

Mothers Musical influence
The Suzuki Method
Musicians Institute
Peter and the wolf
Garage Sale Four-Track
Home base
Wanting To Give Up
Bad Intern Experiences
Sound City
LA Studio Complexes
Getting Work
Client Vetting Process
Rates
Mentors
Guitar Pedals
Doom metal
Matt Wallace
Tim Palmer
Chris Collier
Assistants
Struggling
Financial Awakening

Matt's Rant: Sharing Your Knowledge

Links and Show Notes

Alex's Site: https://www.alexcrescioni.com/
Alex on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcrescioni/
Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexcrescioni/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits:

Guest: Alex Crescioni
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #332 with Frank Filipetti - METAlliance, Physics to Music, Starting Late, Sticking With It, and Right Track Recording

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 02:57:01 -0700

My guest today is Frank Filipetti, a producer, engineer, mixer, and a seven-time Grammy winner.

Frank has worked with many artists, including Foreigner, KISS, Carly Simon, The Bangles, Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Paul McCartney, to name a few. Frank talks to us from his home in Connecticut about his journey, which I think you'll enjoy very much.

In this episode, we discuss:

Parental Impact
Grammar School Band
Physics to Music
Losing Record Deals
Transition to Recording at 30
Right Track Recording
Peter Asher
Niko Bolas
Val Garay
METAlliance
Starting Late
Survival
Alan Myerson
Dealing with Doubt
Sticking With It
Assessing Career
Learning Everyday
Studio in Connecticut
Living Outside of Recording Hubs
Finances

Matt's Rant: Protecting your Ears!

Links and Show Notes

Frank's site: http://frankfilipetti.com/bio/
METAlliance: https://www.metalliance.com/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits:

Guest: Frank Filipetti
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #331 with Michael Castañeda - Tape Syncs, Podcasts, Network of Friends, West Covina, and Getting Super Lucky

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:44:00 -0700

My guest today is Michael Castañeda, who is an audio engineer who does location recordings, post-production, producing, and consultation for podcasts.

In this episode, we discuss:

West Covina
Tape Syncs
Covid Audio Practices
Cassettes
Drum & Bugle Corps.
School Band
Citrus Community College
UC San Diego
Sending Resumes
Craigslist Illness
Reality Show Gigs
The Grind of TV
Recording School Bands
Getting Super Lucky
The Gift of Audio Gear
Live Sound
Podcast Work
Network of Friends
Enjoying Gigs
New York Times
Podcast Producing
Learning in the Field
Linkedin

Matt's Rant: Banking Locally

Links and Show Notes

Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plasticaudio
Michael on Twitter: https://twitter.com/plasticaudio
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Michael Castañeda
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #330 with Bill Schnee - Love of Radio, Grammy’s, Dad Jokes, Faith, The R Word, and The Chairman at the Board

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 05:30:00 -0700

My guest today is Bill Schnee who is an internationally renowned producer, engineer, and mix master. He has over 125 Gold and Platinum records and 50 top twenty singles and is known as an engineer’s engineer. Bill has worked on dozens of Grammy-nominated and winning albums, and has been personally nominated 11 times for The Best Engineered Album category, winning twice for Steely Dan’s Aja and Gaucho. He also has won an Emmy Award for Best Sound Mixing for a Variety Special and a Dove Award. In his 50+ year career, Bill has found success in every musical genre, from Pop to Rock to R&B to Gospel to Country. Bill talks to us from Blackbird Studios in Nashville where we have a great conversation I think you’ll enjoy.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing up In Phoenix
Love of Radio
Early Record Deal
Quitting College
Law School
Parents Approval
San Francisco
Discovering Audio
Working with Hired Guns
Keeping Musicians Happy
Recording Drums
Working with Singers
High Profile Artists
Shyness
Faith
Peers
AL Schmitt
The Gift of Balancing
Putting Family First
Disagreements
Differences in Record Making
Nashville vs. Los Angeles
Money Management
Chairman at the Board
Grammy’s and Dad Jokes
Records That Don’t Get Promoted
The R Word

Matt's Rant: Expanding your DAW skills

Links and Show Notes

Bill's Site: https://www.billschnee.com/
Bill's Book: https://amzn.to/326cjBj
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Bill Schnee
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #329 with Joe Caithness - Pragmatic Studio Building, Meta Data, Professionalism, Office Hours, and Gear Poverty

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 22:30:00 -0700

My guest today is Mastering Engineering Joe Caithness. Joe has worked on mastering the soundtrack music for games such as Borderlands, and Tekken, the soundtracks for the Netflix movie Close, bands such as Don Martin 3 and Palooka 5 and he does it all from the comfort of his mastering studio located in his backyard in Nottingham, England.

In this episode, we discuss:

Shakespeare
Early PC Recording
Clutter
Being An Audio Introvert
Forums
GateKeeper Mentality
Online Mentors
Gear Poverty
Inverse Financial Curves
Pragmatic Studio Building
Transfer Equipment
Test Pressings
Mastering QC Process
Meta Data
Professionalism
Office Hours
Back Issues
Being Debt Free

Matt's Rant: Patience

Links and Show Notes

Joe’s site: joecaithnessmastering.com
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Joe Caithness
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #328 with Alan Evans - Open Concept Recording, Studio Remodeling, Remote Teaching, Template Mixing, and Selling Vinyl Records

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 01:48:25 -0700

My guest today is producer, engineer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, singer and, songwriter, Alan Evans. This is Alan’s second time on the podcast. He first joined us on episode 133. This time around He talks to us from Massachusetts where we have a great chat about his studio and, his record label, and what’s been happening lately in his life.

In this episode, we discuss:

Studio Remodeling
Alan's Record Label
Remote Teaching
Audio Minimalism
Vinyl Flooring
Great Musicians
Open Concept Recording
Template Mixing
Financial Groove
Selling Vinyl Records
The Blockbuster Documentary
The Black Puma's
Great Monitoring
Boot Drives

Matt's Rant: Audio Dogma

Links and Show Notes

Alan's Studio: https://www.ironwax.com/
Alan's Band: https://www.soulive.com/
Alan's Label: https://www.vintageleaguemusic.com/
Listen to this song! https://spoti.fi/3stsG6M
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Alan Evans
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #327 with Trina Shoemaker - Temp Jobs, Sheryl Crow, Daniel Lanois, Writing a Novel, Drug Runs, and Dads' Control Room

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 23:49:00 -0700

My guest today is Grammy-winning producer/engineer and mixer, Trina Shoemaker. Trina has worked with Sheryl Crow, Tanya Tucker, the Indigo Girls, Pearl Jam, Patty Griffen, and many, many more. Trina comes to us by way of former WCA guest and friend Andrew Scheps who helped make the introduction. We have a great discussion that I think you’ll enjoy.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing Up In Joliet, Illinois
Concerts in Chicago
Jackson 5
Dads’ “Control Room”
Chicago
Los Angeles
Drive Aways
Capital Records Temp
Alternative Marketing
Rancho De La Luna
Living in London
Drug Runs
LA Recording Workshop
Susan Rodgers
New Orleans
Daniel Lanois
Canadians
Sheryl Crow
Needs-Based Creatures
Jeff Trott
Tchad Blake
Hurricane Katrina
Losing Her House
Counting on Music Moments
Alabama
The Peavy Brothers
Writing a Novel

Matt's Rant: Lack of Work

Links and Show Notes

Trina's Site: http://www.trinashoemaker.com/
Trina on Instagram: @trinashoemaker
Dauphin Street Studios: http://www.dauphinstreetsound.com/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Trina Shoemaker
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #326 with Stephen Dent - Working with Sean Combs, Go-go, House of Sound, Bob Rosa, DC, and The Forest Gump Effect

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 06:38:28 -0700

My guest today is Grammy Nominated engineer Stephen Dent. Stephen has worked on records for Notorious B.I.G, Sean Combs, Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, and Lil Kim. He also spent a number of years running Daddy’s House, the studio owned by Sean “Diddy” Combs located in Brooklyn. I met Stephen while participating in rooms on Club House. I reached out and he accepted my invitation to come on the show. We have a great conversation and I’m looking forward to you hearing about his journey.

In this episode, we discuss:

Motown
Gospel
Go Go Music
Yacht Rock
Anthony Wellington
Offset Printing
DJing
Making Beats
The Forest Gump Effect
Super VHS/Beta Max Recording
Engineering Out of Spite
Omega Recording School
SSL Plasma Meters
DC to NYC
House of Sound
Bob Rosa
Tackling the Tape Library
Sleeping on Trains
Befriending The Homeless
The One Page That Changed His Life
Working with Sean Diddy Combs
Not Leaving the Studio
Golf
Teaching
Sons Man Cave

Matt's Rant: Self Evaluation

Links and Show Notes

Stephen on Instagram: @inlikedent
Oblique Strategies: https://bit.ly/3lkhNkW
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Stephen Dent
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: Cordova

WCA #325 with Jason LaRocca - Mixing Music for Films and Games, Starting A Band, Fortnite, Working Smarter, and Breakfast with The Beatles

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 07:14:00 -0700

My guest today is producer, mixer, and scoring engineer Jason LaRocca. Jason has worked on films such as “Bad Boys for Life,” “Paddington,” “Aquaman,” “The Accountant,” “Joy”, “Godzilla: King of Monsters,” Blumhouse horror hit “Ma,” and the 2018 Oscar-winning documentary “Icarus.” Jason also mixed the music for the smash-hit video game “Fortnite" as well as “Cyberpunk” and “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.” Jason is formerly known as the singer/guitarist of the acclaimed punk band, The Briggs.

In this episode, we discuss:

Mixing Music for Films and Games
Breakfast with The Beatles
Kids Choir with Toto
Music and Skateboarding
Starting A Band
Supportive Parents
Home Studio
Mackie 2408
DIY Mentality
Free Tape
Mark Isham
Curveballs
Cold Calling
Fortnite
Music Mixing
Economics of The Gig
Work/Life Balance
Working Smarter

Matt's Rant: Maintaining A Presence

Links and Show Notes

Jason's Site: https://www.jasonlarocca.com/
Jason on Instagram: @jason_larocca
solo.to for sharing links: https://solo.to/inv/MjAwNTM
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Jason LaRocca
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #324 with Steve Genewick - Mixing for ATMOS, Al Schmitt, High-Pressure Sessions, Saying No to Gigs, and Cancer

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 15:59:00 -0700

My guest today is Grammy-nominated engineer, Steve Genewick. Steve is making a return appearance on WCA. With 30 years of experience and 20 of that spent working alongside Al Schmitt, Steve has worked all over the world with artists such as Paul McCartney, Diana Krall, and LL Cool Jay as well as games such as Apex Legend. Lately, Steve is deep into remixing classic records for release in ATMOS.

In this episode, we discuss:

Preparing Capital for COVID
Mixing Atmos from Home
Setting up for Atmos
Working Independently
Working with Al Schmitt
High-Level Gigs
Diverse Sessions
Learning from Peers
Learning from Everybody
Being Prepared
High-Pressure Sessions
Sacrifices
Cancer
Saying No to Gigs
Knowing What’s Important
Shrinking Budgets
Mix Revisions
Mixing for Video Games
Home Studio Future

Matt's Rant: Revisions

Links and Show Notes

Steve's Site: http://stevegenewick.com/
Steve on Instagram: @steve_genewick
WCA #070 with Al Schmitt & Steve Genewick
WCA #112 with Frank Wolf
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Steve Genewick
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #323 with David Gnozzi - MixBusTV, Bodybuilding, Horror Movies, Marvel Comics, and Knowing Your Limits

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 07:47:05 -0700

My guest today is producer/engineer/mixer David Gnozzi. Originally from Tuscany and now living in Los Angeles, David hosts the very popular MixBusTV channel on YouTube and works in a variety of genres.

In this episode, we discuss:

MixBusTV
Tuscany
Moving to LA
Dave Pensado
Being Bullied
Metal and Rage
Marvel Comics
At Home In The US
Trial and Error
Being a Virgo
Bodybuilding
Self Discipline
Misinformation
False Expectations
Bella Kelly
Irons in the Fire
Dead Lifting
Health
Knowing Your Limits
Horror Movies
Gear Distractions

Matt's Rant: Time Travel

Links and Show Notes

David's Site: davidgnozzimixing.com
MixBus TV SIte: Mixbustv.com
MixBusTV on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2ZDYrx2
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: David Gnozzi
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #322 with Matthew Rifino - NBC's The Today Show, Union Work, Mixing Bands, Home Studio Build, and Free Wood

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 07:06:00 -0700

My guest today is Matthew Rifino who is a music mixer for NBC's The Today Show as well as a freelance engineer. Matthew has worked with so many top names in music it would be futile to list them all here. That said, he is a 5 Time Emmy Award Winner for his mixing work in television.

In this episode, we discuss:

New Jersey Upbringing
Don Mcclean
Recording Lessons
Pushing Boundaries
Influence of Grandparents
Tony Bongiovi/Power Station
Five Towns College
911's Effect on Studios
Mixing Bands
NBC's The Today Show
40 Hours a Week
Working with Major Bands
Hierarchy of Union Audio
Covid Effects On Work
Stress Level
Freelance Work
Home Studio Build
Early to Bed
Early to Rise
Being Healthy
Freedom From Discipline
Mixing
Free Wood
Financial Health
Union Work

Matt's Rant: Tax Season

Links and Show Notes

Matthew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rifinomatthew/
Matthew's SIte: https://www.mattrifinomusicmixer.com/
Quickbooks Self Employed: http://fbuy.me/oLXTP
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Matthew Rifino
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #321 with Dave Way - Pretending To Be a Beatle, Serendipitous Events, Home Studio Economics, and The Apple Farm Assassin

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 17:11:21 -0700

My guest today is producer, engineer, mixer Dave Way. Dave has a huge discography and a load of experience to share. He talks to us from his studio in Southern California, The Way Station.

In this episode, we discuss:

Apple Farm Assassin
The Nun With A Guitar
Pretending To Be a Beatle
Hearing Life Through Cassette
Early Mono Recording
Music vs. Baseball
Berklee College of Music
New York Studios
Dance Remixes
Gig Opportunities
Teddy Riley
120 Hour Weeks
Competitiveness
Serendipitous Events
New York Success
Michael Jackson
Staying In California
John Doe
Genre Jumping
Jazz
Mixing Differences
Home Studio Economics
Dolby Atmos
Working With Stars

Matt's Rant: The Purge

Links and Show Notes

Dave's Site: https://www.daveway.com/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Dave Way
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #320 with Sam Sherbin - The influence of Bruce Swedien, Mixing During Covid, Simple Setups, Meditation, and 99 cent Pizzas

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 07:40:44 -0700

My guest today is New York-based mix engineer Sam Sherbin. Sam studied under the late great Bruce Swedien and Manny Marroquin. Sam is also behind the podcast called In The Zone.

In this episode, we discuss:

Studying with a Bruce Swedien
Listening to Thriller with Bernie Grundman and Bruce
Sonic Personality
Dropping Out
99 cent pizzas
Mixing During Covid
Pivoting into Podcasting
Management
The Money Talk
Meditation
Mental Health
Simple Setups
Balancing

Matt's Rant: Revisiting Audio Minimalism

Links and Show Notes

Sam's site: https://www.samsherbin.com/
Sam on Instagram: @samsherbinmusic
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Sam Sherbin
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #319 with Michael Brauer - Total Clarity, Mixing From Your Heart, Transcendental Meditation, Forgetting Balance, and Having a Great Team

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 08:28:00 -0700

My guest today is Grammy Award-winning mix engineer Michael Brauer. Michael has worked with Coldplay, John Mayer, The Rolling Stones, My Morning Jacket, and Bob Dylan, to name a few.

In this episode, we discuss:

Speaking French with Mom
Playing in Bands
Drummer/Soundman
Total Clarity
Working in Shipping
Being Ready to Help
Regional Sounds
Daytime Jingles
Luther Vandross
Dancing
Going to England
Shaving the Mustache
Producing
Fear of Sounding Like Others
Greg Calbi
Self Evaluation
Focusing on Mixing
Audience Acceptance
Forgetting Balance
Mixing From Your Heart
Mix Revisions
Having a Great Team
Bike Racing
Transcendental Meditation
Eating Well
Work/Life Balance

Matt's Rant: Client Communication

Links and Show Notes

Michael's Site: https://www.mbrauer.com/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Michael Brauer
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #318 with Andy D. Park - Idealism, Making Mistakes, Persistence, and TV Detectives

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 08:50:50 -0700

My guest today is Seattle-based producer-engineer Andy D. Park. Andy has worked with Death Cab for Cutie, John Van Deusen. K Flay, The Deftones, Alice in Chains, Pearl jam, and Soundgarden. He talks to us from his freshly built studio at his home in Seattle.

In this episode, we discuss:

Idealism
Recording Schools
Making Mistakes
Tucson to Seattle
Persistence
Learning Lessons
The Beauty of Seattle
Working at a Bookstore
Eddie Vedder
Freelancing
Obama Care
24 Hours with Chance the Rapper & Skrillex
Building a Home Studio
Full Circle with The Def Tones
Making a Living As An Engineer
TV Detectives
Learning To Take a Break
Planning Your Finances
Emotion over Fidelity

Matt's Rant: Spreading the Work

Links and Show Notes

Andy's Site: http://www.andyparkrecording.com/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Andy D. Park
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #317 with Ryan Gilligan - Quad Studios, Busta Rhymes, Duffle Bags of Hard Drives, Michael Brauer, and Mixing Based on Emotion

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 07:18:00 -0700

My guest today is Grammy award-winning mixer engineer and producer Ryan Gilligan. Ryan got his start at Quad Studios in New York, where he started as an intern, then assistant before taking on a year-long engineering gig for Busta Rhymes. Following that, he returned to Quad and began a mentorship with Michael Brauer that would last for seven years. He worked alongside artists, such as Coldplay, John Mayer, Kanye West, Shakira, Grizzly Bear, and many others. Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles to work with producer John Hill on music for Adele, Gwen, Stefani, and Florence and the Machine. He ended up staying in Los Angeles and continues to work there to this day freelancing.

In this episode, we discuss:

Playing Trumpet
Interning
Quad Studios
Electric Lady
Busta Rhymes
Duffle Bags of Hard Drives
Los Angeles
New York
Michael Brauer
Health Challenges
Mixing Based on Emotion
Surviving on Mixing
Strict Budgeting

Matt's Rant: Banking! Yes, seriously.

Links and Show Notes

Ryan's Site: https://ryangilligan.com/
Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillygong/
The Royalty site Ryan mentions: https://vydia.com/
WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Ryan Gilligan
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #316 with Jenny Ortiz aka mixedbyJNY - Behind The Scenes Videos, Using Social Media, Networking, Having Patience and Plan B

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 17:01:00 -0700

My guest today is Jenny Ortiz, also known as mixedbyJNY. Jenny has worked with K.A.A.N., JLA, Contraband, and Thurs. She talks to us from her home and home studio in Southern California, where we have a great conversation.

In this episode, we discuss:

Behind The Scenes Videos
College Audio
Wrapping Cables
Shantih Hasst of Studio 770
Interning
Aligning Tape Machines
Being a Dispatcher
Spreading Her Wings
Networking
Using Social Media
Being a Runner
Not Depending on Others
Marketing Herself
Having Patience
Mixing Durning Covid
Home Studio Facility
Plan B

Matt's Rant: Home Studio Income Ideas

Links and Show Notes

Jenny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixedbyjny/
Jenny on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mixedbyjny
WCA Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Jenny Ortiz aka mixedbyJNY
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #315 with Paul Fig - Punk Rock Ethics, Handling Crashes, Mailbox Money, Managers, and Getting Out of the Chair

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 17:20:00 -0700

My guest today is engineer, musician Paul Fig. Paul has worked with Alice In Chains, Slipknot, Bush, the Def Tones, Rush, Stone Sour, The Mars Volta, and Johnny Cash. Paul's also worked alongside Joe Barresi, Matt Hyde, Don Smith, Matt Wallace, David Bianco, George Drakoulias, and Greg Fidelman. He's a former member of the band Amen. And when he's not working on other people's records, he's working on music for television and film, including the HBO documentary series Sonic Highways, Fox Sports, and MTV. Great guy. We hit it off immediately, and he comes to us via Joe Barresi. Once again. Thank you, Joe, for the referral.

In this episode, we discuss:

Eddie Van Halen
Dantes Jazz Club
Punk Rock Ethics
Assisting
Falling Budgets
Acquiring Gear
Video People
Mailbox Money
Handling Crashes
Getting Gigs
Low Overhead
Managers
Getting Out of the Chair

Matt's Rant: Gear Chat

Links and Show Notes

Paul's Site: https://paulfigmusic.com/
Paul on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulfigmusic/
Paul on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulFigMusic/
WCA Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Paul Fig
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #314 with Shuta Shinoda - Tokyo to London, Sacrificing, Visa Challenges, Surviving, and Listening to Your Instincts

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 06:49:00 -0700

My guest today is engineer Shuta Shinoda. Based in London, originally from Tokyo. We talk all about Shuta's journey from Japan to the UK and everything in between.

In this episode, we discuss:

Learning Audio
Visa Challenges
Working in Japan
Working in England
Cleaning windows
English classes
Sacrificing
Peak time Train Battles
Moving to London
Connecting with Local Bands
Surviving During Covid
Future Outlook
Listening to your Instincts

Matt's Rant: A Little Business and a Little Inspiration

Links and Show Notes

Shuta's Site: https://www.shutashinoda.co.uk/
Shuta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutashinoda/
Radio Garden on IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/radio-garden-live/id1339670993
Radio Garden on Android: https://tinyurl.com/ycambhd3
WCA Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Shuta Shinoda
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #313 with John Baffa - Cal Arts, Stable Shows, Forecasting, Creating a Reverb Chamber, and The Hardest Thing About Teaching Audio

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 06:21:00 -0700

My guest today is Grammy award-winning recording engineer John Baffa. He's worked with a wide array of people, including Mike Patton, Henry Rollins, the Melvins, as well as the Los Angeles percussion quartet. He joins us from his home in Southern California, and we talk about many things, including his work at Cal Arts as an instructor. John Baffa, coming up here on the working class audio podcast.

In this episode, we discuss:

John's Diverse Upbringing
Live Sound
Touring
The Troubadour
FOH
Paying Attention
Introduction to Recording
CAL ARTS
Late Nights
The Hardest Thing About Teaching Audio
John's House Studio
Going Solar
Socially Distanced Sessions
Remote audio instruction
Creating a Reverb Chamber
Ghosts in the Building
Diversification
Stable Shows
Forecasting

Matt's Monologue: DIversification, again!

Links and Show Notes

Cal Arts: https://calarts.edu/
John's Studio: https://tvtrayrecording.com/
WCA Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: John Baffa
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #312 with Jesse Cannon - Panic Attacks, Producing, Podcasts, Diversifying, Steve Albini and Big Words

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 04:14:00 -0700

My guest today is Jesse Cannon. Jesse is a man who covers a lot of territory. He produces, engineers, mixes, and masters. He hosts podcasts, he's an author, and he's the host of a YouTube channel. He does a lot of stuff, and he comes to us as a recommendation from our good friend, former WCA guest, Steve Evetts, and I'm excited to have him on. We had a great conversation the other day. And I'm looking forward to you hearing that conversation. Jesse Cannon, coming up here on the Working Class Audio podcast.

In this episode, we discuss:

WFMU
Producing
Podcasting
YouTube
Books
Identity
Steve Albini
Big Words
Freedom
Daily Beast
Panic Attacks
Managing Bands
Surviving
Diversifying

Matt's Monologue: Paying it Forward

Links and Show Notes

Jesse's Studio: http://cannonfoundsoundation.com/
Jesse's Book: Processing Creativity
Jesse's Book: Get More Fans: The DIY Guide To The New Music Business
Jesse's Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/33RHwcN
Twitter: @jessecannon
Jesse's Podcasts: The New Abnormal Podcast, Atlantic Records Inside The Album, Noise Creators & Killed By Desk
WCA Instagram: @working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Jesse Cannon
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #311 with Maria Rice - Quitting Architecture School, Following Your Gut, Interning, Being Resilient, Restoration, and the Florida Simulation

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 07:34:00 -0700

My guest today is Boston-based mastering and restoration engineer. Maria Rice, Maria works at Peerless mastering and has received three nominations for the Grammy award for Best Historical Album. Her remastering work also includes the 2018 reissue of Blondie's Heart of Glass. Maria and I connected over LinkedIn, and I reached out to her, and she graciously accepted my invitation to come on the show. So I'm very much looking forward to bringing you Maria Rice here on the Working Class Audio podcast.

In this episode, we discuss:

Dorm Room Studio
Live Recording
Audio Tough Love
Quitting Architecture School
Divided Focus
Jessica Thompson
Guilt
"Real Job" Pressure
Interning
Florida Simulation
Following Your Gut
Quitting Her Day Job
Transferable Skills
Mastering
Restoration
Being Resilient
Diversification

Matt's Monologue: Knowing Yourself

Links and Show Notes

Peerless Mastering Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peerlessmastering/
Maria on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-rice-8a11a19/
WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Maria Rice
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #310 with Steve Evetts - Knowing Your Worth, Repeat Clients, Dealing with Opinions, The Moment Of Discovery, and The Power of Commitment

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 20:18:00 -0700

My guest today is producer engineer mixer Steve Evetts, who has worked with the Dillinger Escape Plan, Sepultura, The Cure, Poison the Well, Alesana, The Wonder Years, and many, many others. Steve comes to us as a recommendation from our good friend, Joe Barresi.

In this episode, we discuss:

Parents Attic
Bass Guitar
Foster X15
Tracks East in New Jersey
First Studio Job
Power Of Commitment
Billing By The Day
Ross Robinson
Management
Work/ Life Balance
Supportive Spouse
Knowing Your Worth
Covid
Repeat Clients
Outside Perspective
Burn Out
The Moment Of Discovery
Dealing with Opinions
Social Media

Matt's Monologue: Preparing and Practicing in the Off Hours

Links and Show Notes

Steve's Management: http://selftitledmgmt.com/clients/SteveEvetts.html
Steve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveevetts/
WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Steve Evetts
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #309 with Michael Romanowski - Mastering, Shared History, Deep Listening, Old Dogs, Staying Upright, and Fuzzy Quarters

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 23:05:00 -0700

My guest today is a friend of 20 years who plays a role in the formation of Working Class Audio. I'm talking about mastering engineer Michael Romanowski. Michael and I go way back. We were building partners at our studio in San Francisco. Michael had a mastering facility in the front. I had a recording studio in the back, and together we were co-tenants in the space that he helped bring me into. Michael played a part in the formation of Working Class Audio because he's the one that helped me get off the lease without damaging our relationship with the landlord, which was crucial. Very excited to bring you this interview with him. We met up over it at his house, where he has a residential mastering facility nominated for a TEC award. Michael Romanowski, coming up here on the Working Class Audio podcast.

In this episode, we discuss:

Home Mastering Facility
TEC Nominated Room
Compromise
Shared History
Paul Stubblebine
Lifeboats
Andrew Scheps
Vance Powell
The Tape Project
Michigan
Nashville
Motorcycles
Math
Chris Takes the Truck
Curmudgeon University
Learning From Others
Deep Listening
Gear Buying Decisions
Time Investments
The Game of Inches
Audiophile Wingnuttery
Fuzzy Quarters
Protecting Your Ears
NARAS
Social Media
Old Dogs
Beards
Immersive Audio
Being You
Taking a Break
Staying Upright
Golf
Work/Life Balance
Addressing Mistakes
Paying Attention
Process of Elimination

Matt's Monologue: Supporting Small Business

Links and Show Notes

Michael's Site: https://www.coastmastering.com/
The Tape Project: https://tapeproject.com/
WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Michael Romanowski
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #308 with Robert L. Smith - Online Mixing, The State of New York, International Eco Systems, and The Virtual Hallway

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 04:11:00 -0700

My guest today is the return of Robert L. Smith. Robert was originally on episode six of the Working Class Audio podcast. He's a producer-engineer mixer. He's based in New York City. That hasn't changed. And he has worked with some pretty big names out there. Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, David Byrne, and U2. We bring Robert back to check in about where things stand for him, where things stand during the COVID crisis, how he has navigated the whole thing, and how things have changed for him or not changed. And we're going to get to all of that. So very happy to have Robert back to join us. Robert L. Smith, coming up here on the Working Class Audio podcast.

In this episode, we discuss:

COVID
Online Mixing
Overseas Clients
The State of New York
Changes to Recording
The Versions of Pop
Remote Sessions
iPhone/Garageband Recordings
Manager of Expectations
Educating Clients
Relationships
Sense of Humor
The Virtual Hallway
International Eco Systems

Matt's Monologue: Putting in the Work

Links and Show Notes

Robert's Site: http://defyrecordings.com/
Robert's Previous Interview: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-006-with-robert-l-smith/
WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Robert L. Smith
Host: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #307 with Kevin Churko - Family Band, Family Business, Mutt Lange, Ozzy Osbourne, Phil Collins Drums, and Graceful Exits

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 16:10:00 -0700

My guest today is Kevin Churko. Who's originally from Canada, currently resides in the United States, and he is a producer-engineer, mixer, and songwriter. He's worked with Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie, Papa Roach, Modern Science, Five Finger Death Punch, Shania Twain, and Hellyeah amongst many, many others. One aspect of his career that's fascinating that we're going to talk about is that Kevin worked for four years for Mutt Lange in Switzerland. He moved the whole family there. We're going to talk all about that in his journey, which I think you'll find quite fascinating. And I'm very excited to have Kevin join us today. So Kevin Churko, coming up here on the working-class audio podcast.

In this episode, we discuss:

Canadian Upbringing
Family Band
Shania Twain
Working for Mutt Lange
Living in Switzerland
"Just Get Good"
Taking Care of Customers
Moving to Los Angeles
Moving to Las Vegas
Ozzy Osbourne & Zack Wylde
Graceful Exits
Phil Collins' Drums
Saying No
Working with His Kids
Financial Advice
Keeping the Faith

Matt's Monologue: Random Goings On

Links and Show Notes

Kevin's Studio: https://www.hideoutlv.com/
Pleased to Meet Me Box Set: https://bit.ly/382SYVP
Matt's past band: https://thesextants.bandcamp.com/
WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Kevin Churko
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #306 with Daniel Bacigalupi - Infrasonic Sound, Supportive Parents, Poker, CD Text Fails, and a Collapsing Lung

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 20:39:00 -0700

My guest today is Nashville based mastering engineer Daniel Bacigalupi. Daniel is a member of the team over at Infrasonic Mastering. That includes Pete Lyman, Dave Gardner, and Piper Payne, all who have been guests here on WCA. We're going to get into Daniel's journey to Nashville and into mastering here shortly. Daniel Bacigalupi coming up here on the working class audio podcast.

In this episode, we discuss:

Pine City Beginnings
Supportive Parents
Trombone
Collapsing Lung
Ithaca College
Alex Perialas
Mastering
Sterling Sound
Nashville
Georgetown Masters
Assisting Reid Shippen
Pete Lyman
Infrasonic Sound
Having A Life
Rates and Billing
Your Room
Golf
Poker
His Great Wife
Covid
Therapy
Dealing with Stress
Fear of Rejection
CD-Text Fails

Matt's Monologue: Participation

Links and Show Notes

Instagram: @infrasonicdan
Infrasonic Sound: https://www.infrasonicsound.com/
WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Daniel Bacigalupi
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #305 with Anne-Marie Pleau - Saying Yes to Gigs, Album Credits, 9 to 5, Health Care, Moving to Hawaii, and Starting Audio Later in Life

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 02:38:00 -0700

My guest today is Anne-Marie Pleau, who is an engineer and theatrical sound designer. And you might recognize her name because she just so happens to be the editor of the Working Class Audio Podcast. That's right. So every time I do an interview, I ship it right on over to Anne-Marie. She does her round of magic. She sends it back to me, and I assemble the show, and wallah, You have a podcast. So she plays a pretty, monumental role in the show and has since episode 220 with Butch Vig. She's been with WCA for quite some time now, and I'm pleased to have her with us today. Anne-Marie Pleau, coming up here on the Working Class Audio Podcast.

In this episode, we discuss:

Moving to Hawaii
Starting Audio Later in Life
Album Credits
Audio Class
Outworking Others
Supportive Spouses
Environmental Choices
Health Care
9 to 5
Diversification
Fears
Saying Yes to Gigs

Matt's Monologue: The Beginners Mindset

Links and Show Notes

Anne-Marie on Instagram: @annemariepleau
Anne-Marie on Twitter: @AnneMariePleau
Anne-Marie on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/annemariepleau
WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Anne-Marie Pleau
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #304 with Joyce Lieberman - Hitchhiking, Woodstock, Electronics School, Fresh Air, WHYY, and the Avocado Cutlass Supreme

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 16:33:00 -0700

My guest today is Joyce Lieberman. Joyce has been working at WHYY in Philadelphia for the last 44 years, starting in 1976. She worked for 11 years as a Technician, 11 years as a Technical Director of Fresh Air, and 22 years as a Radio Engineering Supervisor. Joyce and I met at a dinner in Los Angeles four or five years ago. I discovered that she worked for WHYY and Terry Gross, and I began lobbying her to come on the show. Fast forward five years later, I get an email from Joyce saying, "Hey, I've got some free time. I'm ready to do this." So we have a great conversation about Joyce's career and all the details of WHYY. Very excited to bring you, Joyce Lieberman, here on the Working Class Audio podcast.

In this episode, we discuss:

Radio Roles
Terry Gross and Fresh Air
Music
Long Island
Math and Science
Hitchhiking
Woodstock
The Cutlass Supreme
Philadelphia
WHYY
Nurses and Teachers
Feminism
Cuba
Basic Electronics Theory
Radio Theory
Television
Electronics School
Breaking into Radio
Bicycling Tapes
Salaries

Matt's Monologue: The Passing of Moto, Recording and Perspective

Links and Show Notes

WHYY on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whyy/
WHYY https://whyy.org/
Fresh Air with Terry Gross: https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/
WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Joyce Lieberman
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #303 with Steven Baughman - Hip Hop, Alpha Dogs, Sonic Puzzles, Happiness, and Respecting The Wood

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 20:47:32 -0700

My guest today is Steve Baughman, also known as Steve B. Steve has worked with Dr. Dre, No Doubt, Michael Jackson, and Eminem as well as several others. And his credits include recording, mixing, mastering, and production on a wide array of projects that stretch from big-band jazz to rock, to hip hop, Steve Baughman, coming up here on the Working Class Audio Podcast

In this episode, we discuss:

Early 4 track overdubs
Criminal justice
Business
Chico state
Larrabee Studios
Hip Hop
Dr. Dre
DJ Muggs
Will Smith
50 Cent
Work Ethic
Being Assertive
Respecting The Wood
Alpha Dogs
His Amazing Wife
Health Insurance
Pseudo Empty Nesting
Pigeon Hole
Big Band
Squeaky Wheels
Keeping Up Relationships
Inspiration From The Kids
Happiness
Taxes
Minimal Gear
Doing Life
Fires
Sonic Puzzles

Matt's Monologue: Filling Holes in Your Schedule

Links and Show Notes

Next Level Mastering: http://www.nextlevelmastering.com/
Two Beards Production: https://www.twobeardsproductions.com/
Instagram: @in2mixin, @twobeardsmusic, @nxtlvlmastering
WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Steve Baughman
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #302 with Leslie Gaston-Bird - Black Women In Audio, AES, Recording The TV, Dolby Atmos, Morph The Cat, and Running vs. Pancakes

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 03:56:19 -0700

My guest today is Leslie Gaston-Bird. She has been in the industry for over 30 years. Twelve of that in public radio (including National Public Radio), Seventeen in sound for picture, and Thirteen years as an educator. She's the author of the book "Women in Audio." She's a member of the AES, where she chairs numerous committees and on the board of governors. She runs Mix Messiah Productions as a freelance re-recording mixer and sound editor. She was a tenured associate professor of recording arts at the University of Colorado Denver and is co-director for the Sound Girls, UK chapter and Sound Girls scholarships, travel grants. She's been busy, to say the least, and I'm thrilled to have her on the show. Leslie Gaston-Bird, coming up here on the Working Class Audio Podcast.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing Up In Ohio
Dads' Reel to Reel
Recording The TV
Making $4.10 an Hour
NPR
The Magic Number
The Arrakis Workstation
Sounds Restoration For Film
Academia vs. the Private Sector
AES
Unicorns
Black Women In Audio
Dolby Atmos
New Mixing Space
Rate Cards
Networking
Morph The Cat
Being a Planner
Chicken Heads
Languages
Running vs. Pancakes

Matt's Monologue: Labeling Your Work

Links and Show Notes

Leslie's AES Profile: https://www.aes.org/aes/lesliegaston
Leslie on Twitter: @MixMessiahProd
Leslie on Instagram: @leslie.gaston
Leslie's Book: Women in Audio https://amzn.to/33XF4R6
WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Leslie Gaston-Bird
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #301 with Ryan Freeland - Bob Clearmountain, Making Things Better In The World, The Artistry Of Engineering, and Beepers At The Beach

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 03:24:00 -0700

My guest today is Ryan Freeland. Ryan is a producer, songwriter, engineer, and mixer based in Los Angeles. He's also a five time Grammy award winner, and he's best known for his work with Bonnie Raitt, Ray LaMontagne, Amy Mann, Grant Lee Phillips, one of my favorites, Rodney Crowell, as well as Loudon Wainwright III. He talks to us from his Stampede Origin studio located in Culver City, California, and we have a fantastic conversation. And I'm really looking forward to having him on. Ryan Freeland coming up here on The Working Class audio podcast.

In this episode, we discuss:

Studio Building
Recording at Age 12
Working For Bob Clearmountain
Lessons Learned From Bob
Working with Mixing Clients
Leaving The Nest
Handling Slowdowns
Beepers At The Beach
Budgets
The Artistry Of Engineering
Useful Gear Designs
Tape Is Not Your Savior
Making Things Better In The World
The Importance Of The Engineer

Matt's Monologue: Perspective

Links and Show Notes

Ryan's Site: http://www.ryanfreeland.com/
WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Ryan Freeland
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #300 with Andrew Scheps - Life in the UK, Yoga and Astronomy, Soundflow, Selling His Gear, Staying Visible, and Squid the Cat

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 19:16:00 -0700

Andrew Scheps is a mixing and recording engineer, producer, and record label owner based in the United Kingdom. Andrew's worked with various artists, including Green Day, Low Roar, Adele, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hosier, My Brightest Diamond, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Jay Z, and black Sabbath. Andrew returns to help us celebrate number 300. He initially appeared on WCA #009, and we met up over Zoom, where he talked with me from his home in the UK, and I'm thrilled to have him back for another great discussion.

In this episode, we discuss:

Life in the UK
Staying Visible
Life Outside LA
Squid the Cat
Tchad Blake
Chrissie Hynde
Green Day
Monnnow Valley Studio
Selling His Gear
The Retirement Plan
Tonequake Records
Low Roar
Video games
Andrew's In-The-Box Rig
Loopback
Back in Black
My Brightest Diamond
Long Term Survival
Diversification
Board Games
Soundflow
The Influence of Peers
Cracked Plugins

Matt's Monologue: Reflecting on 300 shows

Links and Show Notes

Zynaptiq's UNFILTER https://www.zynaptiq.com/unfilter/
My Brightest Diamond: https://www.mybrightestdiamond.com/
Low Roar: http://www.lowroarmusic.com/
Soundflow: https://soundflow.org/
Loopback: https://rogueamoeba.com/loopback/
Monnow Valley Studio: http://www.monnowvalleystudio.com/
WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Andrew Scheps
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #299 with Audrey Martinovich - Studio Business Systems, Wisconsin Weather, Confidence, Organization, and Avoiding Papercuts

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 02:49:25 -0700

Audrey Martinovich is a producer/engineer who co-owns Audio for the Arts in beautiful Madison, Wisconsin. Audrey's clients include TDS Telecom, Comedy Central, Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras, and The Nursery Movie. Audrey was the first female contributor to Pro Tools Expert and has given presentations at "Between the Waves Music Conference" and "Empowering Women in Audio Clinics". In addition to teaching audio classes at Central Madison Public Library. She is also a member of SoundGirls and Women’s Audio Mission.

In this episode, we discuss:

Studio Business Systems
Wisconsin Weather
Following Through
Having Confidence
Staying Organized
Figuring out Your Hourly
The Positive Effects of Covid
Social Media
Relationship Building
Buying A Church
Avoiding Papercuts
Fiscal Responsibility
Fitbits and Health

Matt's Monologue: Professional Jealousy

Links and Show Notes

Audrey's Studio: https://audioforthearts.com/
Audrey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audioaudrey
Audrey on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreymartinovich/
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Audrey Martinovich
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #298 with Nathan Smith - Sound Design, Storytelling, Inspiration from Challenges, Learning from Failure, and The Nuances of Recording Guns

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 06:29:03 -0700

Nathan Smith is a seasoned sound designer with for film and video games. Nathan has worked on games such as Borderlands 3, Battleborn, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II and Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters as well as feature films and documentaries including We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists, Matrix and The Scorpion King.

In this episode, we discuss:

Musical Beginnings
Sound Design
The Rose Parade
Film Audio Roles
Game Audio
Storytelling
What to Charge
Work Slowdowns
Nathan's Youtube Channel
The Reasons to Record at 192Khz
The Inspiration of Sylvia Massey
The Nuances of Recording Guns
Covert Grocery Store Recording
Inspiration from Challenges
Gear Advice
Helicopters
Learning from Failure

Matt's Monologue: Audio Minimalism

Links and Show Notes

Nathan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanleesmith/
Nathan's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/nathansleesmith
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Nathan Smith
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #297 with Michael Rosen - Rogue Tape Machines, Tent Cities, Post Pandemic Predictions, Being Ready To Record, and Going Above & Beyond

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 05:21:49 -0700

Michael Rosen is a Grammy-winning producer/engineer who has worked with Santana, Rancid, Papa Roach, Tesla, AFI, The Donnas, Journey, Death Angel, Tony Macalpine, and Testament……..to name a few! In addition to recording and producing he also teaches at Chabot College and San Francisco State and is an alumnus of the famed Automatt studios where he got started on his professional recording journey.

In this episode, we discuss:

Small Hot Studios
Rogue Tape Machines
Moving Studios
Open Control Rooms
Talkback Buttons
Tent Cities
Quadratic Equations
Commercial Real Estate
Post Pandemic Predictions
Hips Surgery
Band Deals
Going Above & Beyond
The Next Wave
Being Ready To Record
Plotting The Next 20 Years

Matt's Monologue: Taking a Day Off

Links and Show Notes

Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastbayrecorders/
Michael's Site: http://eastbayrecorders.com/
Michael on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EastBayRecorders/
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Michael Rosen
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #296 with Max Perry - Selling Beats, Family Influence, Lawyers, New York Hip Hop, Balance, and Cannabis

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 00:54:21 -0700

Max Perry is a Grammy Nominated, multi-platinum record producer, engineer, composer, and musician who has worked with J Boog, Snoop Dogg, Berner, Wiz Khalifa, Twista, Big K.R.I.T & Vital Deshawn as well as many others.

In this episode, we discuss:

Family Influence
Contracts
SCSI and Zip Disks!
New York Hip Hop
Studio Closings
Cannabis
Selling Beats
Copyrights
Diversification
Balance
Lawyers
The Cares Act
Working in Hawaii

Links and Show Notes

Max's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/maxperrymusic
Max on Twiiter: https://twitter.com/maxperrymusic
Max on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxperrymusic/
Max on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/maxperrymusic
Max on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxperrymusic
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Max Perry
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #295 with Reto Peter - Starting Over, Green Day, Diversification, Recording Restrictions, Family, and Redefining Success

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 14:52:48 -0700

Reto Peter is a producer/engineer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Reto has worked with Green Day, Counting Crows, Smash Mouth, Flipsyde and many other artists in his 20 year plus career. He also writes and produces music for television and can be heard on various cable networks and national ad campaigns.

In this episode, we discuss:

National Service
Switzerland
Berklee School of Music
The Magic of New York
Starting Over
Green Day
Studio Hierarchy
Paying Dues
3 Year Patterns
Michael Urbano
Diversification
Frugality
Working From Home
Saying No
Counting Crows
Recording Restrictions
Studio Community
Perseverance
Family
Redefining Success

Links and Show Notes

Reto's site: https://smalltunemusic.com/
Blinded by the Light: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/blinded_by_the_light_2019
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Reto Peter
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #294 with McKay Garner - Remote Production, Curveballs and Lemonade, Production Mindset, Community, and Burritos

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 02:26:42 -0700

McKay Garner is a producer, engineer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, he has worked on records for artists such as J Dilla, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mike Shinoda/Linkin Park, Michael Buble, Dead & Company/Mickey Hart, made music in films such as the Transformers movie, in video games, and for television shows such as Total Recall, America’s Next Top Model, Grey’s Anatomy, and many more. He has been fortunate to work as an engineer on projects with amazing producers and engineers such as Rick Rubin, Ariel Rechtshaid, Dana Nielsen, and Ryan Hewitt, among others.

After studying music at the University of N.C. School of the Arts, McKay Garner’s career has spanned decades performing in front of countless audiences and creating music in recording studios. McKay is an active member of the Bay Area music scene. As an elected leader volunteer, he served two terms as co-chair of the Producers and Engineers Wing and is an active Board member of the Recording Academy SF Chapter (the Grammys and more), McKay now strives to bring attention to experimental, innovative, and traditional music voices within the industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

Remote Production
Residential Rental Recording Spaces
Supportive Spouses
Curveballs and Lemonade
Drummers as Producers/Engineers
LA to SF
Life In LA
Music and Technology
Burritos
Production Mindset
Production Financials
Licensing
Community

Links and Show Notes

McKay's Site: http://mckaygarner.com
McKay on Instagram: @mckayallday
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: McKay Garner
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #293 with Heidi Trefethen - Live Sound, Recording, French Horn, Struggles with The Mormon Church, Session Mindset, Sexism and Learning to Evolve

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 23:19:00 -0700

Heidi Trefethen is a French Hornist, multi-instrumentalist, educator, and sought-after sound engineer, Heidi Trefethen shuttles back and forth across continents frequently, in roles both onstage and off. As a hornist, she has performed in numerous ensembles and venues in Italy, the UK, Bosnia, Thailand, Guatemala, Israel Turkey, and the US, including the LA Philharmonic, the JazzUp Festival in Italy, Cleveland's Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, San Francisco's Davies Symphony Hall and SFJAZZ's Miner Hall.

As a live sound engineer, she has worked with the likes of Shawn Colvin, Meshell N'degeocello, Odetta, Ellis Paul, Joan Baez, Joan Armatrading, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Holly Near, John Stewart of the Kingston Trio, Dar Williams, Al Stewart, Jane Siberry and Lucy Kaplansky, often at the legendary Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, CA. Heidi can be often seen behind the sound boards at SFJAZZ where she was recently recruited as a FOH and A2 engineer.

As a recording engineer, she studied at the California Recording Institute’s intensive sound engineering program. An internship at the historic Coast Recorders and a job at Rocket Lab mastering house had her working side-by-side with technical heavyweights John Cuniberti, Dan Alexander and Michael Romanowski. Heidi’s engineering credits include Tammy Hall’s “Blue Soul,” Jessica Jones and Mark Taylor’s “Live at the Freight” 2011, Lucy Kaplansky’s "Kaplansky Sings Kaplanksy," 2000, Michael Burles' currently "Untitled Recording" 2017, Nestler and Hawtin's "Duality" 2014, co-engineered with Bryan Bell, Herbie Hancock’s first engineer, and full production of Anne Rainwater's solo piano recording of Johann Sebastian Bach's Goldberg Variations.

In this episode, we discuss:

SF Jazz
French Horn
Freight & Salvage
Teaching
Learning to Evolve
Mentoring
Women's Audio Mission
Covid's Effect
The Audio Pro Advantage
The Importance of Recording & Music
Overdubbing at a Young Age
Education
Open Mic Nights
Live Sounds
Producing
Session Mindset
Communication Style
Struggles w/The Mormon Church
Empathy
Women in Audio
Sexism
Bay Area
Speaking Italian
Making a Living
Not Working for Free

Links and Show Notes

Heidi's Site: www.heiditrefethen.com
Linkedin Profile: https://bit.ly/39ujk1L
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heiditrefethen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heiditrefethen
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Heidi Trefethen
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #292 with Jessica Paz - Manhattan Special, Soda Stream, Theater Sound, Women in Audio, Sound Design, Advocacy and Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 23:09:39 -0700

Jessica Paz is a Tony Award-winning Sound Designer for theater, film and music. Most recently, she collaborated with Nevin Steinberg on the sound design for Anaïs Mitchell’s acclaimed production of Hadestown, which earned the duo a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics Circle nomination.

On Broadway, Jessica was an Associate Sound Designer on projects including Dear Evan Hansen, Bandstand, Disaster! The Musical; The Assembled Parties (MCC); and Fela!.

Other design credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Westside Theater); Kiss My Aztec (Berkeley Rep); Twelfth Night, Othello, Miss You Like Hell, Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Nights Dream, and As You Like It (The Public Theater); Burn All Night (A.R.T Oberon Stage); Ugly Lies the Bone (Roundabout); A Sucker EmCee, and The Muscles in Our Toes (LAByrinth); The Kings Whore (Starcatcher Productions); Becoming Dr. Ruth (Westside Theater); Looking for the Pony (Vital Theater Co.); Women Beware Women (Red Bull Theater); STRETCH – A Fantasia (New Georges); Welcome to Fear City (KC Rep); Scott & Hem in the Garden of Allah, and See How They Run (Barrington Stage); Legally Blonde, and 9 to 5 The Musical (North Shore Music Theater); Romeo & Juliet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Othello, and Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare on the Sound’s Productions); SCKBSTD (Virginia Stage Co) ; Volcanoes Birthright (Organic Magnetics); TempOdyssey, And Her Hair Went With Her, Bookends, and Minstrel Show (NJ Rep).

Jessica has been a Front of House Engineer for musicians including The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Antibalas, Julia Haltigan, Femi Kuti, Lady Antebellum, Candy Shop Boys, People vs. Larson, Michael Arenetta, Bugaboo, Carte Blanche, King Holiday, The Woes, Stone Cold Fox, The African Children’s Choir and many others. She has also been a Lecturer of Sound Design in addition to student advisor for Princeton Universities production of Next To Normal, and was the Sound Designer of the Actor’s Studio Drama School’s yearly Master’s Thesis productions from 2009 – 2014.

Jessica is fascinated by music studio and live concert techniques. She is constantly learning and researching innovative approaches from the traditional music recording world, and bringing them into her theater work. A proud member of IATSE Local 829; Soundgirls.org; Woman’s Audio Mission; USITT; and Co-Chair of the board of the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association. She currently resides in New York. Pizza is her favorite food group.

In this episode, we discuss:

Manhattan Special
Theater Sound
Broadway/Off Broadway
Theater Sound Design
System Design
Audio Teams
Audio Roles
Mentors
Large Budgets
Network Audio
Rain vs. Audio
Women in Audio
Theater vs. Club Sound
Union Rules
Money
Passion for Audio
Past Jobs
Trying to Leave Audio
Advocacy

Links and Show Notes:

Jessica’s site: http://www.jessicapazdesigns.com/
TSDCA.: https://tsdca.org/
USITT: https://www.usitt.org/
Soundgirls: https://soundgirls.org/
Women's Audio Mission: https://womensaudiomission.org/
Monologue Link to Velcro Strips: https://amzn.to/2BcrMG6
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Jessica Paz
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #291 with Greg Gordon - Great Landlords, Glee Club, Relationships, Early Days of Internet Audio, Online Mentorship, Pyramind, and the Letter I

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 14:27:00 -0700

Greg Gordon is a the Founder/Director at PYRAMIND.com, as well as a producer, educator, and entrepreneur. Greg has worked with HTC Vive, Microsoft Studios, Insomniac Games, SONY, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Disney, Blizzard, Zynga, Amazon, Samsung, HP, Nvidia, GoPro, LifeBeam, The Battery SF, Brandcast and many more. His music production credits include Rob Garza (Thievery Corporation), Giorgio Moroder, K Theory, Rain Phutureprimitive, The Bronx, Merl Saunders & Jerry Garcia (The Grateful Dead) and Rocker T & Joan Baez.

In this episode, we discuss:

Relationships
Great Landlords
Glee Club
Early Days of Internet Audio
Game Soundtracks
The Letter I
The History of Pyramind
Downsizing
Online Mentorship

Links and Show Notes:

Pyramind: https://pyramind.com/
Pyramind Studios: https://studios.pyramind.com/
Pyramind Online: https://online.pyramind.com/
Pyramind Records: www.pyramindrecords.com
BAVC: https://bavc.org/
GoFundMe for Damion Gallegos: https://www.gofundme.com/f/damion039s-healing-fund
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Greg Gordon
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #290 with Joe Chiccarelli - Frank Zappa, Producing, Psychology, Budgets, Learning From Others, Sharing Knowledge, and The Tonelux Mic Collaboration

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 21:07:31 -0700

Joe Chiccarelli is a ten-time Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning producer/engineer/mixer whose credits include such artists as Tori Amos, Beck, U2, The Strokes, The Killers, Elton John, The Shins, The White Stripes, Morrissey, Alanis Morrisette, Jason Mraz, Juanes, Julieta Venegas, The Raconteurs, Cafe Tacuba, and My Morning Jacket. Other projects through his twenty-year career have included music supervision of films such as Suicide Kings and Men with Guns, the TV series Cracker and Robert Altman’s The Gun. Joe is the studio designer for the state-of-the-art Royaltone Recording Studios (now Sphere) in Burbank, CA, and has served as an A&R consultant for several major and independent labels.

In this episode, we discuss:

Matt & Joe's Connection
Frank Zappa
Roy Thomas Baker
Joe's Approach to Producing
Inexperienced Managers
Psychology
Handling Disagreements
Fresh Perspectives
Working in Multiple Genres
Mix with the Masters
Getting the Most Out Of a Budget
Learning From Others
Sharing Knowledge
The Tonelux Mic Collaboration
Planning the Year

Links and Show Notes:

Joe's website: https://www.joechiccarelli.com/
The Tonelux JC37: https://bit.ly/2VMuhGe
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Joe Chiccarelli
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #289 with George Vlad - The Draw of the Outdoors, Field Recording, Ecology, Adventure, Bribes, and Bees

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 16:00:00 -0700

George Vlad is a sound recordist, photographer and expedition leader with a keen interest in wildlife and conservation. George travels extensively and records a variety of sounds, from natural ambiences and wildlife to odd vehicles and vintage aircraft. He also supports a variety of conservation initiatives around the world, either directly, by sharing my work with them or by employing them in my travels. When he's not traveling George works as a sound designer and composer for video games from his studio in Southern England. His audio work is heard by millions of players every month.

In this episode, we discuss:

Languages
Burning Out
The Draw of the Outdoors
The Listening Experience
Travel
Ecology
The language of Birds
Field Recording Technique
Trip Planning
Man Made Sounds
Threat of Extinction
Recording Attention
Bribes
Fear
Adventure
Fixers
Packing
Bees
Experience vs ROI
Sound Libraries
Sound Design
Game Sound Implementation

Links and Show Notes:

Make Time Book: https://amzn.to/2ZcIOMb
George on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2A1TEfw
George's Site #1: Mindful-Audio.com
George's Site #2 Georgevlad.com
George on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/georgevlad
Portfolio at https://www.game-sounds.com/projects
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: George Vlad
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #288 with Jens Bogren - Chaos Theory, Working in Metal, Psychology, Banks, Sports Fishing and, Motion Sickness

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 01:14:00 -0700

Jens Bogren is a Swedish record producer, mixer and recording engineer who has worked Opeth, Sepultura, Katatonia and a long list of many other bands.

In this episode, we discuss:

Working in Metal
Banks
Studio Naming
Building A New Studio
Sports Fishing
Motion Sickness
Chaos Theory
Bogren Digital
Trail of Luck
Determining What to Charge
Managers
Psychology of Showreels
Psychology of Production Work
Leadership
Surround Sound Work

Links and Show Notes:

Bogren Digital: https://bogrendigital.com/
Fascination Street Studios: https://www.fascinationstreet.se/
Jens on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jensbogren/?hl=en
Jens on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jbogren?lang=en
Atomic Habits: https://amzn.to/37ZCHPv
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Jens Bogren
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #287 with Nacho Molino - Panama, The Noriega Years, Bilingual Advantage, 15 year US immigration process and, Responsible Grammy Voting

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 01:59:00 -0700

Ignacio "Nacho" Molino is a five-time Grammy and Latin Grammy award-winning Mix Engineer/Producer. He has worked with CJ Ramone from The Ramones, Spice Slawson from Me First and The Gimmie Gimmies, Ruben Blades, Joan Manuel Serrat, and Carlos Vives.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing up in Panama
The Noriega Years
Civil War
Distance Learning
15 year US immigration process
Marriage/Divorce
Working in different Genres
SNOW!!!
Bilingual Advantage
Regional Rate Strategies
Central America
Responsible Grammy Voting

Links and Show Notes:

Nacho's Site: https://www.nachomolino.com/
Michael Jordan Documentary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Dance_(TV_series)
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Nacho Molino
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #286 with Cullen Brooks - Music to Film Sound, Star Wars, Michigan, Recording Punk bands, Division of Labor and Disruptive Clients

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 07:07:23 -0700

Cullen Brooks works in television & film as a dialogue editor, re-recording mixer, sound designer, sound editor, Sound Effects Editor, and Sound Mixer.

In this episode, we discuss:

Transitioning from Music to Film Sound
The Impact of Star Wars & the Matrix
Recording Punk bands
Learning Film Sound
Jumping in With Both Feet
Working Remotely
Disruptive Clients
New York
Michigan
Lost Tax Incentives
Division of Labor
Terms
Business
Work Ethic
Watching Your Mouth
Getting More Work
How to Use Social Media

Links and Show Notes:

Cullen on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cullenbrooks/
Cullen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrbrooksmixing
Cullen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrbrooksmixing/
Making Waves Movie: https://amzn.to/2A6Uqb6
The end of Tax credits for Films in Michigan: https://bit.ly/2MG5JK1
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Cullen Brooks
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #285 with Sam Pura - The F-Word, Smoking Weed, Doing the Hard Work, Intuition and, Being Responsible for Yourself

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 04:35:13 -0700

Sam Pura is a producer, engineer and mixer who runs The Panda Studios. Sam is known for his work with The Story So Far, Basement, and Hundredth as well as many, many others.

In this episode, we discuss:

Smoking Weed
Flying Transparent
MySpace Days
Eric Valentine
The Emotion of Sound
Getting Past Gearlust
Impact, Clarity, and Depth
Making Bands Comfortable
Doing the Hard Work
Dealing with Coronavirus
Managers
Being Responsible for Yourself
Intuition
Work-Life Balance

Links and Show Notes:

The Panda Studios: http://thepandastudios.com/overview
The Obstacle is The Way: https://amzn.to/2MexOYM
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: https://amzn.to/2BlXO2f
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Sam Pura
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #284 with Dallas Taylor - Twenty Thousand Hertz Podcast, Crafting stories with Sound, Positioning, Ben Burtt, Challenging Convention and Burnout Prevention

Mon, 25 May 2020 04:49:56 -0700

Dallas Taylor is the host and creator of Twenty Thousand Hertz, a lovingly crafted podcast revealing the stories behind the world’s most recognizable and interesting sounds. Dallas is also the Creative Director of Defacto Sound, where he has led thousands of high-profile projects ranging from blockbuster trailers and advertising campaigns to Sundance award-winning films and major television series. Dallas is a sought-after speaker at conferences, a regular contributor to major publications, and a respected thought leader on the narrative power of sound.

In this episode, we discuss:

The five senses
250-hour podcasts
Twenty Thousand Hertz Podcast
Thinking about sound
Growing up in Arkansas
Conducting
Pushing the status quo
Echo Chambers
Sound Design
Crafting stories with sound
Running a sound business
Positioning
Ben Burtt and Star Wars
Pushing through obstacles
Recharging
Burnout prevention
Challenging convention

Links and Show Notes:

The 20K Podcast: https://www.20k.org/
Defacto Sound: https://www.defactosound.com/
RevThink: https://revthink.com/
Sinister Movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1922777/
Suction Cup Phone Tape: https://amzn.to/2ZAfpxE
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Dallas Taylor
Photographer: Stephen Voss
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #283 with Jermaine Hamilton - Music Annex, Tickle Me Elmo, Green Day, Zen Mindset, Financial Buffers, and Coffee

Mon, 18 May 2020 03:52:00 -0700

Jermaine Hamilton is a Lead Audio Engineer and managing partner at Studio Circle Recordings.

In this episode, we discuss:

Music Annex
Tickle Me Elmo
Green Day
Zen Mindset
Coronavirus
Financial Buffers
Corporate Audio
Diversification

Links and Show Notes:

Studio Circles Recording: http://www.studiocirclerecordings.com/
Jermaine on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jermainehamilton/
The 4-Hour Workweek: https://amzn.to/2WJ0RZj
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Jermaine Hamilton
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #282 with Björgvin Benediktsson - Alternative Studio Income Strategies, Book Recommendations, Creating Online Content, and Audio Issues

Mon, 11 May 2020 05:37:00 -0700

WCA #282 with Björgvin Benediktsson – Alternative Studio Income Strategies, Book Recommendations, Creating Online Content, and Audio Issues

Björgvin Benediktsson is audio engineer, musician author, and entrepreneur. Björgvin helps home studio musicians learn how to make a bigger impact with their music by teaching them how to produce themselves.

In this episode, we discuss:

Audio Schools
Audio Issues
4 hour Work Week
Helping
Teaching
Learning
Alternative Studio Income Strategies
Creating online content
Book Recommendations
Content Creation Audio Hub

Links and Show Notes:

Audio Issues: https://www.audio-issues.com/
Step By Step Mixing: How to Create Great Mixes Using Only 5 Plug-ins: https://amzn.to/2yB7NzS
The 4-Hour Workweek: https://amzn.to/2WJ0RZj
Your Move: The Underdog’s Guide to Building Your Business: https://amzn.to/2YOeMA1
Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You: https://amzn.to/2WQ63ea
Customer Canvas: https://customercanvas.net/
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA – Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Björgvin Benediktsson
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #281 with Baba Prasad - Knowledge from the Trash, IT in Singapore, Self Education, Childhood Inspiration, and 20 years of Studio Ownership in Chennai, India.

Mon, 04 May 2020 01:08:00 -0700

Baba Prasad is the owner and chief engineer at Digisound Studios in Chennai, India. Baba is a classically trained percussionist (Mrudhangam artiste). His experience in the industry ranges from engineering for almost every genre. He has been using Pro Tools since 1999 and has completed the Avid Certification for Pro Tools 101 and 110. He is an official WAVES Certified instructor by Waves Inc USA, also an AVID express DV certified editor. He is been training many students for Sound Engineering for the past 6 years in the industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

Working IT in Singapore
The Spirit Guide to Mixing
Knowledge from the trash
Pro Audio Shops in Singapore
His First Mixer
Spending time in Record Stores
Self Education
Childhood Inspiration
Hometown Studio
Mentors
Being Open to All Music
Competition

Links and Show Notes:

Baba's Studio: www.digisoundstudio.com
Baba's Training: www.digisoundacademy.com
Waves Training center, INDIA : https://www.waves.com/certification/schools
Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/digisoundstudioofficial/
Instagram Link : https://www.instagram.com/babaprasadl/?hl=en
Matt mentions Masterclass: https://www.masterclass.com/
Matt Mentions Recording Sign: https://etsy.me/2VZXoXl
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Baba Prasad
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #280 with Brad Wood - Virus Talk, Blacksmiths, New Habits, Pandemic Albums, Instagram and the return of Andy Kaufman

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 18:57:01 -0700

Brad Wood is a producer, engineer and mixer located in Los Angeles, California. Brad is known for his work with Liz Phair, Veruca Salt, Skating Poly and many others. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Wood) Brad joins me for a Instagram Live session where we take questions and discuss all things music/recording and Coronavirus. This is Brad's second appearance on WCA please listen to WCA #095 to get his full story. https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-095-with-brad-wood/

In this episode, we discuss:

Virus Talk
Blacksmiths
New Habits
Pandemic Albums
The Return of Andy Kaufman
The Breaking of Audio Pros.
Instagram
Band Podcasts

Links and Show Notes:

Brad's first WCA interview: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-095-with-brad-wood/
Brad's site: http://www.bradwoodmusic.com/
Brad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradwood_producifer/
Brad's Favorite Beer: http://www.macleodale.com/
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Brad Wood
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #279 with Kevin Ward - Teaching, Learning, Seizing Opportunity, Migrating to California, Team Building, and Faith

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 02:44:58 -0700

Kevin Ward is a producer, engineer, mixer, teacher who has worked with Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Judy Collins, Dolly Parton, Boots Randolph, Jerry Springer, Vassar Clements, Sam Bush, The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, Rhonda Vincent and Richie McDonald of Lonestar. Kevin is also behind MixCoach.com where he teaches people to mix in different styles and genres from rock and Jazz to full orchestra and pop country. Kevin is currently the Technical Director at Crosspointe Church in Anaheim, California.

In this episode, we discuss:

Teaching
Learning
Seizing Opportunity
Moving to California
Religion in Pro Audio
Worship Sound
Team Building
Pareto's Principle
Parkinson's Law

Links and Show Notes:

Kevin's Mix Coach - https://mixcoach.com/
Tim Ferris - The Four Hour Work Week - https://amzn.to/2KkQEN4
Robert Kiyosaki - Rich Dad, Poor Dad - https://amzn.to/3aoyxjC
Pat Flynn -Smart Passive Income - https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Kevin Ward
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #278 with the Work From Home Panel - Sara Carter, Jaimeson Durr and Fela Davis join me to talk about all things audio, business and survival in the time of Coronavirus.

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 17:38:00 -0700

Former WCA guests Sara Carter, Jaimeson Durr and Fela Davis join me to talk about all things audio, business and survival in the time of Coronavirus.

In this episode, we discuss:

Grants
Change in business practice
Resources
Loss of Income
Virtual engineering
Working from home
Podcast production
Technology
Working with family at home
Alternative income streams
Internet Speed
Post virus predictions

Links and Show Notes:

Jaimeson Durr http://www.jaimesondurr.com/
Sara Carter https://www.musicmixpro.co.uk/
Fela Davis https://www.oneofoneproductions.com/
Resource Guide for Music Professionals: https://bit.ly/2Xw5N5O
Filepass: https://filepass.com/
Zoom: https://zoom.us/
Bounce Boss: https://bounceboss.co.uk/
Audio Movers: https://audiomovers.com/
Connection Open: https://www.connectionopen.com/
Fela's WCA interview: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-198-with-fela-davis/
Sara's WCA interview: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-194-with-sara-carter/
Jaimeson's WCA interview: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-211-with-jaimeson-durr/
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guests: Sara Carter, Jaimeson Durr and Fela Davis
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #277 with Rafa Sardina - Coming to America, Leaving Medical School, Empathy, People Skills, Educating Clients and No Plan B.

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 19:12:00 -0700

Rafa Sardina is a Los Angeles based Grammy winning producer/engineer and mixer who has worked with D’Angelo & The Vanguard, Elvis Costello And The Roots, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Placido Domingo, Camila Cabello, Miguel, Lady Gaga, Clare Fischer Big Band, Alejandro Sanz, Calle 13, Natalia Lafourcade, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Bublé, Arturo O’Farrill with The Afrocuban Jazz Big Band Orchestra & Chucho Valdes, Tim McGraw

In this episode, we discuss:

Coming to America
Life In Spain
Leaving Medical School
Empathy
People Skills
Educating Clients
Leaping Forward from Mistakes
Business Skills

Links and Show Notes:

Rafa's Site: https://rafasardina.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafasardina/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RafaSardina
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rafa.sardina
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/rafasardinafanpage/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafa-sardina-57b5173/
Barry Rudolph Recall Sheets: https://www.barryrudolph.com/pages/recalldirectory.html
Audio Movers Plugin: https://audiomovers.com/
Source Connect: https://source-elements.com/products/source-connect
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Rafa Sardina
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #276 with Matthew Boudreau - Soul-Sucking Jobs, Audio Drama, Field Recording, Spiderman vs Draco The Dragon, and the Language of Audio

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 18:44:32 -0700

No, I'm not interviewing myself! As it turns out, there are two Boudreau's in the world of audio named Matt (Me) and Matthew (my guest).

Matthew Boudreau is a field recordist, podcast producer, consultant and editor, and sound designer living in Buffalo, NY.

Matthew has been working in podcasting since 2008 and has over 20 years experience as an audio professional, working in computer multimedia, theatre sound, studio recording, film, and sound effects field recording. He is the founder of the 11th Hour Audio Challenge, an annual podcast event that challenges audio drama producers to collaborate in creating works of horror in the month of October.

Matthew’s audio post-production company, Uberduo, sells immersive sound effect bundles dedicated to the exploration and reproduction of locations and props for film and audio fiction. His sound effect bundles can be found on http://www.asoundeffect.com and individual sound effects can be found at soundsnap.com.

Matthew was the dialogue editor for the Audible productions, Locke and Key and X-Files: Cold Cases. He has spoken at CONvergence in Bloomington, Minnesota and SXSW in Austin Texas on topics including voice acting, sound design, and making the jump from film to podcast fiction. His audio fiction pieces 1918, Intensive Care and A Prophets Guide have won Mark Time and Ogle awards. In addition to the annual 11th Hour Challenge, his current podcast projects include sound design for The Once and Future Nerd and editing for The Activist Files for the Center for Constitutional Rights.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Language of Audio
Spiderman vs Draco The Dragon
Joining the military
Soul-Sucking Jobs
Audio Drama
Field Recording
Podcasts
Stealth Recording
The Buffalo Border Patrol

Links and Show Notes:

Matthew's Company: https://www.uberduo.com/
Matthew's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-boudreau-a60a4b7/
Podcast Host: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/
Field Recording by Paul: Virostek: https://amzn.to/2WVMuCO
Rick Viers Location Sound: https://amzn.to/3bA82J8
Rick Viers Sound Effects Bible: https://amzn.to/39uRCR1
Get work!: https://www.mandy.com/
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Matthew Boudreau
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #275 with Carlos Novais - Life on the road, Brazil, Organization, Multi-Tasking and the loss of gigs due to Coronavirus.

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 16:29:28 -0700

Carlos Novais is a sound engineer, tour manager and production manager. He was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil and came to the United States in 1999.

He has worked with Candlebox, The Plain White T's, Vonda Shepard, Survivor, Amos Lee, Andrew Bird, Sugarland, Keb’ Mo’, Thin Lizzy, The Answer, Ace Frehley, Airto Moreira & Flora Purim, among others.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing up in Brazil
Moving to America
Life on the road
Working long hours
Multitasking
Finances
Relationships
Being Organized
Corona's virus and the loss of gigs.

Links and Show Notes:

Carlos on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-novais/
Zoom: http://www.zoom.us
Master Tour: https://www.eventric.com/master-tour-management-software/
Acorns: http://www.acorns.com
Bobnet: https://www.bobnet.rocks/
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Carlos Novais
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #274 with Katie McMurran - NPR, KQED, Podcasts, Interviewing for Audio Gigs, Codecs and Staying Calm Under Pressure.

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 19:38:14 -0700

Katie McMurran is a sound engineer with over 10 years of experience recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio for public radio and podcasts. She has also provided sound design and original music for theater, film, corporate conferences and art installations.

In this episode, we discuss:

NPR
KQED
Podcasts
Interviewing for radio gigs
CODECS
Staying Calm Under Pressure
Rates

Links and Show Notes:

Information is Beautiful https://bit.ly/2WpsWWS
Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases https://bit.ly/2WkqGR4
Michael Osterholm Interview: https://youtu.be/E3URhJx0NSw
Comrex: https://www.comrex.com/
Katie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemcmurran/
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Katie McMurran
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #273 with Maya Finlay - Mentors, Rosanne Cash, Meditation, Finances Being an Introvert and taking City Cabs

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 17:07:00 -0700

WCA #273 with Maya Finlay – Mentors, Rosanne Cash, Meditation, Finances Being an Introvert and taking City Cabs

Maya Finlay is an audio engineer, producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in San Francisco, CA.

In this episode, we discuss:

SFJAZZ
Mentors
VO Work
Live Sound
Dolby Labs
Rosanne Cash
Work/Life Balance
Being an Introvert
Meditation
Finances
City Cabs
Passion for Music
Client Diplomacy

Links and Show Notes:

Maya’s Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayafinlay/
Maya’s Site: https://my-fy.com/
The Minimalists: https://www.theminimalists.com/
Marie Kondo Show: https://www.netflix.com/title/80209379
Life Edited TED talk: https://bit.ly/2wKgBSI
Support WCA – Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Maya Finlay
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #272 with Alberto Hernandez - Fantasy Studios, Planning for Sessions, Health Insurance, Multi-Lingual advantage, and Serving the Clients.

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 17:22:00 -0700

Alberto Hernandez is a San Francisco Bay Area-based audio engineer, music mixer, and music producer.

In this episode, we discuss:

Fantasy Studios
Languages
Health Insurance
Planning for Sessions
Budget Rejection
Serving the Clients
Mistakes
Business advice
Worth to your Work
Retirement

Links and Show Notes:

Alberto's Site: https://www.albertohernandezaudio.com/
Quickbooks Self Employed: http://fbuy.me/oLXTP
Miles Davis Documentary: https://to.pbs.org/2Ib3Jav
Matt's Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Alberto Hernandez
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #271 with Dusty Wakeman - Texas Roots, Mad Dog Studios, Hard Drives & Hammers, David Royer and Mojave Audio

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 18:46:16 -0700

Dusty Wakeman is a bass player, producer, engineer and currently the President of Mojave Audio.

In this episode, we discuss:

Mad Dog Studios
Texas Roots
Playing bass
Running a studio
Hard Drives and Hammers
Mojave Audio
David Royer
Viral Meningitis
Coronavirus
Hot Yoga
Dwight Yokam

Links and Show Notes:

Mojave Audio: https://mojaveaudio.com/
Peter Doell: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-051-with-peter-doell/
Matt's Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP
Soundtheory:https://www.soundtheory.com/
Sonible: https://www.sonible.com/
OEK: https://oeksound.com/
Izotope: https://www.izotope.com/
Waves: https://www.waves.com/

Credits:

Guest: Dusty Wakeman
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #270 with Dereck Blackburn - Studio Building, Dual Electrical Systems, Mini Splits, Community Participation, Mastermind Groups and Meditation.

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 16:32:00 -0700

Dereck Blackburn is a consultant, recording engineer/producer, and multi-instrumentalist in Bedford, Massachusetts. You can read more about Dereck at http://quiethouserecording.com/ .

In this episode, we discuss:

MIT
Audio Builders Workshop
Building Quiethouse Recording
Not working too many hours
Productivity Tools
Dual Electrical Systems
Energy Bills
Mini Splits
Community Participation
Mastermind Groups
Meditation

Links and Show Notes:

Quiethouse Recording http://quiethouserecording.com/
Lou Clark http://sonic-space.com/home.html
Dereck uses: https://invoiced.com/
Dereck uses: https://fidbak.audio/
Bill Whitlock: http://www.aes.org/aes/bill-whitlock
Mini Splits: https://bit.ly/2HC9n53
Facebook News Feed Eradicator: https://bit.ly/37yAMj1
Michael Beinhorn's Book: https://amzn.to/38CCnWe
Sylvia's Book: https://amzn.to/2vJlnzm
Matt's Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Dereck Blackburn
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #269 with Lij Shaw - Saving Home Studios, Podcasts, Creating Paid Content, Nashville Growth and The Hay Bale Studio.

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 19:09:00 -0700

Lij Shaw is the host of the podcast Recording Studio Rockstars, producer/engineer and the force behind Save Home Studios.

In this episode, we discuss:

Saving Home Studios
Podcasts
Creating Paid Content
Nashville Growth
The Hay Bale Studio.

Links and Show Notes:

Lij's site to save home studios: http://www.savehomestudios.com/
Petition:: https://bit.ly/2w0SpLb
Bill BL2019-48: https://bit.ly/31LO1Ma
Rockstars of Drums: https://bit.ly/2uCPo3k
The Power of Podcasting: https://bit.ly/31FG76I
Matt's Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Important dates regarding the Save Home Studios campaign.

February 23, 6-11 pm - Save Home Studios Songs That Wouldn't Exist Without Home Studios public awareness show at Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge with Grammy-winning artist Mike Farris, Tommy Womack, and others.

February 27, 4 pm - Metro Planning Commission meeting and public hearing regarding the new bill. The commission will hear from the public about their thoughts.

March 5, 6:30 pm - Metro Council Meeting and public hearing for the second reading of the new bill. This is the time for people to get up and speak or simply show up in support. So they will need to know about the issue and important dates well in advance.

Credits:

Guest: Lij Shaw
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #268 with Frank Joly - Live Sound, Simple Plan, Family Grocery, Learning English and Government Funded Recording.

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 18:06:00 -0700

WCA #268 with Frank Joly – Live Sound, Simple Plan, Family Grocery, Learning English and Government Funded Recording.

Frank Joly is a live and studio engineer from Canada.

In this episode, we discuss:

Touring
Live Sound
Simple Plan
Songs
Government Funded Recording
Learning English
Selling Gear to Retire
Bob Rock
Family Grocery Store

Links and Show Notes:

Franks Instagram: @frank_joly
Simple Plan: https://simpleplan.com/
Great Coffee Shop! https://brotcoffee.com/
Matt’s Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic
Support WCA – Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Frank Joly
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #267 with Stephen Marsh - Goat piss to gasoline, Curveballs, Framing, Fuzzy math, Communication, and 911.

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 18:01:00 -0700

WCA #267 with Stephen Marsh – Goat piss to gasoline, Curveballs, Framing, Fuzzy math, Communication, and 911.

Stephen Marsh is a Los Angeles based mastering engineer who has been active for 25 years.

In this episode, we discuss:

Stephen’s journey as a mastering engineer
Home studios
Knowing your value
Financial philosophy
Providing maximum value
Discussing money with clients

Links and Show Notes:

Tools of Titans: https://amzn.to/30Vs5Ob
Miles Davis & Bill Evans: https://amzn.to/37rSA01
Pete Weiss’ studio for sale: http://www.verdantstudio.com
Stephen’s site: https://www.marshmastering.com/
Matt’s Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Stephen Marsh
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #266 with NAMM 2020 - Loads of gear, tired feet, great friends, Emily Dolan Davies, Kim Rosen and Pete Lyman.

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 19:29:00 -0700

NAMM 2020 took place over January 16th-19th. The show was well attended and I had loads of fun. In this episode, I’m joined by mastering engineer Kim Rosen of Knack Mastering, drummer Emily Dolan Davies of emilydrums.com as well as mastering engineer Pete Lyman of Infrasonic Sound. Short interviews talking about NAMM and a NAMM wrap up by me! Enjoy, Matt.

In this episode, we discuss:

All things NAMM 2020!

Links and Show Notes:

Kim Rosen: http://www.knackmastering.com/
Whitestone Audio: http://www.whitestoneaudio.com/
Emily Dolan Davies: http://www.emilydolandavies.com/
Pete Lyman: https://www.infrasonicsound.com/
Matt’s Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic

Credits:

Guest: Kim Rosen, Emily Dolan Davies and Pete Lyman
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #265 with Alex Oana - Science Experiments, Imposter Syndrome, Spinach, Exercise, Motivation, Failure, and Audio Test Kitchen.

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 19:21:00 -0700

WCA #265 with Alex Oana – Science Experiments, Imposter Syndrome, Spinach, Exercise, Motivation, Failure, and Audio Test Kitchen.

Alex Oana, is the creator and co-founder of Audio Test Kitchen. Alex started out as a musician, became a recording engineer and producer, got into pro audio sales and marketing, and designs and develops products.

In this episode, we discuss:

Imposter Syndrome
Science Experiments
Spinach
Exercise
Motivation
Failure
Audio Test Kitchen

Links and Show Notes:

34 Things: https://bit.ly/35KNg69
Audio Test Kitchen: https://www.audiotestkitchen.com/
The Power of Podcasting: https://bit.ly/2N1x3TM
Matt’s Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic

Credits:

Guest: Alex Oana
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #264 with Justin Perkins - Diversification, Diet, Commercial Space Benefits, Keeping Clients Happy, Teaching Audio, Disengaging from Audio Forums, and Mastering Therapy.

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 18:34:00 -0700

WCA #264 with Justin Perkins – Diversification, Diet, Commercial Space Benefits, Keeping Clients Happy, Teaching Audio, Disengaging from Audio Forums, and Mastering Therapy.

Justin Perkins is a mastering engineer located in Milwaukie, Wisconsin.

In this episode, we discuss:

Diversification
Diet
One gig leading to another
Commercial space benefits
Keeping Clients Happy
Teaching Audio
Disengaging from Audio Forums

Links and Show Notes:

The Bert Berns Story: https://n.pr/2QUm13X
The Power of Podcasting: https://bit.ly/2N1x3TM
Justin’s Site: https://www.mysteryroommastering.com
Justin’s other Site: https://www.justincarlperkins.com
Matt’s Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic

Credits:

Guest: Justin Perkins
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #263 with Jacob Sciba - 99 Cent Pizzas, The IRS, Mailbox Money, Game Planning, and Fear of an Empty Calendar.

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 21:46:00 -0700

WCA #263 with Jacob Sciba – 99 Cent Pizzas, The IRS, Mailbox Money, Game Planning, and Fear of an Empty Calendar.

Jacob Sciba is a producer/engineer/mixer based out of Austin, Texas.

In this episode, we discuss:

Music Store Influence
Microphone Obsession
99 Cent Pizzas
Studying Business
Low Overhead
The IRS
Fear of an Empty Calendar
Game Planning
Pre Production of life
Mailbox Money

Links and Show Notes:

Music Pro Insurance: https://www.musicproinsurance.com/
The Recording Studio Insurance Program: joe_montarello@ajg.com
Asana: https://asana.com/
Evernote: https://www.evernote.com/
Arlyn Studios: https://arlynstudios.com/
Matt’s Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic

Credits:

Guest: Jacob Sciba
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #262 with Jordan Richter - Going Broke, Burning Out, Keeping Audio Fresh, and Moving into Coding.

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 02:55:00 -0700

WCA #262 with Jordan Richter – Going Broke, Burning Out, Keeping Audio Fresh, and Moving into Coding.

Jordan Richter is a producer/engineer who, after 25 years of making records, has decided to move full time into coding.

In this episode, we discuss:

Nashville
Portland
Burnout
Recording for joy
Scarcity
Being a business person
Going broke
Jackpot Studios
Keep audio fresh
Identity

Links and Show Notes:

Jordan’s Site: http://www.therealjordanrichter.com/
Room 13 Recording: https://room13recording.com/
Asana: https://asana.com/
Matt’s Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic
The Minimalists: https://www.theminimalists.com/

Credits:

Guest: Jordan Richter
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #261 with Dave Gardner - College Radio, Critical Thinking, Diversity, Power Dynamics, Communication, Compromise, and Context.

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 22:20:00 -0700

WCA #261 with Dave Gardner – College Radio, Critical Thinking, Diversity, Power Dynamics, Communication, Compromise, and Context.

Dave Gardner grew up in Pittsburgh, became an adult in Minneapolis, and lives in Northeast Los Angeles. He is the Chief Mastering Engineer at Infrasonic Los Angeles and a long time fan of loud sounds. His mastering and producing credits include Sun Ra, Rocket From the Crypt, Les Paul, Louis Armstrong, Germs, Portugal. The Man, Earl Hines, Bassnectar, The Hold Steady, Black Lips, Trampled by Turtles, Hot Snakes and many others.

In this episode we discuss:

Critical thinking and analysis
Urban planning
College Radio
Gear Lust
Diminishing Friction
Diversity
Power Dynamics
Communication, compromise and context.

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s new site: https://www.mattboudreau.com/
Sara Carter’s article you must read. https://bit.ly/2Z53HII
More on Dave: https://www.infrasonicsound.com/dave
WCA #199 with Pete Lyman: https://bit.ly/2YOSKLi
WCA #251 with Piper Payne: https://bit.ly/2POVhkD

Credits:

Guest: Dave Gardner
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #260 with Ben Bernstein - Being a guide, Low friction, Planning, Getting credit, and Being a team player.

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 04:38:00 -0700

WCA #260 with Ben Bernstein – Being a guide, Low friction, Planning, Getting credit, and Being a team player.

Ben Bernstein is a producer, engineer, and mixer based out of Oakland, California. This is Ben’s second appearance since first appearing on WCA #055 ( https://bit.ly/2E2ND0o ). More on Ben : https://www.benbernsteinmusic.com/

In this episode we discuss:

Live sound
Diversification
Getting credit
The role of social media
Saying yes
Being prepared
Live streaming
Being a team player
Planning
The Profitable Producer Course
Low friction
Being a guide

Links and Show Notes:

Ben’s site: https://www.benbernsteinmusic.com/
Profitable Producer Course: https://www.thesixfigurehomestudio.com/ppc-scholarship-wca/
Hotjar: https://www.hotjar.com/

Credits:

Guest: Ben Bernstein
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #259 with Lenise Bent - The smell of tubes, Leon Russel's studio, Roger Nichols, Mike Chapman, Cancer, Networking and Diversification

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 08:40:00 -0700

WCA #259 with Lenise Bent – The smell of tubes, Leon Russel’s studio, Roger Nichols, Mike Chapman, Cancer, Networking and Diversification

Lenise Bent is an American audio engineer who has worked in both the music and film industry. She was one of a handful of women working in the Hollywood recording studio business in a technical role during the 1970s and was the first woman to receive an RIAA Platinum album for her engineering of AutoAmerican by Blondie.

In this episode we discuss:

The smell of tubes
Leon Russel’s studio
Surviving as an assistant
Working with Mike Chapman
Working with Roger Nichols
Cancer
Working in post-production
Networking
Diversification

Links and Show Notes:

Lenise on Instagram: @lenisebent
Lenise On Facebook: https://bit.ly/2DDocSZ

Credits:

Guest: Lenise Bent
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #258 with Jason Livermore - Selling Beer, Studio Ownership, Production Details, Cross Fit, and Thousand Dollar Vape Machines.

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 02:50:00 -0700

WCA #258 with Jason Livermore – Selling Beer, Studio Ownership, Production Details, Cross Fit, and Thousand Dollar Vape Machines.

Jason Livermore is a producer/engineer/drummer and co-owner of the Blasting Room Studios located in Fort Collins, Colorado.

For more info on Jason visit: https://theblastingroom.com/

In this episode we discuss:

Selling Beer
Fort Collins
Studio Ownership
Partnerships
Gear Debt
Mentors
Production Details
Points
Cross Fit
Legalized marijuana
25 Years of Business

Links and Show Notes:

The Blasting Room: https://theblastingroom.com/

Credits:

Guest: Jason Livermore
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #257 with Music Expo - Warren Huart, Lenise Bent, Michael James, Starita, Emiliano Caballero

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 05:18:00 -0700

WCA #257 with Music Expo – Warren Huart, Lenise Bent, Michael James, Starita, Emiliano Caballero

Music Expo San Francisco 2019 took place at the SAE Institute in Emeryville, California on November 9th and 10th. It featured a wide array of panels and discussions. The Producers and Engineers panel was the Keynote panel held on the 10th. Enjoy. -Matt

For more info on Music Expo: https://musicexpo.co/

In this episode we discuss:

Producing
Points
Survival
Mental Health
Success
Building a career
Thinking Globally
Persistance

Links and Show Notes:

Music Expo: https://musicexpo.co/sanfrancisco
Warren Huart: https://warrenhuart.com/
Lenise Bent: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenise_Bent
Michael James: http://michaeljamesproducer.com/
Starita: http://www.staritamusic.com/
Emiliano Caballero: https://www.emilianocaballero.com/

Credits:

Guests: Warren Huart, Lenise Bent, Michael James, Starita, Emiliano Caballero
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #256 with Scott Evans - Quitting his day job, Drug money, Wrestling mixes, Imposter syndrome and being financially conservative.

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 08:16:00 -0700

WCA #256 with Scott Evans – Quitting his day job, Drug money, Wrestling mixes, Imposter syndrome and being financially conservative.

Scott Evans is an engineer and mixer based in Oakland, California. This is Scott’s second appearance on WCA. His first appearance was Episode #010 in 2015. We met at his studio for a great discussion and follow up to our first interview.

For more info on Scott visit: http://antisleep.com/

In this episode we discuss:

Quitting his day job
Traveling to record
Being financially conservative
Drug money
Electrical Audio
Mastering Diagnosis
Winning A potty
Wrestling Mixes
Imposter Syndrome

Links and Show Notes:

Scott’s Site: http://antisleep.com/

Credits:

Guest: Scott Evans
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #255 with Steven Gillis - Chicago winters, studio partnerships, Chuck Berry, HVAC systems, SSL myths, and the last studio he'll ever build.

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 03:38:00 -0700

WCA #255 with Steven Gillis – Chicago winters, studio partnerships, Chuck Berry, HVAC systems, SSL myths, and the last studio he’ll ever build.

Steven Gillis is a drummer producer/engineer and mixer working out of Transient Sound, his studio in Chicago that he shares with studio partner Vijay Tellis-Nayak.

For more info on Steven visit: https://www.transientsound.com/

In this episode we discuss:

Chicago Winters
Studio Partnerships
Chuck Berry
HVAC Systems
SSL Myths
The last studio he’ll ever build

Links and Show Notes:

Transient Sound on Twitter: @transientmusic
Transient Sound on Fcebook: https://www.facebook.com/transientsoundstudio
Backblaze: https://bit.ly/2ptMxHJ

Credits:

Guest: Steven Gillis
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #254 with Jonah Strauss - DIY Attitude, The Aftermath of Fires, Advocacy, Dealing with Debt, The Dynamics of East Oakland and Serving his community.

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 01:00:00 -0700

WCA #254 with Jonah Strauss – DIY Attitude, The Aftermath of Fires, Advocacy, Dealing with Debt, The Dynamics of East Oakland and Serving his community.

Jonah Strauss made his first appearance on WCA #016. Since then he’s been through some experiences that have changed his perspective and outlook. He’s back with a new studio, new approach and primed to serve a community dear to his heart.

For more info on Jonah visit: http://www.survivorsound.com/

In this episode we discuss:

DIY attitude
The Aftermath of Fires
Advocacy
The Dynamics of East Oakland
Serving his community
Dealing with Debt

Links and Show Notes:

Survivor Sound: http://www.survivorsound.com/
Contact Jonah: http://www.survivorsound.com/contact
The Black Puma’s: https://www.theblackpumas.com/
Learn about the late great Ed Cherney: http://edcherney.com/

Credits:

Guest: Jonah Strauss
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #253 with Mary Mazurek - Recording live, Knowing your worth, Complicated gigs & Parents with multiple fridge/freezers.

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 01:50:00 -0700

WCA #253 with Mary Mazurek – Recording live, Knowing your worth, Complicated gigs & Parents with multiple fridge/freezers.

Mary Mazurek is a Grammy-nominated recording engineer, artist, educator, speaker, and consultant. She currently works as a producer/engineer at WFMT in Chicago, teaches as an Adjunct professor at DePaul University as well as an instructor at Columbia College and Illinois Institute of Art.

For more info on Mary visit: https://www.marymazurek.com/

In this episode we discuss:

Recording live broadcasts
Studying under Murray Allen
Blatant sexism
Knowing your worth
Parents with multiple fridge/freezers
Chicago winters
Mental health & stress
Planning for complicated gigs

Links and Show Notes:

Support WCA – Go Ad Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Mary’s Site: https://www.marymazurek.com/
Connect with Mary on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/33Q7LxE
More on Murray Allen: https://bit.ly/2pyVeAb
The Presidents Marine Band: https://www.marineband.marines.mil/

Credits:

Guest: Mary Mazurek
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #252 with Dave Hillis - Metal beginnings, Record Store education, Pearl Jam, Rick Parashar, traditional record making, and committing.

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 05:46:00 -0700

Dave Hillis has spent large amounts of time on both sides of the glass as a guitarist, producer, engineer, mixer and writer. He worked alongside famed producer Rick Parasher for several years in Seattle and was the engineer on Pearl Jam's breakthrough album "10".

For more info on Dave visit: https://davehillismusic.com/

In this episode we discuss:

Brooklyn to Seattle
Metal beginnings
DIY Focus
Record store education
Rick Parasher
Pearl Jam
Closing and opening studios
Traditional record making
Committing tracks
Moving back East

Links and Show Notes:

Dave's Site: https://davehillismusic.com/
Clive Davis Doc: https://www.netflix.com/title/80190588
John Cuniberti: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-005-with-john-cuniberti/
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Dave Hillis
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #251 with Piper Payne - Infrasonic Sound, survivalist audio, asking for help, losing a parent and new opportunities.

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 05:31:00 -0700

Piper Payne is a mastering engineer who has been a guest on WCA before (See WCA #045). She has been through some business experiences and changes since we last spoke and now has set up a homebase in Nashville but also continues to spend time in Oakland where she still has a facility. She joins me for a discussion of those changes and opportunities post Summer NAMM.

Piper has mastered a wide variety of music including nationally renowned artists Third Eye Blind, Madame Gandhi, Geographer, Elettrodomestico (Jane Wiedlin/Go-Go’s), Shamir, Between You & Me, David Messier, and Fritz Montana, as well as Bay Area favorites Kat Robichaud, ANML, Sioux City Kid, The She’s, Emily Afton, Abbot Kinney, Travis Hayes, Kendra McKinley, Van Goat, and Diana Gameros.

For Piper's complete history visit: http://www.piperpayne.com/

In this episode we discuss:

Art and commerce in the Bay Area
Joining Infrasonic Sound.
Setting up shop in Nashville.
Splitting time between cities.
Survivalist mentality.
Having a strong legal team.
Taking care of yourself.
Asking for help.
Losing a parent.
New opportunities.

Links and Show Notes:

The first Piper Payne interview: https://bit.ly/2AOtzNV
Infrasonic Sound: https://www.infrasonicsound.com/
Piper's Site: https://bit.ly/2LSPl9G

Credits:

Guest: Piper Payne
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #250 with Vance Powell - Business managers, assistants, not working at home, Grammys and cleaning up dog shit.

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 05:13:00 -0700

Vance Powell is an old friend to Working Class Audio. His first appearance was on episode #007 almost 5 years ago. Vance is a 6 time Grammy Award-winning record producer, engineer, and mixer and has worked with Chris Stapleton, Jack White, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather, The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, Wolfmother, and Martina McBride, among many others. I join Vance at his studio in Nashville, Sputnik Sound for the second interview. We are also joined in the room by mastering badass, Chris Athens (Blink 182, Drake, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj ).

In this episode we discuss

Respecting your past.
Business managers
Not working from home.
Jumping through hoops.
Sedentary life.
Taxes.
The Stray Cats
Fame.
Grammys.
Cleaning up dog shit.

Links and Show Notes:

The first Vance Powell interview: https://bit.ly/2mdbYeX
Sputnik Sound: http://www.sputniksound.com/
Mastering Engineer Chris Athens: http://chrisathensmasters.com/

Credits:

Guest: Vance Powell
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #249 with Jeff Kolhede- A journey of adapting, surviving and finding oneself in the world of audio and music.

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 06:27:00 -0700

Jeff Kolhede is a Grammy-nominated producer, composer, engineer, and musician. He is currently a staff engineer at 25th Street Recording and is also a house producer, engineer, and mentor at Zoo Labs both located in Oakland, California. Jeff can be heard on film, television, advertisements, and artist projects, including the trailer music for the movie, Moonlight, as a sound-designer, for the Virtual Software Instrument EXHALE, ANALOG STRINGS, and MOVEMENT, by Output. Jeff has performed with such artists as John Legend, Allen Stone, HoneyHoney, Pete Wentz, Chali 2na, and JoJo. Jeff was also a member of the "Hollywood Game Night" band on NBC for two seasons, performing vocals and horns.

In this episode we discuss

Finding your path
Influence of band directors
Knowing when not to comment
Adapting to a new environment
Working long hours
Focused vs. unfocused clients
Surviving a high cost of living

Links and Show Notes:

Jeff's Site: http://www.jeffkolhede.com/about
Jeff's project # 1: https://bit.ly/2kzFzhS
Jeff's project #2: https://bit.ly/2m422ns
25th Street Recording: https://www.25thstreetrecording.com/
Zoo Labs: https://www.zoolabs.org/

Credits:

Guest: Jeff Kolhede
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #248 with Eyal Levi - URM, The Demands of Metal, Standards and Devotion to learning.

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 05:50:00 -0700

Eyal Levi is a critically acclaimed educator, musician, producer, former guitarist and primary songwriter for the band Daath, as well as a co-founder of URM (Unstoppable Recording Machine) Academy, an online education platform for producers with thousands of students from across the globe. In the studio, he has worked with such artists including The Black Dahlia Murder, Monuments, The Contortionist, Chelsea Grin, and Firewind among many others.

In this episode we discuss,The creation of URM.The demands of Metal.Standards.Teaching yourself.Devotion to learning.Managing money.

Links and Show Notes:

URM Academy: https://urm.academy/
URM Podcast: https://urm.academy/category/podcast/
Nail The Mix: https://www.nailthemix.com/
Digital Marketer: https://www.digitalmarketer.com
Ramit Sethi: https://amzn.to/2O2N1OJ

Credits:

Guest: Eyal Levi
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #247 with Justin Colletti - Mastering, SonicScoop, State Mottos and giving jail a try.

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 05:01:00 -0700

Justin Colletti is a mastering engineer, and the author of hundreds of articles on the art, science, and business of music and sound. He acts as director of content and publishing for SonicScoop and has written for outlets including Tape Op, The Deli Magazine, Trust Me I’m a Scientist and many more. In 2019, he began the weekly SonicScoop Podcast, interviewing music and audio industry luminaries and regularly taking deep dives into complex and controversial issues in music and audio production.

In this episode we discuss,Corporate Environments.Jail Time.Transitioning to MasteringSaying yes to work.Thinking ahead.Doing things for the future you.State Mottos.Role Models.Microeconomics.Master Mind Groups.Fiscal Responsibility.

Links and Show Notes:

Sonic Scoop: https://sonicscoop.com/
Justin's Site: http://justincolletti.com/
Justin's Mixing Course: http://mixingbreakthroughs.com/ Use Code WCA25 on checkout.
Justin's Mastering Course: https://masteringdemystified.com/ Use Code WCA25 on checkout.

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Justin Colletti
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #246 with Eric Fredricey - Running with the clock in the world of broadcast audio

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 06:41:00 -0700

Eric Fredricey started with hand me down cassette decks and mixers, progressed to a broadcast internship in Junior High, worked at a tv station right out of high school and is now chief engineer at KCSB-FM college radio in his hometown.

In this episode we discuss,

The World of Broadcast
Running with the clock
Getting yelled at
Tailoring your resume
Negotiating your salary
Getting into broadcast
FCC Regulations
A million acronyms

Links and Show Notes:

Eric on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericfredricey/
Eric's Station: https://www.kcsb.org/

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Eric Fredricey
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #245 with Steve Chadie - Making Records in Houses, Legal Pads & Willie Nelson

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 03:22:00 -0700

Steve Chadie started interning for Willie Nelson's studio in 1995. 24 years later armed with a host of high profile clients, awards and experiences Steve still has the same enthusiasm he did when he started and a desire to lend a helping hand, gear or advice to upcoming young engineers that he collaborates with.

In this episode we discuss

Working with Willie Nelson
Sharing knowledge
Legal Pads
Being invisible
Working with Andy Johns
Living like a Squirrel
Not missing things
Making records in houses

Links and Show Notes:

Steve's Site: https://stevechadie.com/
Steve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevechadie50/

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Steve Chadie
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #244 with Paul Drew - The Power of Diversification

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 16:36:00 -0700

Paul Drew is a producer, engineer, mixer, session guitarist, and member of Production Expert. He's also the D in DWB Music Ltd and DWB MIXING. His experience is diversified and has served him well. Paul walks us through the details of all of it and tells us about his new venture The Studio Rats.

In this episode we discuss

The Asian music market
The value of diversification
His transition to Studio One
Managing gear lust
Mixing Rates
Language Barriers in revisions

Links and Show Notes:

The Studio Rats website: https://thestudiorats.net/
DWB Music Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DwbMusicLtd/

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Paul Drew
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #243 with Patrick Meza - The Importance of Perseverance.

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 04:26:00 -0700

Patrick Meza is a Mix Tech at Warner Brothers. He is a prime example of how perseverance can open doors and shape your career. While still at the early stages of that career, Patrick has worked at some amazing places including Somatone Interactive, Disney, Pandora, and Skywalker Sound.

In this episode we discuss

The power of connecting over LinkedIn
The importance of staying hungry
Assuming the role in your audio career
Not being afraid to try other types of audio gigs
Breaking down barriers

Links and Show Notes:

The Profitable Producer Course: https://www.thesixfigurehomestudio.com/ppc-scholarship-wca/

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Patrick Meza
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #242 with Brian David Hood - Creating A Six Figure Home Studio

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 08:25:00 -0700

Brian David Hood is a producer/engineer, studio owner, and entrepreneur. Brian takes us through his journey, from playing drums on tour, opening a studio in his parent's basement, hitting a major low point that spurred him on to better opportunities, creating a video course and a podcast and his entrepreneurial ventures.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Brian's podcast that addresses the business concerns of audio pros
A new way to post mixes and masters for your clients and get paid
A video course to give your audio business a kick in the ass
The benefits of keeping your overhead low
Tools to get over social anxiety
Delegating and automating audio tasks
The benefits of checklists

Links and Show Notes:

Free Workshop: How To Make A Living From Your Existing Audio Skills: https://bitly.com/
The link to everything we talk to Brian about https://www.thesixfigurehomestudio.com/wca/

Credits

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Brian David Hood
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #241 with Dan Shike - Avoiding Headaches, Assisting Reid Shippen, Being Accountable, Learning to be Socially Active, Debt and Staying Healthy.

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 16:31:00 -0700

Dan Shike started college at the University of Evansville and considered a major in physics with intention of a career in acoustics and speaker design – that is, until he heard of the Recording Industry program at Middle Tennessee State University. Within a week of learning of this “recording industry” and that he could go to school to be in it, Dan applied to MTSU and planned the big move to the south.

At MTSU Dan spent every waking moment (and a few not so awake) in the studios of the Recording Industry program. He worked in the recording studio maintenance lab and was a lab assistant for many of his instructors, helping teach lessons in studio recording, SSL operation, and critical listening. It was there that the thought of moving into mastering emerged. Dan didn’t do so well in history class but he rocked those engineering classes.

Post-college, Dan worked as an assistant engineer at the MCA Music Publishing studio, held a staff assistant engineer job at Sound Stage Studios, and hung out in what free time he had with a couple of very busy engineers in Nashville. After about a year and a half at Sound Stage, he went the independent assistant route to work steadily with F. Reid Shippen, mixer of many awesome records, for about 4 years and did some assisting and engineering on the side when he wasn’t busy, which was nearly never. The desire for mastering grew all the while.

While splitting time between studio work and mastering work, in 2002, Dan did his first major-label mastering project for DC Talk. Why start with an unknown? Things went well from there, and in the spring of 2003 the mastering work and the assisting work couldn’t coexist any longer, and Tone and Volume Mastering went full time and all out.

Links and Show Notes:

Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Dan's Site: https://toneandvolume.com/

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Dan Shike
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #240 with Sebastian Visconti - Philadelphia to LA, Recording Bands, Working at Trader Joes, Reinventing Himself and Breaking into Film Audio at 40.

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 17:03:00 -0700

Sebastian Visconti boarded a plane In 1989 in his hometown of Philadelphia to attend his sister's wedding in Los Angeles, and he never returned. He was a young drummer with rock and roll dreams. He spent his early years playing and touring with local bands while supporting himself waiting tables at Ed Debevic’s in Beverly Hills and opening the famous House of Blues on Sunset Blvd. When he bought his first home, he converted his garage into a recording studio (which now serves as a post-sound studio). He began producing and recording local artists as well as serving as the drummer for most of the artists he produced. As the music industry shifted he found himself at a crossroads. At the urging of a close friend who was an established sound effects editor, Sebastian jumped into the world of post sound. In 2017 Sebastian won two Golden Reels and was later nominated for an Emmy for his work on Westworld.

Sebastian is currently a Supervising Sound Editor at Warner Bros. Studios working on shows like Baskets, Documentary Now!, American Vandal and Brockmire. He has also worked with Atomic Sound and 424 Post on shows such as The Flash, Westworld, and The Muppets. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Mara and their two dogs Desi and Monte.

Links and Show Notes:

Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3247063/
Sebastian's Site: http://www.vavvstudios.com

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Sebastian Visconti
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #239 with Damien Rasmussen - College Radio, Interacting with Bands, Being an Enabler, Getting in Trouble with N'Sync's Management, and Business Practices

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 04:57:00 -0700

Damien Rasmussen is a producer, engineer, and mixer located in San Francisco. He got his start in audio in 1983 as a college radio DJ on KDVS at UC Davis. He was schooled in the ways of the studio from John Barsotti at San Francisco State University and really cut his teeth at Dave Bryson's (Counting Crows) Dancing Dog Studio in Emeryville, California. Since then he's done live sound, corporate AV gigs, and made a ton of records with a large group of artists including Cibo Mato, Merman, Helen Keller Paid, Al Jardine (Beach Boys) and many more.

Links and Show Notes:

Damien's Site: http://damienrasmussen.com/
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Damien Rasmussen
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #238 with Clint Bennett - 90's San Francisco, moving to LA, Proving Himself, Persevering, Union Benefits, and Not Taking Opportunity's for Granted

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 06:37:00 -0700

Clint Bennett lives in Los Angeles, CA and works in the film & television industry as a music editor. He’s recently worked on such films as Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Kong: Skull Island, Widows, Bad Times at the El Royale, New Girl & The Cabin In The Woods. He began his professional career in the 90’s San Francisco music scene playing in bands and working as a freelance recording engineer. The transition to the film industry began with his move to Los Angeles in 2000.

Links and Show Notes:

P&E Wing Technical Guidelines: https://www.grammy.com/technical-guidelines
Clint on IMDB: IMDB
Clint on Allmusic: https://bit.ly/30markS
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Clint Bennett
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #237 with Kieron Menzies

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 02:45:00 -0700

Kieron Menzies is a mixer, producer, and engineer based in Los Angeles. He was born in Toronto to a Trinidadian-Canadian family who eventually relocated to California. This is where Kieron became engulfed in music and began to pursue a career in recording and production. Over the years, Kieron has been a resident at 4th Street Recording in Santa Monica, Stiles Music in Portland, Sarm West Studios in London, Hen House Studios in Venice and The Green Building in Santa Monica. He has also been the main engineer, mixer and in-house producer for famed songwriter/producer Rick Nowels for many years. Some of Kieron’s notable credits include FKA Twigs, Nelly Furtado, Willie Nelson, Lykke Li, Ra Ra Riot, Alessia Cara, John Legend, Marina And The Diamonds, Miguel, Yusuf aka Cat Stevens, Dua Lipa, Kesha, and Lana Del Rey. He currently works out of his own mixing studio and continues to do production/recording gigs wherever the music takes him.

About this interview:

Kieron chats with me about working at a pumpkin patch, help from his godmother, working with Rick Nowles, meetings with music industry suits, playing scratchers and saving money. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes:

Kieron's Site: http://www.kieronmenzies.com/

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Kieron Menzies
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #236 with Cameron Webb

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 01:00:00 -0700

Cameron Webb is a producer, engineer, and mixer who has worked with many artists most notably Motörhead, Sum 41, NOFX, Megadeth & Limp Bizkit. In 2004, he won a Grammy for his work on Kelly Clarkson’s album “Breakaway”. Cameron has been Motörhead’s producer and mixing engineer for over 12 years, since producing Motörhead’s album “Inferno”.

About this interview:

Cameron joins me to talk about being the best runner, honesty, hanging up on studio managers, letting flaws shine through, synchronization nightmares, Yo Gabba Gabba, and listening to artists. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes:

Maple Sound Studios: https://bit.ly/2RCde6J
Cameron on FB: https://bit.ly/2N1lr5r
Good Will Auctions: https://www.shopgoodwill.com/
Yo Gabba Gabba! https://www.yogabbagabba.tv/

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Cameron Webb
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #235 with Dave Nelson

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 04:24:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #235 with Dave Nelson!!!

Dave Nelson’s career spans over twenty years in the film, sound and recording industry. As a composer, sound designer and re-recording mixer, his work involves an interesting mix of documentaries, features, shorts as well as albums, some of which have been nominated for Academy, Emmy and Grammy Awards.

About this interview:

Dave joins me to chat about Michigan, President Ford's doorbell, seeing Jimi Hendrix, harmonica lessons with Taj Mahal, staying on the bleeding edge of audio & video technology, losing his studio, agreements, and Dolby certification. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes:

Outpost: https://outpostfilm.com

Dave's IMDb page: https://imdb.to/31BAN3P

Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Dave Nelson
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #234 with Eric Kuehnl

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 07:36:00 -0700

WCA #234 with Eric Kuehnl

Eric Kuehnl is a composer, sound designer, and educator. He is the Co-Director of the Music Technology Program at Foothill College, the Director of Partner Programs for Next Point Training, and also teaches at Pyramind in San Francisco. Previously, Eric was an Audio Training Strategist in the Avid Education Department, and a Senior House Engineer for Sony Computer Entertainment America. He holds a Master’s degree from the California Institute of the Arts, a Bachelor’s degree from Oberlin Conservatory, and studied composition at the Centre Iannis Xenakis in Paris.

About this interview:

Eric joins me to talk about college, the death of his father, the Burbank airport, when Masters Degrees come in handy, and 90’s Digidesign. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes:

Foothill College Music Technology Program:https://bit.ly/2WXqo36
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP
Matt Donner: https://bit.ly/2IxfTKz
Brendan Duffy: https://bit.ly/2VQEIuG

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Eric Kuehnl
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #233 with Beau Sorenson

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 17:15:00 -0700

Beau Sorenson is a freelance audio professional (producer/mixer/ engineer) based in California. He also writes, records, and remixes music as Beaunoise.

As producer/engineer, He's worked on multiple albums for Death Cab for Cutie, Bob Mould, and Superchunk, as well as albums for Tune-yards, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, Mac McCaughan, Mike Krol, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, The Dodos, Sparklehorse, Field Report, Jars of Clay, Yellow Ostrich, Camera Obscura, and many more. I’ve engineered sessions for Chris Walla, Merrill Garbus, Tucker Martine, Butch Vig, John Vanderslice, Dangermouse, Ryan Hewitt, and Al Weatherhead.

While studio recording is Beau's primary focus, He's also composed and recorded soundtracks for films and podcasts mastered music for release, worked as a studio tech, taught audio engineering, and consulted on studio construction and design.

Beau spent six years as a staff engineer at Smart Studios in Madison, WI before leaving to work freelance. He is currently a staff engineer at John Vanderslice’s Tiny Telephone studios but he also works at other studios as well.

About this interview:

Beau joins me for coffee to discuss hardware stores, being kind, respect for studio owners, having patience, and getting out of town to record. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes:

Beau's Site: www.beaunoise.com

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Beau Sorenson
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #232 with Buddy Lee Dobberteen - Being a Marine, Iraq, His Studio for Vets, Suicide, and Mentoring.

Mon, 27 May 2019 06:02:00 -0700

Buddy Lee Dobberteen grew up in a small town in Michigan. He got into playing guitar at a young age and was always fascinated with music but never really pursued it because he was too busy playing sports. He did an electrical internship all through school and after graduation began doing side gigs wiring houses but had always dreamed of something more. In early September of 2001, Buddy joined the Marine Corps and went in as an infantryman. In 2002 he was deployed to the Middle East and soon after participated in the Iraq war. Three tours later, Buddy got out of the Marines and was labeled 100% disabled. After a series of events, he started the nonprofit Pathfinders Outdoors: His Little Studio & Mentoring. His goal was to help fellow vets via mentoring, learning audio and music as well as hunting and fishing together. Buddy and his team have had over 300 Mentoring Sessions since January 2019 and continue to grow and help fellow vets who require help.

About this interview:

Buddy joins me to talk about music and audio. Being a Marine, his three tours of duty in Iraq, coming home wounded, forming his non-profit for vets, thinking about suicide, teaching audio skills and mentoring. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes

Pathfinders Outdoors /His Little Studio and Mentoring. https://bit.ly/3196UHQ

Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Buddy Lee Dobberteen
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #231 with Brendan Duffey

Mon, 20 May 2019 06:09:00 -0700

Brendan Duffey is a 3x Grammy nominated producer/engineer who lives in Davis, California. He has engineered, mixed, mastered and produced some of the largest names in music in Brazil, working with such artist such as Daniela Mercury, Caetano Veloso, Lulu Santos, Kiko Loureiro Angra,50 Cent, The Mission, and many others. Brendan owned Norcal Studios in São Paulo, Brazil for a decade and now has a mixing and mastering facility in called Brendan Duffey Audio in Davis, CA.

About this interview:

Brendan joins me to chat about growing up in Davis, California, the impact of Sylvia Massy, the Banff Center, running a studio in Brazil, working with his wife, corruption, bureaucracy, violence, kidnapping, success, troubles with shipping & friends in the FBI. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes

Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Brendan’s site: brendanduffeyaudio.com

Current sponsors & promos : https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Brendan Duffey
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #230 with Chris Shaw

Mon, 13 May 2019 06:11:00 -0700

Chris Shaw is a four time Grammy Award winning American producer, engineer, mixer, and musician. Beginning his career at Greene Street Recording, he quickly worked his way from his start as an NYU intern, to assistant engineer, to a position as a staff engineer working with influential hip-hop artists such as Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, Run-DMC, and LL Cool J. In 1991 he played bass with LL Cool J on his famous performance on MTV Unplugged (along with De La Soul, MC Lyte, and A Tribe Called Quest). He went independent shortly after and has since made records with Weezer, Wilco, Bob Dylan, Ween, Jeff Buckley, Soul Asylum, Sheryl Crow, Super Furry Animals, Death Cab For Cutie, Lou Reed, Bad Brains, Ric Ocasek, Cheap Trick, Neon Neon, Elvis Perkins, Guillemots, Joss Stone, The Meat Puppets, Nada Surf, Dashboard Confessional, and The Derek Trucks Band. He has worked on six of Rolling Stone’s “500 greatest Records of All Time“.

About this interview:

Chris joins me to talk about keeping your mouth shut, staying humble, always be learning, making mistakes and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes

WCA Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP
Chris Shaw’s Site: https://www.chrisshawmix.com

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Chris Shaw
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #229 with Ed Brooks

Mon, 06 May 2019 18:24:00 -0700

Ed Brooks has been making records since the dawn of time, well almost. Ed started his career producing amd engineering records in basement studios, working his way up into major studios during Seattle’s music explosion of the early 90s. He started full time as a mastering engineer 18 years ago. Artists Ed has mastered projects for include, REM, Pearl Jam, Fleet Foxes, Death Cab For Cutie, Courtney Marie Andrews, The Head and The Heart, Chris Robinson, and Noah Gundersen. He also plays pedal steel guitar in several bands based in the Seattle area.

About this interview:

Ed joins me to talk about working at Tapco, transitioning from tech to recording to mastering, staying cool in intense studio situations and 90’s Seattle. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes:

WCA Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP
Resonant Mastering: http://www.resonantmastering.com/

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Ed Brooks
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #228 with Shani Gandhi

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 18:56:00 -0700

Shani Gandhi is a producer, engineer and mixer residing in Nashville, TN. She has engineered for such artists as Dierks Bentley, Kelsea Ballerini, Alison Krauss, The Mountain Goats, Parker Millsap, and Sierra Hull. In 2017, she received a GRAMMY Award as an engineer for Sarah Jarosz’s folk album, Undercurrent, and was also nominated for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.

About this interview:

Shani joins me to talk about her journey from Australia to the US, earning trust, not over mixing, immigration, the dynamics of Nashville and making time for yourself. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes:

Shani’s site: https://www.shanigandhi.com/
David Miles Huber’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2IOU7Vn

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Shani Gandhi
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #227 with Wesley Slover

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 18:58:00 -0700

Wesley Slover founded Sono Sanctus in 2011 as a means to freelance in music and sound design. He creates sound design and music for films, ads, apps, games, installations, and hardware with an emphasis on the intersection of sound and music. Some of his client list includes: Dolby, Spotify, Casper, Google, Facebook, the Atlanta Falcons, and Airbnb.

About this interview:

Wesley joins me to talk about the art & craft of sound design, scheduling, family time, the cassette tape guy, making stuff and church sound. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes:

Wesley’s company: http://www.sonosanctus.com/
Designing with Sound book

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Wesley Slover
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #226 with Rachel Field

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0700

Rachel Field moved to Seattle from California in 2009 and quickly became heavily involved in the PNW recording scene. She has worked in several areas of audio production, and found her passion to be mastering. As Mastering Engineer she works on all genres, and with a wide variety of local and international artists such as Whitney Mongé, Fauna Shade, Old Coast, Jericho Hill, Ryme, The Fucking Eagles, The Baggios, Mouths of Babes, and Anomie Belle. Rachel also does freelance recording in several studios in the Seattle area.

About this interview:

Rachel joins me to talk about food service, customer service, reading people, riding motorcycles, getting sunshine and mastering. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes:

Resonant Mastering: http://www.resonantmastering.com/
The Rolling Stones Documentary: https://www.netflix.com/title/80148239
John Coltrane Documentary: https://www.netflix.com/title/80147403

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Rachel Field
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #225 with Joe Finocchio

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 04:30:00 -0700

Joe Finocchio is a musician and recording engineer (The Soft White Sixties, American Killers, Double Duchess, davOmakesbeats, The Family Crest) based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has spent the last 11 years making records in studios all over Northern California. Currently he resides at Santo Recording in Oakland and works out of his mix room in his Mission District apartment. Joe also works as a Production Manager for a Bay Area corporate AV provider called On Point Audio Visual.

About this interview:

Joe joins me to talk about his early struggles, the trust of mentors, skipping the intern process, working in corporate AV and not drinking with the band. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes:

Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://amzn.to/2U3J8gV
Joe's Site: www.gainandvolume.com

Credits:

Host: Matt Boudreau
Guest: Joe Finocchio
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #224 with Frank Marchand

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 03:00:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #224 with Frank Marchand!!!

Frank Marchand is a recording engineer, mixer, producer, live sound engineer, broadcast mixer and Maryland native since 1976. He learned to play bass in his high school band in the late 70’s and was bitten by the audio bug when his band went into the studio for the first time to record some original material. He then attended a four year liberal arts college that had only one course in acoustics and four track studio that the director would not let any one use. After graduation he found work in a D.C. based mom and pop Hi-fi chain that specialized in selling blank recording media such as cassettes and blank video tape. Working up from the sales floor to the advertising end of the business he then landed a Front of House or House sound job at the now vanished Bayou in D.C. where he cut his teeth as a live sound engineer. After the stint at the Bayou, he then landed a job at Washington Professional Systems where he was the assistant to sound guru Greg Lukens and owner Robert Levin. It was while working at WPS that he came into contact with the Northern VA, D.C., and Baltimore studio community and started to freelance at many studios around the region recording bands on the weekends while being exposed to the latest in recording gear at WPS during the week. He decided to go freelance full time in 1990 and has recorded over 600 records and toured all over the world doing live audio work as well. He has owned or been a part of 4 different studio spaces through the years and still maintains a healthy touring schedule. Mr Marchand has worked on Grammy nominated projects, and Billboard Number #1 records during his career. He has worked with such artists as: punk luminary Bob Mould, Toured with Calexico and Texas Rockers The Toadies, recorded projects for New Orleans rockers Cowboy Mouth, Annapolis natives Jimmies Chicken Shack, Doom Metal founders The Obsessed, Blue Grassers Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, Gospel visionaries The Reminders and Celtic creators of Celt grass, We Banjo 3. He is comfortable with all styles of music and has worked with many artists you have never heard of.

About this interview:

Frank joins me to talk about freelancing, live sound, recording in rehearsal spaces, adapting to acoustic environments, being a soccer coach, client repeat rates, and working on projects he likes. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes:

Watford Digital: https://www.waterforddigital.com/

Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://amzn.to/2U3J8gV

Current sponsors & promos

Credits:Host: Matt Boudreau Guest: Frank MarchandWCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck SmithEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt BoudreauAdditional Music: The License Lab

WCA #223 with Doug McBride

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 06:02:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #223 with Doug McBride!!!

Doug McBride is a man with many titles including studio owner, engineer, mastering engineer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, dad and husband. Doug founded and has run Chicago based Gravity Studios for over 20 years. He has worked with Izzy Stradlin, Veruca Salt, Smashing Pumpkins, Fall Out Boy, and many more. Doug lived in a treehouse in the Panamanian jungle for 3 months in summer of 1985 and he owns a beagle named Banjo.

About this interview:

Doug joins me to talk about running Gravity Studios, assisting for Steve Albini, 911, word of mouth, dealing with landlords and unexpected guests. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes:

Gravity Studios: http://www.gravitystudios.com/

Current sponsors & promos

Credits:Host: Matt Boudreau Guest: Doug McBrideWCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck SmithEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt BoudreauAdditional Music: The License Lab

WCA #222 with Justin Lieberman

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #222 with Justin Lieberman!!!

Justin Lieberman is a recording engineer and producer with over two decades of experience. Justin has worked with hundreds of artists on over 150 commercially released albums including Santana, George Winston, Roy Hargorve, Jonathan Richman, David Gray, Alanis Morissette, Les Claypool, Jennifer Nettles, Jackie King, Willie Nelson, Kronos Quartet, Ralph Stanley, Bill Frisell and many more. Justin has also worked on several films, countless radio and television commercials and has recently been focusing his work on score mixing for video games such as the recent blockbuster release Spider-Man.

Justin began his professional career in San Francisco at Toast Recording and then moved on to Different Fur Recording where he worked as a staff assistant and staff engineer for 7 years. In 2004 Justin began working at SF Soundworks where he met a producer PC Muñoz who introduced him to the Talking House Productions crew. Just joined the Talking House Productions team in 2006 and continued with them until the closure of Talking House in 2010. In April 2010 Justin joined forces with Willie Samuels and Cindy McSherry to launch Studio Trilogy. Justin served as co-manager and chief engineer at Studio Trilogy until it’s closure in December 2016 when he joined the team at Sony Playstation as a music engineer.

About this interview:

Justin joins me to talk about his journey from his early experiences at Prairie Sun to his current gig at Sony Interactive, commuting, work/life balance, Al Gore, mixing hundreds of tracks in surround and more. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes:

Sony Interactive:https://www.sie.com/index.html

Current sponsors & promos

Credits:Host: Matt Boudreau Guest: Justin LiebermanWCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck SmithEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt BoudreauAdditional Music: The License Lab

WCA #221 with Hans DeKline

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 04:30:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #221 with Hans DeKline!!!

Hans DeKline is a Grammy-winning, Los Angeles based mastering engineer. Since 2005, he has mastered thousands of songs & albums by artists such as U2, Pixies, Snoop Dogg, Touche Amore, mewithoutYou, Morcheeba, Veruca Salt, Lisa Loeb, Diplo, Jack Irons, James Fearnley, Candiria, Ritchie Ramone, Twista, Jesca Hoop, DJ AM, Papa M, Skating Polly, Gary Jules, Ninja Sex Party, Tim Finn, Ben Lee, JMSN, The Growlers, The Paranoyds, The Von Bondies, Partyshank, Jon Lajoie, Matthew Ryan, The Romantics, Steve Aoki, Pace Won, 825 Records & YOU!

Hans grew up in Tucson AZ where he started playing and singing in bands when he was 15. His early audio experiences started with using borrowed 4 track cassette machines to make mix tapes of hip hop and punk tunes recorded from vinyl. Hans would compress/eq and change level for each tune so that those tapes would play down like commercially released compilations. He didn't realize it then but he was already starting his journey into mastering.

Han's played the role of recording artist by signing to Sony Work Group fresh out of college in 96 with his group Maypole. He toured for a few years opening for Wallflowers, Smoking Popes and Our Lady Peace. By 98 it all ended... and Hans ultimately transitioned to the studio side of things. After mastering a friends record in early 2000 and receiving many referrals as a result, Hans started what was the beginning of a love affair with mastering. By 2005 he was mastering full time.

About this interview:

Hans joins me from his home in Los Angeles to discuss his journey, communicating with clients, raising wolves, outside interests, and remembering to always ask what does it sound like?

Links and Show Notes:

Hans DeKline website: hansdeklinemastering.com/

Athens Resonates: www.athensresonates.com

Current sponsors & promos

Credits:Host: Matt Boudreau Guest: Hans DeKlineWCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck SmithEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt BoudreauAdditional Music: The License Lab

WCA #220 with Butch Vig

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 00:10:00 -0700

“Artist” is the single word which best describes producer, mixer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Butch Vig. Born in Viroqua, Wisconsin, his parents Doc and Betty exposed Butch to a variety of music and fine arts culture during his youth.

While attending the University of Wisconsin Madison, where he received a degree in filmmaking, Vig focused on experimental music composition – an area that would serve him well into the future. While at the UW, Butch jumped into the local music scene and joined the band Spooner as its drummer. Unlike most drummers, content to bang out the rhythms, Vig pursued music composition with the band and stepped behind the studio glass to shape the recorded sound as a producer.

After graduating from the UW, Butch co-founded Smart Studios and began producing and mixing albums. His perseverance as an independent producer in Madison carried far beyond Wisconsin’s borders, as artists from around the country began to hear the clear, edgy, hard rock sound shaped by Butch’s productions. His work with Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Smashing Pumpkins and Soul Asylum in the 90s has been hailed by music critics and authors who have placed his work at the top of the decades best recordings.

Additionally, Vig has created many exciting remixes for such prominent artists as U2, Beck, Korn, Alanis Morrissette, Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails. In 1995 Vig returned to performing and writing with a band he formed that goes by the name of Garbage. The multi-platinum, Grammy Nominated band has achieved worldwide critical and commercial success as it ushered in yet another new direction for rock music. Recently, Vig has produced critically acclaimed albums for Against Me, Green Day, and The Foo Fighters, winning a Grammy for their album “Wasting Light.” He was recently ranked #9 on NME’s Top 50 Greatest Producers Ever. In 2014, Butch produced The Foo Fighters HBO documentary “Sonic Highways.” In 2016 Garbage released their acclaimed sixth album “Strange Little Birds”. In 2018 Butch produced the soundtrack for Puppy Love, and he recently wrapped up production on the new Silversun Pickups album.

-Jim Berkenstadt

About this Interview:

Butch joins me to talk about growing up in Viroqua, Wisconsin, the trajectory of Smart Studios, one band leading to another, being diverse, vibe crushers as well as Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and Garbage.

Show Notes and Links

Butch on Twitter: @butchvig

AEA Ribbon Mics: https://www.aearibbonmics.com/

Audio Life on Gearslutz: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/audio-life/

WCA on Youtube: https://goo.gl/g5nsWG

Jessica Thompson site: http://www.jessicathompsonaudio.com/

Credits

Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #219 with Don Setaro

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 17:14:00 -0700

Don Setaro is a producer and engineer based in the Central Valley of California with over 40 years in the world of music and audio. Don is also is involved in live sound, owns a record label and has an extensive background doing studio installation and wiring.

About this Interview:

Don Joins me at Highwire Coffee in Oakland, California for a chat about soldering thousands of cables, working on model trains for Neil Young, building studios, running a record label and his love for audio and making records.

Show Notes and Links

Don’s Record Label: http://iacrecords.com/
WCA Patreon Subscriptions: https://goo.gl/iSPLTS
Audio-Technica: https://www.audio-technica.com/
UA Promo: https://www.uaudio.com/uad-accelerator-promo
AEA Ribbon Mics: https://www.aearibbonmics.com/
Audio Life on Gearslutz: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/audio-life/
WCA on Youtube: https://goo.gl/g5nsWG
National Audio Company (Cassettes): https://www.nationalaudiocompany.com/
NAC Video Story: https://goo.gl/g8ssje
NAC video: https://youtu.be/4QL9g72FMAE
Cassette Sales Figures: https://goo.gl/Ytx2rK

WCA #218 with Nick Luca

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 17:02:00 -0700

Nick Luca is a multi-instrumentalist musician, singer/songwriter/composer, music producer and audio engineer. He has toured throughout Europe, USA, Mexico, Canada and Australia with Iron and Wine, Calexico, John Doe (X) and his own band, Luca. As a session musician and audio engineer, Nick has credits on over 100 albums with artists such as Neko Case, DeVotchka, Robyn Hitchcock, Margaret Cho, M Ward, Darren Hanlon and many others.

About this Interview:

Nick joins me to talk about scenes, spirit animals, Calexico, Los Angeles, Kelsey Grammer, recording Hip Hop and diversification. Enjoy!-Matt

Show Notes and Links

Nick’s Site: http://www.nickluca.com/
WCA Patreon Subscriptions: https://goo.gl/iSPLTS
OneMic Series: http://www.johncuniberti.com/onemic/
Audio-Technica: https://www.audio-technica.com/
UA Promo: https://www.uaudio.com/uad-accelerator-promo
AEA Ribbon Mics: https://www.aearibbonmics.com/
Audio Life on Gearslutz: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/audio-life/
WCA on Youtube: https://goo.gl/g5nsWG

WCA #217 with Tony Maserati

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 17:12:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #217 with Tony Maserati!!!

Tony Maserati is a Grammy Award winning mixer, and record producer / engineer. He was involved in the development of the New York R&B and Hip-Hop scene in the 1990s, working with Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G., Puff Daddy, and Queen Latifah. Since then, he has worked on Grammy nominated projects with Beyonce (who he won “Best R&B Album” in 2003 with “Dangerously In Love”), Jason Mraz, Robin Thicke, Usher, and Selena Gomez. Tony has been nominated for a total of 10 Grammys, with four in the “Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical” category.

About this Interview:

Tony joins me to talk about his 90’s New York history, early adoption of technology, setting goals, contracts, not working for free and hip hop. -Enjoy

Show Notes and LinksTony’s site: http://tonymaserati.com/WCA Patreon Subscriptions: https://goo.gl/iSPLTSOneMic Series: http://www.johncuniberti.com/onemic/Current Sponsors and Promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw

WCA #216 with Adam Gonsalves

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 14:33:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #216 with Adam Gonsalves!!!

Adam Gonsalves has mastered over a thousand releases from artists around the world. He is equally at home mastering for digital formats and cutting lacquers for vinyl. Prior to mastering Adam worked for 7 years as a tracking and mixing engineer at Anchorhold Recording. From 2010-2013 Adam also produced the Square Cad Mastering Podcast. In 2017 he was featured in the book Why Vinyl Matters. Adam received a master’s degree in Music Technology from New York University. Adam is  approved to provide Mastered for iTunes masters. Clients include: Willie Nelson, Peter Buck, Elliott Smith, Sleep, Blitzen Trapper, The Last Artful Dodgr, Sufjan Stevens, Pure Bathing Culture, Tender Loving Empire, Southern Lord, TKO, Living Music, Crane City Music, Typhoon, My Brightest Diamond, Dead Moon, Emma Ruth Rundle, Steve Aoki, Poison Idea, Rogue Wave, Ty Segall, Pelican, John Craigie, Earth, Horse Feathers, Blackwater Holylight, Calvin Johnson, Haley Heynderickx, Widowmaker, and many more. Additional credits available at Sound Credit.

About this Interview:Adam joins me to talk about the Square Cad Mastering podcast, interrogating your own workflow, his journey into lacquer cutting and his work/life balance. -Enjoy

Show Notes and LinksWCA Patreon Subscriptions: http://www.patreon.com/workingclassaudioTelegraph Mastering: http://telegraphmastering.com/Square Cad Mastering Podcast: http://squarecad.net/Audio-Technica: https://www.audio-technica.com/world_map/UA Promo: https://www.uaudio.com/uad-accelerator-promoAEA Ribbon Mics: https://www.aearibbonmics.com/Audio Life on Gearslutz: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/audio-life/WCA on Youtube: https://goo.gl/g5nsWG

WCA #215 with NAMM 2019

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 00:23:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #215 with NAMM 2019!!!

NAMM 2019 was fantastic as usual. Always so much to see. This episode is a little different compared to the others. Many WCA alumni come back for interviews including Vance Powell, Chris Selim and Lij Shaw and Alex Oana makes his debut explaining how his new venture Audio Test Kitchen works.

About this Interview:

I hang out with Vance Powell as he tells me about his recent projects with The Stray Cats and Trey Anastasio. Alex Oana tells me all about Audio Test Kitchen and we wrap up with a semi-drunken ambush interview with Chris Selim and Lij Shaw at our AIRBNB. Enjoy! -Matt

________________________________

Show Notes and Links

WCA Patreon Subscriptions: http://www.patreon.com/workingclassaudioVance’s Site: http://www.sputniksound.com/vance/Audio Test Kitchen: https://audiotestkitchen.squarespace.com/Recording Studio Rockstars: https://recordingstudiorockstars.com/Chris Selim’s Cubase Course: https://mixdownacademy.thinkific.com/?ref=98cf4bAudio-Technica: https://www.audio-technica.com/world_map/UA Promo: https://www.uaudio.com/uad-accelerator-promoAEA R88: https://www.aearibbonmics.com/products/r88/Audio Life on Gearslutz: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/audio-life/WCA on Youtube: https://goo.gl/g5nsWG

WCA #214 with Bart Thurber - Personality Types, Transition from Analog to Digital, People Skills and, Studio Sharing

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 04:20:00 -0700

For Bart Thurber, what started as a hobby, soon became an obsession that led him to start House Of Faith Studios in Palo Alto. When the graffiti covered building was torn down, his studio moved to Oakland. After 28 years, recording over 700 bands, Bart is still amazed by the musicians he works with. "Every band I’ve recorded has something unique and remarkable about them. I truly enjoy helping people achieve the recordings that they hear inside. As I tell my bands : ” I want this recording to sound like you, only more so. “

About this Interview:

I head over to House of Faith in Oakland for a chat with Bart about the most common musician personality types, people skills, studio sharing and his recent (2014) transition from analog to digital. Enjoy! -Matt

Links and Show Notes

Barts site: http://www.bartthurberrecording.com/
Cubase Course: https://mixdown.online/en/the-ultimate-guide-to-cubase-new-premium-course/
WCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Support WCA - Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Bart Thurber
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #213 with Ken RIley

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 16:29:00 -0700

Ken Riley’s career started in 1980 at 3D Studio’s in Costa Mesa with Doug Doyle. Recording such names as The Altar Boys, Crumbacher, Daniel Amos, and The Life Savors. Then creating the group Common Bond where he was the lead vocalist and the bass player. Common Bond toured and had 3 albums on Front Line Records. Then moving his career along to New York at Electric Lady Studios, where he worked with the best in the industry. Bringing it to today where he is in his own well established Rio Grande Studios in Albuquerque, New Mexico recording.

In this episode, we discuss:

Ken's history.
The New Mexico sound.
Artist's knowing who they are.
Ken's partnership with Drew Newman
New Mexico and its people.

Links and Show Notes

Rio Grande Studios: http://riograndestudios.com/
WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio
Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/
Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw
Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP

Credits:

Guest: Ken Riley
Host: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith
Editing: Matt Boudreau
Additional Music: The License Lab

WCA #212 with Gentry Studer

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 05:32:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #212 with Gentry Studer!!!

Gentry Studer grew up with a definitive love of music. He played various instruments from an early age, later joining rock bands in high school. But with a name like “Studer”, although no actual relation to the famous tape machine, he was bound for the engineering world. Gentry graduated from the prestigious Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences program in 2013. He moved to Los Angeles and worked under one of the most iconic mastering engineers. In 2015 Gentry started his own company, Epicenter Mastering. In 2016 the operation moved into Paramount Recording Studios in Hollywood, California. In 2018 Epicenter Mastering relocated down south to Nashville, Tennessee in the historic RCA Studio A building.

His combined creative and technical backgrounds have informed Gentry’s approach to the art of mastering– not only to preserve and enhance the sonic qualities of an artist’s vision in the mix but also to bring across its feel and emotional intentions. As he puts it, “it’s amazing the advances on the technical side and what it allows us to do but you can also fall into its trap. My musical background and extensive ear training allow me to go off feel, not just a spectrum analyzer.” “The idea is to preserve the recordings life, passion and blood sweat and tears the artist has poured into their work.”

Gentry loves to stay busy in the studio – equating mastering projects with “having the privilege of meeting new interesting people everyday.” When he’s not working he spends time seeing live music, enjoying the outdoors, trying craft beers and whiskeys, and eating endless amounts of hot chicken and BBQ.

About this Interview:Gentry joins me to talk about interning with Howie Weinberg, moving around the US, his new studio located in the RCA building in Nashville and communication with remote mastering clients. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Gentry’s Site: http://www.workingclassaudio.com

WCA #211 with Jaimeson Durr

Mon, 31 Dec 2018 05:25:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #211 with Jaimeson Durr!!!

Jaimeson Durr is a San Francisco Bay Area recording engineer, mixer and producer that works on a variety of music genres from local legends like, Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Chickenfoot, The Circle, The Dead, Dan the Automator as well as many other new promising artists. For the past 14 years Jaimeson has been primarily working out of his own studio Wally’s Hyde Out (formally Studio C) in the legendary Hyde Street Recording Studio complex where many well known artists recorded including Santana, Clearance Clearwater Revival, Jefferson Airplane,The Grateful Dead, Green Day, Train, and many, many more. He has also performed on and mixed several songs for hit prime time TV shows and movie trailers 90210, The Mindy Project, Ugly Betty, Rango, Arthur, The Lorax, Tangled and many more.

About this Interview:

Jaimeson joins me for coffee at Philz Coffee in Lafayette, California to discuss his journey, his mentors, never quitting and his work with Sammy Hagar. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Jaimeson’s Website: http://www.jaimesondurr.com/

WCA #210 with David Streit

Mon, 24 Dec 2018 04:26:00 -0700

David Streit is a producer, mixer, recording engineer, and live sound engineer based in Portland, Oregon. He has been working with sound for over 30 years.

David began his audio career working in clubs and venues in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. He loved seeing bands play live, and became an avid concertgoer. These experiences proved to be very useful when he decided to move to Nashville, Tennessee and become a recording engineer. David developed his recording skills assisting and learning from the engineers who came before him as he rose up through the studio system in Nashville. Eventually, he became an engineer and producer himself and has been a freelance audio engineer in Connecticut and Santa Cruz, California.

Now, David is happy to call the Pacific Northwest his home, and is excited to be a part of the amazing vibrant music scene in Portland. David has a bachelor’s degree in recording from Middle Tennessee State University, and learned about mic’ing classical ensembles as an intern at The Aspen Music Festival. He was a staff assistant at Quad Studios in Nashville, has taught a college course in multi-track recording and mixing, and has done location sound for video shoots. He has a passion for music and sound, and feels lucky to have been in the room for so many magic moments.

About this Interview:

David joins me to talk about Portland vs. Nashville, why musicians choose to hire engineers, prepping for live recordings, security, mortality and legacy. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

David Streit's Website: www.davidstreit.com

WCA #209 with Mike Stevens

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 16:40:00 -0700

Mike Stevens is a Producer, Engineer, Drummer & Percussionist. A life-long lover of music, bringing more than 20 years working as a professional musician throughout the US and abroad, as well as a decade of producing, recording and mixing San Francisco Bay Area bands. Coming from New York City in 2006, his diverse experience has brought a unique perspective into his work. He has been called upon to work with many San Francisco artists and bands (including ska pioneers The Uptones and Red House Painters/Sun Kil Moon frontman Mark Kozelek), as well as playing percussion for Donna Summer’s 2008 Crayons tour. He has a deep understanding of what makes a song great, both as a musician and listener, in the studio, onstage and on the air. Mike started his own Recording Studio in 2009 to establish an artist-friendly hub for creators of great music and the people who listen to it. When he isn’t touring or performing on stage, he dedicates his time to working with new and seasoned artists, helping them discover what is authentic and unique to them.

About this Interview:

Mike joins me to talk about how he combines the world of recording with the world of home schooling for his kids, helpful landlords, picking the right gigs and the authenticity of a performance. Enjoy! – Matt

WCA #208 with Manny Sanchez

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 07:11:00 -0700

Manny Sanchez began his professional career in audio in 1999 as an unpaid intern at Chicago Recording Company. He had no formal training but a hunger to learn and quickly began assisting on high profile sessions. In 2000 he was the third assistant on the last Smashing Pumpkins sessions before they had their first hiatus. He befriended Billy Corgan and Billy insisted he be placed on any further sessions at CRC. In 2001 Billy formed Zwan and asked producer Bjorn Thorsrud to inform Manny that Billy would like him to engineer the demos for the band. This was a daunting task for Manny and he had to request that the demos be recorded to analog tape because he hadn’t learned Pro Tools yet. Billy agreed and eventually Manny was asked to record their album “Mary Star of the Sea” alongside producers Alan Moulder and Bjorn Thorsrud. The recording of this record would have a profound effect on Manny and would shape his entire career.

After finishing up a long and arduous stint working solely for Billy, Manny decided he needed to branch out on his own. He built IV Lab Studios in 2004 in a 100 year old vault inside a family friend’s building in Wrigleyville. This decision to build inside a building that he did not own would play a significant roll in the life of the studio, but as a hungry young twenty-something he didn’t question the opportunity when it came to him. The studio was a great success considering the changing landscape of the music business and played host to the best of local talent as well as national acts. It was within the walls of IV Lab that he solidified his relationship with jam/prog favorites Umphrey’s McGee, as well as pop-punk icons Fall Out Boy, both of whom he still works with today,

In 2012 the building that housed the studio was lost to foreclosure and the new owners wanted nothing to do with the studio. This crossroads put things into perspective for Manny and he began to seek out new homes for the business as well as other potential work that was in line with his experience. Luckily for the studio, it found a new home in Lincoln Park with some new partners that owned the space so the hope was it would be its forever home. Manny was happy the studio would survive but also unsettled by his own career trajectory and ready to make a change.

In late 2012 he was contacted by former Fall Out Boy tour manager Dan Suh and asked if he could come to LA and engineer for PSY at the height of his “Gangnam Style” popularity. This wasn’t the most ideal creative outlet for Manny but it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. The gig was open-ended and he remained in LA after it was over and planted his roots.

About this Interview:

Manny joins me to chat about his early experience in Chicago working with Billy Corgan, studio ownership, the cost of real estate, working with Psy in smoky control rooms and his ever-expanding world of post working on film trailers in LA. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Manny's site: http://ivlabstudios.com/manny-sanchez/
Manny on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-sanchez-0518537/

WCA #207 with Brian Gibbs

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 17:02:00 -0700

Brian Gibbs is Producer, Engineer and Owner at Tool Shed Studios (70+ record credits 2017). An accomplished musician and performer with a B.M. Degree from Berklee College of Music, he brings his diversified portfolio of skills and passion past the stage to his roles as a producer, studio engineer, FOH engineer, music teacher (percussion, keyboard, strings and vocal instruction) and as a mentor to the college interns at the studio.

Assistant Engineer (pre-production) 2015 Grammy winning album “Realidades”/ Los Tigres Del Norte
AES San Francisco Treasurer (3 years)
AES International Diversity & Inclusion Committee
Audio GANG Member
Berklee College of Music Alumni Committee
Recording Academy Voting Member
Recording Academy P&E Wing Advisory Committee (SF Chapter)
Recording Academy District Advocacy Captain

About this Interview:

Brian joins me for a one on one chat about immersive audio, the details of running a studio business, buying your neighbors wine and making your bed. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Toolshed Studios (Brian Gibbs): http://www.toolshedstudio.com/index.html
Skyline EP: http://skylineep.com/
Hear 360: https://hear360.io/
Rode Ambisonics Mic: https://en.rode.com/ntsf1
Facebook Spatial Workstation: https://facebook360.fb.com/spatial-workstation/

WCA #206 with Music Expo SF

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 19:55:00 -0700

Hosted in association with Sound On Sound Magazine, Music Expo is a series of annual events full of workshops, lectures, studio sessions, discussions and product demos bringing 3,000 musicians, engineers, technophiles and tastemakers together. The event was the idea of Loïc Maestracci who does an amazing job bringing people together. WCA #206 is just one of many panels that takes place at Music Expo as as well as many lectures and workshops.

About this Interview:

I was headed out the door to appear on a panel for Music Expo SF when I saw a notification on Twitter from Matt Carnes of Colorado Recording. Matt asked if I would be recording the panel. To be honest it never occurred to me until I read Matt's tweet. As a result I was able to capture my conversation with Karrie Keys, Piper Payne, Brian Gibbs and Frank Socorro for a panel called "Survival of the Fittest - How to Really Make A Living In Audio". Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Music Expo: https://musicexpo.co/
Sound Girls (Karrie Keys): https://soundgirls.org
EQL Directory: https://makeiteql.com/
Neato Mastering (Piper Payne): http://neatomastering.com/
Toolshed Studios (Brian Gibbs): http://www.toolshedstudio.com/index.html
Colorado Recording (Matt Carnes): https://www.coloradorecording.com/

WCA #205 with Frank Socorro

Sat, 17 Nov 2018 15:53:00 -0700

Franklin Emmanuel Socorro started his audio career in the early 2000s working in the Miami area recording the diverse styles that happen in a city that’s such a melting pot. During that time an opportunity to work on a Bad Boy project put him on a fast track that led to him working with artists such as Mary J Blige, Lenny Kravitz, and Lauryn Hill. Eventually, he would land a position as head engineer for super-producer Salaam Remi. This new position brought a wider range of projects from Nas and Cee-Lo to major motion picture work for Rush Hour and Sex and the City. Along the way came 5 grammy nominations and several gold and platinum plaques. He currently operates his own studio while working with the future of audio at the SAE Miami campus

About this Interview:

Frank joins me to tell of his incredible story of his rise to the top and the thing that changed it all, his early training with Charles Dye, working with Salaam Remi, Diddy, Tony Maserati, and finding peace in claiming control of his time. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

AEA KU5A: https://goo.gl/km8139
Audio Life on Gearslutz: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/audio-life/

WCA #204 with Streaky

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 21:11:00 -0700

Streaky’s mastering journey began in 1996 when he landed his first job at Zomba’s Battery Studio in London, learning the art of compact disc mastering alongside Chris Parmenidis. The first record he mastered was ‘Return of the Mac’ by Mark Morrison, following that early Groove Armada and other 90’s club classics!

Moving on to The Soundmasters in 2000 learning how to master for vinyl under the veteran mastering engineer Kevin Metcalfe. Here working with some legendary artists including Kasabian, Snow Patrol, Usher, The Prodigy to name a few. In 2003 whilst at Soundmasters Streaky set up the world’s first online mastering studio ‘eMasters’ this method has now become the norm for mastering as the internet has developed.

2013 saw Streaky base himself at Metropolis Mastering in London, taking the opportunity of working alongside mastering legends John Davis, Stuart Hawkes & Tim Young where he continued to help artists big and small to achieve their dream sound.

2017 Streaky opened his own mastering studio within Pinewood Studios, the story continues…

About this Interview:

Streaky joins me to chat about his journey to mastering starting out as a 12-year-old DJ, his perspective on mastering, networking, minimalism, cracked plugins, and mentoring the next generation. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

AEA KU5A: https://goo.gl/km8139
Audio Life on Gearslutz: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/audio-life/
Matt Carnes Colorado Recording: http://coloradorecording.com/
Streaky’s Site: https://streaky.com/
Streaky’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvxjA3B1UURjGrdAJX_Yjg

WCA #203 with Doug Clarke

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 17:55:00 -0700

Doug Clarke is a passionate audio engineer, mixer, sound designer, and musician. Based in Sydney’s Inner West, Doug works as a freelance engineer at multiple studios. Working with

artists and songwriters as well as doing sound design and mixing for TV and Films. Following his graduation from the Queensland University of Technology in 2013 with a Bachelor

of Music, Doug worked at Hunting Ground Studios recording bands such as Bay Harbour, Sun Heights (Pee Records), Matt McGuire, SkullClub (Sony), Skies

Collide, First Sight, El Monstro, and Courtney Heaton. After an intense 18 months of recording nonstop, Doug moved to Sydney in late 2015

and began working at various studios such as One Flight Up and A Sharp Recording. Going freelance in late 2016, Doug extended his audio network into post-production by working at Two Dogs TV, Warner Bros ITVP, and Endemol Shine. 2018 has been a busy year for Doug as he finished producing and mixing the debut record with Vacant Shade at Arthur Street Studios, mixing Channel 10’s hit new shows ‘Pointless’ and ‘Bachelor in Paradise, as well as doing sound design/effects editing for ‘Under the Cover of Cloud’ (Melbourne International Film Festival 2018), Living Universe (Event Cinemas), and ‘Own The Sky’ (TBC).

About this Interview:

Doug joins me to talk about his journey from university in Brisbane to moving to Sydney and jumping into the world of live sound, studio recording, and post-production. From survival, mistakes, and negotiating to picking and choosing his own gigs. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dougclarke/
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/dougclarke-3
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8897822/?ref_=nv_sr_2
At Headphones I’m trying: https://goo.gl/m7X51z
AEA KU5A: https://goo.gl/km8139
Audio Life on Gearslutz: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/audio-life/
Dourrough! https://www.dorrough.com/

WCA #202 with Mixerman

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:33:00 -0700

Mixerman, professionally known as Eric Sarafin, is a producer, mixer, and recordist with multiple gold and platinum sales awards to his name. After 25 years of operating out of Los Angeles, Eric currently resides in Asheville, NC, where he produces and mixes acts from around the world. Eric has worked with numerous National and International acts including The Pharcyde, Tone Loc, Spearhead, The Brand New Heavies, Ben Harper, Amy Grant, Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies, Hillary Duff, Foreigner, and Australian phenom Pete Murray, just to name a few.

Mixerman gained notoriety as an author from his first work, The Daily Adventures of Mixerman, a satire of a Major Label recording session from the early aughts that delighted and surprised well over 150,000 unique visitors. In 2008, Hal Leonard picked up his Adventures, and since 2010, Mixerman has written 5 books including Zen and the Art of Mixing, Zen and the Art of Producing, Zen and the Art of Recording, followed by another music business satire #Mixerman and the Billionheir Apparent.

His latest book Musician’s Survival Guide to a Killer Record (the only gear you’ll need) is written specifically to help today’s musicians get the engineering out of the way so that they can focus on what’s important–the music itself.

About this Interview:

Mixerman joins me to discuss his journey in recording from New Jersey to California to North Carolina. We discuss his time at Capitol Studios, advocating for yourself, early internet forums, the creation of Mixerman, trolling, book writing, and empowering musicians. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Current sponsors & promos
Musician’s Survival Guide to a Killer Record :https://amzn.to/2Q4ilL9
The Daily Adventures of Mixerman: https://amzn.to/2JmY2Gg
#Mixerman and the Billionheir Apparent: https://amzn.to/2yF26h4
Zen and the Art of Mixing: https://amzn.to/2Jpz5Km
Zen and the Art of Producing: https://amzn.to/2Q1FUnO
Zen and the Art of Recording: https://amzn.to/2DbxebN
Blog: Mixerman.net/word
Mailing list: Mixerman.net/list
Courses: Mixerman.net/courses
Discography: Mixerman.net/discography
Facebook: Mixerman.net/facebook
YouTube: Mixerman.net/YouTube
Twitter: @mixerman
Explore Ashville, NC: https://www.exploreasheville.com/

WCA #201 with Christopher Scott Cooper

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 05:08:00 -0700

Christopher Scott Cooper has played guitar since age 5, composer/songwriter since age 15, and audio engineer/producer for the last 30+ years. Became a FOH mixer/Live Sound Engineer by default and spent the late 80s touring and providing services for many a band. In 1990 decided a new path in the studio was a better option and spent the next 15 years at Music Annex studios going from an intern to Chief Engineer. 15 years ago he chose the independent route and built a cozy high-end studio (Blue Seven Audio), and came full circle to being a FOH mixer again for the Fox Theatre in Redwood City and for various events and bands around the Bay Area. Experienced in live recording, live sound, sound effects capture, sound design, studio recording, toys, games, TV/Film, wiring, the system installs, computer/data management, electronics repair… all by necessity. He has also taught courses at Cogswell College and guest lectures at various Audio Institutions. Chris still writes and composes for his band New Sun, TV/Film, and various unusual ambient labels.

About this Interview:

Chris joins me at Highwire Coffee in Oakland, California for not only coffee but a chat about his time at the Music Annex, building his own studio, diversification, survival in audio, and his start in live sound. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

At Headphones I’m trying: https://goo.gl/m7X51z
AEA KU5A: https://goo.gl/km8139
Audio Life on Gearslutz: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/audio-life/
Home Workout App on IOS: https://goo.gl/TpWugp
Home Workout App on Android: https://goo.gl/pPQreJ
Christopher’s studio: http://www.bluesevenaudio.com
Christopher’s band: http://www.new-sun.com

WCA #200 with Tchad Blake - Shooting Armadillos, Motorcycles, Buying ribs for Keith Richards, Surviving Cancer and yes...... the Sans Amp.

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 18:42:00 -0700

When I asked Tchad if he had an official bio he said…”Probably, It’s just not written down. ” 🙂

Tchad has worked with many artists including Arctic Monkeys, State Radio, Apartment 26, Elvis Costello, Peter Gabriel, Pearl Jam, Tom Waits, Richard Thompson, Brazilian Girls, Gerard Way, Sheryl Crow, November 2nd, T-Bone Burnett, Travis, Marike Jager, Crowded House, Finn Brothers, Liam Finn, The Pretenders, Bernard Fanning, Los Lobos, The Bad Plus, Sam Phillips, Suzanne Vega, The Bangles, Stina Nordenstam, Phish, Bonnie Raitt, Lisa Germano, Fishbone, Al Green, Tracy Chapman, Phantom Planet, Gomez, The Dandy Warhols, American Music Club, Jed Davis, Blitzen Trapper, Cibo Matto, Haley Bonar, David Rhodes, The Black Keys, U2, Nico Vega, Halloween, Alaska, Cheese People, Kula Shaker and Soul Coughing, Delta Spirit, The Sheepdogs, Clarance Bucaro, Charlie Mars, The Van Jets, Indy Grotto, RZA, Nive Nielsen, Mutemath, Max Gomez, Living In Question, Justin Townes Earle, Luella And The Suns, Aṣa, Nina Violet, Tracy Bonham, Little Fish, Blackroc, Gary Myrick and The Figures, among others.

Tchad has a long running partnership with producer Mitchell Froom, and the two formed Latin Playboys with David Hidalgo and Louie Pérez of Los Lobos. Tchad of course is known for his unconventional recording and mixing technics and his use of binaural recording. He has won a number of Grammy Awards, beginning with a Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical and a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for Sheryl Crow’s The Globe Sessions (1998). He won another Grammy for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical for his work on Suzanne Vega’s Beauty & Crime (2007). Blake won two Grammys for his work with The Black Keys on 2010’s Brothers.

About this Interview:

Tchad joins me to talk about his journey starting in Baytown, Texas shooting Armadillos and riding motorcycles, to Los Angeles buying ribs for Keith Richards while working at Wally Heider’s studio. We also cover his work with Mitchell Froom, surviving cancer and yes……a little discussion of mechanical filters and the Sans Amp.

Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Lol Coxhill – I Am the Walrus: https://youtu.be/xccLqr4jW7c
Tchad on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tchad_Blake
Tchad Blake ‘Binaural Recording’ Documentary: https://vimeo.com/143727933
Wally Heider: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wally_Heider

WCA #199 with Pete Lyman

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 06:04:00 -0700

Pete Lyman is a GRAMMY-Nominated mastering engineer based out of Nashville, TN and owner of Infrasonic mastering, an audio and vinyl mastering studio with locations in Echo Park, California and Nashville, TN. Pete has mastered Grammy-nominated projects for Panic! At the Disco, Weezer, and Grammy-award winning albums for Jason Isbell and Chris Stapleton. In 2016 he was recognized with a GRAMMY Nomination for Album of the Year for Chris Stapleton’s Traveller.

Pete’s music career began at the age of 14, playing bass in a number of bands in Boulder, CO, California’s Bay Area, and Los Angeles. Over the years he has shared the stage with a variety of bands including My Bloody Valentine, The Mars Volta, and Sebadoh. In 2004, Pete opened Infrasonic Sound a 2000 sqft tracking studio in the northeast Los Angeles neighborhood of El Sereno. During its tenure, the studio was host to numerous bands including The Mars Volta, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Beck, People Under The Stairs, and Liars. By 2005, he added a mastering suite to the Infrasonic complex which became home to his 1956 Neumann AM-32B cutting lathe.

As he began to focus strictly on mastering, Pete and his studio partner Jeff Ehrenberg sold the El Sereno space, and together opened a new custom-built facility at 1176 W. Sunset Blvd in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. In 2015, the Infrasonic welcomed mastering engineer Dave Gardner, founder of Magneto Mastering in Minneapolis, MN. Bringing over 19 years of experience and a roster including Hot Snakes, Bassnectar, and The Hold Steady, Dave currently serves as Infrasonic West’s Head Mastering Engineer.

In 2018, Pete opened his second studio facility, Infrasonic East, in Nashville, TN. Infrasonic East is now home to Pete Lyman’s custom mastering suite, the Neumann cutting lathe, and Infrasonic’s newest mastering engineer, Daniel Bacigalupi. The engineers at Infrasonic Sound continue to work with a diverse client roster – from John Prine and Dierks Bentley to Fall Out Boy and Halsey – on projects of all sizes.

About this Interview:

Pete joins me to talk about his journey to mastering inspired by Richard Simpson, the birth of Infrasonic, living in Los Angeles, moving to Nashville, economic relaxation and learning to breath. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

NAD CD player: https://goo.gl/gSZeKF
Infrasonic on the web: http://www.infrasonicsound.com/
Infrasonic on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infrasonicsound/
Infrasonic on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/infrasonicmastering/
AEA KU5A Ribbon: https://www.aearibbonmics.com/products/ku5a/
F. Reid Shippen: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-049-with-f-reid-shippen/

WCA #198 with Fela Davis

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 05:35:00 -0700

Fela Davis is a graduate of Full Sail University and has over 17 years of experience in audio engineering. Her past experiences include working for industry powerhouses Clair Broadcast and House of Blues. Fela is currently the front-of-house engineer for Christian McBride. Fela co-founded 23 DB Productions with Denis Orynbekov. The company does a variety of work including mastering, recording &mixing as well as video content. 23dB has been a gateway for Fela to begin producing, shooting, and editing for endorsement and product videos for social media (Focusrite, Lewitt Microphones, and Big Joe Stomp Box). Using the videos to teach the audio community about new products and hone her skills at video production. 23dB eventually created their own video series called The Art of Music Tech. The series featured audio giants Leslie Ann Jones (Head of Skywalker Audio) and Jeff Bova (Michael Jackson, Herbie Hancock). Each featured guest talked about their career in audio and the audio gear used on their biggest hits! They have since made The Art of Music Tech video series into a weekly podcast that Fela and Denis host together. When Fela is not creating content for 23dB Productions or working with SoundGirls, she’s traveling the world mixing front of the house for Christian McBride.

About this Interview:

Fela chats with me about her 8th-grade career test that said audio engineering was a possibility, her time at Full Sail, folding airbags for Honda Accord’s, paying her dues, driving long distances for low-paying audio gigs, and her willingness to never give up. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Velcro Straps I mentioned: https://goo.gl/u56WAZ
Fela’s Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1rNL-kPwYY
23db Productions: https://www.23dbproductions.com/
Sammy Hagar’s Biography: https://goo.gl/5mnmwf

WCA #197 with Pete Weiss

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 21:14:00 -0700

Pete Weiss is a New England-based producer/engineer/mixer/musician. His unfussy, organic, “artist first” work has earned him a reputation as an outstanding producer who can adapt to many musical genres and is unafraid to ignore stylistic conventions. Notable artists Weiss has worked with include Charlie Chesterman, Chris Brokaw, Kustomized, Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, Doug Yule, Moe Tucker, The Upper Crust, Aimee Mann, Lee Ranaldo, Bell X1, Drive-By Wire, One Happy Island, Kingsley Flood, Willard Grant Conspiracy, Two Dollar Pistols, Bow Thayer & Levon Helm, Don Lennon, Hayley Thompson-King and many others.

In 1989 he co-founded Zippah Studio in Boston. Selling his share of Zippah in 2004, he built and opened Verdant Studio, an “open room” retreat-style studio with artist lodging in rural Vermont which he now uses as a home base.

When not in the studio, Weiss fronts the instrumental band The Weisstronauts and is a member of the experimental pop collective known as Sool. He released a solo album in 1996 and three albums while fronting the subversive Pete Weiss & the Rock Band from 1995-2000. He has scored four independent films, “Methods” (1998), “Metal” (2001), “Bad Gravity” (with Sool 2006), and “The Arcadian Ideal” (2007).

He is a Senior Contributor for Tape Op Magazine, writing reviews of audio equipment as well as conducting interviews with recording industry figures. Over the years he has served on many panels & workshops at Tape Op’s and Potluck Audio conferences. In the early 1990’s Weiss authored two books on baseball, “Baseball’s All Time Goats” and “Longshots!”, both published by Adams Media.

About this Interview:

Pete joins me to talk about his early career and decision making, his transition to building a rural studio, the lessons learned in that rural environment and his decision to sell and try a different recording adventure. plus much more. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Pete’s site : www.weissy.com
Verdant Studio: www.verdantstudio.com
Verdant Studio for sale info / photos: https://goo.gl/AQ5Zy6
My instrumental guitar band: www.weisstronauts.com
Articles / interviews I’ve done for Tape Op Magazine:: https://tapeop.com/articles/by/pete-weiss
Gear reviews I’ve done for Tape Op: https://tapeop.com/reviews/gear/by/pete-weiss
My personal page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pete.weiss.7
Instagram: peteweiss2000
Pete’s work on Spotify.: https://goo.gl/QSEjJR

WCA #196 with Adam Rossi

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 06:22:00 -0700

Adam Rossi is a music and sound producer working in San Francisco. Past projects include music production for local Bay Area artists Jeffrey Halford and The Healers, Morsifire, Brad Brooks, The Welcome Matt and Luce; music scores for VR games War Hammer: Betrayal at Calth and Bounce (Steel Wool Studios), and sound design, music and voice over for award winning toys by KID Group.

Adam’s work in the VR world has led to music, sound design and voice over work on immersive projects for the films Ready Player One and Jigsaw, Mercedes-Benz, Visa, SAP, Lexus, Sprint, LG, Kaiser, Carnival and many others.

When he’s not locked in the studio, Adam can be found playing keyboards with local Bay Area artists and jumping on the occasional tour to Europe with Jeffrey Halford and the Healers.

About this Interview:

Adam joins me to talk about his journey that started with an 8th grade run-in with Eric Valentine to his mom’s garage to crappy midi composing jobs to making records with Tom Luce and much, much more!. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Adam’s Site: http://www.araudio.net/
Backblaze: https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup.html#af9h3h
Meyer Sound: https://meyersound.com/news/oliveto-restaurant/
Adam’s suggested reading: https://goo.gl/znjtRz
AI in Pro Audio: https://www.prosoundnetwork.com/needtoknow/need-to-know-ai-in-pro-audio

WCA #195 with Sherry Klein

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 17:19:00 -0700

Sherry Klein is a Post Production Re-Recording Mixer for Television and Film, she is currently living in Los Angeles, Ca. and works with Smart Post Sound in Burbank. Some of her past credits include Queen of the South, Reverie, Burn Notice, Arrested Development, Sons of Anarchy, and The Shield. She is currently a Board member of the CAS (Cinema Audio Society) and chairs their annual Student Recognition Awards.

She first became “aware” of audio while attending Berklee College of music in Boston studying Arranging and Composition. There was a small 2-track studio in the basement of the main Berklee building where she had to record her 4th semester term project. This was the experience that she remembers as the start of her fascination with sound, and the beginnings of her journey from musician, to record engineering and finally into post production mixing.

“I consider myself very lucky to be working within this talented community of people who have continually inspired me to refine my craft, and grow my love of mixing”

About this Interview:

Sherry joins me to talk about her journey from musician, composer, arranger to recording engineer in the world of records to finally Post Production Re-Recording Mixer for Television and Film. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

IMDB- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0458975/?ref_=nv_sr_1
CAS – http://cinemaaudiosociety.org
LINKEDIN – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry-klein-792580/
FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/VPHB3
Soundgirls.org: https://soundgirls.org/
April Tucker’s Interview with Sherry: https://soundgirls.org/sherry-klein/

WCA #194 with Sara Carter

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 06:53:00 -0700

Sara Carter is a BBC trained, mixing and mastering engineer based in Hampshire, UK.

Sara started recording and mixing music in the mid 90’s as a hobby from a small home studio after playing guitar for many years. Then, in 2000 in a bold move, she decided to sell her house, give up her established career of 16 years and relocate to London to turn that hobby into her new full-time career.

She studied at the SAE Institute in London gaining an Audio Engineering Diploma and soon after secured a position as a BBC Radio Studio Manager (sound engineer) working on the UK’s most listened to radio shows, live music sessions and major music festivals across all of the BBC’s main music networks. She also created the foley and sound effects on several radio drama productions and comedy shows.

Above all, she relished working in the BBC’s Maida Vale Studios where she developed her mixing and critical listening skills, working on sessions with a wide variety of artists from Crowded House to The Cure and Adele to The Black Keys to name just a few. She’s been officially credited on records from Corrine Bailey Rae, KT Tunstall and Girls Aloud amongst others.

In 2009, Sara decided to take a break from broadcasting and left the BBC to explore a different creative interest and became a Brewer in a small award-winning microbrewery (Yes, I know a bit random but it still involved mixing, just not music!). In recent years, however, she had felt a strong calling back to music and engineering, returning to the industry with her online mixing and mastering business called Music Mix Pro. Sara is passionate about mixing music and strives to exceed her clients’ expectations and to make the whole process as rewarding as possible for both the artist and herself.

About this Interview:

Sara joins me to talk about her incredible journey that took her through the motor trade, audio at the BBC to brewing then back to audio as a freelancer. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Sara’s site: https://www.musicmixpro.co.uk/
Sara on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicmixprouk/
Sara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saramixmastermusic/
Sara on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-carter/
Sara on Soundbetter: https://soundbetter.com/profiles/37283-sara-carter
Recording Revolution: https://www.recordingrevolution.com/
Pure Mix: https://www.puremix.net/
Mix with The Masters: https://mixwiththemasters.com/
Produce Like a Pro: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpyUGZeMUtOvt57UACw3H2g
Pro Mix Academy: https://promixacademy.com/

WCA #193 with Drew Vandenberg

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:56:00 -0700

Drew Vandenberg is an engineer, producer and label owner based out of Athens, Georgia. He got his start working at legendary Chase Park Transductions studios when he was just 16, learning the finer points of the craft from studio founder David Barbe. He left his homebase for a time to get a degree in the recording arts from Indiana University, returning to Athens to work on pivotal records for Ra Ra Riot, Toro y Moi, of Montreal, Kishi Bashi, Tall Tall Trees, Fred Thomas, Mothers, Faye Webster, Futurebirds and dozens more. Though centralized in Athens where he lives with wife Catherine, Vandenberg often travels to engineer special projects, as well as producing and mixing remotely.

In 2018, he formed True Blue Records, a label he closely supervised, working directly with new artists The High Divers, Partials, and Curt Castle on the creation and release of their albums. The label also recently began a series of specially recorded 7″ singles, inviting bands into the studio to record exclusive material live to 1/2″ tape, pressing the results to limited edition vinyl singles and donating all of the proceeds to local charities Nuci’s Space and the Athens Boys & Girls Club Music Makers program.

About this Interview:

Drew joins me for a chat about his rise from teenage assistant to his current role as producer and engineer. We talk money, work/life balance, earthquakes vs tornados and being mindful in the studio. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Drew’s site: http://www.vbergindustries.com/
Chas Park Transduction: http://www.chaseparktransduction.com/
Drew’s Label: https://www.trueblue-records.com/

WCA #192 with Ryan Earnhardt

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 06:24:00 -0700

Ryan Earnhardt is a video creator and studio owner who produces a YouTube show called Creative Sound Lab. It covers recording-focused topics and out-of-the-box topics such as DIY effects. He recently built a Pooper Time Cube (A delay made from 4 inch drainage pipe) and created a reverb out of a garden hose. Creative Sound Lab stresses fundamental recording techniques and capturing real sounds such as using re-amping during mixing or using echo chambers for vocals – even if that chamber is your living room! Ryan has partnered with Brian McTear (WCA #060) of Weathervane Music and author Eric Sarafin aka “Mixerman”. Ryan started Creative Sound Lab in 2013 because he saw a need for something different than computer screen videos that mostly covered mixing topics. He currently has over 37,000 subscribers and hosts over a dozen online courses at Creative Sound Lab.tv Ryan’s studio, Lumen Audio, is debt free and supports his wife, and 4 kids. For fun he enjoys fresh mountain air, electronic music creation, and cooking…which he says is just about the same mindset as mixing a song.

About this Interview:

Ryan joins me for a chat about his studio (Lumen Audio), his Audio Courses and Youtube channel Creative Sound Lab as well as his world of 4 kids (5th on the way!) and his journey to where he is today. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Tom Dowd & the Language of Music: http://tomdowd.com/
Main Website: http://www.CreativeSoundLab.tv
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/creativesoundlab
Ryan’s Studio: http://www.lumenaudio.com/

WCA #191 with Will Sadler

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 17:19:00 -0700

Will Sadler was born in Columbia, SC but within two months his parents had moved to Las Cruces, NM. After traipsing across the south, first at Mississippi State and then in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area, he returned to Las Cruces and finished a degree in Political Science. Somewhere in the midst of starting a Master’s Degree in History, Will was sidetracked by the need to correct his Tejano bands flagging sound system and the rest is history. Today, Will helps KW Sound and Hubbard’s Music aid Las Cruces in having better sound at their concerts and in their buildings. Hopefully, more often than not, succeeding.

About this Interview:

I join Will at his house for a chat about his journey from bass player to live sound engineer and installer, running a small sound company in New Mexico, the culture of Las Cruces, finding satisfaction by not joining big tours and his brush with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Hubbard Music : http://www.hubbardsmusicnmore.com/
Cordova: https://www.thecordovaband.com/
David Wheeler: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-004-with-david-wheeler/

WCA #190 with David Cook

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 00:28:00 -0700

David Cook is a Audio Engineer from Columbia, SC. David graduated from Full Sail with a recording arts degree in 2001 and quickly started working in studios and doing live sound while living in Atlanta Georgia. David eventually moved back to SC where he owned a studio and continued to work in live sound. David also developed relationships with local film makers and started providing location sound and post services as well. In 2015 David and his family decided to take a chance and move to Southern California. This move was not just about moving to a new location but moving into a new vocation.

For the past 3 years David has been working in film and television as a location sound mixer. His transition has allowed him to work with companies such as Comedy Central, NBC, Hulu, Netflix, HBO, Aston Martin, Chevy, Best Buy, Pepsi, and Nickelodeon. In 2017 David’s first Feature Film , Thumper, was released on Netflix. David still works in music production and from time to time those worlds collide allowing him to record acts such as Tom Morello for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, James Blake Live DVD, Atlantic Artists Charlie Puth and Matt Maeson, and many others. Even though David mostly works in the Film and Television industry he still works as a Live Sound Engineer, Mix Engineer, and Audio Post Engineer. David would say that his biggest asset is his sense of community. The entertainment industry is all about relationships and that is what David does best; builds relationships

About this Interview:

David joins me for a talk about his move from South Carolina to California, the production sound community in LA, the lessons he learned along the way and the importance of getting out and hustling instead of sitting around waiting for the phone to ring. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

David on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8476450/
David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolyRuckusRecordings

WCA #189 with Lee Bothwick

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 05:47:00 -0700

Lee Bothwick is an audio engineer, producer and musician based in Oakland, CA . A graduate of Ex’pression College, Lee’s spent the last decade of his life working in recording studios. The last several of those years were spent as the Head Engineer at Green Day’s JingleTown Recording. Having been there from the day it publicly opened its doors to the day it closed, Lee worked almost every session that came through the door. Because of that experience, Lee had the pleasure of working with Bay Area legends such as Green Day, Machine Head, Fat Mike (NoFX), Samiam, and Too $hort as well as international acts like Kate Nash. Currently, Lee works day to day for Green Day as an engineer and, when possible, taking up extra sessions on weekends and nights with bands from around the Bay.

About this Interview:

Lee joins me for a discussion about surviving as an intern, working with Green Day, seizing opportunities, networking, complacency, introverts and extroverts as well as the art of frugality. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Lee’s site: https://www.leebothwick.com/

WCA #188 with Justin Weis

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 06:28:00 -0700

Justin Weis is a San Francisco, California based audio engineer and owner/operator at Trakworx Mastering & Recording. Since starting Trakworx in 1995 Justin has mastered, mixed or recorded a wide variety of artists including Sammy Hagar, Papa Roach, Matt Nathanson, Larry Coryell, The Tubes, Agalloch, Pallbearer, The Coup, B-Legit, Zion I, Berner and Andre Nickatina. His approach is heavily oriented towards analog outboard gear and tape, integrated with modern digital tools. Justin started out in the 1980s on guitar, bass and vocals in local Rock bands, then developed a love for home recording. He graduated from California Recording Institute in 1994 and was hired by the school as an instructor. Within a year he started Trakworx in a small studio within the recording school. By 1997 he had established himself as a working engineer so he left teaching to create his own studio space.In recent years the mastering side of Justin’s business has begun to overshadow the recording/mixing side as demand for online mastering has steadily increased.

About this Interview:

Justin stops by my house to chat about not bothering your landlord, getting out of debt, thinking from your clients perspective and shifting towards doing more mastering than recording work. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Trakworx Studio Site: http://www.trakworx.com/
Trakworx on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrakworxMastering/
Trakworx on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trakworxmastering

WCA #187 with Kendal Osborne

Sun, 15 Jul 2018 19:14:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #187 with Kendal Osborne!!!

Kendal Osborne is an audio engineer, mixer, producer, and musician out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He owns and operates The Closet Studios and has done so since 2007. Kendal regularly records with artists from Oklahoma and the surrounding states, but has mixed songs from artists around the world. He also teaches two part-time night classes at Tulsa Technology Center (a vocational school in Tulsa) about recording, and is the host of the Recording Lounge Podcast. Aside from the studio, Kendal enjoys reading, woodworking, and spending time with his wife, Audra. After marrying in 2012, they moved into their current home in a quiet neighborhood just on the outskirts of Tulsa. They enjoy cooking, weekend getaways, and watching movies together.

About this Interview:

Kendal joins me for a chat about laughing bankers, passing and failing building inspections, drummers with decorating sense, the music scene of Tulsa, Oklahoma and tornados. Enjoy! - Matt

________________________________

Show Notes and Links

The studio: http://www.theclosetstudios.com

Kendal's Podcast: http://www.recordingloungepodcast.com

Instagram: @theclosetstudios

WCA #186 with Aaron Youngberg

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 06:41:00 -0700

Aaron Youngberg is a Colorado musician, a recording & mixing engineer, producer & owner of Swingfingers Recording Studios. He got his start in the music industry 20 years playing the 5-string banjo in full-time touring bluegrass bands. After becoming the band’s default “sound guy” for live sound, Aaron dove in to the complexities of mixing live and recorded acoustic music. He traded in the touring life-style for more time at home and built a world-class studio in the foothills west of Ft. Collins, CO. He has a reputation in the acoustic music, bluegrass, country, and American world for getting amazing tones for acoustic instruments, taking great care and deliberation of mic choice & placement for optimal true-to-life tone. He also has an affinity for the warmth and character for any piece of gear with tubes in it. Aaron still tours with his band FY5 playing banjo & pedal steel although he’s found a much happier balance between life on the road and life behind the glass.

About this Interview:

Aaron joins me to talk about building his studio, working with studio designer Sam Berkow, his band FY5, balance, family and his respect for live sound engineers. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Swingfingers Studio: http://www.swingfingers.com
Swingfingers instagram: @swingfingers.recording
FY5 Band: http://www.fy5band.com
Sam Berkow: http://siaacoustics.com/

WCA #185 with Joshua Brooks

Sun, 01 Jul 2018 21:40:00 -0700

Joshua Brooks is an American Producer and Audio Engineer currently serving as Hybrid Studio’s Lead Engineer in Orange County, California . He has worked with a number of top performers as well as 100’s of LA and Orange County’s rising independent artists including: Lamb of God, Trivium, Soulfly, The Diamond Light, Jessica Muse, The Alan Parsons Project, Sons of Texas, Bird & The War, The Shakes and Your Favorite Color. Joshua also has several television and film credits.

Joshua maintains his passion for writing music and his works have gained recognition from top industry organizations. His music has been published by Riptide Music Group and he is the proud recipient of an Artist of the Year Award (Malibu Music Awards), a Billboard Chart Honorable Mention, and an Artist of the Year nomination (RAW Music Awards).

Joshua is a graduate of The Los Angeles Film School where he received an AS in Recording Arts and a BS in Entertainment Business, and he is certified by Avid in Pro Tools software systems.

About this Interview:

Joshua joins me to talk about his time in the United States Coast Guard, what he learned at The Los Angeles Film School, why he loves working at Hybrid Studios, the Orange County music scene and he and his wife’s anticipated arrival of a baby. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Joshua’s site: https://www.mixedbyjoshua.com/
Hybrid Studios: https://www.hybridstudiosca.com/

WCA #184 with Joe Tessone

Sun, 24 Jun 2018 15:05:00 -0700

Joe Tessone is the owner and lead audio engineer at Mystery Street Recording Company. He is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago’s famed school of Audio Arts and Acoustics, with a degree specializing in Audio Design and Production. Since 2007, he has been an audio archiving consultant and mastering engineer for the Old Town School of Folk Music where he has helped preserve over 30,000 songs from recordings that date as far back as 1956. He is a member of the Association for Recorded Sound Collections, the Audio Engineering Society, and is a voting member of The Recording Academy (Grammys). His work has been featured on Chicago Radio Stations such as Q101, WXRT, WGCI, WPNA, WGN, WLUW and more. He has also been highlighted multiple audio publications, including Live Sound International, Pro Audio Review, and Mix Magazine.

Joe worked as an engineer for the “127 Songs Live From the Old Town School of Folk Music” project, during which he mastered tracks by world renowned artists including Pete Seeger, Jeff Tweedy, Mahalia Jackson, Donovan, Andrew Bird, and more.

Since 2012, Joe has been a consultant for Sensaphonics, advising touring engineers and artists (including Steven Tyler, The Decemberists, My Morning Jacket, Lisa Loeb, Wayne Kramer (MC5), John Feldmann (Goldfinger), Chance the Rapper, Thom Yorke, The Lumineers, and David Crosby), and teaching students and doctors of audiology, the implementation of in-ear monitoring in live and studio environments.

In 2014, he mixed and and mastered a live recording for Iron and Wine and he continues to work with dozens of Chicago’s favorite performers across all genres of music. Joe is also the Head of Audio for Sofar Sounds Chicago, were he produces dozens of live recordings year, including recent recordings of Jack Garrett, Shawnee Dez, CHAI, and Tank and the Bangaz.

In addition to his accomplishments in the field of audio, he is a musician of sorts. His musical career spans over 15 years of experience, most recently as singer/songwriter for the socially conscious punk rock band‚ Behold!‚ and banjo/ukulele player for the Americana ensemble, The Rust Belt Ramblers. Joe also is a volunteer producer for the Punk Rock Karaoke Collective, a community fundraising organization and an advocate for Jail Guitar Doors, an organization dedicated to bringing music to the lives of those in prison.

In his spare time, Joe enjoys playing with his two kids, skateboarding, vegan cooking, and birdwatching with this wife, Kristen.

About this Interview:

Joe joins me to talk about his multi-facetted studio Mystery Street Recording which exemplifies the concept of diversification. The studio handles an array of tasks including a traditional recording studio, format transfers, rehearsal space, Karaoke recording party’s, video production, consulting and podcast recording. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Universal Audio’s “Half Yearly Sale”: https://www.uaudio.com/half-yearly-sale
Mystery Street Recording: https://www.mysterystreetrecording.com/

WCA #183 with Craig Bowen

Sun, 17 Jun 2018 19:10:00 -0700

Craig Bowen has been recording bands for over 20 years and is currently the owner/ operator of Tempo House recording studio in Baltimore City. He recorded records by Lungfish, Quixotic, Jackie-O Motherfucker, Ecstatic Sunshine, Jason Urick, Oxes, Thank You, Growing, Smoke Bellow, Zomes, Dan Deacon, Animal Collectiveand many more. He was in the band INK(Monitor Records) and currently performs instrumental guitar + drum machine music.

After years of working in a wide range of studios and ad-hoc recording environments, he designed and built a studio with a balance of efficiency and flexibility Inspired by, among other things, the John Peel radio show, Tempo House was created to provide an professional, relaxed recording atmosphere accessible to artists regardless of their popularity or esthetics.

About this Interview:

Craig joins me to talk about mentoring kids in inner city Baltimore, the fire that displaced his last studio, the beauty of his his espresso maker and the challenges that come with recording. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Tempo House: http://tempohouserecording.com/
Ghost Ship FIre: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Oakland_warehouse_fire
The Wire: https://www.hbo.com/the-wire
Sound Exchange : https://www.soundexchange.com/
Apollo Twin Platinum Vocal Promo: https://www.uaudio.com/twin-vocal-promo

WCA #182 with Mike Kennerty

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 06:06:00 -0700

Mike Kennerty is a producer/engineer based out of Edmond, OK. He’s best known as a guitar player for the multi-platinum band The All-American Rejects, but over the last decade has also made a name for himself as a producer in the punk rock world. Having worked with bands like Screeching Weasel, Masked Intruder, Direct Hit!, Red City Radio, and The Copyrights (for labels such as Fat Wreck Chords, Pure Noise, Red Scare, and Asian Man) he often tries to integrate bigger production elements to a genre usually known for its simplicity.

About this Interview:

Mike joins me to talk about the dual worlds of producing/engineering while being in a well known band as well as tips for studio owners, knowing when you have enough gear, his mentors and what he’s learned while straddling both sides of the glass. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Twitter/Intragram: @mikeaar
Mike on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Kennerty
The All American Rejects: http://www.allamericanrejects.com/

WCA #181 with Gary Noble

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 13:50:00 -0700

Gary Noble is that multiple Grammy awarded and nominated technician with the ear that inspires magic. He is known for his knack of ” bringing the artists’ & producers’ visions to light.” His ear is attuned to many genres of sound and music as reflected in his expansive catalog of award-winning songs. His philosophy on life…” MUSIC IS LIFE. MIXING IS HOW I MEDITATE ON LIFE,” inspires him and motivates the focus he shares within each body of work.

Major record labels like Sony Music, Atlantic Records, and Universal Music Group recognize this and summon Mr. Noble regularly to give the music of artists like Jessie J and Abd Al Malik (which won 2 French Grammys} enhancements that can only be described as hypnotic. Movie studios know him as well, turning to him to mix songs for the soundtrack of blockbusters like “Amy” “Sex in the City: The Movie” and “After The Sunset.” His work is also reflected in the commercial world. An example of his work is the Crystal Light campaign featuring Estelle’s smash “Star”.

Noble recognized his musical gift at the tender age of 5. He would sit and listen to his parents’ record collections for hours on end. Living in New York, he was exposed to a virtual melting pot of different cultures and styles of music. By age fifteen he was a mobile DJ, which helped to fuel his passion for creating and mixing music even more. That experience would be the jumping-off point for him to ascend toward the ultimate career of Mixing Engineer. He studied at the Institute of Audio Research and worked at various studios in New York to hone his craft. He eventually met Salaam Remi(he produced Jazmine Sullivan, Amy Winehouse, Nas, The Fugees) who chose him to be his main engineer. The rest is history.

Today Noble’s talents are known by artists worldwide. Most recently, his skills helped British songstress Amy Winehouse’s “Back To Black” snag a dominating 5 Grammys in 2008. He also mixed the Grammy-nominated Nas single “Cherry Wine” featuring Amy Winehouse and produced by Salaam Remi. He also worked on Chronixx’s critically acclaimed Grammy-nominated album “Chronology”.

Gary Noble’s work has earned the music industry’s respect and highest honors. Artists he has worked with have earned all of the top accolades including American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, the MOBO (U.K.) Awards and The Grammys. And with each recognition, the artists themselves credit Gary with making it all possible.

About this Interview:

Gary joins me to talk about his journey from Jamaica to New York, his move to Miami, his musical partnership with producer Salaam Remi and his approach with keeping artists in the zone. Enjoy! – Matt

Show Notes and Links

Gary’s discography: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/gary-noble-mn0001211562/credits
Gary on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmajor2
Gary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garynobleshow/

WCA #180 with Bobby Owsinski

Mon, 28 May 2018 14:28:00 -0700

Producer/engineer Bobby Owsinski is one of the best selling authors in the music industry with 23 books that are now staples in audio recording, music, and music business programs in colleges around the world, including The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook, Social Media Promotion For Musicians, Music 4.0: A Survival Guide For Making Music In The Internet Age and more. He’s also a contributor to Forbes covering the new music business, his popular production and music industry blogs are nearing 8 million visits, and he’s appeared on CNN and ABC News as a music branding and audio expert. Bobby has worked on over a hundred 5.1 surround projects and DVD productions for a variety of legendary superstar acts including The Who, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Iron Maiden, The Ramones, and Chicago among many others, and recently produced and mixed albums that appeared at #2 on the Billboard Blues Chart and #5 on the iTunes Rock Chart.

Visit Bobby’s music production blog at bobbyowsinskiblog.com/, his music industry blog at music3point0.com, his Forbes blog at forbes.com/sites/bobbyowsinski/, his podcast at bobbyoinnercircle.com, and his website at bobbyowsinski.com.

About this Interview:

Bobby joins me to talk about his podcast, diversification, being humbled, his views on the state of the studios as well as his musical beginnings and transition to producing and engineering, Enjoy! – Matt

Show notes and links:

Monologue and interview links:

YouTube Music: https://youtube.googleblog.com/2018/05/youtube-music-new-music-streaming.html
Music Business Worldwide: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/
Audio Now Cast: http://nowcastnetwork.com/
Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/
Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us
Billboard Business: https://www.billboard.com/

WCA #179 with Daniel Holter

Mon, 21 May 2018 05:59:00 -0700

Daniel Holter is a producer, mixer, composer and songwriter. He studio Wire & Vice is located in a 1920s-era post office near Harley Davidson and the original Miller brewery just outside Milwaukee, WI. He’s hosted a diverse range of musical artists, from Rihanna and Eric Benet, to Chester French, Maritime, and Skillet. Over the years, Daniel has mixed music by artists such as Nick Lowe, Field Report, Over The Rhine, Amos Lee, Blitzen Trapper, Collections of Colonies of Bees, Phil Keaggy, Crowded House, Dead Horses, WebsterX, and Ryan Higa. He’s also composed and/or produced thousands of cues currently being used by such varied clients as Apple, Nike, Google, Microsoft, GM & Gatorade, virtually all of the top shows on HBO, ESPN, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and all across the globe in tv, radio, advertisements, video games and film. Photo by Andrew Feller (http://www.andrewfeller.com/)

About this Interview:

Daniel joins me to talk about his studio, his licensing business, family, divorce, winning and his creative drive. Earlier in the show I’m joined by former WCA Alum Mike Wells (WCA #113) to talk about his new file delivery service Swan! Enjoy! – Matt

Show notes and links:

Mike Well’s new file delivery service for audio pros! : https://swan.audio/
Daniel Holter’s links
danielholter.com (me)
wireandvice.com (studio)
licenselab.com (license biz)
@danielholter (twitter and instagram)
https://www.facebook.com/wireandvice/

WCA #178 with Brad Phillips

Mon, 14 May 2018 06:43:00 -0700

Brad Phillips is an engineer, producer, and studio owner based out of Woodruff, SC. He is a 1999 graduate of the Belmont University Music Business and Audio Engineering program. Since leaving Nashville in 2001, he’s been working out of his own studio facility in South Carolina. Studio 101 is a commercial recording facility well-suited for live band tracking, serving solo artists, bands, and songwriters across many genres. Some of his engineering credits include, Jim Sonefeld (Hootie & The Blowfish), Ashland Craft(The Voice), Mac Arnold & Plate Full Of Blues, Delvin Choice(The Voice), Outshyne, Phat Lip, J. Adam Broome, Mark Webb Jr., Michael Land, Emily Lynch, Jacob Johnson, Scotty Hawkins, Newspring Church plus many others.

About this Interview:

Brad joins me for a chat to talk about Woodruff, South Carolina, running his studio (Studio 101), clients, eminent domain, his love of church and his time spent painting football, baseball and soccer fields. I also interview Dr. Jeremy Steel in Lafayette, California about Chiropractic medicine. Enjoy! – Matt

Show notes and links:

Brad’s Studio: http://www.studio101recording.com/
Dr. Steels practice: https://www.steelchiro.com/
Ted Talk Dr. Steel mentioned : https://goo.gl/9fm5vf

WCA #177 with Zack Ohren

Mon, 07 May 2018 05:43:00 -0700

ZACK OHREN is an Oakland-based audio engineer & producer whose work includes over a thousand recordings over a two-decade long career. Alongside his friend and former co-conspirator Aaron Hellam, he ran Castle Ultimate which quickly became synonymous with high-quality, accessible recordings. Since 2013, he’s been mainly working out of Sharkbite Studios. Zack has been described as “wizard fast” and “brutally honest” – skills that have helped him settle into a niche of heavy, often technically demanding music. He has worked with artists such as Machine Head, The Ghost Inside, Exmortus, Fallujah, Decrepit Birth, Suffocation, Set Your Goals, As Blood Runs Black, Cattle Decapitation, Entheos, Carnifex, All Shall Perish, Sworn Enemy, and Immolation among others.

About this Interview:

Zack joins me to talk about his journey with former studio partner Aaron Hellam and the series of studio locations known as Castle Ultimate that they created, the challenges with studio landlords, neighbors as well as lessons learned and where he’s at today. Enjoy! – Matt

Photo by Michelle Nisbet

Show notes and links:

.MOD File Zack mentions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQJatdOKm2o
Zack on Fcebook: https://www.facebook.com/zack.ohren
EXMORTUS – FEAST OF FLESH (Produced By Zack Ohren) : https://youtu.be/1XFj6p6PoYo
Hellam Sound (Studio of Aaron Hellam): http://hellamsound.com/

WCA #176 with Phil Greiss

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 05:23:00 -0700

Phil Greiss is a multiple-award-winning record producer. He left his name on numerous gold, platinum & diamond records, focusing on both production and songwritting aspects of Pop songs. Very much at ease on his own or collaborating with others, he’s been known to deliver award winning albums and songs, and chart topping singles wether composing, writing, producing, arranging, mixing, or all at the same time. Having completely produced, composed, arranged, recorded and mixed both of Zaho’s first albums, he has had the privilege of working or collaborating on projects featuring artists such as Willy William, J Balvin, Kat Dahlia, Kendji, Vianney, Maître Gims, Corneille, Sean Paul, Trey Songz, Justin Nozuka, Lefa, Gage, Don Choa, Tunisiano, Khaled, La Fouine, David Carreira, KC Porter, Rohff, Conor Maynard, Soprano, Karim Ouellet, Cheb Mami, Idir, Mario Pelchat, Andrée Waters, Grand corps malade, Nancy Logan, Sarah Riani, Humphrey, Mokobe, K-Maro, Vai, Neimann, Christophe Willem, Outasight and many others. He owns and operates his own indepedant production/publishing company with its own studio facility, working along every single industry’s major labels

About this Interview:

Phil joins me to talk about his childhood musical and audio experiences , travel tips, mentorship, his draw to pop music and an early experience with the magic of radio broadcast compression and limiting. Enjoy! – Matt

Show notes and links:

Phil’s site: https://about.me/philgreiss
Phil on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Byphilgreiss
The Music Modernization Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5447
The Music Modernization Act: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2018/03/music-modernization-act-good-solution-songwriters-dont-combine-it-bad-copyright

WCA #175 with Adam Muñoz

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 06:04:00 -0700

Adam Muñoz has been an engineer in the Bay Area since 1991. Having joined the Fantasy Studios team as a full-time House Engineer in 2008 Adam has had the opportunity to engineer sessions for many local and national recording artists. Adam has worked with artists like Herbie Hancock, Dave Mathews, Marcus Miller, Snarky Puppy, Jason Moran, Lisa Fisher, Joanna Newsom, Ambrose Akinmusire, Bruce Cockburn, Jerry Granelli, Etienne Charles, Neal Schon, Animals As Leaders, Eric Gales, Tiffany Austin, The Marcus Shelby Orchestra, Bomba Estereo, Brad Mehldau, LaToya London, Carie Rodriguez, Rupa and the April Fishes, Rinde Eckert, Autopsy, Allison Miller’s Boom Tic Boom, Sean Paul, Lyle Lovett, Matt Nathanson, Six Pence None the Richer, Hank Williams III, Otis Redding and Vince Guaraldi.

Adam’s long-time relationship with Bill Frisell and producer Lee Townsend resulted in the 2015 AND 2016 GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

Adam came to Fantasy after many years as an independent engineer working out of some of the finest studios in the San Francisco and abroad. As a staff engineer at Different Fur and Brilliant Studios, Adam worked on many notable sessions for artists like Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, Sleep, Neurosis, Chris Isaak, Bonnie Raitt, The Cranberries, Paula Cole and on George Winston’s Grammy Award-winning project “Forest.” Adam has been fortunate to have worked along side many super talented producers and engineers including Andy Wallace, Matt Wallace, Howard Johnston, Billy Anderson, Frankie Blue, Karl Derfler, Marc Senasac, John Cuniberti, Judy Clapp, Mike Curb, Steven Haigler, Thom Wilson and more.

Adam’s background also includes ADR/VO, Foley, lock-to-picture sessions and orchestral film scores.

Photo by Monica Jane Frisell

About this Interview:

Adam joins me to talk about his journey starting out as a DJ examining the credits on the back of records to working as a house engineer at the world famous Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California. We talk studio leadership, survival, dedication and the increasing difficulty of repeating his journey in todays recording world. Enjoy! – Matt

Show notes and links:

Adam’s site: http://www.adammunoz.com/
Fantasy Studios: http://fantasystudios.com/
Saul Zaentz Company: http://www.zaentz.com/

WCA #174 with Jack Endino

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 03:58:00 -0700

JACK ENDINO is a Seattle-based record producer, engineer, and musician who has made over 500 records in his 30-year career. Jack helped create what became known as “the Seattle Sound” of the early nineties, having recorded or mixed 44 out of the first 100 releases on the legendary Sub Pop record label, including debut records by Nirvana (“Bleach”), Soundgarden (“Screaming Life”) and Mudhoney (“Superfuzz Bigmuff”). Some of his international clients include Brazil’s Titas (5 albums from 1993 to 2005) and Grammy winner Nando Reis (4 albums), Mexico’s Guillotina (3 albums), Ireland’s Therapy?, Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson (UK), and The Ganjas and Yajaira from Chile. Recent clients include Zeke, Windhand, and High On Fire. Jack still maintains his workaholic pace, having produced records in 14 countries and continuing to play in bands as guitarist, bassist and vocalist. Journalists have called him “Chief Architect of the Seattle Sound” and “Godfather of Grunge” but Jack says “I’m just a guy who likes to make rock records.” He currently manages a recording studio in Seattle called Soundhouse.

About this Interview:

Jack joins me to talk about baking tapes, audio formats, operating with a low overhead, forensic re-mixing, producer malpractice and his life of recording, mixing, mastering and playing in 4 bands. Enjoy! – Matt

Show notes and links:

Personal website — http://jackendino.com
Wikipedia — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Endino
Allmusic — http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p12876/biography
Soundhouse Recording — http://www.soundhouserecording.net
Tape Baking using the Nesco Snack Master Pro: https://goo.gl/YxiitU
Linux resources #1: https://itsfoss.com/best-linux-beginners/
Linux resources #2: https://www.slant.co/topics/6067/~daws-for-linux
Linux resources #3: https://blog.macsales.com/40603-linux-on-a-recycled-mac-trying-to-make-it-work

WCA #173 with Jonathan Wyner

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 04:12:00 -0700

Jonathan Wyner is the Education Director at iZotope in Cambridge, MA, Chief Engineer at M Works Mastering, and Professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He’s mastered and produced more than 5000 recordings during the last 34 years. Mastering, recording and mixing since 1983, he established M Works mastering studios in Cambridge, MA in 1991. Among the artists’ projects he has worked on are: James Taylor, David Bowie, Aerosmith, Kiri Te Kanawa, Aimee Mann, London Symphony, Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen and Nirvana. His project Invention and Alchemy received a Grammy Nomination in 2005. Jonathan has conducted seminars around the world and presented with George Massenburg, Doug Sax and Bob Ludwig among others. In January 2017 he presented the keynote talk for the NAMM TEC Tracks. He’s authored a book, ‘Audio Mastering: Essential Practices’ published by Hale Leonard/Berklee Press. With the iZotope team he authored and developed ‘Pro Audio Essentials’, an online ear training site that garnered a TEC award in early 2017.

About this Interview:

Jonathan joins me to chat about the details of mastering and how he got into it, health, teaching, the bacon and chia seed diet , plus a double pun, a brilliant analogy and a few good laughs! Enjoy! – Matt

Show notes and links:

M Works Mastering: http://www.m-works.com/
Jonathan’s book on Mastering: https://goo.gl/85jBFZ
Deep Work: https://goo.gl/Jx7Vvt
Cal Newport Blog: https://goo.gl/pX8FV8

WCA #172 with Mark Needham

Sun, 01 Apr 2018 22:51:00 -0700

Mark Needham is a mix/recording engineer and producer with 40+ years experience in the music business.

Originally from Eureka CA, Mark moved to San Francisco, co-founded the Blue Bear School of Music and taught music recording. Also, he built Bear West Recording, and his first client (in studio) was blues great Taj Mahal. During this phase of his career in SF, he worked with notable local acts, including platinum selling artists Cake & Chris Isaak. In 2000, he moved to Los Angeles, where his initial projects were Fleetwood Mac’s 1st collection of new material in 8 years, “Say You Will” and multi-platinum ‘Hot Fuss’ by The Killers. Recent clients include an array of internationally recognized superstar artists including: Imagine Dragons, Shakira, Pink, and Dolly Parton.

About this Interview:

Mark joins me to talk about his early Bay Area days, working with Chris Isaak, Lindsey Buckingham, the Killers and Imagine Dragons, band development, working in Nashville, survival and moving to Los Angeles. Enjoy! – Matt

Show notes and links:

Mark’s website: http://www.markneedham.com
Thunderbolt 3 mini hub: https://goo.gl/UA8vif
Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2: https://goo.gl/AsTbnr
USB C Magsafe Power: https://goo.gl/3zr89G

WCA #171 with Lucy J Mitchell

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 06:43:00 -0700

Lucy started out in the industry as a runner at Envy Post Production straight after graduating with a Classical Music degree from the University of Nottingham with no idea of what a .wav was or even what ‘5.1’ meant. After hours of training outside her work hours and during lunch breaks, she quickly progressed to being an audio assistant in the machine room. She became an Audio Assistant Manager, being the go to person for overseeing large projects, representing her team in meetings, and generally making sure everything ran smoothly. During this time, I again was finding time to train in the studios with the tracklayers and mixers, learning my way around not only Protools but the DAWs such as the DigiDesign Icon Desk.

She was promoted to tracklayer after a few years in the machine room where she edited music, dialogues, atmospheres, foley and sound-effects. She was regularly being requested by both the Post Producers and Clients to run voice-over recording sessions. Here She also provided fully mixed Sound Design for TV shows such as Rise of the Machines, D-Day Laid Bare and Strip the City. I was also mixing animations and short films in my spare time (see my work page).In 2013, she was named as one of Broadcast Magazine’s ‘Hot Shots’, an annual feature on rising stars of the industry under 30. This was totally unexpected and it was such an honour to be listed alongside all of those talented people.She left Envy in 2015 and she is currently working as a Freelance Sound Editor across all genres; across all editorial disciplines for Television, Film and Computer Games. These include computer game ‘Guitar Hero Live’, recent hit Channel 4 comedy ‘Derry Girls’ and soon to be released feature comedy ‘You, Me and Him’.

Since going freelance she recieved her first uk broadcast Dubbing Mixer credit and has been mixing Eastenders and multiple factual television programmes over the last few years. Her career has gone from strength to strength, constantly working with new clients and always learning new skills.

In 2015 she took part in a mid-career-level Mentoring Scheme run by WFTV UK (Women in Film and Television) and she has been part of the BAFTA Crew Programme since 2015. She is also a full member of AMPS (Association of Motion Picture Sound).

She has been interviewed for a number of online publications and has lectured 3rd Year Audio Production students at the University of Lincoln multiple times since 2016, with another booked for next term.

She has a particular interest in foley, Drama, Film and Animation and hopes to do more of these this year.

About this Interview:

Lucy joins me to talk about her journey from runner to Freelance Sound Editor and Dubbing Mixer, how she started out and her decision to quite working at a facility and go freelance. Enjoy! – Matt

Show notes and links:

Lucy’s website: http://www.lucyjsound.com/
Lucy on IMDB: https://goo.gl/9dJpJa
The Audio-Technica Limited edition headphones: https://goo.gl/K9fi67
Ambisonic resources: https://goo.gl/zbtknE

WCA #170 with Kevin Army

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 03:29:00 -0700

Kevin Army is a legendary Bay Area producer, engineer and mixer best known as producer of the classic punk album Energy by Operation Ivy and for engineering Insomniac by Green Day. He is also known for his work with The Mr. T Experience, Pinhead Gunpowder, American Steel and Jawbreaker. 14 years ago Kevin stepped away from the recording world and concentrated on being a record dealer. After dipping his toes back in the water for a few select projects in the last couple of years he made the decision to jump back in.

About this Interview:

Kevin joins me at my house/studio to discuss his 14 year hiatus from recording and what followed, his decision to get back in to recording, the early days of his recording career, mentorship and his favorite method for record bands. Enjoy! – Matt

Show notes and links:

Kevin’s Blog: https://kevinarmy.com/
Kevin on Facebook: https://goo.gl/ixBG3u

WCA #169 with Ryan Worsley

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 04:02:00 -0700

Ryan Worsley is one of Canada’s most sought-after music producers, with a growing track record of discovering, capturing and elevating the unique sound of countless bands and artists. With over twenty years of experience in the music industry, Ryan has become the consummate producer, providing his clients with world-class songwriting, audio engineering, and mixing capabilities. He works across pop, rock, indie, and folk genres, always striving to create innovative, fresh, and musical recordings that highlight the essence of the artists he works with.

Ryan’s impact is demonstrated in his work with Dear Rouge (Universal Music), from the outset of their career, providing production, songwriting and mixing on “Black To Gold” (2015), ultimately resulting in a Juno Award for “Breakthrough Group of the Year” (2016). His work with the band continues, with production and mixing credits on 2018’s well-received release, “Phases”.

Ryan is regularly asked by labels across Canada and the US for his mixing expertise, including Courage My Love’s “Synestathia” (Warner Music), Said The Whale’s “As Long As Your Eyes Are Wide”, and Emilie & Ogden’s “10,000” (Secret City Records). He has also crafted mixes and radio singles for artists Basia Bulat (Rough Trade Records/Secret City Records) and Mathew V (604 Records).

Career highlights include participating in “Mix With The Masters” with mixer extraordinaire Tchad Blake and having his work recognized by the Western Canadian Music Awards with a nomination for Producer of the Year and award for Engineer of the Year (2015), as well as multiple subsequent nominations.

About this Interview:

Ryan joins me to talk about the importance of having a great team, networking, thinking long-term, Canadian health care, the benefits of having a manager, and the importance of having a supportive spouse or partner. Enjoy!

Matt

Show notes and links:

The 7 Health Benefits Of Walking Just 20 Minutes A Day: https://goo.gl/kd2L7K
Ryan's studio: https://www.echoplantsound.com/

WCA #168 with James Ivey

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 14:18:00 -0700

James Ivey is not only the Technical Editor for Pro Tools Expert.com he’s also a producer, engineer, drummer and Dad. Pro Tools Expert is one of the most popular and highly regarded hi-tech audio blogs on the Internet. In his role, James reviews some of the latest equipment which means quickly learning how to get the best out of it then taking part in their weekly podcast which is regularly listened to by over 27,000 people around the world. From London Guildhall University, to working on pop videos, selling Pro Audio gear to the likes of Pete Townsend, to full time gigging drummer, James eventually found himself working for Avid via Sibelius . While working for Avid at a trade show, James met Russ Hughs of Production Expert . That meeting lead James to his current position at Pro Tools Expert and to freelancing as an audio professional for the last 8 years.

About this Interview:

James joins me for a chat about Pro Tools Expert, kids, building a studio in his London backyard, GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), new gear vs. vintage gear, working for Avid, networking, freelancing and not having voice mail.

-Enjoy Matt

Show notes and links:

Pro Tools Expert : https://www.pro-tools-expert.com/
The CD Business Isn’t Dying—It’s Just Evolving : https://goo.gl/Rg8zAR
Matt’s new site! mattboudreau.com
DISCOVER THE AT5047: https://goo.gl/2mYLdi

WCA #167 with Billy Decker

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 05:22:00 -0700

Billy Decker was born on August 28th, 1967, and raised in Nebraska. He got a BS in criminal justice at the University of Nebraska and then went on to be Salutatorian at Full Sail Center for the Recording Arts in 1992. In 1994, Decker moved to Nashville where he’s been working ever since. He’s mixed 14 #1s to date – most recently, Parmalee’s “Carolina”. Billy has mixed for Sam Hunt, Darius Rucker, Chris Young, and Jaime Lynne Spears. Decker also mixed George Jones’s last album before he died. Billy Decker made history in July of 2014 when Sam Hunt became the most added new artist of all time. Decker works in a unique way. “I mix really fast. Most of my mixes are finished in between two and three-and-a-half hours. To be able to do this, I use a lot of templates in Pro Tools. Instead of spending two hours EQing a kick drum, I can do it in 30 seconds, because I’ve set up templates for the album that outline all the basic parameters for each instrument. Then, I can focus on fine-tuning and bringing levels up and down—working on the entire mix, rather than focusing on individual adjustments. It’s a good way to work. It’s real fast, efficient, and, most importantly, it’s fun.”

About this Interview:

Billy Decker joins me to talk about mixing hit songs in two to three hours, beating cancer and keeping it under wraps, the yearly slump, Facebook networking, endless revisions and mixing in the box. -EnjoyMatt

Show notes and links:

Billy Decker’s Site: http://www.billydecker.com/
MTM Wood: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWBTyvNhUXq0ofu6ta1EAaQ
Prosperworks CRM : https://goo.gl/ca2wyg
Close.IO CRM: https://close.io/
Billy on Bobby Owsinski’s Show: http://bobbyoinnercircle.com/tag/billy-decker/
Billy on The Six Figure Home Studio Podcast: https://www.thesixfigurehomestudio.com/social-skills-helped-billy-decker-dominate-nashville-mixing-scene/
Audio Movers: https://audiomovers.com/

WCA #166 with Ken Sluiter

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 04:50:00 -0700

Ken Sluiter is an American recording engineer/producer/mixer from Chicago, IL now based in Los Angeles, CA.

Ken grew up in a small town called Wilmington, IL, about an hour outside of Chicago, IL. He was obsessive listener of 70’s AM radio and what is now called “classic rock”. One day while walking through a department store with his mother, he spotted the cover of “Rock and Rock Over” by Kiss. From that point on, he was hooked. Every dime he could scrape up went to the record section of the department store. More records from Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Sweet, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Cheap Trick, Beatles, Foghat, even Styx (Ken was young) were to follow. This all naturally led to borrowing a friends’ Silvertone guitar, then guitar lessons etc..

While playing in garage bands with friends, Ken was the one that kinda understood how to set up the P.A. That led to recording rehearsals, shows, cassette four tracking/overdubbing etc…. When his guitar teacher purchased an Oberheim OB-8, he gave Ken his “hand me down” Korg MS-20. That combined with discovering a college radio station led to a passion (which continues to this day) for all things new wave/synth pop. Soon Ken was hooking synths and drum machines to his Commodore 64’s MIDI sequencer. After spending more time “in the city” and discovering the Wax Trax label and Medusa’s dance club, the guitar started collecting dust and the focus became the stiff, cold groove of the machines.

After graduating college in 1992, Ken started his studio career working on jingles in the ad industry-dominated studio scene in downtown Chicago. The worked ranged from national ad campaigns to local furniture stores. It was in this environment that Ken learned to record, edit (w/ grease pencil and razor blade) and mix fast to meet the tight deadlines the advertising industry required. At the same time, he started assisting at studios that recorded local and regional bands. In 1994, Ken bought his first Pro Tools rig (a four track version that was the size of a fridge) and started working with other engineers as an editor. This enabled Ken to use his editing-skills learned in the jingle studios with engineers and producers that had previously never been exposed to the power/flexibility offered by the Pro Tools platform. It also allowed Ken to bypass some of the “dues paying” associated with being as assistant engineer (more on that later).

By the mid-nineties, Ken partnered with Dave Trumfio and Mike Hagler, founders of Kingsize Sound Labs. For many years, they made indie-rock records for the exploding indie/alternative rock scene that was happening in Chicago. Some notable acts that worked at Kingsize included Wilco, Billy Bragg, Andrew Bird, Neko Case, Mekons, The Frogs, Archer Prewitt, Kelly Hogan, Jonny Polonsky, Steve Earle, OKGO, My Morning Jacket, Jesus Lizard, The Sadies and hundreds of other bands. Label clients included Atlantic, Geffen, Warner Brothers, Virgin as well as Touch and Go, Sub Pop, Matador, Merge Records and Bloodshot Records.

During this time, Ken played and recorded with studio parter, Dave Trumfio’s new wave revival band, Pulsars. Pulsars made two albums for Almo Sounds/Geffen. Ken also co-founded local power-pop luminaries, Box-o-car, who in addition to recording two records, supported acts such as Iggy Pop, Cheap Trick, Teenage Fanclub, Mathew Sweet, The Kills and many more.

By 2003, as the indie explosion ran it’s course in Chicago, Ken re-located to Los Angles to continue his craft. As Ken felt he “skipped” much of the assisting phase of a traditional engineers’ career path; he pursued assisting opportunities including assisting Andrew Scheps on Weezer’s “Red Album”, Greg Fidleman on Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “I’m With You” as well as Jim Scott on multiple records. Ken also assisted on scoring sessions, in which he learned the ropes of orchestral recording from Sean Murphy and Dan Wallin among others. Ken also stayed busy as a Pro Tools editor working on projects ranging from Barry Manilow to Pink to Metallica.

It was during this time that Ken got involved with EastWest Studios in Hollywood. Ken was a key member of the crew that brought the studios back on-line as the rooms had been closed since Cello studios closed in 2004. This included working with the technical staff to “shake out” the analog gear as well as configuring Pro Tools systems for each room. Ken was also the recordist for the entire EastWest “Hollywood” series of orchestral virtual instruments.

In 2009, Ken signed on to engineer/mix two records for Jerry Lee Lewis wth legendary drummer Jim Keltner as producer. That project included doing overdubs with a “who’s who” of rock royalty, including Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, John Fogerty, Shelby Lynne, Kris Kristofferson, Robbie Robertson, Nils Lofgren, Aaron Neville, Mavis Staples, Gillian Welch and Jon Brion. Ken also mixed tracks with performances by Mick Jagger, Ron Wood, Sheryl Crow, Derek Trucks, Kid Rock, Daniel Lanois, Ringo Starr, John Mayer, James Burton, Leon Russell, Tim McGraw, Neil Young and Slash.

Other projects Ken engineered and/or mixed include records by The Pretenders, Marshall Crenshaw, Heart, Andra Day, Veruca Salt, Flogging Molly, James Blunt, Divine Fits (Britt Daniel), The Format (Nate Ruess), Ron Sexsmith, Kathleen Edwards, Young Dubliners, MxPx and Dwight Yoakam.

Ken also worked closely with producers Wally Gagel and Xandy Barry on a series of “iTunes Originals” sessions for artists that that included BRMC, The Decemberists, PJ Harvey, Maroon 5, Metric, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros and Best Coast

As a producer, Ken has worked with Weezer (”Christmas With Weezer”), B52’s (“Squidbillies”-theme song), as well as soundtrack songs with Debbie Harry and Shirley Manson (“Tehran 1979” from American Gods), Siouxsie Sioux (“Love Crimes”-Hannibal) and Marc Almond (“Snakecharmer”-Hannibal)

Recently, Ken has worked closely with producer Joe Chiccarelli, mixing records for artists such as Morrissey, Augustines, Nightriots, Ivan and Aloysha and Victorian Halls. Ken has also worked closely with film composer Brian Reitzell on several film scores and soundtracks including “Hannibal” (Season 3) on NBC, “American Gods” on Starz, “Kicks” for Focus Features, as well as ad’s for Nike and Apple.

About this Interview:

Ken Sluiter joins me for a great conversation about 90’s era Chicago, his transition to Los Angeles, working with Andrew Scheps and Jim Keltner, having a great baby sitter, mixing in the box, social media and much more! Many thanks to WCA Alum Brad Wood (https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-095-with-brad-wood/ ) for introducing me to Ken at NAMM. Enjoy!

-Matt

Show notes and links:

Audio-Technica AT5047: http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/f0d9ef584e0dda3e/index.html
The great Jim Keltner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Keltner

WCA #165 with Dave Collins

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 21:29:00 -0700

Dave Collins is an Grammy Award winning mastering engineer located in Pasadena, California. Dave has worked with artists of many genres include Sting, Metallica, Soundgarden, D’Angelo, Bruce Springsteen, and Madonna as well as many major film soundtracks. Dave makes a point to work on projects of all sizes from aspiring artist demos to major label releases.

After over 30 years of experience, Dave built a new state-of-the-art facility “from the sound up” in consultation with acoustician Thomas Jouanjean of Northward Acoustics in Brussels, Belgium. The studio is specifically designed to provide a creative, yet highly accurate, listening environment – capable of achieving the perfect balance for your sound. Of particular note is the custom signal path Dave has designed. From equalization, to analog to digital conversion, to dynamics, all equipment has been purpose-built specifically for mastering – these proprietary designs are the result of over three decades of listening experience with proven results.

About this Interview:

Mastering badass Dave Collins (Sting, Metallica, Soundgarden, D’Angelo, Bruce Springsteen, and Madonna) joins me to discuss his background, how he got into mastering, working with projects of all sizes, budgets and location. We also touch on in the box mastering, keeping your perspective about working in audio compared to working in other industries, the importance of listening and keeping your overhead in check. Enjoy!

Show notes and links:

Dave Collin’s Mastering: http://www.davecollinsmastering.com/
DMG Equilibrium Plugin: https://www.dmgaudio.com/products_equilibrium.php
Doug Sax: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doug_Sax
Betterment Robo Investing: https://goo.gl/mPWePb

WCA #164 with Steve Albini - Fascist Haircuts, Analog Longevity, Reusing Analog Tape, Surviving 20 years, Poverty and the Cycle of Money.

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 07:09:00 -0700

Steve Albini needs no introduction really. Musician, engineer and studio owner known for his work with Nirvana, Page, and Plant, PJ, Harvey as well as thousands of other bands. Yes, thousands. Steve is well known for his long term practice of sticking to analog recording methods and his dedication to the bands he records with regards to respecting the band dynamic. He also has played in the bands Big Black, Rapeman as well as his current band Shellac. Steve is part of a program called the Letters to Santa Program of Chicago with his wife Heather Whinna and Jeff Tweddy of WIlco known for its work raising money for poverty-stricken individuals and families in the Chicago area.

Show notes and links:

Electrical Audio (Steve’s studio): http://www.electricalaudio.com/
Letters to Santa Program: http://www.secondcity.com/second-city-24-hour-improv
Onward Neighborhood House: https://onwardhouse.wordpress.com/
Why I Haven’t Had a Conventional Christmas in 20 Years: https://bit.ly/2V9Nm5X
Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/3266bbu

WCA #163 with NAMM 2018

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 21:46:00 -0700

NAMM 2018 was a fantastic experience this year. The crowds were massive, the activity was electric and there was sooo much to see. In this episode I give you a recap from not only my perspective but also from the viewpoint of my friends Chris Selim from Mixdown.Online and Lij Shaw from Recording Studio Rockstars. There’s also interviews with Universal Audio and Whitestone Audio. It was a great time and the amount of cool people and products was encouraging. Enjoy!

Show notes and links:

The People:

Chris Selim From Mixdown.Online.
Lij Shaw from Recording Studio Rockstars.
Dave Rosen from Whitestone Audio.
Tom Waterman from Universal Audio.
Louie Gonzalez from The Shelter Studios: http://theshelterstudios.com/bios/

The Gear:

Whitestone Audio P331: http://www.whitestoneaudio.com/
Audio Technica 5047: http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/f0d9ef584e0dda3e/index.html
Universal Audio Arrow: https://www.uaudio.com/audio-interfaces/arrow.html
Zaor : https://zaorstudiofurniture.com/

WCA #162 with John Karr

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 03:46:00 -0700

John Karr is well regarded as one of the top sound engineers in San Francisco, with a professional career spanning over 30 years, engineering shows and albums for over 20,000 bands, in every genres you can imagine. From recording studio’s to local house gigs to national tours of theaters and large music festivals, across the United States, Japan and Europe.

John has worn the hats of F.O.H. and monitor engineer, studio producer, session musician, composer, and live sound mentor @ at S.F. City College and Expressions School for Music in Emeryville Ca, He has over 60 album recording credits, including the theme songs for KALW Rose Agular’s Your Call Radio and KSAN Steven Weed’s Weed in the morning. Other notable accomplishment’s include 7 years tenure as head sound engineer/manager and sound system designer of The Independent – which has won international praise as “The Best Sounding Live Music Venue in San Francisco”.

About this Interview:

John Karr joins me for a great chat covering his approach to working in multiple genres, accepting gigs of all shapes and sizes, bringing humor and humanity to the audio work environment and how he dealt with an accident that left him without the use of his legs for 6 months. John has been working his ass off since arriving in San Francisco 1988 and it’s a pleasure to have him as my guest. Enjoy!

Matt

Show notes and links:

Johns SIte: http://earrelevant-recording.com/
WCA on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/14U2pJ15Ix5x838NXqt1zJ

WCA #161 with Matt Donner

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 14:46:00 -0700

Matt Donner holds a Bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Business Analysis (Penn State) and a Masters in Music Technology (NYU). While developing his Producer and Engineering chops in NYC, he went on to perform for various TV studios and John Cale (Velvet Underground) that included 3 feature film scores. After signing his band to an indy record deal, his cross-country tour brought him to SF where the drummer exploded – how typical.

Matt quickly found himself as Regional Technical Director for Guitar Center and the Pro Tools Support Lead for the Cutting Edge Audio Group. There, he served as studio designer, installer and trainer for the likes of Joe Satriani, Metallica, Spearhead, Santana and the SF Jazz Fest as well as many private studios including Wally World (Walter A., N’Sync, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion).

In January 2000, he and Greg Gordon began working together exclusively at Pyramind where they began running the hybrid Production/ Training businesses. Matt has served the company as Chief Engineer, Senior Producer/ Composer, Chief Technical Officer, Vice- President and now as CAO and COO. He helped grow the Pyramind Training program from a single 24 hour class to the highly-touted 900 hour 12-month Complete Producer. He has trained thousands of students, mixed/ mastered dozens of records and has published several magazine articles. Matt has also written two texts on Pro Tools (Thomson Press) as well as the Pyramind Training three-book series published (Alfred Publishing). He’s best known now for his YouTube series “The Breakdown” on the channel “Pyratube”.

Matt currently lives in San Francisco and Davis, CA with his wife, two children and three dogs. He has trained in Mixed Martial Arts and Bak Mei Kung Fu for years and on good days, surfs the Pacific Ocean on his Al Merrick 6’ 2” fish.

The Pacific usually wins.

About this Interview:

Matt talks with me about Pyramind and the three prong approach to preparing students for the real world of audio. We also discuss survival, failure, gear lust and work life balance amongst a few other key topics. I’ve known Matt Donner for 20 years and have great respect for him so it’s an honor to have him on.

Matt

Show notes and links:

Pyramind https://www.pyramind.com/
Zaor: http://www.zaor.de/
Zaor Speaker Stands I got: http://www.zaor.de/classic/monitor-stand/
Zaor Desk I got: http://www.zaor.de/classic/onda-mack/
Zaor Rack I got: http://www.zaor.de/classic/rackspace/
Cutting Edge Audio Group: https://ceag.com/
Time to make the donuts commercial: https://youtu.be/1AA1XDqK8tY
Matt Walker “Why We Sleep”: https://goo.gl/zZQyEg

WCA #160 with Joe Costable

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 15:06:00 -0700

Joe Costable started his career in Houston, TX, at Studio 7303; the largest studio in the area, and at that time the hub of Hip-Hop. Starting as an intern, Joe eventually moved up the ranks as an engineer working with many prominent artists and producers, such as Mike Jones, Scarface, Mannie Fresh, Gerald Levert, and many others.

A few years later he moved back to his native New York for a short stint at the Island Def Jam Music Group, where he learned the other side of the industry in the A&R department while building his clientele as a freelance engineer. Joe landed his first mixing gig with a few Good Charlotte songs, some of which landed on the Cardiology record.

In the years since, Joe has worked with many more artists in genres from hip-hop to shoe gaze. His work has been everywhere from top 10 at radio, selling millions of copies worldwide, national ad campaigns, to being featured on the most underground of music blogs. While the majority of his work is with Alternative, Rock, and Pop records, Joe loves getting an opportunity to expand his abilities and paint a new picture. Joe is a member of the Audio Engineering Society and a voting member of The Recording Academy as well as an average home brewer and an avid hiker.

About this Interview:

Matt speaks with Joe about his early days in Houston making Hip Hop records, hustling in New York, mixing in the quite and remote town of Patterson, NY, making a living and photography as well as many other topics. -Enjoy!

Show notes and links:

Zaor: http://www.zaor.de/
Nest: https://nest.com/
Joe’s Site: https://www.joecostable.com/
Raw Recording: http://www.rawrecording.com/index.html
Digital Silver Imaging: http://digitalsilverimaging.com/
Mike Kalajian Interview: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-072-mike-kalajian/

WCA #159 with Matt Allison

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 20:21:00 -0700

Matt Allison started Atlas in 1996 with a vision to fill a void in Chicago’s Punk Rock scene, offering bands a refuge to bring their music to life. 21 years later, Atlas has become a Chicago staple. Matt has worked with an extensive list of artists including Alkaline Trio, The Lawrence Arms, and The Menzingers, to highlight a few. Matt continues to record at Atlas but focuses most of his time on mixing and producing artists. Enjoy!

About this Interview:

Matt speaks with me about running a studio in Chicago, landlords, leases, recording on black face ADATS, mixing at home, working with punk rock bands and much more! Eric Arway must be thanked for suggesting Matt as a guest!

Show notes and links:

WCA #158 with Eddie Kramer

Mon, 25 Dec 2017 05:23:00 -0700

Legendary producer/engineer Eddie Kramer has worked with Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Traffic and a myriad of other major recording stars.

More on Eddie here: http://www.eddie-kramer.com/

About this Interview:

One day I received an email with the subject line Guest suggestion/Eddie Kramer from Clifton David Broadbridge. The email read “I work with Eddie in Toronto. I’m his studio partner and assistant,, was wondering if you would like to interview him for your podcast? He would be totally into it!” I almost fell out of the chair! Long story short, I replied back, spoke with Clifton, then spoke with Eddie, and next thing I know I’m wrapping up an interview with someone who is responsible for some of the most incredible records in music history. I was a little stunned afterward. Sincere, funny, and full of energy is how I would describe Eddie Kramer. We talk about his photography, Jimi Hendrix and the new record coming out, Led Zeppelin, business, diversification, leaving South Africa for England, the famous Troggs tape, music today vs. the past, rebuilding the El Mocambo club with a studio inside, and much more. Enjoy! Happy Holidays! Matt

Show notes and links:

Eddie Kramer’s Site: http://www.eddie-kramer.com/
Clifton David Broadbridge: http://cliftondavidbroadbridge.com/
The infamous Troggs Tape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrXfK9Osmvs
The El Mocambo http://www.elmocambo.com/
Walters-Storyk Design Group: https://wsdg.com/

WCA #157 with Dana Jae

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 19:58:00 -0700

Dana Jae’s career as an audio engineer spans 34 years since the first day she began to record and mix songs on her Tascam PortaStudio in the early 80’s while attending college at UC Berkeley. She formed several of her own bands performing and recording until 1988 when she discovered that the “behind-the-scenes” tech realm was much more to her liking. Dana then began a career as a live sound engineer and has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe as front-of-house sound engineer for a multitude of bands on various record labels and have been a staff engineer at the venerable Bottom of the Hill nightclub since their inception in 1991.

Dana has owned and maintained a live sound production company since 1989 under the moniker dcj Productions, that has provided sound to the Bay Area community (mostly in the non-profit sector) in both large-scale, outdoor sound events as well as nightclubs and music halls. In 1991, she started recording bands on an 8-track Tascam TSR-8 analog tape recorder and moved into the digital realm in 1993 to 16-tracks of Alesis ADAT in her home studio. In 1995, Dana advanced to using Pro Tools and has been recording exclusively digital ever since, combining audio skills in sound for film as a location recordist as well as in post-production sound design and mixing. Dana says she still prefers the sonic rapture of “strictly analog” in live sound mixing, however.

Dana co-owned and was the President of APG Records & APG Studios, a record label and recording studio from 1999 – 2004 which had a distribution deal through EMI.

In 2001, Dana was hired to the part-time faculty at City College of San Francisco in the Broadcast Electronic Media Arts department where she has taught Digital Media Skills, Basic Audio Production, Digital Audio Production, Sound Recording Studio, Sound For Visual Media, Advanced Sound Recording, Sound Reinforcement, Audio for the Web, Video for the Web, Field Video Production, classes in sound design, audio for animation and games, music video, and computer applications at Laney College in Oakland, CA, Art Institute of California-San Francisco, and Globe Recording Institute in San Francisco.

About this Interview:

I’ve known Dana Jae since the late 90’s. We crossed paths working at local San Francisco pro audio dealers Audio Images and Cutting Edge Audio and also worked briefly together at a small record company. Since then we have stayed in touch over the years and recently ran into each other at an audio event where we planned this interview. We discuss how Dana got into audio and her journey through live sound, studio sound, film sound, pro audio retail and her current gig at City College of San Francisco. Enjoy!

Show notes and links:

Simon Phillips GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/jwequ-life-rebuilding-fund
Local 16 Union in San Francisco: http://www.iatse.net/
CCSF – City College of San Francisco: https://www.ccsf.edu/
NOLO Press: https://www.nolo.com/

WCA #156 with Justin Perkins

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 16:02:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #156 with Justin Perkins!!!

Justin Perkins has been recording music since his mid-teens. It all started in his father’s basement then progressed to recording studios around the state of Wisconsin including the renowned Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin before relocating to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he now has his own mastering studio called Mystery Room Mastering. Justin's clients include Tommy Stinson, The Replacements, The Figgs, The Gaslight Anthem, Daryl Stuermer, Screeching Weasel, The Mr. T Experience, The Smoking Popes, Limbeck, Miles Nielsen, and Tenement. Justin also recently mixed a new documentary about the legendary 90’s band Jawbreaker called “Don’t Break Down”. Outside of the studioJustin has played bass in some of his own bands as well as with the newly reformed Bash & Pop, Tommy Stinson, Paul Collins Beat, Cory Chisel and a few others.

About this Interview:

Every time I post about a new WCA show on Twitter there was always one guy who liked it, shared it or commented on it and that was Justin. Naturally I wanted to know who Justin Perkins was and why he was always liking the show so one day I visited his website Mystery Room Mastering and it was then I fully understood just how bad ass this guy was plus I was just blown away at the thorough nature of his website. Justin had reached out before to invite me to a Bash and Pop show he was playing in San Francisco (I was unable to go) so I wasn't completely unaware of of his background but I had to talk to him! So after reaching out, scheduling and conducting my interview I had a whole new appreciation for Justin. We chat about his journey and his website and the usual WCA topics (clients, business, work/life balance, etc...). -Enjoy!

Matt

WCA #155 with Andrew Maury

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 20:33:00 -0700

Andrew Maury is an American record producer, audio engineer, and mixing engineer based in Brooklyn, New York. Maury has worked with artists such as Lewis Del Mar, Ra Ra Riot, Shawn Mendes, Grace Mitchell, Strange Names, Post Malone, RAC, Panama Wedding, Atlas Genius, Kimbra, Delicate Steve, Milagres, High Highs, Penguin Prison, Kisses, Satchmode, COIN, The Kooks, and CRUISR. In the summer of 2009, he worked on Tegan and Sara’s Sainthood alongside producer and Death Cab for Cutie guitarist Chris Walla at the world-famous Sound City Studios in Los Angeles. Maury also spent years mixing front of house on tour for artists such as Ra Ra Riot and Givers and has mixed shows for bands such as Delicate Steve, Surfer Blood, and Chairlift.

About this Interview:

Andrew talks to me from his home in Brooklyn, NY about management, health, working in the pop world as a rock guy, gear lust, Sound City, and much more. Many thanks to listener Chad Wahlbrink for suggesting Andrew.

Show notes and links:

The Patchbay I mention in the monologue: https://www.flocktechnologies.com/

WCA #154 with James Tuttle

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 18:39:00 -0700

James Tuttle is an recording/mixing engineer and producer with 40 years in the trenches. After growing up playing in local bands in the midwest and Colorado he traded his place on stage for a place behind the console and never looked back. He has worked with everyone from Carole King and Dan Fogelberg to Joe Ely and Big Head Todd and the Monsters. He is a 2 time Grammy nominee for his mixing work with singer/songwriter Eliza Gilkyson and Jungle Jazz For Kids creator Mark Oblinger. He currently lives outside of Boulder, Colorado where he returned to after a stay in the fertile music mecca of Austin TX. He continues to be actively involved in making records with local and national artists. After a long affiliation with Airshow Mastering where he had a mix room, he now works from his home studio and from the Studio at eTown Hall. His ongoing affiliation with the eTown syndicated radio show/podcast spans 20+ years where he is the chief recording engineer. Working on the eTown show has afforded him the opportunity to record and mix hundreds of artists including: James Taylor, Mumford and Son, Los Lobos, Michael Franti, Lyle Lovett, Imogen Heap, Rickie Lee Jones, Randy Newman, Ben Folds, Atmosphere, Emmy Lou Harris, Brother Ali and many, many more.

About this Interview:

WCA #154 features US recording/mixing engineer and producer James Tuttle. James originally emailed me knowing I would be in Colorado to see if I wanted to sit down for coffee. Once I saw that James had a serious background I countered his coffee offer with a an interview in a local coffee shop. With my portable rig in tow we got caffeinated and talked money, E-Town (https://www.etown.org/ ) where James has been at the last 20 years, his connection to David Glasser , recording in Austin and being in Carol King's backup band. Enjoy! -Matt

Show notes and links:

E Town: https://www.etown.org/
The documentary we mention: http://www.shopkeepermovie.com/
The studio in the above documentary: http://congresshouse.com/
Arguments for FCC Net Neutrality: https://goo.gl/NpHxWW
Arguments against FCC Net Neutrality: https://goo.gl/DCjA1V

WCA #153 with Katie Tavini

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 02:34:00 -0700

Katie Tavini began working as a producer and engineer before a piece of advice changed everything for her. “I was looking to improve my mixes,” she recalls. “Someone told me that if I wanted to do that I should learn to master. Whether it was good advice or not I took it. I loved what I discovered and never looked back.”

With a fine balance of curiosity and experience, Tavini is now a mastering engineer with a rich and diverse client-list far bigger than any sound or scene.

“I like things with a lot of influences,” she adds. “I like not being able to place a piece of music immediately and I love working with bands and artists who push their boundaries. I've found that a willingness to try and explore something new has often led to amazing results for my clients.”

Katie is a mastering engineer who encourages, refines, expands and finishes. She loves to amplify the emotion and energy of an artist while bringing clarity and consistency to their art. People do not hear her best work, they feel it.

“Most people don't think about how music moves them,” admits Tavini. “They are just moved. My job is to bring all the hard work of artists, producers and engineers together and create a platform for songs to shine. It's the perfect job for me.”

About this Interview:

WCA #153 features UK Mastering engineer Katie Tavini ( https://www.katietavini.co.uk/ ). Katie recently wrote a what I think is a great opinion piece for Audio Media International ( https://goo.gl/XaovbN) about supporting your fellow engineers, your peers etc.. Instead of casting judgement over the gear they use and instead judge them based on the work they do. After reading that article I had a look at Katie’s website sent an email and invited her on the show. We chatted a couple of days ago about mastering of course, clients, money, health and marketing. Enjoy! -Matt

Show notes and links:

Katie's website: https://www.katietavini.co.uk/home
Katie's Audio Media International Article: https://goo.gl/XaovbN
Audio-Technica 2017 Gift Guide: https://goo.gl/7LGYoS
Al Schmitt on Using Microphones: https://www.groove3.com/tutorials/Al-Schmitt-on-Using-Microphones
Sonarworks Reference 4 software https://www.sonarworks.com/
ISRC Codes US: http://www.usisrc.org/
ISRC Codes UK: http://www.ppluk.com/
Lean In: Sheryl Sandburg
Simple Invoices: https://simpleinvoices.io
Easy Invoice: https://easyinvoiceapp.com/

WCA #152 with Horacio Bolz

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 19:28:00 -0700

Horacio Bolz is an engineer/producer from Montevideo, Uruguay. By the age of 8 he was recording for fun and playing guitar and drums. While his life plan was originally to become a commercial airline pilot, it wasn't until later he realized that music, producing and engineering was what I wanted to do in life. So by the age of 18 he moved to the UK to follow that dream. Horacio started his Production & Sound Engineering studies at Alchemea Collage in London. Once there he began to work for Phil Manzanera and Javier Weyler as an assistant engineer. During this period he recorded part of Phil's last two solo albums (The Sound of Blue & Corroncho 2). In 2012 Horacio returned to Uruguay where he started working as head engineer at Vivace Music. There, he recorded and mixed songs for most of the best bands in the country. Meanwhile he started doing live related work as a Monitor Engineer for Uruguayan bands. 2013 was the year in which Horacio started his band The Islingtons. They released "1 1 2 3 5", their first studio album which was nominated for "Best New Band" at the Graffiti Awards. Since 2015 Horacio has been working as a freelance engineer, producer and musician. He owns (with his business partner Christian Eichin) a software development company in which they develop a free app called "Wavejam". A collaborative multi-track recorder for iOS devices. Horacio also owns Vincent, a Creative Audio & Film production company based in Montevideo, Uruguay.

About this Interview:

Horacio talks with me about his early plan to become a commercial airline pilot, his work with Phil Manzanara, import taxes in Uruguay and how that affects his ability to buy equipment, as well his ability to make a living and incorporate audio into his life even when faced limitations. -Matt

Show notes and links:

Horacio on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/horacio-bolz-33659957/
Fix Audio Designs (Paul Wolf) https://www.fixaudiodesigns.com/
After Master http://aftermaster.com/
http://www.500seriesmodules.com/
Sonarworks Reference 4 software https://www.sonarworks.com/

WCA #151 with David Glasser

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 07:43:00 -0700

Mastering engineer David Glasser has over 35 years of experience in audio engineering and has mastered thousands of records, including more than 80 GRAMMY nominees. A three-time nominee himself, he has earned two GRAMMY awards for mastering and restoration of the culturally significant Anthology of American Folk Music (1997) and Screamin’ and Hollerin’ the Blues: The Worlds of Charley Patton (2002). David began his audio career with the Boston Symphony, followed by eight years of recording and production for NPR. He founded Airshow in 1983 and shifted to full-time mastering in 1990 with a modest studio in Springfield, VA. Expanding the company to Boulder, Colorado in 1997, David grew Airshow into one of the largest mastering facilities in the country. In 2016, David built a new facility where he continues to enjoy the daily variety of a busy mastering practice.

About this Interview:

David talks with me about his early days at NPR, recording live shows, transitioning into mastering and being a volunteer fire fighter! Enjoy! - Matt

WCA #150 with Jim Homes

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 18:20:00 -0700

Jim Homes is a producer /engineer and one half of the production team known as Boe Weaver who have worked with artists including Champs, Whyte Horses, Wolfpeople, Archie Bronson Outfit and Rhys Lewis. Jim is our guest today since according to him he is the chatty one and brother Rob is the quiet one. Jim and Rob parlayed their 90's era band's minor success into a production career by making some very good decisions about gear and money early on. Their studio is located on the Isle of Wight South of London on property owned by the Crown where they rent a 3 story water tower to make records in. Raising families and careers, the brothers have taken what some would see as a disadvantage (being isolated away from London) into an advantage by bringing artists to a truly magical place away from distraction to focus purely on music.

About this Interview:

Jim chats with me about living and working on the Isle of Wight with brother Rob, raising a family, working 9-5, working below a giant water tank and being at peace with his surroundings.

Show notes and links:

WCA #149 with Dom Morley

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 20:24:00 -0700

Dom Morley is a Grammy Award winning producer and mixer based in his own Oxfordshire (UK) studio.

Dom engineered Amy Winehouse's number 1 "Back To Black" album, Mark Ronson's "Version" and "Record Collection", Richard Ashcroft's 'These People' and "Keys' To The World', the Grinderman (Nick Cave) debut album and singles for Adele, Morrissey & Estelle amongst others. Some recent mixes include Sting's 5.1 "Live at Durham Cathedral", Solomon Grey's debut album, Mull Historical Society's 'Dear Satellite' & 'City Awakenings' (both of which Dom also produced) 'Colin MacIntyre's "The Water", the Million Dollar Quartet OCR, and the soundtrack for the upcoming British film 'Gozo'.

Dom has also engineered or mixed for Rag'n'Bone Man, The Staves, Rumer, Keane, Birdy, Lemon Jelly, Jeff Beck, Sting, I Am Kloot, The Verve, Live8 (DVD) and Underworld, as well as working with The Police on the pre-production for their world tour and recording and mixing the audio for the 5 "Intros" and "Input/Output" series (Mumford & Sons, Florence & The Machine etc) for Channel 4 and Island Records.

Dom has also recently undertaken a sound design project, providing all the sounds for the Samplephonics 'Dirty Modular' Kontakt instrument ("Great waveform library. Excellent sound" MusicRadar / "great sound quality of waveform library" producerspot.com).

Read more about Dom at www.dommorley.com , his studio at www.flintbarnstudio.com or at Wikipedia.

About this Interview:

I can't honestly remember how I came to be emailing with Dom Morley. I do know it took us awhile to figure out a workable time to do it. Time Zones.......what a head scratcher when it comes to interview planning. Anyway, I talk with Dom about his work with Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse, staying busy even though he lives out in the English countryside and work/life balance among many other topics. Enjoy.

Show notes and links:

Dom's website: http://www.dommorley.com
Don's Studio : http://www.flintbarnstudio.com
Mix Consultancy: https://themixconsultancy.com
Fjord Audio Kickstarter
Lij Shaw's Recording Studio Rockstars Podcast

WCA #148 with Bill Smith

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 17:33:00 -0700

Bill Smith is a recording engineer & producer wIth over thirty years experience in the music industry. He’s worked with YES, John Fogerty, Steve Lukather, Trevor Horn, Natalie Cole, George Benson, Queen Latifah and many more. He’s been involved with numerous Gold, Platinum and both Grammy winning and Grammy nominated records and film soundtracks. Simultaneous to his own career he also spent eleven years as the personal recording assistant, co-engineer and Pro Tools operator to twenty-two time Grammy winning recording engineer, producer and industry legend Al Schmitt. Bill has an extensive and diverse background in rock, jazz, orchestral and big band recording. He has also with been involved with product and preset development for both the hardware and software versions of the Lexicon PCM96 and the TC Electronic M6000 Multichannel Processor.

About this Interview:

In our interview we talk about Bill's early days in New York as a recording engineer and his decision to move to California. We also talk about lessons learned from Al Schmitt, the changing recording world and how to adapt as well as common sense financial advice. Enjoy!

Show notes and links:

Bill's Website: www.billsmith.biz
Backblaze: https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup.html#af9h3h
Bernie Krause: https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/2017/10/11/bernie-krauses-equipment-decades-of-musical-memorabilia-lost-in-fires/

WCA #147 with Brett Bullion

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 18:00:00 -0700

Brett Bullion is a mixing engineer and producer based in Minneapolis, MN. Born 1984 in the suburbs of MN, Brett Grew up on 90s Warp Records and the Ornette Coleman box set. Brett's recording path started with playing drums in studios and eventually led to getting a Roland a digital multitrack as a kid. Brett earned his BA in theology from St Olaf College and eventually moved to Seattle where he spent his time drinking coffee, eating noodles, but kept recording on his own. After a move back to Minneapolis, he toured with Tarlton and Dark Dark Dark . Hundreds of sessions later he stopped performing to focus full-time on recording and mixing and has been at it ever since.

About this Interview:

I met Brett at Mix with the Masters in France. After hearing his work and spending time drinking wine, eating meals and talking shop I knew he had to be on the show. Enjoy!

Show notes and links:

WCA #146 with Rene Coronado

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 18:45:00 -0700

Rene Coronado graduated in 1999 with with an AAS in audio engineering from South Plains College and jumped straight into the working world as an audio engineer at Dallas Audio Post where he does audio post and mixing, sound design, field recording and voice production. He also builds and releases sfx libraries at echocollectivefx.com and is the co host of the tonebenders podcast along with Tim Muirhead.

About this Interview:

I interviewed Rene when I was in France staying at Studio La Fabrique. We were challenged by 2 visiting wasps in my room and therefore did the interview in two parts (1 for each wasp-kidding). We discuss Rene's job at Dallas Audio post, work/life balance, sound design, capturing sounds in the field and maintaining those sounds for future access as well as his podcast Tonebenders. Special thanks to Mark Kilborn for setting this up! -Enjoy!

Show notes and links:

http://dallasaudiopost.com

http://tonebenderspodcast.com

http://echocollectivefx.com

https://www.raid.com/en-us/products/raid-wasp-and-hornet-killer-33

http://store.soundminer.com/

WCA #145 with the MWTM Attendees

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 17:05:00 -0700

This week WCA features the 2017 attendees to Mix with the Masters with Tchad Blake. Noam Levinberg, Rishi Bradoo, Eduardo Molina Goigoux, Jeremy Glover, Chris Brandes, Brett Bullion, Peo Hedin, Horacio Bolz, Ryan Worsley, Matthias Ortner, Guillaume Charret, Manuel Egger, Vincent Bonanno, Oded Davidov, Bas Kennis and Gilles Olivesi all join me for short conversations about their experience learning from Tchad Blake at Mix with the Masters 2017.

About these Interviews:

From Sept. 20th-26th I was in France attending Mix with the Masters with Tchad Blake. I met a great group of audio pros while there. We formed a strong bond and I felt it was important to have a brief chat with each one of them over the course of the time I was there. These interviews took place in the backyard of Studio La Fabrique in St. Remy de Provence.

WCA #144 with Jack Shirley

Sun, 17 Sep 2017 12:51:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #144 with Jack Shirley!!!

Jack Shirley is a record producer, audio engineer, musician and owner of The Atomic Garden Studio located in Palo Alto, California. He is best known for his work with Deafheaven, Loma Prieta, Bosse-de-Nage, Punch, Whirr, La Bella, State Faults and Frameworks. Jack is currently one year into building a new studio in Oakland, California that will become the new Atomic Garden and has been designed by Wes Lachot .

About this Interview:

I visit Jack at his new studio location in Oakland, California and see the building in process. We talk about Jack's humble beginnings at his parents house recording on an Mbox and Dell Computer all the way to his current setup of an API 1608 and 2 inch analog machine. Jack takes me through his progression as an engineer and businessman, laying out his approach to money, band and work. Jack is truly passionate, focused and just an all around nice guy. Enjoy, -Matt

Show notes and links:

Atomic Garden - http://theatomicgarden.com/

Wes Lachot - http://www.weslachot.com/

Mix with the Masters - https://mixwiththemasters.com/

WCA #143 with Rocky Gallo

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 06:05:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #143 with Rocky Gallo!!!

Anthony “Rocky” Gallo is a producer/recording engineer based in NYC. Rocky has worked with artists such as John Legend, Tycho, Carrie Underwood, Cat Power, Yeasayer, Mos Def, Carly Simon, Jon Bon Jovi, Perry Farrell, Warren Haynes, Travis Barker, Robert Randolph, Andrew Bird, KRS1 and Talib Kweli just to name a few.

As the former Chief Engineer at The Cutting Room studios for years, Rocky has worked on platinum award-winning and many Grammy-nominated projects. He has worked closely with notorious producers including Steve Lillywhite, Eddie Kramer, Will.I.AM, Track Masters, and Jimmy Douglas. Rocky is constantly producing artists himself and is always excited to work in all music genres.

Since then Rocky has opened his own studio Virtue And Vice Studios located in Brooklyn, New York. Featuring a Vintage 8024 Neve Console(coming soon) he’s put together a variety of great instruments and high end analog equipment into one place with rates the indie artist can afford. When he is not freelancing at other studios it is his primary home.

About this Interview:

Rocky chat's with me about his time at the Cutting Room and the events that lead up to that being his first studio job. We also talk about his new studio Virtue and Vice , his new Neve 80 series, being single, money, building permits and how he goes out 6 nights a week rather sitting on the couch watching Netflix. Many thanks to WCA Kyle Joseph for suggesting Rocky as a guest! -Matt

Show notes and links:

Virtue and Vice Studio - http://virtueandvicestudio.com/

Seat Guru - http://www.seatguru.com

Mix with the Masters - https://mixwiththemasters.com/

WCA #142 with Tim Randolph

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 19:53:00 -0700

Working Class Audio #142 with Tim Randolph!!!

Tim Randolph is a musician, songwriter and record producer. After producing for several indie bands in a variety of studios across the U.S., Tim co-wrote and produced Nico Vega's debut album in 2007. Since then, he has gone on to produce for and co-write with international stars such as Imagine Dragons, including two tracks from their 2017 album Evolve, reaching number two on billboard charts. Along with a thriving career in production, Tim is a multi-instrumentalist that has toured globally, most notably playing arenas and festivals with The Killers.

About this Interview:

TIm joins me for a chat about his early recording and live sound days as well as his current work producing and cowriting with Dan from Imagine Dragons. We also talk about the finer details of working with people in the music industry when it comes to songwriting splits and signing on with a manager. -Matt

Show notes and links:

UA Link for Apollo Rack Dream Studio: http://www.uaudio.com/apollo-dream-studio

Audio-Technica BLOG: http://blog.audio-technica.com/audio-techniques-video-production-comprehensive-guide/

The song Levitate mentioned in the interview: https://youtu.be/z0a9k1gSMsw

The Donald Passman Book: http://amzn.to/2wzsoRg

WCA #141 with Chris Selim

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 13:48:00 -0700

Chris Selim is a musician, music producer and recording/mixing engineer. Chris is renowned for his work in the French Christian music industry. Having produced and mixed artists globally in Canada, USA, France, Belgium and Switzerland, Chris has been working remotely with many of these artists using today’s technology. Out of his recording studio near Montreal, Canada, Chris has mixed and produced more than 75 albums over the past fourteen years. Chris has worked with Canadian Christian Artist, Convenant Award winner (Canadian version of the Dove Awards) and Juno nominee Lianna Klassen. French Christian Artists such as Impact, Seb Demrey, Luc Dumont, Andreanne, Peggy Polito to name a few... Chris is also the creator of Mixdown Online (mixdown.online), a resource website and Youtube channel design for helping musicians and home studio owners with their music production, recording and mixing skills through Youtube tutorial videos and blog articles.

About this Interview:

I met Chris through an online "Mastermind" Friday morning video call I do weekly. I was able to hang out with Chris in person in Nashville and it's there I realized he would be a great candidate for WCA. Chris joins me for a chat about diet, money, his involvement in the French Canadian Christian music scene, and his home studio build. -Matt

WCA #140 with Robert Scovill

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 19:34:00 -0700

Working Class Audio Session #140 with Robert Scovill!!!

Robert Scovill is a modern day renaissance man with interests and activities spanning a wide breadth of professional audio. Robert is a 35-year veteran of professional concert sound and recording and has mixed over 3500 events in his career. His engineering and production talents have been enlisted by a veritable

‘Who’s Who’ of marquee music acts including Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Matchbox Twenty, Jackson Browne, Rush, Def Leppard, Prince and many others.

Scovill’s body of live sound and recording work has garnered numerous industry accolades including 6 TEC Awards for technical and creative achievement in sound reinforcement. Robert is a 4 time nominee, two time winner of the PLSN Parnelli Award for live sound engineer of the year and has been a multi-year nominee for Mobile Production’s “Top Dog” Award along with being an inaugural

nominee for the highly coveted Pensado Award for live sound excellence.

As the owner of Eldon’s Boy Productions Inc. and

MusiCanvas Recorders in Scottsdale, AZ, he offers full service mixing facility and mobile recording services.Robert is also a highly sought after consultant advising artists, sound companies

and the house of worship market on everything from technology, workflows and acoustics for their companies and events.

As an educator, Robert has lectured throughout the world on concert sound and recording practices at seminars and trade shows, and is a regular contributor to numerous industry publications, blog sites and YouTube video series.

Robert’s profile includes positions as a technical consultant for many of the top name manufacturers in professional audio, including Avid, EAW, Neumann, Audio-Technica, Electrovoice, Servo Drive, and Alesis. He has held the title of endorser

for numerous products, including Avid’s VENUE live sound environment, WAVE’s digital technology, Neumann Microphones, ATI Paragon, Intersonics loud speakers, Future Sonics ear monitors, and countless others throughout the years.

In 2006 Robert served as guest speaker delivering the keynote address for the Annual AES conference in San Francisco. He currently holds the position of Senior

Specialist for live sound and recording products for Avid as principle designer for their VENUE line of live sound consoles, contributing to all aspects of their commanding presence in the live event market.

Robert’s hobbies include snowboarding, archery, pistol and rifle sports along with endurance challenge athletic events. He has successfully completed the Lake Tahoe North/South Swim, The Alcatraz Swim Challenge, The Great Wall Marathon

and World’s Toughest Mudder along with numerous other events.

Robert is very happily married with three children and a dog named Fender.

About this Interview:

Robert joins me via Skype in Arizona to talk about challenges on the road including diet, fitness, staying close with family as well as his love for digital technology in the

live sound world. -Matt

WCA #139 with Langston Masingale

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 18:09:00 -0700

Langston Masingale has been working in recording studios for the last 24 years, starting at age 16 in his uncles studio in New Jersey. Langston helped start JJ Audio Mics in 2009 and in 2014 invented what would become the core technology of Zulu. He formed Handsome Audio in 2015 with his partner Tod Levine and Zulu was released this year. Langston still owns a recording studio called Narrative Audio based in Syracuse, NY where he still produces and records artists.His passion for the analog aesthetic drives him to create new and interesting tools for the modern recording engineer and record producer alike.

About this Interview:

Alan Evans (WCA#133) suggested I talk with Langston. Langston talks about his early experiences with his Uncle's studio in New Jersey, how early exposure to analog tape shaped his sonic viewpoint and lead him to develop Zulu. Langston also talks about his faith, family and how his experience in college also helped drive him to be the person he is today. -Matt

WCA #138 with Ryan Massey

Mon, 07 Aug 2017 08:00:00 -0700

Ryan Massey is a musician, recording engineer/producer, and is the co-owner of Sharkbite Studios and Jack London Rehearsal in Oakland, CA. Ryan has spent a lifetime in music- singing with the SF Opera as a choir boy, belting out punk rock anthems with his band American Steel (Lookout Records/Fat Wreck Chords), doing the pop thing with Communiqué (Lookout), rocking with The Sunset Shipwrecks (Lugosi Records), touring the world, running both studios and a very small label.

About this Interview:

Ryan came over to the house and chatted about many things including how he became the co-owner of Sharkbite Studios, how he runs his business, getting and beating Cancer, the importance of his family and the Bay Area recording/music scene. I have great respect for Ryan. He's a hard working honest guy who deals fairly when it comes to business.

WCA #137 with Anthony Gravino

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 08:00:00 -0700

Anthony Gravino is an independent musician and record maker in Chicago, Illinois. He primarily works as a producer, recording engineer, mixer and mastering engineer out of his private studio, The Drake in Chicago, IL. In addition to his music production background, Anthony also plays guitar, bass, percussion and sings as a backing musician and a solo artist in both live and studio settings. His work includes an eclectic variety of styles across many genres including rock, jazz, blues, folk, pop, classical, R&B and a lot of stuff in between.

About this Interview:

Anthony talks with me about being influenced by Adam Schmitt and our mutual friend Jonathan Pines, how he runs his studio, the transition from day jobs to full time recording professional, insurance, and the importance of getting out of the house to see live music and meet bands.

Show notes and links:

RIN-M Meta Data Plugin.

Choose your airline seat carefully! seatguru.com

The Desk https://output.com/products/platform

Anthony's website: https://anthonygravino.com/

Anthony's insurance agent: Jeff Woodman of Woodman Insurance contact info is jeff@woodmaninsurance.com

WCA #136 with Kevin Becka

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 20:01:00 -0700

Kevin Becka has worked as a recording engineer for over 25 years, working with the top names in music including Kenny G., Quincy Jones, Michael Bolton, George Benson, George Lynch, and more. An experienced educator, Kevin is currently the co-director and instructor at The Blackbird Academy in Nashville. He has also taught advanced recording at Belmont University, surround recording and lecturer at the Danish Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, Denmark, and was director of education and instructor at the Conservatory of Recording Arts for over 10 years. Kevin is a journalist who has worked as editors of Pro Audio Review and Audio Media USA magazines. Since 2003, Kevin has been the technical editor of the industry-leading Mix Magazine where he writes features, product reviews and a monthly column.

About this Interview:

On my recent trip to Nashville I was given a tour of Blackbird Studios by former WCA guest Mark Rubel (WCA #034). On that tour I was introduced to Kevin Becka. I later talked with Kevin at length during the Winter NAMM show that week and knew he would make a great guest for WCA. In this interview I chat with Kevin about the RIN-M meta Data plugin, Blackbird and Education, Blackbird graduate David Platillero and his struggle after being hit by a car. We also discuss Kevin’s background, his habits and quotes that help him keep his career moving forward and inspire others.

WCA #135 with Jacquire King

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 17:04:00 -0700

Working Class Audio Session #135 with Jacquire King!!!Jacquire King is known for his work with

Kings of Leon, Tom Waits, James Bay, Modest Mouse, You Me At Six, Buddy Guy, Norah Jones, Of Monsters and Men, Josh Ritter, Cold War Kids, Punch Brothers, City and Colour, Moon Taxi, Robert Ellis, Amber Rubarth and Dawes. Our interview takes place at Jacquire's private studio outside of Nashville, Tennessee where he graciously invited me over to have a chat and discuss our common connection to the Bay Area. We discuss his time there coming up as someone trying to make his mark in the studio scene and the changes that eventually convinced him to move to Nashville. We follow that up with his transition into Nashville and the struggles that followed and of course the success that followed that. Jacquire is a thoughtful and low key person who shares his views on what inspires him and how he works to inspire others. I have to say this interview really inspired me and got me thinking about my own career and what I can do to move it forward. I hope you have the same experience. -Matt

WCA #134 with Andrew Oswald

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 07:25:00 -0700

Working Class Audio Session #134 with Andrew Oswald!!!

Andrew Oswald is a recording engineer who is based out of Oakland, CA who makes records almost everyday. He co-owns and operates Secret Bathroom, a recording studio in West Oakland, where he also does a monthly live in studio podcast called Live From Secret Bathroom, that features new and upcoming bands. Andrew started recording bands in high school while growing up in San Diego where he also took a series of Pro Tools certification classes. Eventually he made his way to the Bay Area to go to recording school even though he already accumulated a few years of experience . While in recording school he continued to record bands and become affiliated with local recording vets Eli Crews (WCA #044) and Jonah Strauss (WCA #016) who gave him keys and access to their studios . Andrew found early success with his recordings of the band Ash Borer which were both praised by Pitchfork . After graduating Andrew and his studio partner Max Senna opened Secret Bathroom and have been making records in that space for the last 6 years. YOu can read more on Andrew at: http://secretbathroom.com/ and http://www.andrewoswaldrecording.com/

WCA #133 with Alan Evans

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 18:31:00 -0700

Working Class Audio Session #133 with Alan Evans!!!

Alan Evans is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, studio engineer, record producer, whose “retro” style incorporates elements of rock, blues, soul, R&B, funk,jazz,reggae and the psychedelic. In addition to singing lead and backing vocals, Evans often plays all the guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and percussion himself on his solo recordings. Alan Joins Matt for a discussion about his musical side, family, living in a small town and keeping things relaxed and musically focused in the studio.

Show Notes:

Link to Evernote I mentioned in the monologue. https://evernote.com/

Link to Alan's studio: http://www.ironwax.com/

WCA #132 with Ian Shepherd

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 14:14:00 -0700

Working Class Audio Session #132 with Ian Shepherd!!!Ian Shepherd is a

mastering engineer owner of Mastering Media Ltd, host of The Mastering Show podcast as well as the founder of the website Production Advice. Over the last twenty years he's worked on literally thousands of CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays for all of the major record labels, TV stations and independents, including several number one singles and award-winning albums. Ian has been a fierce critic of the so-called “Loudness Wars” and in 2010 he organized the first Dynamic Range Day to raise awareness about the issue. He also developed two plugins with MeterPlus – Perception, which received an AudioMedia Gear Of The Year award in 2014, and Dynameter, which helps you achieve optimal audio dynamics for your music, and competitive loudness for online streaming. Ian has worked with Keane, Tricky, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Deep Purple, The Orb, Leslie Garret, Culture Club, Porcupine Tree, Andy Weatherall, The Las, Ozric Tentacles, Christine Tobin, New Order and King Crimson amongst many others.

Ian chats with Matt about the Loudness Wars, dynamics in music, family, clients, money matters and his plug in Dynameter.

WCA #131 with Ronan Chris Murphy

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 14:14:00 -0700

Working Class Audio Session #131 with Ronan Chris Murphy!!!

Ronan Chris Murphy works around the globe in the wide extremes of music and in the last 20 years has amassed a discography spanning several hundred albums including work with international pop stars to some of the most respected virtuoso musicians in the world.

As a producer, engineer and/or mixer, Ronan Chris Murphy has worked with the likes of King Crimson (several albums), Steve Morse (Dixie Dreggs Deep Purple), Terry Bozzio (Zappa, Missing Persons), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, John Lennon, Pink Floyd)), Martin Sexton, Jamie Walters, Ulver, The California Guitar Trio, Chucho Valdes y Groupo Irakere, Pete Teo Joan LaBarbara (Philip Glass Ensemble, Steve Reich) Nels Cline (Wilco) as well as various projects featuring members of Tool, Ministry, Weezer Dishwalla, and Yes.

Before diving into production and mixing Ronan spent several years as a musician playing in bands in the scene that later became know as grunge, sharing the stage with bands such as Dinosaur Jr., All, The Flaming lips, Gwar and the Rollins Band. He has an odd footnote in rock history his first band was an early DC punk band called Freakbaby, which was also the first band of Dave Grohl following Ronan's departure from the band.

Ronan speaks with Matt from his new studio in the mountains about his recording workshops, career, trolls, and recording Terry Bozzio.

To learn more about Ronan?s production and mixing work, as well as his studio visit Veneto West.

WCA #130 with Andy Reed

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 14:32:00 -0700

Working Class Audio Session #130 with Andy Reed!!! Andy Reed purchased his first guitar when he was 18 and by the time he was 21 he started a band with his brother called The Haskels. They signed a small record deal and ended up recording with Brendan Benson of The Raconteurs. This is where Andy initially got the recording bug. Fast forward through touring, experimenting with 4 tracks and you'll arrive at Andy acquiring his first Pro Tools rig at age 23. Andy would spend every second he had in his basement for the next 3 years figuring out how to get better sounds, write better songs, and hone the craft of recording by learning from his own mistakes on his own recordings. 3 years later Andy would emerge with recordings of his own music that attracted others to officially hire him to record. For the last 14 years Andy has been recording and producing artists from all over the country. Andy joins Matt to talk about recording in Bay City Michigan, family life, his mentors and his musical connection to Donny Brown of the Verve Pipe. Read more about Andy at

https://www.reedrecordingcompany.com/home

WCA #129 with Brad Smalling

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 03:04:00 -0700

Working Class Audio Session #129 with Brad Smalling!!!

Brad Smalling is an audio professional with a passion for music and for making great records - records that connect the artist and the listener emotionally. From the creative to the technical, Brad is passionate about all aspects of the record-making process. Brad’s creative ear and his ability to connect with the artist combine to present the artist’s music as they envision it and often in ways they never considered.

Brad’s desire to learn about audio appeared in his teens while learning to play guitar but he wouldn’t actively pursue engineering until 2000 when he built a recording studio in his basement in Boulder, CO. After gaining confidence through self study, he and his wife, Jenny, hired Wes Lachot to design what would become Evergroove Studio. Solar powered and located on 4.5 wooded acres just outside Denver, Evergroove Studio opened in 2006 and offers a retreat-like setting sought by artists that desire a different recording studio experience.

Brad continues to grow as an audio professional and small business owner by striving for excellence in every project, and pushing himself to be a better engineer, business owner, and person. In addition to studio work, Brad enjoys the challenges of live mixing and recording, as well as the detail of mastering. He works closely with artists and their home studios to help them capture better recordings, or by a combination of home recording and studio recording at Evergroove. This experience led to the launch of the Evergroove Academy of Recording (EAR) - a series of workshops for audio engineers, producers, and musicians focused on producing the highest-quality recordings possible.

When asked about his passion for audio Brad said:

“I love exploring different microphone techniques, the thrill of the first take, and the excitement on an artist’s face when they hear their music in a way that moves them. I enjoy working closely with artists to help bring out the emotion of the song. I like exploring arrangements through overdubs and I love combining all the tracks into a mix that draws the listener into the music. The final creative and technical process of mastering fascinates me and, finally, I love album release shows; that moment when an artist’s work is presented to the World.”

When not in the studio you can find Brad with his wife at a local music show, working with the massive interactive performance art group itchy-O, on a local hiking trail, road-tripping across the Western USA, or enjoying a locally crafted beer on a sunny deck.

Brad joins Matt to talk about his solar powered studio, his partnership with his wife and how hiring studio designer Wes Lachot was one of the best moves he ever made.

WCA#128 with Frank Pappalardo

Mon, 29 May 2017 06:03:00 -0700

WCA #128 with Frank Pappalardo

Frank Pappalardo started out a guitarist wanting the rock star dream. After hearing Van Halen's "Eruption" at a party he realized being a killer recording engineer was a more realistic plan than being a mediocre guitar player. From his early days at Chicago studio River North Recorders to his current 30 plus year gig at PBS' Soundstage, Frank has had an incredible career recording and mixing so many household names including Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band, Fall Out Boy, Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, Sheryl Crow, Sonic Youth, Death Cab For Cutie and the list goes on and on. Frank talks with Matt via Facetime from Saint Charles, Illinois ( West of Chicago) in the post house where he does most of his mixing work about family, work ethic and his overall approach to audio. Enjoy!

WCA #127 with Craig Schumacher

Mon, 22 May 2017 03:30:00 -0700

Craig Schumacher has been making noise unprofessionally since 1985. He's managed to carve out a niche in the desert southwest by be part of an eclectic scene that bubbles out of Tucson and has been an integral part of the sound of Calexico and Giant Sand, and has recorded artists like Neko Case, Amos Lee, KT Tunstall, Roger Clyne, Left Over Salmon, The Jayhawks, Steve Wynn, and John Doe at WaveLab. He is also a sought after mixer and has been to France, Sweden, LA, NYC, Austin, and New Orleans for mix jobs. He is also an adjunct professor at Scottsdale Community College for the past ten years.

Craig crashes at Matt's house for a night while on his way to record the new Calexico record. Naturally an interview that was long overdue was in order.

WCA #126 with Peterson Goodwyn

Mon, 15 May 2017 04:56:00 -0700

Peterson Goodwyn wants every musician and audio engineer to know how to build, tweak, and repair their own gear. He founded DIY Recording Equipment (DIYRE) in 2010 as a wiki to catalog the world of DIY pro audio. He now conducts workshops, publishes how-to content, and designs DIY kits for DIYRE. In 2014, DIYRE launched the open-source Colour platform for modular, analog signal-processing. Since then, Colour products have found their way into thousands of studios and dozens of designers and have contributed designs to the format. Peter joins Matt for a discussion about his world of DIY pro audio equipment and all that goes into his small working class business.

www.diyrecordingequipment.com

WCA #125 with Michael James

Mon, 08 May 2017 19:18:00 -0700

Michael James is a New York-born producer/mixer/engineer and has also been a an A&R rep as well as an solo artist himself. He's worked with New Radicals, Hole, Far, Robben Ford, L7, Edwin McCain, Chicago, Reverend Horton Heat, A.J. Croce, Butterfly Boucher, Jane's Addiction, Maia Sharp, The Coronas, and Jawbreaker and many more.

At 19 years of age, Michael met former Blue Cheer member Ethan James (no relation), the owner and creative nucleus of Radio Tokyo. Michael had just recorded a single, which cost him $15 in studio time. Ethan happened to walk past the control room as the mix was being played, and offered Michael a record deal on the spot. Ethan took the disc to KROQ-FM DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, who debuted it on his legendary show, "Rodney On The ROQ." It was later added to the station's playlist. From there, Michael joined the band Waves Of Grain, whose indie release "Catch Me I'm Falling" placed Top Ten on several college radio playlists; it was later licensed in the UK, France and Germany.

Radio Tokyo and Sub Pop

By then however, Michael decided he was to be a producer and engineer, not an artist. He served as a staff producer and chief engineer at Radio Tokyo from 1986-90, where he recorded classic rock giants such as Ray Manzarek (The Doors), John Lang (#1 songwriter of "Broken Wings" and "Kyrie"), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), and L.A. session aces Abe Laboriel (Larry Carlton) and Alex Acuna (Weather Report). An unsigned band from New York called Too Much Joy came to L.A. to record a demo at Radio Tokyo, which had become a Mecca for credible indie bands. Michael was given the chance to produce a few tracks for the band. When Too Much Joy was signed by Alias Records, they asked Michael to produce the album Son of Sam I Am. Rolling Stone, New York Times and Billboard praised the album and Michael went on to produce the band's major label debut for Irving Azoff's Giant Records.

Michael soon encountered a band called L7, who asked him to produce their debut album, Smell The Magic for Sub Pop Records. Sub Pop liked it enough to ask him to produce several other artists on the label, including Reverend Horton Heat, who generously offered to perform at Michael's wedding reception! And then there was Courtney Love and her band, Hole, whose Sub Pop debut he produced. Michael was taken with Courtney's sense of style, as well as her sense of where she was destined. "My goal was to keep the intensity while highlighting the pop element," he says. Michael went on to work briefly with Jane's Addiction, Mazzy Star and the critically acclaimed Geraldine Fibbers.

The Major Labels: Find The Good Stuff First!

After an introduction from Sheryl Crow and Beck bassist Dan Rothchild, venerable WEA and Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman tapped Michael to be Head of A&R and Producer at his Warner/Discovery label. Michael made it a point to listen to the boxes of unsolicited tapes that came in until he found Canadian band, Sal’s Birdland, which he signed. Later, they changed their name to Artificial Joy Club and Michael brought them to Interscope Records for their second album. The band's first track wasted no time in ascending to the Top 20 of the alternative airplay charts. Michael quickly found his next hit, New Radicals. Working under the radar and without a record deal, he and singer Gregg Alexander slipped into the studio during downtime to work on the album. Not only did Michael mix, but he also played the guitar solo on "Crying Like A Church On Monday." When Michael “shopped” the album, it was repeatedly rejected. The major labels claimed “the stigma against male singer/songwriters” was insurmountable. Ultimately, however, MCA Records saw the light, selling over two million units of Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too and securing Michael his first Gold and Platinum credits.

Encouraged by Alexander to play and write more, Michael began taking on more work as a session musician. He wrote several songs with A.J. Croce for Transit, including the hits "Maybe" and "What I Wouldn’t Do," and played lead guitar on the album, which was recorded mostly live in the studio. “There’s no substitute for having a tight band perform live,” he says, “because that’s how you get the best vibe; that’s how you capture a great moment.”

Giving Back = Staying Relevant

Michael founded IndieProMix, a remote service that provides bona fide professional mixes to independent recording artists, at sliding scale prices. "I pitched a few of my favorite mixers (David Kahne, Matt Forger, Tony Shepperd and Rob Chiarelli) the idea of giving back to the indie community because we all started as indies," says Michael. "Many super-talented indies only dream of having their music mixed by pros with hits, so we decided to give them the pro experience while keeping our thumbs on the pulse of fresh new talent. We thought it would be a 'cool' thing to do, just because we could. It's been a win-win since we launched in 2010."

Frequently a supporter of good causes for independent recording artists, Michael has been a top tier sponsor of International Songwriting Competition and San Diego Indie Fest. He has been a featured speaker at seminars, master classes and conventions, including Musician's Institute, Los Angeles College of Music, EAT'M Festival, Taxi Road Rally, Westlake Pro and Vintage King L.A.

Michael recently launched The Platinum Legacy, a series of pro bono seminars in which he and Grammy winning producer Rob Chiarelli (Will Smith, Madonna, Erica Campbell) share their hit-making tips and tricks, and how to deploy them in today's modern analog-digital "hybrid" studios. When asked how he expected a pro bono venture to be successful, Michael responded, "It's the right thing to do. Up and coming artists don't have the same mentoring opportunities that I had, so I'm doing my part to keep classic recording and production techniques alive. Plus, more generosity yields more abundance in my life. I'm confident that it will work out well, as it always does."

Embracing New Technologies

Michael has become one of the most respected and sought-after sound design consultants to the pro-audio industry as a result of his roles as a preset/algorithm designer and beta-tester for several highly successful, award-winning products from Lexicon, Eventide, Sound Toys and TC Electronics, among others. He is a long-time endorser of Mesa/Boogie Amplifiers, Tom Anderson Guitarworks, Taylor Guitars, Eventide, Manley Labs, Dangerous Music, Chandler Limited, Avalon Design, Tonelux, Glyph Technology and SIT Strings. "The endorsements, the product development, even the seminars and master classes I’ve taught," says Michael, "are a logical extension of what I do in my daily activities in the studio. To my clients in those sectors of the music business, my 'real world' experiences are valuable in their laboratory or classroom settings. For me, those relationships are critical for two reasons: I contribute to the development of new products which are both practical and creatively stimulating to my recording colleagues and to me; and exercising the technical side of my brain magically broadens my artistic horizons when I'm making records."

Today Michael is in constant demand as a mix specialist precisely because of his multi-faceted skill set. As a writer-mixer, he knows when to make the technology get out of the way of the song and the artistry. As a musician, he can completely rearrange a song when an artist wants to dig deeper—even at the mix stage. He is frequently hired to do just that, often performing new guitar, bass and keyboard parts at the artists’ request, breathing new life into the song and the mix.

For more info, contact Jan Seedman / Cadium at +1.310.200.4448.

http://michaeljamesproducer.com/

WCA #124 with Owen Curtin

Mon, 01 May 2017 17:55:00 -0700

Owen Curtin is a audio engineer and professor of audio technology. He has worked with Sheryl Crow, David Gray, Keane, Amanda Palmer and Jordan Knight. Owen is the co-owner and head engineer at The Bridge Sound and Stage. Aside from his role recording and mixing at The Bridge, he manages all technology and facilities including studio integration, information technology, and acoustic design. One of his latest endeavors includes the Audio Builders Workshop which holds seminars on DIY audio building projects. Along with numerous DIY preamps and other tools, he designed and built a control room monitoring solution for the 500 series. Owen's courses at Emerson College and the New England Institute of Art includes Adv. Studio Recording, Foley, and Senior Seminar. As the Director of Faculty Development at NEiA, Owen chairs the sabbatical, grant, and titling committees. Owen also runs the online Learning Management System used to support all classes at NEiA. He holds a bachelor's in Media Arts from Emerson College and a master's in Music Technology at from The Conservatorium at the University of New Castle.

Owen joins Matt for a chat to discuss his studio, his workshop, education and how keeping his kid count at two prevents him from being outnumbered!

WCA #123 with Jon O'Brien - SWAT Teams, Fake lawyers, Health Insurance, Crack Pipes, and Running Recording Studios

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 13:54:00 -0700

Jon O’Brien is the owner and producer at The Music Box Studios in Downtown Fullerton, CA. In 2009, fresh out of college and after a summer spent interning at Blackwatch Studios in Norman, OK, Jon returned home and began recording local bands out of his parents’ living room. Since then, Jon has spent the last 7 years recording and producing over 80 bands and artists in the Southern California area. Many of the clients continue to frequent the studio year after year. In a constant effort to improve his recording space, Jon has moved studios 3 times in the past 5 years, all the while, scouring craigslist and picking up unique instruments and gear for clients and producers to use. Eventually landing at his current and favorite space in Downtown Fullerton, Jon has launched a new studio model that focuses on pairing clients with like-minded staff producers. Jon has worked with bands such as Young the Giant, Listener, Travelers, Yellow Red Sparks and Roah Summit. Today, Jon is 29 and he and his wife are expecting identical twin girls; sure to be producers and engineers in the making.

www.jonobrienrecording.com

www.themusicboxstudios.com

WCA #122 with Kurt Andress

Mon, 17 Apr 2017 16:54:00 -0700

Kurt Andress is a Business Manager for Working Class Audio guest Mitch Dane ( WCA #075). Kurt is also an old friend of Matt's going back almost 30 years. Kurt's background before moving to Nashville was as a musician in New Mexico working at Mesilla Valley Music where he built stage gear and flight cases, and owned a stage lighting company. Kurt moved to Nashville in 1991 and graduated from Belmont University in 1994 with a degree in Music Business. After graduating he worked for a popular Christian music band called White Heart for a couple of years and then started KSA Management in 1996. In addition to Business Management in the music industry Kurt is also a real estate investor and property manager. Kurt and Matt talk money, debt and the business of recording. Kurt offers up his advice and guidance on running your business as a recording professional. Enjoy.

WCA #121 with Jim Greer

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 19:44:00 -0700

Jim Greer is a Bay Area record producer who has massed a wide variety of credits through many years of wielding multiple instruments and knowing how to fiddle some knobs. Highlights included writing and producing with or for: Galactic, Macy Gray, Handsome Boy modeling School, Cyndi Harvell, Andrew St.James, Diegos Umbrella, MC Lars, Del the Funkee Homosapien, Irma Thomas, Rondo Brothers, Butterscotch, and many more, including lots of writing and placing music in various films, tv shows, and commercials…

Matt and Jim sit down for an in person talk that covers Jim’s approach to making records, business and how the death of his son Teddy has shaped his view and approach to life.

Jim’s Site: http://digitalchildren.net/

WCA #120 with Will Russell

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 09:45:00 -0700

Will Russell is the owner and chief engineer at Electric Wilburland Studio, which is located in an old Baptist church in Newfield, NY. He has been working in audio since the age of 17, when he first started doing live sound. Will continues to mix live at regional music festivals for bands like The Horse Flies and Sim Redmond Band. His most notable tour was mixing for Rusted Root from 1994-95.

After being on the road, Will switched his focus to running Electric Wilburland full time, where he records and produces mostly local and regional artists-- and has been for 30 years. Past clients include The Samples, Madder Rose, Martin Simpson, The Horse Flies, Joe Crookston and Donna The Buffalo. He won a Grammy in 2009 for recording the album “Douga Mansa" with kora player Mamadou Diabate.

Three years ago, Will joined the staff at The Park School of Communications at Ithaca College, where he teaches audio production part time. He also teaches a handful of young engineers and interns at Electric Wilburland year-round.

Show notes

Will's Studio

http://www.wilburland.com/

WCA #119 with Tucker Martine

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 03:00:00 -0700

Tucker Martine is a record producer, musician and composer and the son of singer and songwriter Layng Martine, Jr., Tucker grew up in Nashville, Tennessee where he played in bands and tinkered with recording devices before moving to Boulder, Colorado after graduating from high school. In Colorado, Martine was a DJ at a public radio station KGNU. He would frequently play two or more records at once on the air to experiment with creating new sounds. Martine also took courses at the Naropa Institute where he studied sound collage and befriended Harry Smith - the ethnomusicologist, artist and Kabbalist - who made a large impression on Martine.

1993, Martine moved to Seattle, Washington where he began to combine his skills and interests. He joined Wayne Horvitz's chamber group The 4 Plus 1 Ensemble where Martine's instrument was a series of looping and sound manipulating devices which were fed by the groups otherwise acoustic instruments. Martine received a Grammy nomination in 2007 in the "best engineered album" category for the Floratone album with Bill Frisell on Blue Note. He has also released several albums of his field recordings. As a composer and musician Martine has released 2 albums under the recording pseudonym Mount Analog and a 3rd one is on the way. Additionally, Microsoft called upon Martine's creativity when they asked him to help compose the startup and branding sounds for Microsoft's new operating system Vista. Today Martine lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife, singer songwriter Laura Veirs and continues to make records in his own studio, Flora Recording & Playback.

Tucker has worked with artists such as The Decemberists, R.E.M., My Morning Jacket, Modest Mouse, Beth Orton, Neko Case, Mudhoney, Bill Frisell, Sufjan Stevens, Spoon, Grandaddy, Mavis Staples, Iron And Wine, The Jayhawks, Karl Blau, Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros, Blind Pilot, Camera Obscura, Stephen Malkmus, k.d. lang, She and Him, M Ward, Case/lang/veirs, Jesse Sykes and Laura Veirs.

WCA #118 with Tyler Crowder

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 16:25:00 -0700

Tyler Crowder is a freelance recording/audio engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area, who enjoys working in various recording studios, where he's done projects with both artist on major labels including Sony, RCA, Def Jam, GOOD Music, Windham Hill, Arista Records, B&G, Dancing Cat, etc. as well as with a diverse range of local indy bands. By working with a diverse range of major artists and local indy artist, it allows Tyler to be fluent in all styles of music, and be able to contribute to the local community of musicians and bands that surround the San Francisco Bay Area. Over the years Tyler has earned 2 Grammy nominations for audio engineering, and participated in many Billboard Charting Albums. Tyler has worked with numerous artists including Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Lil’ Wayne, Snoop Dog, George Winston, Melvin Seals, Tuck & Pattie, Joan Jeanrenaud, Phil Aaburg, Henry Butler, Dave “Dave’s Hands” Jackson, Keola Beamer, Cyril Pahinui, Bola Sete, Professor Longhair, Steven, Damian, and Ziggy Marley, and the Los Lonely Boys along with many other artists.

WCA #117 with Cesar Mejia

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 13:33:00 -0700

Cesar Mejia is an L.A. based engineer and producer born and raised in Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles. Besides engineering and producing he is a faculty member at Cal State Dominguez Hills where he teaches audio recording courses for the Digital Media Arts program. Cesar has a unique approach of putting his clients at ease, allowing the artist to perform at their optimal. Cesar’s methods and skills have allowed him to maintain an ever-growing list of clients like: Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Brian Eno, Bill Withers, Will I. Am, Beatmo, Chicago, Zach de la Rocha, Mezklah, Wayne Shorter, Hurley Clothing, Hanoi Counsel for the Arts Vietnam, Sting, Joni Mitchell, Al Geroe, George Duke, George Benson, Motorhead, Monte Carlo 76, Natashia Williams, Brujeria, Nathan East, Los Lobos, Marcus Miller, Aztlan Underground, Chicano Son, Amazon Gold Foundation, Andy Garcia, Most Eligible Basturds, Marisa Ronstadt, Susan Egan, & Kenny Moreno. Constantly working on projects of multiple magnitudes, he fully dedicates himself and applies the same enthusiasm to all his clients.

Cesar speaks with Matt about all things WCA from The Shelter Studios in Los Angeles.

More on Cesar's studio http://theshelterstudios.com/

WCA #116 with Mark Kilborn

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 14:01:00 -0700

Mark Kilborn is a sound designer, mixer and implementer with over a decade of experience in the video games industry. He has worked on various game franchises including Borderlands, Forza Motorsport, Brothers In Arms, Tony Hawk and Project Gotham Racing. For the last seven years he has served as one of the Audio Directors for the Call of Duty series, collaborating with teams of sound designers around the world on various projects including Modern Warfare 3, Advanced Warfare, Black Ops 1-3, Exo Zombies, Call of Duty Online and Modern Warfare Remastered. After he and his wife had twins in 2015, he setup a home studio and continues to contribute to the Call of Duty series as a Principal Audio Designer. He lives in Madison, WI with his wife, three kids, two dogs and too much snow. Mark flew to San Francisco for the Game Developers Conference recently and met Matt at a Starbucks to talk about Mark's world in game sound.

Mark's list of credits include , Call of Duty 2017 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered (PS4/XB1/PC) Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (PS4/XB1/PC) Call of Duty: Exo Zombies (PS4/XB1/PC) Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (PS4/XB1/PC) - Nominated for BAFTA, AIAS awards for sound - Winner, GANG Sound Design and Audio of the Year awards Call of Duty: Ghosts (PS4/XB1/PC) Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (360/PS3/PC) Call of Duty Online (PC) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (360/PS3/PC/WII) - Nominated for BAFTA, AIAS, GANG and MPSE awards for sound Call of Duty: Black Ops (360/PS3/PC/WII) Singularity (360/PS3/PC) Forza Motorsport 3 (360) Dr. Awesome Microsurgeon MD (iPhone) Borderlands (360/PS3/PC) Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway (360/PS3/PC) Samba De Amigo (Wii) Project Gotham Racing 4 (360) The Club (360/PS3/PC) Boom Boom Rocket (XBLA) Tony Hawk's Project 8 (360/PS3) Bionicle Heroes (NDS)

WCA #115 with Kurt Ballou

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 04:28:00 -0700

Kurt Ballou is a musician and producer, best known as the guitarist from Massachusetts-based band Converge. Aside from his role in Converge, Ballou is a prolific producer, recording and producing out of his own GodCity Studio. Kurt has worked with numerous bands over the last 25 years in a producing/ recording role including High on Fire, Nails, Russian Circles and Code Orange. Kurt and Matt talk over Skype discussing health, retirement, drugs, family, money and Asperger's syndrome. Enjoy!

WCA #114 with Monte Vallier

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 14:19:00 -0700

Monte Vallier grew up in the Bay Area and launched his musical career by dropping out of high school and moving to London with his band Half Church who he played bass with. After making a record and playing tons of gigs with bands such as The Fall, Echo and the Bunnymen, and PIL, the band called it quits in 1986. After interning at The music annex and Coast Recorders (Bay Area) Monte built his own studio with engineer Gibbs Chapman that was destroyed in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake . It was that same year that Monte started working with the band Swell as a bass player. They Made 5 albums and toured extensively in the 90’s and eventually signed to Rick Rubin’s Def American label in 1993. They made all their our own records starting with a Tascam 38 but then took all the recording advances and bought more gear. They built studios in LA and NYC and in various places in SF to make the records. Monte says he truly learned how to a make a proper record while working with Swell. After Monte left Swell he got busy by producing other people partnered with Marc Capelle to pursue commercial composition, film scoring, and corporate music and audio post , formed Jet Black Crayon with Tommy Guerrero and toured a bit, making 3 albums then working on 9 solo records for Tommy. Eventually Monte partnered with Jamie Kahn and Nathan Harlow to create a recording space in San Francisco in 2006.

Monte has worked with many bands and solo artists including,

Tommy Guerrero, Wax Idols, Mark Eitzel, Sean Hayes, Oxbow, Chuck Dukowski and Blackface, Weekend, Mall Walk, Houses of Heaven, Never Young, Wild Moth, Hariguem Zaboy, Terry Malts, The Mattson 2, Young Prisms, Wax Idols, Jet Black Crayon, The Mumlers. The Soft Moon, BLKTOP Project, Vetiver, Rova Saxophone Quartet (OrchestraRova-Larry Ochs), [the] caseworker, Beautiful Machines, Tomorrow’s Tulips, Peggy Honeywell, GoJoGo, Kelley Stoltz, Money Mark, Swell, The Japanese Motors, Erik Arnaud, My Diet Pill, Warbler, Kurt Nilsen, Ice Sun, Xiu Xiu, TODD, Bunuel, LiXi, Seventeen Evergreen, Rupa and the April Fishes, Ghost in the City, Trust.

Check Monte out at:

www.ruminatoraudio.com and www.momentamusic.com

WCA #113 with Mike Wells

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 20:30:00 -0700

Mike Wells has spent the last 15 plus years mastering, complimented by a lifetime in music as a musician, music theory graduate, recording artist, and recording/mixing engineer. From San Francisco to Los Angeles, Mike has had one hell of a journey to get to the point of working with artists such as Green Day, PARRI$, Prince, and Gridlock. While we all have career ups and downs of which Mike is no stranger, Mike also spent many years trying to decipher a medical condition that developed later in his life that was eventually diagnosed as Epilepsy. Not to be deterred by his diagnosis and the seizures that come, as a result, Mike developed his mastering business which is known for his incredible attention to detail and going the extra mile for his clients. After many challenges that would stop most people, Mike persevered and is now at a point where he is no longer facing the daily threat of seizures with the help of 21st-century medicine. The biggest takeaway from this interview is that Mike doesn't have a "poor me" attitude. He is upbeat and forward-thinking and that's inspiring. Mike joins us from his studio in Los Angeles.

Mike Wells passed away on Wednesday, January 5, 2022

WCA #112 with Frank Wolf

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 18:46:00 -0700

Although Frank Wolf’s background was in music, he found myself drawn to “the other side of the glass” and changed his studies to Physics and Electrical Engineering. While in college, Frank also built and ran a small studio with an old ½” Scully at it’s heart. (ahh analog!) During those years, he met the folks at The Village Recorder, and when he graduated, he was immediately hired as a tech. While there, the staff was given permission to use the studios any time they were open so Frank was able to hone his craft with many, many hours of studio time! One of the bands he worked with got a record deal, Frank left his employ, recorded their album and has been independent ever since. Frank worked almost exclusively on records for many years, but eventually got and took the opportunity to start in both TV and Feature Films. For the next several years, he worked on many of Disney’s and Pixar’s animated films while also meeting and developing working relationships with many other composers and film studios.

Frank talks to Matt from his home in Los Angles about his background, tech talk about his home mixing setup and the templates he uses to mix music for major motion pictures as well as finances.

Show Notes:

John Cuniberti’s ONEMIC series as mentioned in the monologue.

WCA #111 with Nathan Harlow

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 19:53:00 -0700

Nathan Harlow grew up in San Francisco, played in bands and eventually found his way into the world of live sound. 20 years later, his experience touring, mixing, recording and doing system design has allowed him the opportunity to work with artists such as Prince, Rob Zombie, Sonic Youth, Bebel Gilberto, Medeski, Martin and Wood and Primus. His skills are also in demand at the Fox Theater in Oakland, California, the Warfield Theater and Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco, California. On top of his live sound skills doing monitors or front of house Nathan is also trained in systems management and room acoustics. He states that his intention is to use his unique set of skills to assist in the creation of beauty and inspiration with elegance and grace.

Matt heads into San Francisco to chat with Nathan in person in his studio South of Market.

WCA #110 NAMM Power Chat 2017

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 22:06:00 -0700

I took a trip from NORCAL to SOCAL to hit NAMM 2017. As I arrived I decided to put together a show based on “Power Chats/Talks”. 20 minute or so quick chats with friends about certain topics. Ben Lindell from Puremix, Sean McLaughlin, Andy Freeman, Gary Boss of Audio-Technica and Vance Powell joined me. Enjoy!

WCA #109 With Justin Pizzoferrato

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 04:16:00 -0700

Justin Pizzoferrato is a recording engineer based out of western Massachusetts. He owns and runs Sonelab with Mark Alan Miller and also freelances from time to time.

Justin has worked with such bands as Dinosaur Jr, Sonic Youth, Speedy Ortiz, Elder, and many more in the rock genre. He got his start freelancing around Boston. After moving to western Mass, he noted the lack of studios and decided to open up his own facility. When he’s not in the studio, he’s hanging out with his wife and son, biking, or buying too many records!

Justin chats with Matt over Skype about Sonelab, recording life before kids, freelancing and work ethic.

Justin’s studio: Sonelab

WCA #108 with Chris Montgomery

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 15:54:00 -0700

Chris Montgomery is an audio engineer and producer living and working in New York City. Having grown up in Glasgow, Scotland, he brings a musical heritage from one of the most prolific and diverse music scenes and applies this to his work in studio, live and field audio production. From live sound at The Bitter End to studio work and location sound at Dubway Studios, Chris digs in and tries it all.

Chris has worked with many notable artists including The Lumineers, Mumford And Sons, The Killers, Florence And The Machine, Ed Sheeran, Sheryl Crow and Damien Rice.

Having recently finished an 18 month period touring with multi-platinum recording artist, Rachel Platten, Chris is now focusing on a move to Los Angeles with the intention of opening a new studio. Chris talks with Matt about his decision to move from Glasgow, Half & Half, having a willingness to say yes to work and his new console.

More details can be found at www.chris-audio.com

WCA #107 with Chris Graham

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 06:09:00 -0700

Chris Graham runs Chris Graham Mastering outside of Columbus, Ohio. Chris joined Matt for a Skype call from his mastering studio to talk about integrity, his business, his website, the tools he uses to stay organized and audio conspiracy theories!

The following bio is from Chris’ website www.chrisgrahammastering.com

Before I became a full time audio mastering engineer, I was an audio engineer, music producer and musician. Like other audio engineers, I occasionally was put in the uncomfortable position of having to master my own mixes due to an artist’s budget problems. Mastering anything you’ve also mixed is a nightmare, but I quickly grew fascinated with the process and began acquiring specialized audio mastering equipment and software and working hard to hone my skills.

I started mastering every unmastered album I could get my hands on, and after showing my producer friends the results I was achieving, I was soon being asked to master albums all the time. Eventually, more and more people began asking me to master their projects, and I grew to really look forward to the reactions I would get after sending them my work. I soon realized that I enjoyed mastering music for other people more than I had ever enjoyed producing, engineering or even playing my own music professionally. As the projects kept coming in, I decided in 2008 to devote all my efforts to providing music mastering services, and stopped accepting work as an mix engineer or producer.

I had my mastering studio built, and the choice felt right in my heart. I couldn’t be more pleased with where that decision has taken me. Few things give me more satisfaction than the feedback I receive from people about how excited they are that their recordings are finally “coming to life.”

I still occasionally find the time to get out on the road and play my own music, but I prefer to stay home with my wife & our three kids and master music for a living. Mastering music for a living has been a blast and I love meeting and working with the incredible people from all over the globe that come to me for their mastering services.

My family and I live just north of Columbus, Ohio. My wife and I love Jesus, hanging out with our kids, leading Young Life, our Aeropress coffee maker, books, and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

If you’d like to get to know me a little more before sending your project my way, please give me a call or send me an email.

Chris can be reached at: www.chrisgrahammastering.com

WCA #106 with Don Zientara

Mon, 26 Dec 2016 04:51:00 -0700

Don Zientara is a musician and recording engineer as well as the owner and chief engineer at Inner Ear Studios in Arlington, Virginia located outside of Washington DC. Don has a varied background that is part art, part military, part electronics and ultimately all music and recording. While Don records many kinds of music, he is best known for his work with Dischord Records and DC Hardcore bands including The Teen Idles, Minor Threat, Rites of Spring, Fugazi and Bad Brains as well as many, many more.

Matt stopped in to Inner Ear Studios while on a recent trip to the Washington/Virginia area to interview Don in person. Enjoy!

WCA #105 with Michael Ashby

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 02:59:00 -0700

Michael Ashby is next generation audio engineer who started out as a drummer, he was inspired by Grammy award winning engineers like Jaycen Joshua and Craig Bauermix. Michael has mixed for multiple Sony & Universal artists on his way up including Timbaland’s BK Brasco, Latoya Jackson, Fetty Wap, Sixx John (by Neyo), Grafh and more! He’s attracting the industry’s attention due to the overwhelming positive feedback from countless clients in every corner of the country. He has worked with a wide variety of underground artists since 2007. Michael is also a graduate of SAE Institute (School of Audio Engineering) in NYC. Michael is also the owner and chief engineer of Krematorium Studio in Long Island, New York .

Michael joins Matt over Skype for a conversation about his studio, his work schedule and his thinking behind building a studio business.

www.ashbymix.com

WCA #104 with Andy Deguara

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 07:48:00 -0700

Andy Deguara is a studio owner, audio engineer and producer working in the San Francisco Bay Area. His recording career started in 1994 as a Junior in High school. He obtained his first 4 track recorder and immediately started recording his friend’s vocals and D.J. mixes. It soon became very clear that He wanted to work in a studio recording and mixing records.

By 1997 Andy had moved up from his 4 track tape recorder to a single 8 track digital tape recorder and a small mixer. He also acquired a keyboard and sequencer which he was using along with the recorder to write and record songs. He would later have people write and record vocals to the music he created. This was the beginning of A&D Studios.

In 1998 Andy decided he wanted to fast track his recording knowledge and decided to attend the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Science in Tempe Arizona. Here he gained extensive knowledge in understanding acoustics, signal flow, Basic equipment maintenance and electrical engineering, along with live sound and music business.

Upon completing the Program Andy returned to the bay area where he began working for M.A.R.S Studios (Music Arts Recording Studio) in Aptos California. Andy started as an assistant engineer working on a variety of projects. Eventually he got the opportunity to engineer and run sessions on his own.

While working at M.A.R.S. Andy also continued making and recording music at his home studio. At this point he was running a full 24 tracks for recording and a 32 channel mixing board. His gear collection also continued to grow substantially. In the fall of 2000 Andy came across an opportunity to lease some office/warehouse space. He jumped on the opportunity and began building out a full studio. The studio consisted of a large control room, a good sized recording room, and a separated iso booth.

For the next 14 years this was the home of A&D Studios where Andy recorded a variety of projects that ranged from singer songwriters, independent record labels, independent Artists, and corporate work. Andy Worked with Artists like blues man Kenny Neal, rapper Too Short, and Metal Band Jeoff Tates’s Queensrych.

In 2014 the building that housed A&D studios was sold to developers. Andy was forced temporarily close down the studio and find a new location.

After two months of searching and not finding a suitable location that was not overpriced by the bay area’s skyrocketing real-estate market, a new opportunity was presented to Andy. A local community college that he had done work with in the past just finished construction of a new building that housed a space that was built and dedicated as a recording studio. The college offered Andy the opportunity to rent the space and use as a home base when classes were not in session. This new arrangement has allowed Andy the ability to change the way he operates his studio and has created new opportunities.

Since establishing the relationship with the college Andy has built a private 280sqft home studio which gives him the ability to edit and mix in his home studio and use the college studio to record and work on projects with clients. He also works closely with the college to help maintain the studio. He currently co-teaches some of the recording classes as well as holds special recording seminars for the students.

Andy Continues to record mix and produce records at A&D Studios as well as in his private studio. He also is available for freelance work and travels to studios all around to work on projects.

Monologue Notes

SFgate article on Barret Clark

WCA #103 with Pat Patten

Mon, 05 Dec 2016 21:27:00 -0700

Pat Patten came to be on Working Class Audio through a set of random circumstances. At our 100th show we chose his name at random to win a set of Audio-Technica headphones. After talking Pat on the phone I realized he would make a great guest for the WCA podcast. He sent me his resume which is filled with a wide variety of jobs and experience including President of Commercial Sight & Sound, Inc., CEO of Kinekom, Inc., Studio Manager and Talent Buyer, Senior Record Producer and Festival Promoter, and now Mastering Engineer | Music Mentor-Manager and Music Educator at CEC (Central Education Center), Charter College & Career Academy. AT 60 years young Pat continues the journey in the small town of La Grange, Georgia. We discuss relationship building, his students, and family. Check out http://www.jamgood.com/live/

Mentioned in the interview for those in California is the post production tax incentive.

http://www.dv411.com/home/regulations/ca-teleproduction-exemption

WCA #102 with Frank McDonough

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 07:21:00 -0700

Frank McDonough has worked in the music industry since 1988. He worked at Arista Records for four years, then worked for various producer management firms, eventually starting his own company in January 2000. McDonough Management has a small but impressive client roster including former WCA alumni Andrew Scheps, Matt Wallace, Joe Barresi, Ross Hogarth, and Rob Schnapf as well as Mike Clink, David Bianco, Nick Didia, John Fields, Paul David Hager, Matt Hyde, Alain Johannes, Pierre Marchand, Nick Raskulinecz, Garth Richardson and Phillip Steir. Frank joins Matt for conversation over Skype and takes us through the realities of what a manager does and what he or she does not. Enjoy!

WCA #101 with Leff Lefferts

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 20:18:00 -0700

Leff Lefferts has spent the his career working in audio for music and film. He graduated from Berklee college and music with a degree in Music Production & Engineering in 1997 and joined on at the famous Plant Studios in Sausalito, California that same year as an intern. He quickly moved up to assistant engineer and was able to work on records with Metallica, Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Primus, Oysterhead and Joe Satriani. In 2003 after leaving the Plant (which later closed it’s doors) Leff signed started working at Cutting Edge Audio in San Francisco to handle Pro Tools System Design & support. It’s through Cutting Edge that Leff made contacts at Skywalker Sound where he would ultimately end up working next stating in 2006 as a Digital Audio Technician. In 2008 Leff made a lateral move to take on the role of Assistant Sound Designer, Sound Editor, Mixer working with the legendary Randy Thom. In the position Leff has gone on to work on films such as Horton Hears a Who, Ice Age 3-5, Coraline, Rio, Flight, How to Train Your Dragon 1&2, Crimson Peak, The Walk, The Revenant and Allied.

Leff and Matt (who have been friends since the early 2000’s meet at Matt’s house for a chat. They were accompanied by Matt’s Bulldog Moto who snored for 90% of the interview.

WCA #100 with Stephen Hart and Cookie Marenco

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 14:17:00 -0700

Well here it is, WCA #100! This was recorded at 25th Street Recording in Oakland, California on Friday, November 18th in front of a live audience. You can either watch it on Facebook or listen to the podcast. This episode features Stephen Hart and Cookie Marenco. Enjoy!

More On Stephen

Stephen is a former mixer in residence / chief engineer at the “The Site Recording” in Marin County, Director of Recording Services and owned “the mixroom” at Bay Area Sound Studios and chief engineer and lead mixer at Fantasy Studios. He holds multiple platinum and gold albums, “Blues Album of the Year 2000” for Stevie Ray Vaughn and Albert King, and has been on staff at The Plant Studios, EMI Italia, Forward Music Taipei and spent many years as an international freelance mixer. He has recorded and/or mixed many hundred’s of albums with total unit sales of 40 million. Artists include David Bowie, Santana, John Lee Hooker, En Vogue, MC Hammer, Tony Bennett, Isaac Hayes, Flora & Airto, White Stripes, Santana, Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck, Otis Redding, Booker T. and the MG’s, the Staples Singers, Jerry Garcia and Merl Saunders, the Neville Brothers, the Hong Kong Philharmonic with Amei, Steve Cropper, and a host of European and Asian pop artists. Stephen has also recorded for legendary producers George Martin and Tom Dowd. Scoring Credits include – Be Kind Rewind w/Jack Black & Danny Glover and Encounters at the End of the World by Werner Herzog. Also, Titanic, Grizzly Man (Herzog), and Oil on Ice. Film Post credits (foley stage) include Amadeus, Boogie Nights, Airbud, Blue Velvet, Dead Poets Society

Committed to the Bay Area recording community, Stephen is currently a National Trustee, and past S.F. President of the Recording Academy SF Chapter, is an AES member, and a member of AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publishers) and on the Recording Academy’s National P&E Advisory Committee and the curriculum advisory board for Xpression College.

More on Cookie

Before digital audio, CDs, MP3’s, the internet and email, Cookie Marenco founded OTR Studios, with a dream to record acoustic musicians in their most natural settings. Now, OTR is the oldest owner founded studio still in operation in the Bay Area with a reputation for the highest quality work, incredible musical performances and professional style. With a span of more than 20 years in the industry, her experience with analog, vinyl, digital, live recording, and working with thousands of musicians on more than 400 recordings brings a rich history to every session or consultation.

As OTR’s main producer and chief engineer, Marenco oversees all recordings of her staff to ensure the same quality and professionalism throughout. Marenco is sought out by many manufacturers to beta test new products including Tascam, KRK, Millennia, NHT, Goddess Labs, Universal Audio, etc. Now a writer and video instructor for EQ magazine, Marenco tests and designs new products, creates educational videos using OTR as a base of operation. Interns come worldwide to study in OTR’s ongoing learning program for those serious about a career in the music industry.

OTR is also the home base of Blue Coast Records, the critically acclaimed audiophile label where Marenco developed Extended Sound Environment (E.S.E), the proprietary recording technique used by the label.

Marenco’s creative and technical skills have touched almost every aspect of the business. She is widely known for the quality of her audio engineering skills and for drawing out passionate performances from the artists she produces. She has engineered or produced 5 Grammy-nominated records, several Gold records and an Academy Award-winning documentary. Her artist credits include Max Roach, Brain, Kenny Aronoff, Steve Smith, Brady Blade, Tony Furtado, Tony Trischka, Dirk Powell, Rob Ickes, Charlie Haden, Tony Levin, Steve Rodby, Buckethead, Ralph Towner, Paul McCandless, Ernie Watts, Glen Moore, Mary Chapin Carpenter, John Jennings, Pat DiNizio, Kristin Hersch, Brad Mehldau, Matt Rollings, Kevin Kern, Art Lande, Clara Ponty, Chanticleer, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Mark Isham and Michael Tolcher. Her production and engineering skills can be found on projects for Monterey Jazz Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Marinfest, Midem, Hard Rock Cafe, Windham Hill Records, Verve, Rounder Records, Om Records, Sony, Warner Bros. and others.

Marenco was an early pioneer in internet audio being the part of the Liquid Audio team offering the first copy-protected music downloads in 1997. She was a producer and A&R representative at Windham Hill Records working on over 100 projects during her tenure, including producing Winter Solstice 2, the highest selling compilation in their catalogue. Marenco’s production company, Cojema Music, oversees her work as an independent producer, supports entrepreneurial pursuits and helps to launch new artists. Cojema Music also looks after the operations of OTR Studios (a professional recording facility in the San Francisco area), Blue Coast Records (a high quality acoustic music label) and Goddess Labs (silver cable company).

Combining traditional recording values with new technology and a unique vision for marketing strategies, Marenco continues to blaze ground. In 2005, Marenco launched a record label, Blue Coast Records, showcasing talented acoustic musicians and high fidelity recordings. The first offering, Blue Coast Collection, has achieved critical acclaim winning the Ultimate Sound Award at the 2005 CES Show for NHT Speakers. The July 2006 issue of La Nouvelle Revue de Son, a French audiophile magazine, lifted the recording to legendary status as a “must have” recording. It received 5 stars in every category and sparked Blue Coast Records in France. Blue Coast Collection was released in 2007 in the United States.

Blue Coast Records’ unique sound can be attributed to a new recording technique for surround called ESE (Extended Sound Environment). Marenco teamed with French engineer, Jean Claude Reynaud, to develop this patent pending process. ESE is a trademarked recording process with a “no compromise of quality” attitude that combines the best of tried and true recording techniques with the latest developments in technology. Sony America aided Marenco in her efforts with their Direct Stream Digital (DSD) recording devices and a new disc format called Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD). The ESE technique is featured in the MAY 2004 issue of MIX magazine.

Home based in the Silicon Valley, Marenco has consulted with many companies seeking to further audio and musical interests. Her conception of Liquid Live continues to be used by Liquid.com, the download division of Walmart.com. Recently, she has consulted with Unbound Technology, a cutting-edge enterprise combining affinity networking, cell phone technology and internet audio. In 2005, she coordinated efforts of Abeo Corporation with the Telluride Bluegrass Festival to provide the entire festival grounds with free wireless internet access.

Many of Marenco’s innovations take place at OTR Studios, long a staple in the Bay Area community known for high quality acoustic recordings as well as unusual electronic music. She was a pioneer of digital recording in the mid 80’s and continues to experiment with new technologies such as Direct Stream Digital, SACD and DTS while supporting classic methods of recording. OTR has recorded over 400 artist album projects during the last 15 years. Marenco continues to beta-test audio products as she had done for Liquid Audio, Mackie, Tascam, Millennia, Studer and NHT. Young bands, engineers and technicians of various disciplines hone their skills at OTR. Marenco spreads her industry knowledge as a regular writer for EQ magazine. She provides interviews for radio and print, sits on industry panels and teaches college workshops. She has served on the NARAS Board of Governors and the Board of Directors of George Coates Performance Arts, represented various organizations on industry panels (AES, NARM, AFIM, Folk Alliance) and created fund raising events for Art into Action (an environmentally pro active non-profit organization).

The Early Years

In earlier years, Marenco composed music for film and television including commercial spots for Nissan and AT&T. Prior to her work in engineering, she performed and toured with many jazz legends, orchestras and her own electronic ensemble. She has a multi-instrumental musical background studying and teaching piano, oboe and sitar as well as being educated in classical, jazz, ethnomusicology, acoustics and composition.

WCA #099 with Rob Schnapf

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 07:03:00 -0700

Rob Schnapf has been making critically-acclaimed records for the past two decades. He first gained recognition by producing (with his then-partner Tom Rothrock) Beck’s debut album, “Mellow Gold,” including the breakthrough single, “Loser.” Rob and Tom produced three albums for Elliot Smith, including “XO” and “Figure 8.”

After Elliot’s death in 2003, Rob was asked by Smith’s family to help sort, compile and complete the tracks that Elliot had been recording. This was released as “From A Basement On The Hill,” and became Elliot’s highest charting album in the US.Rob went on to produce albums for Guided by Voices, Saves The Day, The Vines, Powderfinger, The Whigs and Tokyo Police Club. In 2009 he produced Booker T Jones’ “Potato Hole,” which won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album. In 2011 he produced “The Road From Memphis” with Booker, which again won the Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album.

In addition to his work as a producer, Rob is an accomplished mixer. He mixed the debut album by the Foo Fighters (with Rothrock), and has mixed tracks for Fidlar, Moby, Rickie Lee Jones and a Grammy-nominated album for Mavis Staples. Rob produced and mixed tracks for Kurt Vile’s latest release, including the single, “Pretty Pimpin.” Rob is currently producing a new album for Cass McCombs.

Rob and Matt chat over Skype about business, artists, kids and the art of disguising your voice when using the talkback.

WCA #098 with Stewart Cararas

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 14:10:00 -0700

Stewart Cararas is a producer, engineer, writer and musician currently based out of Los Angeles who works on a wide variety of music projects. SOme of his clients include Nick Lachey, Billy Ray Cyrus, Joe Perry, George Lynch, Fear Factory, Glenn Hughes, Shelby Lynne, BoomKat, Kimberley Locke, Dreamers, Better Than Ezra, Juvenile, Dee Snider, Taryn Manning, Taylor Dayne, Leah Turner, Bone, Thugs and Harmony, E40, Ray J, Simple Plan, All Time Low, Holly Knight, Brooke White, September Mourning, Marla Sokoloff, Limp Biskit, Tiffany Thornton, Molly Sanden, Nickel Creek, Brian Wilson, Enrique Iglesias, Cowboy Mouth, Thick as Thieves, Jason Charles Miller, Katie Cole, and Mitch Allan.

After an attempt at rock stardom failed, Stewart setup shop in New Orleans to run a studio. Stewart left New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, sold his house and moved to LA. Since then (2005) he’s been involved in many great projects including co-producing 7 songs on the new Billy Ray Cyrus album, ‘Thin Line’, producing a song for the film called “Dark Horse” written/directed by Todd Solondz starring Christopher Walken and Mia Farrow and producing a song with Nick Lachey.

Stewart joins Matt over Skype for a candid interview about his journey since leaving New Orleans.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3017157/

http://www.discogs.com/artist/Stewart+Cararas

WCA #097 with Matt Ross-Spang

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 14:16:00 -0700

“He’s a young man with an old soul. Matt’s got a lot of Sam Phillips in him” – Jerry Phillips

Matt Ross-Spang , born in Memphis, began working at the Legendary Sun Studio when he was just 16, working his way up from intern to the Chief Engineer. He championed to bring the recording studio back to its origin, working hard to find, install and use the same period equipment that Sam Phillips engineered with in the 1950s. His 11 years of dedication to Sun and its signature sound garnered national attention when he was featured by Lester Holt for NBC’s Nightly News and the Today Show. NPR also featured Matt and his work on All Things Considered.

“It’s fantastic that [Ross-Spang] has pursued this with such scholarly devotion,” says Peter Guralnick, author of the definitive, two-part Presley biography, Last Train to Memphis and the recently released biography, Sam Phillips The Man Who Invented Rock and Roll.. “Sam was systematic in thinking about sound and gave great thought to it — no square angles; the tiles. In addition, he felt there was something unique about the room at 706 Union. He didn’t know it when he rented it. To have reconstituted it is an exercise in creative archeology.”

In 2015 Matt left Sun to venture out on his own as an engineer and producer. His first project post Sun was to engineer and mix Jason Isbell’s “Something More Than Free” for acclaimed Producer Dave Cobb which would award him his first Grammy. The record broke several records debuting at #1 on the Country, Rock, Folk and Indie Charts. It also broke Americana Radio chart records , staying #1 for over 25 weeks. The record won Grammys for Best Americana Album and Best Americana Song for (24 Frames).

Since then Matt hasn’t slowed down …engineering recent releases by The Drive By Truckers, Elle King, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Chris Isaak, The Rival Sons, Corb Lund, Lori Mckenna, Brett Dennen, Brent Cobb, Amanda Shires, Anderson East, The Sheepdogs and the concept album “Southern Family”.

Matt also engineered, mixed and Co-Produced Margo Price’s debut album; entitled “Midwestern Farmer’s Daughter” the record was made in 3 days in 2014 at Sun Studio and released on Third Man Records. The record debuted in the top 10 Billboard country charts to critical acclaim and is already considered one of the best albums of 2016. Matt most recently was hired by Sony Records to mix 18 previously unreleased songs by Elvis Presley from historic 1976 sessions in the Jungle Room at Graceland which was released in August of 2016. Matt also recently produced albums on Sean Rowe, Patrick Sweany and UK artist Emily Barker.

The City of Memphis named him one of its “30 under 30” Memphians in 2015 as well as honoring him with a key to the city in 2016. The City of Germantown also named a day after Ross-Spang in 2016.

Matt and Matt join each other over Skype for a conversation about’s Matt’s journey.

WCA #096 with J.J. Blair

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 07:00:00 -0700

J.J. Blair is a producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who hails from Chicago, and moved to Los Angeles in 1990 to get into the music business. He has worked on albums with some legendary artists. Of note, in 1999, he produced, engineered and mixed June Carter Cash’s Grammy winning album, Press On. He also engineered on Rod Stewart’s Great American Songbook albums, volumes 1 through 3; the latter of which won a Grammy, and hit #1 on the Billboard album charts. Other artists J.J. has worked with include Black Eyed Peas, Weezer, P. Diddy, Ryan Adams, Jason Falkner, David Cassidy, Stephen Bishop ,Vonda Sheppard, Johnny Cash, George Benson, Unwriten Law, Kelly Clarkson, Melissa Etheridge, Smokey Robinson, and many more.

J.J. was kind enough to host Matt at his house during AES. While staying there, Matt was able to convince J.J. to sit down for an interview in his living room.

Fox Force Five Recorders: http://artandscienceofrecording.com/Welcome.html

WCA #095 with Brad Wood

Mon, 10 Oct 2016 07:00:00 -0700

Brad Wood grew up in Rockford, Illinois, the home of Cheap Trick- the greatest band alive. He played the saxophone well enough to go to college and study jazz performance.

When Brad moved to Chicago in 1987, it didn’t take long before he built Idful Music Corporation- a small but mighty recording studio in Wicker Park. That’s where he recorded albums by bands like Seam, Tar, Shrimp Boat and Eleventh Dream Day. It was Liz Phair’s Exile In Guyville in 1993 that did the trick for his career.

Soon he was recording all kinds of cool debut albums for artists like Sunny Day Real Estate, Veruca Salt, Placebo, Red Red Meat and Ben Lee. Work with Smashing Pumpkins, Far, that dog., Menthol and Pete Yorn wrapped up the 90’s.

In 2000, Brad relocated to Los Angeles, home of X- the greatest punk rock band alive. After a few years of bouncing around LA’s amazing studios, he built Seagrass Studio in 2004. At Seagrass Brad has tracked or mixed Say Anything, mewithoutYou, more Ben Lee, the Bangles, Sherwood & Touché Amoré plus many more.

Brad says “I like to help people make records that are inspiring, lyrically and musically. For me, rock music works best when there’s intensity- a burning desire to bash out a message. It doesn’t have to be loud (although that helps). Thank you, Joe Strummer.”

This podcast is comprised of Matt’s interview with Brad at the 141st AES show in Los Angeles on October 1st at The Focal Booth followed by an interview over Skype. Matt and Brad discuss Brad’s journey, his time in Chicago, His move to LA, his new studio and parenting.

www.bradwoodmusic.com

http://twitter.com/bradwood3

WCA #094 with Scott Wiley

Mon, 03 Oct 2016 17:29:00 -0700

Scott Wiley is a music producer, engineer, musician and owner of June Audio Recording Studios in Provo, Utah. Scott studied music recording at USC and got to learn from some of the best producers and engineers in the industry during his years working in great Los Angeles rooms like Sound Factory, Sunset Sound, Cello and Conway Recording Studios. As an engineer and/or producer for the last 25 years, Scott has worked with Neon Trees, Bonnie Raitt, Kaskade, David Archuleta, Tracy Chapman, The Moth & The Flame, and Stephanie Mabey among others. Scott has also taught recording and music business classes at UVU and BYU.

June Audio is currently expanding from a mid-sized one studio operation to a 5000 square foot Wes Lachot designed facility that will house 3 separate studios, 2 in a large new building and a third in an adjoining turn of the century home.

More info can be found here www.juneaudio.com or follow the build thread on gearslutz at http://tinyurl.com/z6xg4sj.

Scott talks with Matt about moving between California and Utah, assisting for Tchad Blake, and running a studio in a environment where the Mormon church plays a big role.

WCA #093 with David Barbe

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 06:00:00 -0700

David Barbe has a two pronged career. He has been the Director of the University of Georgia Music Business Program since 2010. On the creative side, he has worked on hundreds of recording projects as engineer, producer, musician and writer. Over the past few years, projects have included Deerhunter’s “Halcyon Digest,” Drive-By Truckers “It’s Grerat to Be Alive” and “American Band,” New Madrid “magnetkingmagnetqueen,” and “Sunwimmer,” and Muuy Biien “Age of Uncertainty” to name a few.David moved to Athens in 1981 to study journalism at UGA. He got involved in the local music scene, playing in a variety of bands, most notably Mercyland and Buzz Hungry.He started recording local bands (Bar-B-Q Killers, Jack-O-Nuts, as well as a number of bands without dashes in their names) on a Fostex X15 cassette 4 track, also taking the opportunity to go into the studio any time any of the bands he worked with booked a proper recording session. That experience led to a job at John Keane’s studio. While working under Keane, David assisted John on a number of projects by artists including Billy Bragg, REM and Widespread Panic, then began engineering a steady stream of artists on his own (Jack Logan, Seersucker, Mt. Shasta, 5/8) at John’s studio and elsewhere.

In 1991 Bob Mould (Husker Du) invited David to join his new band, Sugar. From 1992 – 1995 they toured the world, and made 4 albums together, working at the Outpost in Stoughton, Mass.; Cedar Creek in Austin, Texas; Triclops in Atlanta; and several studios in Europe and Japan on performance for broadcast sessions.

After leaving the group in early 1995, David continued freelance engineering. During this time he made countless indie records in a variety of circumstances. The Rock*A*Teens first album was made in three different studios in 6 days. Harvey Milk’s “My Love is Higher Than Your Assessment of My Love Is” was primarily recorded in drummer Paul Trudeau’s house and mixed in the apartment of fellow engineer Brooks Carter, using the wooden frame stairwell for an echo chamber (the sound of crickets is audible during quiet sections of the album). SonVolt’s “Wide Swing Tremolo” was recorded over the course of 6 two week sessions in the band’s practice space housed in an old textile mill in Millstadt, Illinois, and mixed at Mitch Easter’s Fidelitorium. David’s fascination with using unique spaces for recording crops up with instances such as recording Kelly Hogan’s vocals in the boys’ locker room of a closed down school, and recording various things in the Chase Park parking lot.

“Going from place to place to work was a great experience,” says David about his freelance days (primarily 1991-97). “For one thing, you really have to think on your feet when it’s a big city studio one day, and somebody’s bedroom the next. For another, I definitely started to develop a feel for what I would and wouldn’t want in a studio of my own.”

In early 1997 David teamed up with Andy LeMaster and Andy Baker in a search of what they thought would be “a temporary space” for recording. What they came up with was Chase Park Transduction. After working together in the studio for a few months, they realized that the studio was turning into more than a stopgap.

Since opening Chase Park, David has worked with a wide variety of artists including the Deerhunter, Bettye LaVette, The Glands, Drive By Truckers, Jerry Joseph, Amy Ray, Bob Mould, REM, New Madrid and hundreds of others.

David’s general approach to making records is, “In any creative endeavor, the answer should never be ‘No’.

David talks with Matt over Skype about how he runs his studio, the importance of family and his approach to money and gear.

Show notes:

David’s Studio: Chase Park Transduction

John Keane: John Keane Studios

WCA #092 with Chuck Zwicky

Mon, 19 Sep 2016 12:49:00 -0700

Chuck Zwicky is a Manhattan based mixing engineer who has earned several gold and platinum records in his 30+ year career, working with artists as diverse as Prince, Jeff Beck, Soul Asylum, Reggie Watts, Rick Moranis, a-ha, NIN, and the Jonas Brothers. Chuck joins Matt over Skype from his Manhattan apartment and home to his mixing /mastering suite to discuss a wide range of topics including the impact Prince had on him.

http://www.sonicscoop.com/2015/01/05/making-the-mix-room-chuck-zwickys-zmix-chelsea-new-york-city/

https://soundbetter.com/profiles/9234-chuck-zwicky

http://www.zmix.net

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/chuck-zwicky-mn0000126243

WCA #091 with Camden Stoddard

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 07:56:00 -0700

Camden Stoddard got his start in sound shortly after moving to the Bay Area by interning with B. Z. Lewis at Studio 132 followed by studying at Pyramind in San Francisco. After graduating from Pyramind, Camden participated in some independent movies and commercials before joining Double Fine Productions in 2009. He has since worked on dozens of prototypes and shipped a multitude of games as sound designer and Studio Sound Supervisor including Brutal Legend (for which he won G.A.N.G.’s Rookie Of The Year), Iron Brigade, Stacking, Once Upon A Monster, The Cave, Broken Age and, most recently, the retro space adventure Headlander. Camden is very passionate about game audio and game sound design and can often be found mentoring students with enthusiasm.

Camden spoke with Matt from his office in San Francisco via Skype.

Show notes:

The documentary we talk about can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdXvZgIV1Q0&list=PLIhLvue17Sd7F6pU2ByRRb0igiI-WKk3D

Camden mentioned a a great sound library company called Tomsturm in the interview. They can be found at http://www.tonsturm.com/

WCA #090 with Lij Shaw

Mon, 05 Sep 2016 15:04:00 -0700

Lij Shaw is an award winning music and podcast producer who has made records for 25 years. His studio, The Toy Box Studio is located East Nashville, Tennessee.

Lij is my “Brother from Another Podcast” being the host of Recording Studio Rockstars. He’s a guy like myself who has been around the block, made some mistakes along the way and is here to share his experiences and wisdom. His other activities include the Hay Bale Studio, a studio built in a double wide trailer and surrounded by bales of hay, all while being located directly behind the main stage at the Bonnaroo music festival each year. He also runs a back to basics recording event called the Stereo Sessions where recording a band live to two track is the order of the day. Enjoy!

Show notes:

John Cuniberti’s OneMic series: http://www.johncuniberti.com/one-mic-the-minimalism-recording-series-begins/

WCA #089 with Ben Hirschfield and Scott Goodrich

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 10:55:00 -0700

Ben Hirschfield and Scott Goodrich are studio partners at Nu-Tone Studios. If you have followed my conversations with Chris Dugan and/or Willie Samuels you’ll recognize their names. I thought stopping by Nu-Tone and chatting with these guys would be a great way to follow up on a story that started with Dugan and Samuels.

Ben Hirschfield began playing music at an early age and almost immediately became obsessed with the recording process. By high school, he was constantly making recordings for his own bands, as well as those of his peers. After touring nationally and internationally with his own music, Ben began focusing more intently on recording. While attending Ex’pression College for Digital Arts, he founded the now defunct Imperial Recording Studio with fellow engineer Scott Goodrich. Imperial quickly became a go to spot for local and national indie acts. While still running his own studio, Ben began an internship at Jingletown Recording, which led to a full time gig at the facility. Since 2012 he has been calling Nu-Tone Studios his home base, occasionally freelancing out of other Bay Area studios. He has produced, engineered, and/or mixed for artists including Against Me!, Green Day, Mobin’s Child, NOFX and The Story So Far.

Scott Goodrich is a Recording and Mixing Engineer from Oakland, California. He began as an intern at Jingletown Recording immediately out of school, and later established his profession in his parent’s garage with Ben Hirschfield at Imperial Recording Studios. Scott joined the Nu-Tone Studios family in 2012, and has since recorded bands such as The Story So Far, Culture Abuse, Worthwhile, and other notable groups. He’s worked alongside Hopeless Records, Pure Noise Records, Equal Vision, 6131 Records, and Adeline Records on a handful of successful projects. When outside the studio, Scott sings and plays guitar in his band, Daydream.

As I mentioned in the show monologue, here is the Go Fund Me page for the employees of Presonus who lost everything in the recent flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. https://www.gofundme.com/2tf4gxh8

Also below are various links for Ben Hirschfield and Scott Goodrich. Make sure and check out some the pictures of Nu-Tone .

http://www.scottkgoodrich.com/

http://www.nu-tone-studios.com/

WCA #088 with Willie Samuels

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 13:12:00 -0700

Willie Samuels is Studio Trilogy’s senior engineer. A recording engineer, producer and musician with some serious studio chops, Willie began his career in his teens by operating a “guerilla style” mobile studio out of his parents old station wagon, traveling to record local bands in their rehearsal spaces, garages, or whatever space he could find that sounded good. By the time he was 18, he was an engineer and producer, working independently in many of the Bay Area’s historic studios. In 1996 he and partner Chris Dugan opened Nu-tone Studios in Pittsburg, California, which quickly became a mecca for local and national independent artists. In 2006 Willie began freelancing at the newly constructed studios of Talking House Productions in San Francisco. A few months later, he joined the production team at Talking House, serving as a staff engineer and continuing his quest to serve and develop local talent. In April 2010 Willie partnered with Justin Lieberman and Cindy McSherry to open Studio Trilogy. In addition to engineering and producing, Willie also works collaboratively with Justin and Cindy on sales and marketing for the studio.

Willie joins Matt for a discussion at WCA headquarters in Lafayette, CA for a discussion on personal sacrifice, doing what you love, working with CHris Dugan and potential changes coming in the future.

WCA #087 with Lolly Lewis

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 08:09:00 -0700

Lolly Lewis studied voice, composition, and electronic music at UC Santa Cruz. While still in college, she was recruited for the faculty of the Aspen Music Festival’s Audio/Recording Institute, and she was Director of Recordings at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music from 1981 – 1993.

In 1984 Lolly coordinated audio playback of her recording of John Adams‘ Light Over Water for its premiere performance in Los Angeles (Museum of Contemporary Art) and New York (Next Wave Festival, Brooklyn Academy of Music). In 1989 she toured with the Kronos Quartet providing live playback of the recorded portion of Steve Reich‘s Different Trains.

In 1998 she toured with Chanticleer as production and stage manager. Producing projects include the opera Tania (by composer Anthony Davis and based on the story of Patty Hearst), a premiere recording of orchestral music by Harlem Renaissance composer Florence Price, and a program of new chamber music works by composer Mario Davidovsky. She recently recorded all 68 of Haydn’s string quartets with San Francisco’s New Esterhazy Quartet in live performance.

As a member of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, Lolly sang on numerous recordings including their 1995 Grammy-winning Brahms Requiem. She just completed a five year project for the San Francisco Symphony, running the COMMUNITY OF MUSIC MAKERS program.

Lolly sits down with Matt for a conversation that covers her recording rig, her thoughts on live music as well as many analogies of sports and movies and plays as they relate to recording.

Lolly’s company – Transparent Recordings

Lolly on Facebook.

WCA #086 with Emmit Brooks

Mon, 08 Aug 2016 07:00:00 -0700

Emmit Brooks has run Gold Dust Studios in the same location since 1975 in the Southwest city of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Gold Dust started as a home based studio at a time when very few people had home studios and it even included an echo chamber buried in the backyard! Emmit was a member of the famed Aggie Ramblers Western Swing band that formed in 1957, playing guitar. After a recording session with Norman Petty in Clovis, New Mexico, Emmit was bit by the recording “bug” and stayed in touch with Petty over the years. Petty was known for his work with Buddy Holly and the Crickets and he not only advised but also a major influence. Emmit was a from Melrose, New Mexico and moved to Las Cruces to attend New Mexico Sate University.

Matt joins Emmit at his studio in Las Cruces for a discussion about the history of Emmit’s studio and his career.

Emmit’s Studio http://www.goldustudios.com/

WCA #085 with Jeremy Goody

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 07:00:00 -0700

Jeremy Goody is the owner/operator at Megasonic Sound in Oakland, California and a has been a Bay Area audio engineer/producer and performing musician since 1990. After recording school Jeremy worked his way up the engineer chain at various Bay Area studios including Skyline and Bay Records. Eventually he started the first incarnation of Megasonic in a West Oakland warehouse across from a cement factory. Jeremy eventually moved out of the warehouse and into a family owned building to create version 2.0 of Megasonic. With a desire to build a studio of high quality, he hired famed studio designer Chris Pelonis to design the studio and Brian Hood ( Listen to Brian on WCA #084) to build. The results can be seen in our video tour below.

Jeremy has worked with John Santos (2 grammy nominations), SFJAZZ, Anticon label, Lyrics Born. Jeremy is also a current member of Winfred E. Eye and played in: Dance Hall Crashers, Cat Five, Pitch Black, Damon and the Heathens, The Uptones. He’s recorded 3 Solo discs as Balanceman. Matt talks with Jeremy about the studio process of the studio build, his history and his financial approach to his studio business.

Check out Disktracker which is mentioned in the show.

WCA #084 with Brian Hood

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 07:07:00 -0700

Brian Hood is a rare combination of recording engineer, musician, journeyman studio builder and master carpenter. Brian along with his amazing crew built the new Tiny Telephone Studio Oakland, California that opened in January of 2016, as well as Tiny Telephone Studio B in San Francisco and many other studios large and small in the Bay Area. Brian has a perspective that sees the studio from “all sides of the glass” which most do not have. When building the new Tiny Telephone, it was decided to run the studio for 6 months then close down for a month to see what changes needed to be made with regards to their Neve console, acoustics, and any other changes that needed attention. Matt catches up first with Tiny Telephone studio owner John Vandeslice for a catch up interview on what they have learned in the last 6 months since opening. Matt then follows up with Brian Hood to hear his perspective on the build as well as learn about Brian’s multi-faceted world of construction, music and recording.

Check out Brian’s pictures taken during the Tiny Telephone studio build. https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-bonus-content/bonus-content-brian-hood-wca-084/

WCA #083 with Pablo Munguia

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 18:28:00 -0700

Pablo Munguia earned a bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. After trying his hand at making a records with a friend Pablo decided to attended Berklee School of Music where he studied music production and engineering. He then graduated in 1997.

Pablo moved to Los Angeles and joined Westlake Audio, where he assisted renowned producers and engineers including Quincy Jones, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, David Foster, Randy Jackson, Tommy Vicari, and Matt Forger, as well as recording artists such as Sting, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Carole King, Ricky Martin, Eros Ramazzotti, Michel Polnareff, Usher, L.L. Cool J., Mary J. Blige, and Alicia Keys. As a freelance engineer, Munguía worked with NSYNC and Britney Spears on two multi-platinum releases. He also engineered for the Who, Lionel Richie, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, and the Backstreet Boys, and for top Mexican artists like Thalia, Paulina Rubio, and Carlos Cuevas.

Munguía has been nominated for 16 Primetime Emmy Awards and won five times in the category Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special. He has also worked with the audio teams responsible for the Super Bowl halftime show, The American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, The Billboard Awards, and the BET Awards. Additionally, Munguía has worked on American Idol, the X-Factor, and the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics in China. In Mexico, he worked on the Pan American Games and was in charge of the audio for La Academia: Última Generación.

On the academic side, from 2006 to 2009, Munguía worked in the Entertainment Studies Department at the University of California, Los Angeles Extension (UCLA Extension), where he was part of the committee that revamped the institution’s curriculum, and also taught Advanced Audio Engineering Techniques and Independent Music Production.

Pablo talks with Matt over Skype from Valencia. Spain about his early days at MIT, making records in Mexico, immigration, unions and his transition from making to records to working on live television.

WCA #082 with Justin Phelps

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:00:00 -0700

Justin Phelps is currently the Chief engineer and designer of the Hallowed Halls recording studios located in Portland, Oregon. Justin began his career in 1996 at San Fransisco’s famed Coast Recorders as the house engineer. At Coast Justin received considerable guidance from Chief engineer/producer John Cuniberti and studio owner/gear guru Dan Alexander. Four years later Justin switched to being a freelance engineer and spent the next few years working out of the Bay Areas finest studios including The Plant, Prairie Sun, Studio 880, Tiny Telephone and Studio D . In 2004 he acquired the lease to Hyde Street Studio C which is considered one of the more historic recording spaces in San Francisco. After restoring Studio C to it’s former glory it became one of the busiest rooms in San Francisco for the next five years. Justin met his wife Deanna Phelps in San Francisco and shortly after the birth of their first daughter they began a new chapter by relocating to Portland, Oregon.

In 2010 Justin founded Cloud City Sound with Super Digital owner and veteran engineer Rick McMillen. In the summer of 2014 Justin recorded and album for Bike Thief . . Like most album productions it lead to a lasting relationship between he and Bike Thief members Febian Perez and Greg Allen. It also lead to the making of an incredible new studio. that ended up becoming The Hallowed Halls. Justin was hired to design and build the studio in a former library. The facility features one of the best sounding large tracking rooms in the Pacific Northwest and is home to Justin’s personal studio and mix room as well.

Justin talks to Matt about his early days working at Coast Recorders, about his family’s new guitar business, and about leaving the Bay Area

More on Justin at www.justinphelpsrecording.com

Photo by Ryne Freed

WCA #081 with Drew Bollman

Mon, 04 Jul 2016 07:00:00 -0700

Drew Bollman moved to Nashville in 1998 and started interning and assisting at the Sound Kitchen. While Drew worked with many great engineers he happened to meet and work with Justin Niebank (Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, and Kenny Chesney) and would end up working him for over 10 years. That experience and training allowed Drew to start first engineering for other projects and become an in demand freelance engineer working non-stop. Since then Drew has worked with artists such as Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill, Hunter Hayes, Keith Urban, and Patty Loveless as well as many other great artists. IN 2010 Drew won a Grammy for best Bluegrass album of the year.

Drew was on vacation at his parents house but graciously agreed to an interview. Matt and Drew discuss the ins and outs of freelance engineering in Nashville, work/life balance and his favorite producer/engineers in and outside of Nashville.

Link to recording using Audio-Technica AT 2035 mentioned in sponsor break. https://soundcloud.com/josephinejohnsonsings/light-it-up

WCA #080 with Jessica Thompson

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 07:00:00 -0700

Jessica Thompson is our featured guest on WCA #080 . Jessica is a Grammy-nominated mastering and restoration engineer as well as an archiving specialist who has digitized, restored and revived historic recordings including The Bottom Line, Caffè Lena, Erroll Garner, the Woody Guthrie Archives and the Newport Jazz and Folk Festival, which included performances by Pete Seeger, Roger McGuinn, Dave Von Ronk, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Doc Watson, Miles Davis and Jean Ritchie.

Jessica’s remaster of Erroll Garner’s iconic recording The Complete Concert By The Sea (Sony/Legacy) was nominated for the Best Historical Album Grammy in 2016.

In addition Jessica has also cleaned, digitized and restored rare vinyl and cassette recordings for Awesome Tapes From Africa and many Numero Group compilations.

In her previous career as a radio producer, she interviewed drummer Max Roach and the organ player at Fenway Park for WGBH. Additionally she has spun records and CDs on the airwaves of WGBH, WFMU, WZBC and WESU.

Jessica joins Matt for a discussion about restoration and mastering while really diving into the nitty gritty of the craft.

Links mentioned in the show.

DIskwarrior
Life Edited
Graham Hill Ted Talk
Coast Mastering
Jessica’s Website
Arnold Magnetic Technologies (the magnetic viewer Jessica mentioned)
https://www.avpreserve.com/
https://www.kabusa.com/

WCA #079 with Dave Fridmann

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 07:00:00 -0700

Dave Fridmann is a producer, engineer and musician who has made records with Mercury Rev , The Flaming Lips , Weezer, Sparklehorse, Mogwai, Gemma Hayes, Sleater-Kinney , Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, MGMT, Neil Finn, OK Go, and Spoon, to name a few! :-) He works out of Tarbox Road Studios which he built over 20 years ago.

As a musician, Dave was the bassist and a founding member of Mercury Rev. He gave up his role as a touring member of the band in 1993 to concentrate on producing other artists. In 2007, he received a Grammy for The Flaming Lips' At War With The Mystics at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards (Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical). In 2010, three Fridmann-produced albums were listed on the Rolling Stone 100 Best Albums of The Decade: MGMT's Oracular Spectacular, The Flaming Lips' Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, and Sleater-Kinney's The Woods.

Fridmann is an occasional faculty member of SUNY Fredonia, teaching sound recording techniques in the Fredonia School of Music.

Dave and Matt talk over Skype about family, being able to say yes to artists, his working style and the building of Tarbox Road Studios.

Enjoy!

More at http://www.davefridmann.com/dave/Main.html

WCA #078 with Chris Dugan

Mon, 13 Jun 2016 15:22:00 -0700

Chris Dugan is an American engineer and producer. He is also a drummer, videographer, and photographer.

Dugan began his musical pursuits as a drummer. Needing to be resourceful, he learned to do basic recordings for his high school bands. Engineering was an instinctual progression and it was the purist recording styles of the 60s and 70s that really inspired him. In 1996, he opened Nu-Tone Studios in Pittsburg, Ca with fellow engineer Willie Samuels. Nu-Tone quickly became an indie band favorite, drawing the local rock scene and labels like Lookout, Adeline, and Alternative Tentacles. In 2002, Dugan began engineering for Green Day out of JingleTown Recording in Oakland, Ca, at that time called Studio 880.

Dugan has worked with bands such as U2, Iggy Pop, Green Day, and Smash Mouth. He has also worked with producers Rob Cavallo, Butch Vig, Bob Ezrin, and Jeff Saltzman. In 2010, he won the Grammy for Best Rock Album of the Year for engineering Green Day’s “21st Century Breakdown.” In 2011, he won the Grammy for Best Musical Show Album for engineering Green Day’s “American_Idiot: The Original Broadway Cast Recording.”

Chris talks with Matt via Skype about working for Green Day, being a dad and his roots at Nu-Tone Studios.

Enjoy

Photo Credit: Niall David Photography

WCA #077 with Andrew Stern

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 07:00:00 -0700

A jack of all trades and master of some, his areas of expertise run the gamut of daily station operation; from the foundations of real-time networking for AoIP, to FOH and live sound recording, IP phones and SIP trunking, MPEG audio, and video standards and codecs, radio automation, HD radio transmission, to remote broadcast coordination, even security cameras, and keycards! Andrew stopped by Matt’s house to talk about his job duties, where the worlds of audio and IT collide while they consume loads of coffee!

WCA #076 with Gary Hobish

Mon, 30 May 2016 14:34:00 -0700

Gary Hobish brings over 30 years of experience as a professional recording engineer/producer to A. Hammer Mastering which he runs out of Secret Studios in San Francisco. He started as an assistant engineer at legendary Bell Sound Studios in New York City but found his way to San Francisco in 1976. He has worked in many disciplines in recording and music, most notably as Mastering Engineer/ Tape Historian at Berkeley’s Fantasy Studios and Chief Engineer at San Francisco’s CD Studios.

Gary began his specialization in the field of Mastering at Fantasy Studios in 1982, and has been credited on hundreds of albums covering all genres of recordings — from classic jazz to classic rock, alt-rock, rap and hard rock to folk, classical, spoken word and even sound effects. His projects include such names as NRBQ, Dream Syndicate, Flipper, The Feelies, Dr. John and Willie Nelson. An expanded list of Gary’s credits can be found at the All Music Guide or Artist Direct.

Matt visits Gary at his mastering room located at Secret Studios in San Francisco, where they chat about the advantages of mastering in a rehearsal facility, working relationships with mix engineer’s and his adhoc survival strategy.

WCA #075 with Mitch Dane

Mon, 23 May 2016 07:11:00 -0700

Nashville producer Mitch Dane has managed to cross the lines into almost every genre In his 20+ years of production/engineering experience. Though most of his work can be heard on Rock, Roots/Rock and Singer/Songwriter records, Mitch continues to work fearlessly in other styles like Bluegrass/Americana. In his own words: “I like to collect the best aspects of every genre of music and bring them together in hybrid productions.” His desire to grow and to learn is constant, making every project he touches relevant and refreshing. This personal philosophy has worked well, considering Mitch’s fingerprints mark over 200 records, four of which are Grammy nominees.

• Grammy award for his engineering.

• ASCAP award for his songwriting.

• Over 25 years of production/engineering experience.

• Owns a full production/recording studio in Berry Hill called Sputnik Sound with his partner, Vance Powell.

Matt and Mitch talk about how an early childhood accident would set the tone and approach for his future career , raw natural tracks vs overly manicured ones and Mitch’s advice on studio ownership. Enjoy.

www.mitchdane.com

www.sputniksound.com

https://twitter.com/mitchdane

WCA #074 with Tremaine Williams

Mon, 16 May 2016 13:20:00 -0700

Tremaine Williams (AKA: “Six7”) was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. He began his musical journey by taking piano & drum lessons while in elementary school, as well as becoming a classically trained singer in the Raleigh Boychoir. He grew up playing in church but was also heavily influenced by R&B. He began to dabble in music production in high school as a hobby. After lending his production works to emerging singers in North Carolina, Tremaine enrolled at Full Sail University in 2003.

Upon graduating in October 2004 with his Associate of Science degree in Recording Arts, Tremaine achieved one of his many career goals, as he received an internship at Hidden Beach Recordings. His career catapulted when he moved to Los Angeles, California and became a standout intern at the label from November 2004 to June 2005. Tremaine achieved another benchmark in his career when he joined the Recording Academy as a voting member at age 21 in December 2005. After a short stint with producer JR Hutson, Tremaine left to start his own music production company by the name of Six7 Music, rightfully named by the fact that he is 6 feet 7 inches tall, in July 2006.

In 2008, Tremaine engineered a performance for The Time featuring Rihanna at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards, which led him to his position as engineer/programmer with the legendary Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis at FlyteTyme Productions for 3 and a half years. He has engineered one GRAMMY award winning album and 6 GRAMMY Nominated albums. Tremaine is credited on songs by powerhouse artists such as Chaka Khan, El Debarge, Usher, Janet Jackson, 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Ledisi, Keyshia Cole and Ruben Studdard which is nothing short of amazing for his 11 years in the music industry.

In 2012 Tremaine was elected to the Recording Academy’s Los Angeles Chapter Board of Governors and as of 2015 now serves as Chair of the Membership Committee. As one of the youngest members ever elected, he hopes to make a difference and proudly represent the next generation of music makers.

Aside from albums, he has moved into the TV/Film world. His work can be seen and heard on the hit showEmpire, BET Sunday Best, Apollo Live, ComicView, Keeping up With The Kardashians, Real World and Bad Girls Club. He also scored his first feature film, “The Last Fall” which airs regularly on BET.

Most recently Tremaine has been on the road with Mariah Carey for “The Elusive Chanteuse Show” Tour, “All I Want For Christmas is You” Special in New York at the legendary Beacon Theater and “#1 to Infinity” at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

With the talent and desire to achieve that Tremaine ultimately possesses, there is no doubt that he will be a major force in the music industry for many years to come…

Matt and Tremaine discuss his journey from North Carolina to California as well hustling, staying focused and being present.

WCA #073 with John Schimpf

Mon, 09 May 2016 07:00:00 -0700

John Schimpf got his start in the music industry working in clubs and theatres as a production manager and sound engineer, and working as a recording engineer for the University he was attending while pursuing a classical music degree. As a student he built what became the technological backbone for a music industry program developed at that University. In 2001, he went on to become an engineer and crew chief with one of the largest live sound companies in California where he began working with and learning about large scale music productions in detail. In 2002 he took a job as a studio manager in Stockton, CA where he began recording and producing projects in many genres while learning the critical balance between technician and artist. Through that business John was asked to begin managing several high-profile artists while on tour. That experience opened the door to continue touring for the next 10 years, working with management groups from New York and LA. His lean and pragmatic style allowed him to become a valuable member of many touring groups, saving artists money while providing unprecedented consistency within the organizations he served. John has toured in over 20 countries with a diverse set of artists within many major performance venues around the world. Throughout his years of touring he has continued to actively work in the studio, recording and producing many different projects. In 2012 John took a position as the general manager of the newly built 25th Street Recording, a world-class recording facility in the heart of Oakland, CA. He oversees all aspects of the business including its staff, client acquisition, planning and technical direction, where his regular client base includes Grammy winning and multi-platinum selling artists, producers and engineers, as well as new talent from the greater Bay Area and Los Angeles. John continues to immerse himself in a wide range of media and production projects around the globe continually acting as a media producer and artist manager.

John joins Matt at WCA headquarters to discuss John’s thought process when it comes to running a studio. Studio managers should pay attention.

WCA #072 with Mike Kalajian

Mon, 02 May 2016 15:54:00 -0700

Mike Kalajian is the son of an audio technician/audiophile who was exposed to music and recording equipment at a very early age through family including his Uncle’s home recording setup which fascinated Mike and started to draw him in to the audio experience. Mike’s parents say his first word was actually “speaker” and at 9 years old was given his first guitar along with a 1/4 inch reel to reel . Mike wasted no time and immediately started writing and recording his own music. All of this took him to the next step in audio indoctrination, the building of his first basement “studio” in junior high where he and a friend started recording fellow student musicians for $20/song on a cassette 4-track. After high school, attendance at Full Sail followed. 20+ years later, Mike has recorded over a hundred albums and Ep’s for other artists, toured with his own band, and mastered countless recordings. Of all the facets of engineering he found mastering to be the most rewarding. I talk with Mike Kalajian (pronounced Kalasion) about his background, his thriving mastering business Rogue Planet Mastering as well as his workflow. Mike is a really nice guy who is passionate about what he does and I found it a pleasure speaking with him. Enjoy. -Matt

WCA #071 with Niko Bolas

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 18:42:00 -0700

Finding detailed information on Producer/Engineer/Mixer Niko Bolas is a challenge. Niko is not a publicity hound and generally avoids big star-studded events. He’s a man that stays focused on the work in front of him and he puts his all into it. Looking at his discography you’ll notice a couple of things, repeat clients such as Neil Young, Melissa Etheridge, Robert Cray, and the late Warren Zevon for example. The other thing you’ll notice is the large number of records he has worked on coupled with the fact that he’s not a household name except to those in the know. He’s passionate about what he does and takes it seriously. We discuss that passion as well as Niko’s work style. Richard Dodd makes an appearance during the interview which adds a bit of laughter to the situation. You’ll dig it. Enjoy -Matt

Photo Credit: Robert Cabral

WCA #070 with Al Schmitt and Steve Genewick

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 07:00:00 -0700

What can you say about Al Schmitt that has not been said? The man truly is a legend and a complete professional. He has scored a pile of Grammy wins and nominations over the years, recorded and mixed more than 150 gold and platinum albums plus his credit list includes Henry Mancini, Sam Cooke, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Sammy Davis, Jr., Natalie Cole, Thelonious Monk, Elvis Presley, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, to name just a few.

Steve Genewick has been Al Schmitt’s assistant for the last 15 years working with artists such as Diana Krall, Chris Botti, Gladys Knight, Neil Young, George Benson, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, and Paul McCartney. Steve is a three-time GRAMMY® nominated recording engineer with over twenty-five years of experience, both as a studio and live recording engineer. Steve has worked primarily out of Capitol Studios as a staff engineer since 1994. When not at Capitol, Steve can be found working at any number of major recording studios in Los Angeles or mixing at his home studio.

My conversation with Al and Steve revolves mainly around their new video coming out called ” The Art of Recording a Big Band“. The seminar-turned film follows Al and Steve as they teach a group of people their methods for recording a big band out of Capital Studios.

WCA #069 with Magnus Lindberg

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 17:55:00 -0700

Magnus Lindberg is a freelance engineer based in Stockholm, Sweden. Despite his young age of 35 he has already been an audio professional for 14 years, working with a wide range of independent bands and artists from all over the world.

Starting out at a young age with various intern ships, most noticeable the one at Sound City Studios, LA he then found himself a part of the production team at Tonteknik Recording, under which roof he stayed for about 8 years until moving to Stockholm and becoming completely solo. Although he has been doing many projects in studios in London, Paris etc he is now a co-owner of a brand new facility in central Stockholm in which he conducts his mixing and mastering work which nowadays takes up most of his time. While not doing engineering he also play live drums (and does studio engineering) in Cult of Luna, a well established band in the alternative rock/metal scene.

Matt talks with Magnus about Stockholm, his business practice, building a new studio from the ground up and the gear he uses to do his job.

Website: www.magnuslindberg.com

Facebook: www.facecbook.com/magnuslindbergproductions

Twitter: mlprod

Studio: www.redmount.studio

Band: www.cultofluna.com

WCA #068 with John Paterno

Mon, 04 Apr 2016 07:00:00 -0700

John Paterno is an LA-based audio pro. He has worked with a wide range of artists, including Robbie Williams, Soraya, Badly Drawn Boy, Lustra, The Thrills, Tim McGraw, Robben Ford, Eros Ramazzotti, and The Steve Gadd Band in his 25+ years in the music business.

John moved to Los Angeles two weeks after graduating from the University of Miami’s Music Engineering program, and quickly gained footing as a ‘freelance assistant’ until he was offered a position at Sunset Sound/Sound Factory as a staff engineer/assistant. It was at Sound Factory where he ended up on a session with Tchad Blake and Mitchell Froom, and was for the next several years involved in many of their seminal records — projects by Los Lobos, Suzanne Vega, American Music Club, and the Latin Playboys, among many others.

John’s first projects as an engineer include Ted Hawkins’ ‘The Next Hundred Years’, that dog’s ‘Retreat From the Sun’, and co-producing the Los Lobos score for the film ‘Feeling Minnesota’. From there he worked with a range of producers including Mitchell Froom, Joe Chiccarelli, Byron Gallimore, and Stephen Duffy.

In 2004 he won a Latin Grammy for his work on the ‘Soraya’ record.

John has also produced or co-produced projects for Mitchell Froom, Lustra, Robbie Williams, The Lilac Time, The Black Molly’s, and many other artists.

In addition to producing and mixing projects, John has also: written songs with new artists; composed for TV and film; written articles for Tape Op magazine and the Universal Audio site; and has done instructional videos on mixing with PureMix.

Website: www.musicdafoz.com

Instagram: paternodafoz

Twitter: @paternodafoz

WCA #067 with Matt Wright

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 20:34:00 -0700

Matt Wright grew up in an extended musical family, of both musicians and aficionados. Every family gets together involved extended periods of both playing music and arguing about pop records, which strongly influenced his relationship with music: a) He’s a lifelong musician because of it, b) He was raised listening to the canon of great pop records, and c) He was surrounded by people who thought that pop music and record albums were important. They were more than just a consumer product for teenagers to buy and eventually throw away. A great pop record was a work of art that was worth arguing about and that you could have an ongoing relationship with.

Matt toyed around with cassette recorders when he was young (My First Sony, anyone?), but Matt was never one to get too excited by the technology itself (aside from a new Walkman or CD player being a cool toy). Matt had no interest in the Sound Crew when I was in high school – mixers, speakers, amplifiers (other than the guitar kind) all seemed rather dull to him. It was only after Matt had his first multitrack experience, watching a couple of friends use Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 to build a complete arrangement of a song from just a couple of guitar riffs that he got excited about recording technology. Something clicked for him when he realized that not only could he learn to make music recordings that sounded more like real records and less like My First Sony, but that he could also use the technology of recording to expand what he could do creatively with music.

Today, Matt’s interest in and philosophy for record production and engineering are still driven by the principles discovered in these early moments. Matt believes in striving for exceptional quality at all times – in arrangement, in performance, and in sound. He believes the technology should serve the record-making process in the most transparent way possible, never dictate it. And he believes that a record album is an art form in its own right, not just a translation of live musical performance and that making a great record is something worth pursuing for its own artistic merits.

Matt and Matt talk about his transition from intern to chief engineer at Prairie Sun Recording, being a new dad, and his absence of gear lust.

Read more about Matt at www.mattwrightsound.com

WCA #067 also features part 3 of a series of discussions on acoustics with Realtraps general manager James Lindenschmidt!

WCA #066 with Graham Hick - Public Radio, Interviewing Well, Dressing for the Job, and the role of a Master Control Engineer.

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 19:00:00 -0700

Graham Hick has been an audio professional for the past 17 years. He is an amateur musician who holds a BA in music recording from Columbia College. He has written for Tape Op magazine and been a featured speaker and panelist at their professional conferences, taught audio production at Columbia College for five years, worked in jingle studios, voice studios, post-production studios, and public radio. He has also done some live sound and even did a stint in Hollywood where one of the sound editing crews he was on was nominated for an Oscar in 2009 (Transformers – Revenge of the Fallen). Currently working at Minnesota Public Radio as a Master Control Engineer, he is able to use all of the skills and knowledge gained in the field throughout his entire career. Now wearing bifocals and taking care of a 12-year-old cat Graham lives a quiet, happy and modest life in Minneapolis. His very brief IMDB film credits page can be viewed at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3476550/

WCA #065 with Brad Brooks

Mon, 14 Mar 2016 20:51:00 -0700

Brad Brooks is that rare quadruple threat of writer, player, singer, and performer. His songs combine the melodic sensibility of Elvis Costello, the best instincts of Wilco and Brian Wilson, along with the orchestral sophistication of Queen. Brooks is rooted in a kind of Victorian California romanticism; and with the release of his record “Harmony Of Passing Light” Brooks joined his peers with the best work of his career. His gift for melody and his soaring vocals remain the most immediately impressive traits of his music. Brooks’ voice can wail like a blue-eyed soul singer, whisper plaintively, croon with just a touch of twang, or soar through the most demanding melodic acrobatics, and he pulls off all of these different guises on “Harmony” without the record sounding disjointed. Rather, it’s an album with multiple textures that still feels unified. Brooks has found the essence of his own unique voice, and been one of the Bay Area’s best-kept secrets for years. He’s also survived stage 4 throat cancer as of last year, and has been in the studio with his live band recording a new record with Adam Rossi at AR Audio in SF, with songs mixed by Craig Schumacher of Wavelab from Tucson. Brooks has also shared the stage with Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, opened for Grammy-winning band Train, Imagine Dragons, and Linda Perry

For this episode Matt talks with Brad to get a perspective of recording from the other side of the glass. Brad talks about his experiences as an artist when it comes to recording.

Check Brad out at: http://www.bradbrooksmusic.com/

WCA #064 with Johnny Sangster

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 19:20:00 -0700

Johnny Sangster is known for his production and engineering work with Mudhoney, Posies, The Supersuckers, Smoosh, and The Makers, and also as guitarist for the Tripwires, Mark Pickerel and His Praying Hands, The Dear John Letters, and Steve Turner’s Bad Ideas. Johnny has also served as bassist for the legendary Roy Loney in the Longshots. Originally from Seattle, Johnny Sangster relocated to Europe in 1984 where he led the Copenhagen-based The Sharing Patrol until ’97. The Sharing Patrol recorded for EMI and toured extensively through Europe, Scandinavia, and the former Soviet Union.

Upon returning to Seattle in ’97, he took up engineering full time at Conrad Uno’s Egg Studio, a place well established by Uno’s work with The Young Fresh Fellows, Gas Huffer, and the Presidents of the United States of America. In the period of the late ’90s and early 2000s. Johnny Sangster worked the Posies, the Murder City Devils, the Supersuckers, Zeke, The Fireballs of Freedom, Dr. Explosion, The Makers, Gerald Collier and many others.

In 2001 Johnny Sangster teamed up with Robb Benson of the Nevada Bachelors (whose debut record Johnny had produced). The project turned into the band The Dear John Letters and proceeded to release three full-length albums to significant local acclaim.

In 2002 he recorded several tracks for Mudhoney’s Since We’ve Become Translucent. This led to producing and performing with Mudhoney guitarist Steve Turner on his three solo releases: Searching For Melody, And His Bad Ideas, and New Wave Punk Asshole. Johnny also continued to collaborate with Mudhoney on their 2006 release Under a Billion Sons and 2007’s Live Mud.

The latter half of the 2000s was a very productive period, with many records recorded and released. A full discography is available @ www.sangstermania.com.

In 2007 Johnny founded Crackle & Pop! Studio with partners Andrew Smith and Scott Masoner. The studio is a small and affordable place to track and to mix.

Johnny Sangster is currently playing guitar for Tripwires, a band fronted by John Ramberg (formerly of Model Rockets) and backed by Jim Sangster on bass and Mark Pickerel on drums. Since the releases of their debut “Makes You Look Around” and the follow-up “House to House” the Tripwires have garnered the attention of audiences throughout the Northwest and beyond.

Matt and Johnny discuss parenting, studio overhead, retirement, and Johnny’s studio space Crackle and Pop!

WCA #064 also features part 2 of a series of discussions on acoustics with Realtraps general manager James Lindenschmidt!

Links for part 2.

http://realtraps.com/p_minitrap.htm

http://realtraps.com/install_mt.htm

WCA #063 with Joey Sturgis

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 19:02:00 -0700

Joey Sturgis is an educator, speaker, and fixture in the emergent modern rock music pantheon producing, engineering and mixing bands such as Asking Alexandria, Of Mice & Men, We Came As Romans, Blessthefall, and The Devil Wears Prada. He took his passion for drums and guitars and combined it with his love for understanding how things work and how to do things more efficiently. And he built a career with it. When other bands started hitting him up about how he was recording, he knew he had discovered something special. Joey Sturgis Tones develops, simplifies, and ultimately makes available the tools necessary to execute the creative visions of musicians, producers, and songwriters from any walk of life. Joey is indeed, a new breed of music professional.

Matt and Joey discuss the many aspects of Joey’s music world and his skills as an entrepreneur.

Links for Joey:

WCA #063 also features the first of a series of discussions on acoustics with Realtraps general manager James Lindenschmidt!

Linkes for James and Realtraps.

The filtered pink noise listening test we spoke about is here:

http://realtraps.com/lf-noise.htm

Realtraps room setup strategy is here:

http://realtraps.com/art_room-setup.htm

WCA #062 with Maor Appelbaum

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 20:32:00 -0700

Maor Appelbaum is a mastering engineer and musician. After working as staff engineer (mixing, recording and mastering) for famed record producer Sylvia Massy Shivy at Radiostar Studios in Weed, California, Maor moved to Los Angeles where he opened his private mastering suite.

Maor has had the pleasure of mastering recordings for major international acts such as: Faith No More, Yes, Walter Trout, Eric Gales, Starset, Ill Nino, Dokken, Fates Warning, William Shatner, Gus G, Common Kings, Sepultura, Yngwie Malmsteen, Halford, Fight, Armored Saint, Lita ford, Seven The Hardway , Marco Mendoza, Angra, Treponem Pal, Wayne Hussey, Therion, Cynic, Nekromantix, Butcher Babies, Billy Sherwood, The Top Chops and more…

He has mastered the works of well-known music producers such as: Matt Wallace, Mike Clink, Mike Plotnikoff, Bob Horn, Ben Grosse, Bassy bob Brockmann, Toby Wright, Justin Gray, Roy Z, Sylvia Massy, Gilby Clark, Warren Riker, Ryan Greene, Ulrich Wild, Fabrizio Grossi, Logan Mader, Stan Katayama, Ben Schigel, Mark Lewis, Jacob Hansen, Tue Madsen, Eyal Levi, Jason Suecof, Thomas Lang and more… Also, he does mastering for unsigned artists of all genres from all over the world.

Maor has an extensive background with the international music industry – He is well aware of the various music styles and sounds that are developing vastly as the today’s technology develops.

To Maor, being a mastering engineer is the best way possible to combine his love and passion for music, with his various skills- objectivity, subjectivity, and technical & artistic prowess. He finds pleasure in his job, more than anything, thanks to the variety of music and sounds he gets to master from all over the world.

It is a profession he takes pride in, and masters.

Maor speaks with Matt about moving to the the United States from Israel and the challenges he encountered, his economic philosophy and working with clients.

http://www.maorappelbaum.com/

Articles by or about Maor.

WCA #061 with TW Walsh

Mon, 15 Feb 2016 17:10:00 -0700

TW Walsh is a solo artist, musician, songwriter, and mastering engineer. As a mastering engineer, TW Walsh has over 700 projects under his belt, including work for Sufjan Stevens, Benjamin Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie), The Shins, Cold War Kids, Pedro the Lion, David Bazan, Starflyer 59, Kristin Hersh, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Damien Jurado. As a songwriter and recording artist, TW was a member of Pedro the Lion, Headphones, and The Soft Drugs and has released several solo albums including his most recent “Fruitless Research”.

Our discussion covers family, touring, mastering, as well as building his own control surface! Enjoy.

WCA #060 with Brian McTear

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 18:02:00 -0700

Brian McTear is a nationally respected record producer, musician, and the owner of one of Philadelphia’s most revered independent recording studios, Miner Street Recordings in Fishtown. In the 18 years since he moved to the Philadelphia music community, Brian has worked with countless local artists like Dr. Dog, Kurt Vile, and The War on Drugs, as well as national artists like Sharon Van Etten and Joan Osborne, whose grammy nominated album “Bring it on Home” he mixed in 2011.

McTear is also the founder of Weathervane Music , a non profit arts and culture organization whose mission is to advance independent music and the community that surrounds it. In 2010 he created and launched the organization’s flagship series, Shaking Through, a documentary series that takes place in Philadelphia and captures the recording studio performances of 7 – 10 select independent musical groups each year as they each record one song in two days. .

Weathervane’s membership program has allowed thousands of music fans, musicians and home recording enthusiasts, in countries all around the world, the opportunity to download and remix the beautifully captured Shaking Through recordings. More recently, Weathervane has been developing a program to provide teaching materials for college and university recording programs, a project that will change the way future engineers learn to record music.

Brian and Matt chat over Skype about Miner Street and Weathervane music as well as the music business as a whole. Special thanks to WCA listener and Weathervane Music member Bob Bailey for his many messages that finally got Matt off his ass to check into Brian and his amazing ventures!

WCA #059 with Tardon Feathered

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 18:18:00 -0700

Tardon Feathered runs an audio operation that keeps recordings alive. His Mr. Toads transfer business specializes in bringing back audio off of media made on machines that are no longer made or very few people have. Whether it’s a priceless family 3″ tape recording, that lost bandmaster on the 8 track, a live recording on a videocassette that doesn’t look anything like VHS, or even 78 rpm records, he is equipped to transfer most anything. These days, it’s not too big of a stretch to include digital sources such as floppy discs, Syquest, Jaz, DVD-RAM, and MO drives as near-obsolete formats because of the difficulty in finding any units to play them back on. Tardon is able to handle simple projects like the transfer of priceless 16, 33, 45, and 78 rpm recordings, to complete restorations of tape libraries (including tape baking and splice replacement!) and transfer them to whatever digital format you need via the highest quality signal chain available. It would be near impossible to make a list of the formats he is able to work on, but I think you get the idea. You can hear some of his work on the site Wolfgangs Vault where Tardon helped digitally transfer the entire catalog. Want to hear a Little Feat show from 1975 or a Police show from 1979? That’s all possible due to Tardon’s expertise in outdated formats and how to handle them.

Matt went out to Vallejo, California to talk with Tardon and his trusty dog Verna about his recent move out of San Francisco and the nature of his business.

WCA #058 with Jim Scott

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 20:38:00 -0700

This interview with Jim Scott was recorded live at the Focal booth at NAMM 2016 was fantastic. Jim is best known for his large body of work as an engineer and his work as a producer with the American rock band Wilco.

Jim has worked as an engineer with a range of other rock music artists, including Dixie Chicks, Tom Petty, Sting, the Rolling Stones, Roger Daltrey, Crowded House, 7 Worlds Collide, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lowen & Navarro, Jack’s Mannequin, Ron Sexsmith and many others. Scott won a Grammy Award for his work as an engineer on Red Hot Chili Peppers’ benchmark album Californication (which he also mixed), as well as for engineering Tom Petty’s Wildflowers, mixing the Foo Fighters’ One By One, doing engineering work on Santana’s Supernatural, and getting three Grammys for his work on the Dixie Chicks’ Taking The Long Way. He also mixed Matchbox Twenty’s “More Than You Think You Are” which reached a no. 6 on the US Billboard 200 and had two Top10 singles on the US Hot100.

In 2013 he participated in the movie Sound City, by Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), along with many others such as Paul McCartney, Butch Vig, Neil Young and Tom Petty. The movie was about the Neve console and its many visitors over the years, through the studio of Sound City, which by the way was where Nirvana’s Nevermind was recorded.

Jim and Matt discuss doing a job well no matter what that job is, including scrubbing toilets. They also discuss shrinking budgets and his Neve console.

Photo by Kerry Rose.

WCA #057 with The Pellicci Brothers

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 17:01:00 -0700

The Pellicci brothers Jay and Ian, spent 13 years as staff engineers at Tiny Telephone working with bands like Sleater-Kinney, Deerhoof, Birds and Batteries and Rogue Wave. Since then they have expanded their recording universe and have joined Eli Crews and John Finkbeiner in a partnership at New Improved Recording. While they still work at many other studios including Tiny, New Improved acts as a sort of home base. Since coming on board at NIR, they have given the studio a complete makeover that included replacing the AMEK Einstein with a lovely highly customized 5316 series Neve and added burlap covered acoustic treatment on the walls. The brothers came to the Bay Area on a family vacation when they were kids. During that vacation their father stumbled upon a job opportunity in Silicon Valley and the family ended up staying and living in Fremont, California.

Matt and the Pellicci brothers discuss the studio makeover, their deep devotion of time and money to the recording world, and the Neve console that is the centerpiece of New Improved.

WCA #056 with Josh Roberts

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 08:00:00 -0700

I’ve known Josh Roberts for over 20 years now. He’s humble, fun, and one of the best human beings I know. He doesn’t waste time trying to impress people. To highlight that he doesn’t even have a web page, bio, Facebook page etc… He’s passionate about making records and is really good at letting people be themselves. I’ve been in a couple studio situations with him, I’ve toured with him and he was at my wedding. The guy is honestly in many ways from another time period. As a live sound person he has done sound from bands like the Squirrel Nut Zippers to politicians. As a studio rat he has worked with many including Jack Dangers of Meat Beat Manifesto. Santo, his new studio is a true incarnation of what Josh is about. Josh is a dear friend who I’ve learned a ton from over the years, so it with great pleasure I hand this interview over to the WCA audience to hear. Cheers, Matt

WCA #055 with Ben Bernstein

Mon, 04 Jan 2016 08:00:00 -0700

Producer/Engineer Ben Bernstein has worked extensively as a music producer and recording engineer. In recent years Ben has been working in game audio as a sound designer & project manager. He has also mixed several documentary films, online ads, and interactive in-app ads. Working with Disney Mobile, Pyramind Sound, KFOG , Microsoft as well as numerous Bay Area bands, Ben keeps his audio world diversified. Ben is also an incredible in-demand live and session bass player who has taught at the famous Blue Bear School of Music. Matt joins Ben at his home studio (Petting Zoo) for a chat that took place on New Years eve.

WCA #054 with Sebastien Richard

Sun, 27 Dec 2015 08:00:00 -0700

After getting his audio education Sebastien Richard took a position as the head audio engineer at Coast Recorders in San Francisco and quickly became a mainstay in the crowded San Francisco audio world. Sebastien went on to spend a few years in NYC and Prague where he toured and helped produce some of the biggest pop acts in the world. He then returned to San Francisco to become the lead audio engineer for the legendary Cafe Du Nord and opened up Mission Recorders, an up and coming recording studio that has the claim to be one of the few in the city with an all original issue Neve console. He also is FOH for various venues including Slims, Great American Music Hall and The Chapel.

Matt and Sebastien discuss running a studio, building your own equipment, touring, corporate audio and the ability to mix for 5000 people after having surgery!

WCA #053 with Darrell Thorp

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 08:00:00 -0700

Darrell Thorp is a seven time Grammy Award winning (OutKast, Radiohead, Switchfoot, Molotov, Beck) producer, mixer, engineer with over 18 years experience under his belt and many multi platinum records to his discography. Darrell moved to Los Angles in 1997 after a 4 year service in the U.S. Navy and started interning at smaller studios and eventually worked his way up to an Assistant Engineer at some of L.A.’s prestigious studios such as Track Record, Conway, and finally Ocean Way Recording. It was at Ocean Way recording that Darrell meet famed Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich. Shortly after meeting Godrich, Darrell became his full time engineer and ended up recording Beck’s “Sea Change”, Radiohead’s “Hail to The Thief”, Paul McCartney’s “Chaos and Creation In The Back Yard” and many others. Currently Darrell is splitting his time between mixing various records and projects and producing. Darrell has had the pleasure of being the principle recording engineer on Beck’s “Morning Phase” which granted him 3 additional Grammys for Best Engineered Album, Rock Album of the Year, and Album of the Year.

Matt and Darrell talk about his time in the Navy and its influence on his recording career, the influence of Nigel Godrich, pacing yourself in the studio as well mixing in the box.

WCA #052 with Robert Preston

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 08:00:00 -0700

After 10 years working as a sales rep for a pro audio and recording equipment distributer, Robert Preston made the plunge into recording full-time by opening a recording studio (GetReel) and locating it inside a rehearsal facility (Secret Studios) surrounded by bands! As one would imagine Robert gets a lot of business directly from the many bands rehearsing in the building, since it’s easy for them to take their gear down the hall to GetReel. After 10 years in the first incarnation of the studio then 13 years in the “new” studio, Robert continues a steady stream of work. As Robert says, “I still love working with and recording bands and singer-songwriters and helping them with their projects and visions of their music. I come at the recording process from a player’s perspective. I’ve built the studio with the players in mind, and I think it shows.”

Matt and Robert dissect Robert’s recording situation and talk gear, money, location and the pros and cons of growing.

WCA #051 with Peter Doell

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 08:00:00 -0700

Growing up in a house filled with music Peter studied the ʻclassicsʼ by day, but escaped to play – way underaged – at night in bars & clubs to gain the requisite “chops” – playing rock, blues, and jazz throughout high school. Although entering college in a pre-med program, he quickly re-found his musical bearings, and graduated with a degree in Electronic Music Composition! Upon completion of his degree, he went on to be a journeyman musician and engineer, and after several years working in recording studios in Boston, relocated to LA in 1980. His entrance into the recording scene there was facilitated by his technical background, and got a staff position at Capitol Studios as a studio tech. But he quickly got “in the trenches” – in sessions there, recording everyone from Prince, Frank Sinatra, David Lee Roth, the Stray Cats and Miles Davis along the way.

The lure of films took him away from Capitol after 15 years, and he took a staff position at Sony Pictures Entertainment doing scoring. While there, his efforts were heard in films like “Black Hawk Down”, “The Patriot” and “Road To Perdition”.

Then he felt a desire to return to sound-only media – and has been a part of Universal Mastering Studios in Hollywood for the last 10 years. While there, Peter has mastered hundreds of projects for the likes of Robin Thicke, Fergie, Steve Lukather, WAR, Marilyn Manson, John Waite and many more. While just a few years ago, much of Peterʼs schedule was filled with mixing the music for Rock Band and Guitar Hero video games where artists from the Universal roster were being featured. Nowadays, he still mixes a few projects, recently for artists such as Toby Keith, Rachel MacFarlane, Rhiannon and Otmaro Ruiz.

The recording scene nowadays has changed so much in the last decade. Peter has seen many of the old-guard first-call studios – AND engineers – fall by the boards as the new wave of record-making takes hold. But sitting at the “finish-line”, or Mastering, gives him a very valuable insight into what has become paramount in the making of modern recordings. He is here to share some of that with you.

Matt and Pete discuss age, what makes Universal Mastering special, working at facility versus working as a freelancer, low-end management, Pete’s new video series The Star Chamber, and the brilliance of Al Schmitt.

WCA #050 with Larry Crane

Mon, 30 Nov 2015 08:00:00 -0700

Larry Crane has been involved in music since the late seventies, when he self-released home recordings of his own music. Since then he’s been a musician, record producer/engineer/mixer, Tape Op Magazine founder and editor, book editor, studio owner, archivist, disc jockey, small label owner and even a record distributor employee.

From 1994 to 1997, Crane ran Laundry Rules Recording, a home studio in his basement in Portland, where he recorded artists that include Versus, Stephen Malkmus and Cat Power. Since 1997, Crane has owned and run Jackpot! Recording Studio, Inc., a busy mid-sized studio in Portland, where he has worked with artists such as Sleater-Kinney, The Joggers, The Decemberists, Jenny Lewis, M. Ward, The Go-Betweens, Elliott Smith, Death Cab for Cutie, The Thermals, Stephen Malkmus, Quasi, The Portland Cello Project, Jason Lytle and Richmond Fontaine.

Crane has spoken on and moderated panels about recording for TapeOpCon, South by Southwest, North by Northwest, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Potluck Audio Conference, Indie Music Forum and College Music Journal. He has worked in the past as a record label owner, radio station music director, disc jockey, record distributor employee, freelance music journalist and band manager. Starting in 1984, he has been a bass player in several bands, including Elephant Factory, Vomit Launch, Sunbirds, Foggy Notion and Flaming Box of Ants.

Larry and Matt talk about almost 20 years of Tape Op Magazine, his experience running Jackpot! Recording, the symbiotic relationship with pro audio manufacturers, working at other studios and a little business advice.

WCA #049 with F. Reid Shippen

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 08:00:00 -0700

You gotta love this guy. I asked him for a bio and I got this.....

"I hate bios. Bios suck. For more information about me you can visit my website at http://www.robotlemon.com/"

So in an effort to have a little bit more info here's this.... F. Reid Shippen is a New Jersey-born, Nashville-based, highly motivated, completely caffeinated multiple Grammy® award-winning producer/engineer/mixer.

Matt and Reid talk family, work/life balance, his power supply to his SSL, interns and much more. Listen in and enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving to my American audience! -Matt

WCA #048 with Bill Simpkins

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 09:33:00 -0700

Bill Simpkins started in a music career by teaching guitar at the age of 16. In the early 1990s, he started recording his own projects and other bands mostly in the local hardcore punk or straight-edge metal scene with some ADATs and a Mackie mixer. He then worked for several years at Binary Recording Studio with regional bands, eclectic audio projects, orchestras and films.

In 2001, Bill graduated with a degree in Mathematics and became a software engineer but still did audio part-time. In 2011 he created Alpenglow Sound Studios in the downstairs of his house and has been mostly mixing and recording local/remote artists and doing part-time software engineering.

Bill may be best known for his blog titled "aediaries" that aims to present highly-filtered information and useful philosophies for those who don't want to sift through endless forum posts and opinions.

He enjoys climbing, snowboarding and surfing. He sings and plays guitar in the heavy metal band "Slavemason".

Some of the artists Bill has worked with are over the years are: AeTopus, Spindle, Jae Apollo, Dig the Particulars, Regan Mckinnon (Little Kingfisher), Amy Hindman, Kastle King, Clambake, Celestrial Navigation, Medici, Skeptoid Podcast, Mcknarley's Rant, Phil Kelly, Jayhawker, Andy O, Hakon Sveinsson, G8a, Dana Lyons, Big Sur ...

Bill and Matt talk about having a day job and still running a recording studio, Martin Birch (Producer Iron Maiden), how engineers can do better by there clients and the role of quality equipment.

https://www.facebook.com/AEDiaries

http://billsimpkins.com/

http://www.alpenglowsound.com

http://aediaries.com/

WCA #047 with John Vanderslice

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 08:00:00 -0700

John Vanderslice (born in Gainesville, Florida) is an American musician, songwriter, record producer, and recording engineer.

He is the owner and founder of Tiny Telephone, and Tiny Telephone Oakland, Bay Area analog recording studios.

In 10 full-length albums, and 5 remix records and EPs, Vanderslice’s songwriting is characterized by deeply personal and political lyrics and the use of experimental analog recording techniques. His declared musical influences are diverse, ranging from Neutral Milk Hotel and Radiohead to Public Enemy and Henry Cowell. He has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Mark Kozelek, St. Vincent, and John Darnielle.

He is currently a full-time producer and has worked with The Mountain Goats, Teen Daze, Spoon, Strand Of Oaks and Sophie Hunger.

Matt and John sit down for a chat in Tiny Telephone studio A where they discuss borrowing money, the opening of Tiny Telephone Oakland, smoking pot & climate change. After all that…they go out for amazing Mexican food in the Mission District of San Francisco.

WCA #046 with Matt Wallace

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 08:00:00 -0700

Matt Wallace is an American record producer. He is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, and has been producing professionally since the early 1980s. He is best known for his work with Faith No More, Maroon 5, O.A.R., The Replacements, and Train.

Wallace has produced some of Faith No More’s most iconic recordings, including We Care a Lot, their debut album on Mordam Records. He produced and mixed their breakthrough album, The Real Thing, which featured the hit song, “Epic.” He produced Angel Dust, named the #1 most influential album of all time by Kerrang!. In 2015, he joined the band again to co-mix their album, Sol Invictus. The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Hard Rock Album chart.

He produced albums for The Replacements (Don’t Tell A Soul), Paul Westerberg (14 Songs) and John Hiatt (Perfectly Good Guitar). He co-produced the debut Juno-nominated album for Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk. The album was certified double platinum in Canada.

Wallace produced and mixed Songs About Jane, the debut album for Maroon 5, including the Top 40 hit singles “Harder To Breathe,” “This Love,” “Sunday Morning,” and “She Will Be Loved.” The album has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, and won a Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” in 2005.

Since then, Wallace has co-written songs and produced two albums for O.A.R. He has also co-written and produced several songs for Andy Grammer, an album for Pepper, and mixed Blackberry Smoke’s album The Whippoorwill.

In 2013, Wallace started a live music project with Will Kennedy (whose credits include Michael Franti, Thirsty Merc, Andy Grammer, and Pepper) called ‘Live at Studio Delux’. The goal is to help music fans discover the joy of authentic live performances. With over 30 years of combined experience professionally recording and producing music, Wallace and Kennedy capture the artist at their best in a live studio environment. Each artist session is recorded in one day at Wallace’s own studio, Studio Delux. The mastered recordings are made available on iTunes while video content can be watched on the project’s Youtube channel.

Matt talks with Matt about almost giving up, the reality of vintage instruments, as well as getting back into having his own studio and being a one man production house.

WCA #045 with Piper Payne

Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:00:00 -0700

Piper Payne is a Mastering Engineer at Coast Mastering (formerly Michael Romanowski Mastering) in San Francisco. Piper is the Vice President of the SF Chapter of the Recording Academy and she Co-Chairs the SF Producers and Engineers Wing. She also serves on the Education Committee. In addition she is an active member of the AES and the Women's Audio Mission, as well as being the CEO of Giving Stage. Piper is an audio educator and lectures often about mastering and recording. She is also a first-call for large venue concert and classical recordings.

Piper began her career with a BFA in Audio from the University of Michigan, continuing her Graduate education in Audio at the University of Stavanger in Norway. Piper has apprenticed under some of the best Mastering and audio mentors in the world, including Bob Katz in Orlando and Michael Romanowski in San Francisco. Piper moved to San Francisco after working at the Banff Centre in Alberta, Canada as the Senior Audio Associate in a work-study program that had her climbing glaciers for film sound design and recording jazz orchestras in the same day! Piper's focus is Mastering and she lives for quality and equality in audio.

Piper and Matt talk with each other at her new location at Coast Mastering in Berkeley, CA. They two chat about moving to a new facility, room tuning, parking, coffee and audiophiles.

Coast Mastering on Facebook

WCA #044 with Eli Crews

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 07:30:00 -0700

Eli Crews has been recording since the early-'90s, when he started making weirdo fractured music on 4-track machines, hugely inspired by The Residents and early Devo. At the time he was also a very active musician, playing guitar and bass in a zillion and a half San Francisco bands. Over the course of making a few albums at small studios owned by Myles Boisen and Kyle Statham, he became inspired to pursue recording himself. Already being part of a vibrant music community, it was easy to find musicians and bands to practice his skills on.

Things have luckily come a long way since then. Artists Eli has had the enormous fortune to work with, either in the studio or onstage, include tUnE-yArDs, ?uestlove, Yoko Ono, Kathleen Hanna/The Julie Ruin, Yuka Honda/Cibo Matto, Sean Ono Lennon/The GOASTT, Yo La Tengo, Laurie Anderson, Marc Ribot, Deerhoof, WHY?, Son Lux, Colin Stetson, Mike Watt, Erase Errata, Scott Amendola, Jeff Parker (Tortoise), Fred Frith, Ben Goldberg, Nels Cline (Wilco), Greg Cohen (Masada/Tom Waits), and Maria Muldaur. He has also assisted legendary engineers Roger Moutenout, Oz Fritz, and Ron St. Germain.

Eli spends most of his days working at Figure 8 Recording in Brooklyn, NY, although he still co-owns New, Improved Recording in Oakland, CA, which he co-founded in 2003. He has also made albums at Tiny Telephone (SF), Fantasy Studios (Berkeley), Electric Lady Studios (NYC), Oscilloscope (NYC), the Bunker (Brooklyn), High Bias Recording (Detroit) and Broken Radio Studios (RIP!).

Eli and Matt talk about moving out of the Bay Area to New York, Family, interns and much more.

You can find more information at www.elicrews.com.

WCA #043 with Eric Valentine

Mon, 12 Oct 2015 07:00:00 -0700

Eric Valentine, is a record producer, who began his career as drummer and producer in the heavy metal band T-Ride. He subsequently produced albums for artists such as Good Charlotte, Taking Back Sunday, Nickel Creek, Queens of the Stone Age, Third Eye Blind, Smash Mouth, The All-American Rejects, Persephone’s Bees, and Slash, among others.

Eric chats with Matt about Undertone Audio, DIY acoustics, recording Dave Grohl & Dennis Chambers plus working his ass off and the importance of bringing your A-game. Moto the Bulldog makes an appearance by snoring during the interview.

Barefoot Recording (Eric's Studio)

Undertone Audio

WCA #042 with Greg Wurth

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 07:00:00 -0700

Greg Wurth is a Grammy Nominated, Gold & Platinum award-winning producer, working as Manager and Chief Engineer at L.A.’s Mothership Studio and Patagonia Studio. His credits range from Steve Vai and Tony MacAlpine to Tracii Guns to Jim Florentine & Don Jamieson, 2Cellos and Mary J Blige. Greg has been Steve Vai’s Engineer for 10 years and spends much his time in the “Harmony Hut” studio in Encino, CA where Greg and Steve currently do all of Vai’s projects.

“I grew up in southern San Diego. My parents were big fans of music and introduced me to The Beatles and Led Zeppelin early on. I used to collect cassettes & CD’s in the early ’90s and eventually I became interested enough to play an instrument, so I bought a guitar. I took lessons for a few years and had some bands but I realized that it wasn’t a natural thing for me. I eventually figured out that I was meant to produce and engineer music.”

Matt and Greg chat about working for Steve Vai and what he's learned from working with Vai over the years, work/life balance, buying gear, and what Greg finds important in purchasing decisions.

Greg's website.

WCA #041 with Kim Rosen

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 07:00:00 -0700

Kim Rosen grew up in the western Massachusetts town of Northampton. Known for its amazing college music scene, the town and surrounding area is infamous for spawning such ground-breaking acts as Sebadoh, Dinosaur Jr. and Buffalo Tom…just to name a few.

Kim realized early-on that music was a driving force in her life. She poured herself into the local music scene while searching out a way to carve a path for herself. It was in the summer of 2001 that a friend turned her on to a mastering studio in NJ that was looking for an intern. Kim jumped at the opportunity, moved to NJ and began her journey with West West Side Music.

After a couple of years in production, training and assisting in sessions, Kim was given the opportunity to take on her own mastering projects. While engineering at West West Side Kim racked up a few hundred mastering credits including notable projects from Jeremy Enigk, Franz Ferdinand, Dashboard Confessional and La Dispute.

In 2009 Kim dove in head-first and made the decision to go out on her own. She started Knack Mastering out of her home in Ringwood, NJ; building a proper room with the help of world-renowned acoustician Chris Pelonis, choosing the gear that would live in her racks, and growing a client list from around the world that now includes producers and engineers such as Joe Henry, Paul Bryan, Ryan Freeland and Will Yip.

Over the last five years, Kim’s mastered albums from Bettye Lavette, Wynonna Judd, Jeff Bridges and the Abiders, The Barr Brothers, Sarah Jaffe, Title Fight and Anthony Green. She was fortunate enough to master the remake of the Johnny Cash album “Bitter Tears” for Sony Masterworks which featured artists such as Emmylou Harris, Steve Earl, Kris Kristofferson, Gillian Welch and the Milk Carton Kids. Another recent project was the beautiful Rhiannon Giddens and Iron & Wine rendition of “Forever Young” for the Series Finale of NBC’s blockbuster television series “Parenthood”.

Kim continues to build a client base of artists, producers, labels and engineers who trust her ears, her experience and, above all, her respect for their mixes.

Matt and Kim discuss parenting, clients, retirement and partnering up with Nashville based studio Welcome to 1979.

WCA #040 with Nino Moschella

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 07:00:00 -0700

Bird and Egg studio owner Nino Moschella is a multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer, and producer, who has been professionally engineering and producing for 15 years (though his interest in record-making started nearly 25 years ago). Born into a musical family, Nino began playing drums at the age of 6 when his father asked him to keep time on the snare drum at a band rehearsal after the band’s drummer failed to show. At that point, Nino was hooked and in time added vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboard to his repertoire.

Moschella opened Bird and Egg in 2009. The studio has thrived and become a favorite of many of the Bay Area’s top musicians and singers. Moschella has had the opportunity to have supported the creation of a vastly diverse range of music for artists including, The late Skip Pitts (Issac Hayes Guitar player), Dennis Coffey, Chief Xcel of Blackalicious, Ledisi, Bernard Purdie, Laurie Lewis, Galactic, Ladybug Mecca (Digable Planets), Ashling Cole (of Larry Graham and Graham central station), Bilal, Maria Muldaur, Tiffany Austin, Strange Vine, !!!, and Shawn Lee among many others.

Nino has released 5 records of his own, all of which he recorded/produced and played most of the instruments, including three solo records out on the Ubiquity record label. His music has been featured on television and film including The Monuments men, Damages, Facing Ali, Eastbound and Down, Lincoln Heights among others. He lives in Oakland, CA with his wife and kids and loves to fish.

Matt turned a coffee meeting and gear sale into an interview with Nino. Matt and Nino discuss kids, studio ownership, mixing with clients or without as well as open communication with those you work with.

WCA #039 with John Greenham

Mon, 14 Sep 2015 07:00:00 -0700

John Greenham has had a love affair with mastering for over 20 years, starting in San Francisco at Rocket Lab in the mid-90s, and currently in Los Angeles where he re-located to in 2012 to work at Infrasonic Sound in Echo Park alongside Pete Lyman and Jeffrey Ehrenberg. John has earned several awards over the course of his career including Los Tigres Del Norte: Historias Que Contar – Grammy Winner 2006 (Mastering), Detalles Y Emociones – Grammy Winner 2007 (Mastering), Tu Noche Con…Los Tigres Del Norte – Grammy Winner 2009 (Mastering) Omar Sosa: Ceremony – Echo Jazz Award Big Band Album of the Year 2011 (Mixing, Mastering)

John’s nominations include Sistema Bomb – Electro-Jarocho – Nominated for a Latin Grammy 2013 (Mastering), Los Cojolites – Sembrando Flores – Nominated for a Latin Grammy 2013 (Mixing, Mastering), Omar Sosa – Calma – Nominated for a Latin Grammy 2011 (Mixing, Mastering), Pamela Rodriguez – Peru Blue – Nominated for Best New Artist, Latin Grammys 2006 (Mixing, Mastering)

John and Matt have been friends for several years and turn one of their recent calls into an interview to discuss mastering, mixing, working in a facility vs. being a freelancer as well as the anticipation of waiting for a client’s approval of a master or mix. Enjoy.

Photo by Kyle Davis

John on Twitter
John on Linkedin
John on Facebook

JOHNGREENHAM@GMAIL.COM

WCA #038 with Daniel Cantor

Mon, 07 Sep 2015 07:00:00 -0700

Daniel Cantor is an Assistant Professor at Berklee College of music and Teaches music production in the Songwriting Department and Music Productions and Engineering Department. Dan in 2015 received Berklee’s prestigious Fly Grant for teaching innovation and with that grant brought 2 male and 2 female outspoken Muslim Hip-Hop artists from Iraq, Syria, Jamaica and London to the Berklee campus. The artists came to teach, collaborate and perform with students and do work shops in over 25 classes discussing gender and religion in Hip-Hop, protest music, the nuances of teaching hip-hop at a music school, navigating Artist identity, Hip-hop production, humor, protest and the complex roles and choices facing of Arab and Arab Americans performers.

Originally Dan was a self producing artist in his own right w the band Hummer(on Accurate records) Dan became seduced by the role of the producer. Dan and his Studio Notable Productions have now produced many 100’s of albums for Global and American artists with various productions jobs for as diverse a crown as Aerosmith, Peggy Seager, Mr. Lif and Thomas Mapfumo in a wide range of genres and and recently won the Domincan version of a Grammy in 2014 for best album of the year and was nominated yet again in 2015. He is internationally known for his Global Hip-hop work with the Label he helped launch with his cousin Ben Herson…. Nomadic Wax records, which began with the Senegalese compilations “African underground Volumes 1 and 2” that topped the charts in Africa and Europe.

He scored , mixed and helped produce the Documentary “Democracy In Dakar” that followed a Senegalese election through the eyes of its ever vigil and informed Hip-Hop stars, who ultimately played a crucial role in the election itself.

With Nomadic Wax Dan has produced and recorded the Trinity International Hip Hop Festival for 10 years running and through that has recorded and worked with Talib Kweli, Jean Grae , Poetic Pilgrimage, Brother Ali, Krs -One, Dead Prez to name a few out of over 100’s of both global and American hip-hop artists. He is proud to have helped produce and master the “World Hip Hip Women” compilations volume one and two. Much of the music he loves working on is political in nature. “The story behind a piece of music is its life force” . The anti bush song “ Asshole” he co-wrote and produced with the boston band Jim’s Big Ego got 4 millions downloads in 6 months way before YouTube was even around. Even before teaching at Berklee he donated his studio and talents to student winners of Berklee’s “Music for Social Change Competition” and was music and financial executive producer for albums by artists from Mali, Zimbabwe, Cape Verde, Jamaica, India, Senegal, Italy, and Iraq. Dan helped US Peace keepers create recordings to teach indigenous language to border conflict deployed troops. Dan produced tracks with and for popular Congolese artists working with USAID to bring unity back to a community ravaged by violence against families but especially women. Dan recently recorded the Sierra Leone Refugee all-stars at his home to spread positive radio messages about Ebola prevention through out Africa.

Dan links his heartfelt feminist leanings to his grandmother Lucille, who taught him to be vocal and stand against injustice. She was an early president of the League of Woman voters and was arm and arm with her friend Carrie Chapman Catt.

You can see Dan in the 2015 Aljazeera documentary about the brilliant female Muslim duo Poetic Pilgrimage called “Hip-hop Hijabs”. He is beardless but none the less vigilant.

Busy guy! Dan talks with Matt about selling gear, global Hip Hop, running a commercial studio in his house where his family lives as well as speaker placement.

Dan’s bio from Notable.com

Notable.com

NomadicWax.com

Bigego.com

WCA #037 with Sean McLaughlin

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 16:15:00 -0700

Sean McLaughlin loves a lot of things, but his two favorite things are his wife and recording/mixing songs. After working in Los Angeles for the early part of the 2000s with some notable producers (Andy Johns, Jimbo Barton, Carmen Rizzo) and artists (Rush, Elliott Smith, Marilyn Manson, Death Row Records) Sean returned to Boston in 2004 to open his own studio, 37’ Productions. Since opening his studio Sean has been working on projects and with artists both regionally and nationally. Some of the artists with whom he has plied his trade are Matchbox Twenty, Queensryche, Dirty Vegas, Sarah Blacker, Kristen Merlin, Rafael Moreira, and Dark New Day, as well as ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, MTV, and ESPN. In 2013, Sean had the honor of being named Producer of the Year by the New England Music Awards. Since the beginning of 2013, he has mixed over 500 songs. In 2014 he authored Mixing with iZotope, a comprehensive mixing guide for beginner to intermediate mixers. Sean also teaches Music Production and Engineering at Berklee College of Music and Audio & Media Technology at the New England Institute of Art. Sean and Matt discuss studio ownership, insurance, retirement, alternative jobs for recording engineers as well as numerous other career-related topics.

WCA #036 with Warren Huart

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 07:00:00 -0700

Warren Huart is an English music producer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. He has played a fundamental part in the creation of many platinum-selling and billboard soaring albums, as well as the development of many of today’s most successful artists’ careers. He also has the Produce Like A Pro video series, which offers recording tutorials to beginners as well as Spitfire Music, a one-stop music house focusing on licensing music for film and tv.

Warren is known for his hard work ethic, positive attitude and respect for the artist’s vision. Many of his long term relationships have turned into close friendships. With over 20 years of experience in the ever-expanding music industry (record production, engineering, mixing, and songwriting), as well his extensive knowledge of both modern and vintage musical equipment and instruments, Warren manages to create the most diverse sound around.

Warren and Matt talk about vintage gear, work-life balance, commutes, kids and populous politics in the music industry.

www.warrenhuart.com

WCA #035 with Catherine Vericolli

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 07:00:00 -0700

Catherine Vericolli lives in a recording studio, or rather her studio has taken over most of her residence since its beginnings in 2005. As an owner, engineer, and occasional tech at Fivethirteen Recording in Phoenix, AZ, she is dedicated to keeping the traditional analog recording process alive in the desert. Going on a decade of being in business, Fivethirteen has grown out of its local musician homestead roots into a stop-off for touring nationals and international bands, guest engineers, and home for the occasional film score. Added on in 2010, Fivethirteen’s mixing suite has become one of Arizona’s premier mixing destinations, and with the installation of an RND 5088 in it’s tracking control room during the summer of 2013, Catherine has since taken on the studio’s management position full time. She also coedits and writes for Pink Noise Mag (pinknoisemag.com), an online pro audio publication dedicated to increasing the diversity and intellectual tradition of the practice of record making.

Catherine joins Matt for a chat about the challenges in building and running a residential studio in a market not known for its music scene, her role in Pinknoise (pinknoisemag.com) with Allen Farmello (WCA # 031) as well her love for analog recording.

513recording.com

WCA #034 with Mark Rubel

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 07:00:00 -0700

Mark Rubel is Co-Director of Education and Instructor at The Blackbird Academy, an intensive recording school at famed Blackbird Studios in Nashville, TN. Since 1980, Mark has made about a zillion recordings at his Pogo Studio in Champaign, IL (currently reopening in Nashville), including such artists as Allison Krauss, Jay Bennett, Ludacris, Hum, Adrian Belew, Melanie, Fall Out Boy, Duke Special, and many others.! !

Mark has taught audio, music business and other subjects at the college level since 1985, and presents audio panels and workshops for various schools and professional organizations around North America. He writes occasionally for recording magazines, including his Tape Op interviews with Les Paul and Terry Manning, with more coming soon. Mark also works as an audio consultant and legal expert witness. His band Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets has been rocking East Central Illinois and beyond for 35 years and counting. Mark continues to cultivate students, cats, songs and friendships in The New Center of the Universe (Nashville), along with his saintly wife Nancy and their intrepid guinea pig, Huckleberry.

Mark talks with Matt about his role at The Blackbird Academy, (career planning, money management, mentoring), what he learned in 34 years of studio ownership, what makes Champaign, Illinois special and why Nashville, Tennessee is great place to call home.

https://theblackbirdacademy.com/

http://ci.champaign.il.us/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champaign,_Illinois

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urbana,_Illinois

WCA #033 with Joe Barresi

Mon, 03 Aug 2015 07:00:00 -0700

Joe Barresi has produced, engineered, and mixed some of the most important hard rock, metal, and punk bands of the last 15 years including Tool, Queens Of The Stone Age, Bad Religion, The Melvins, Skunk Anansie, Turbonegro, and Clutch.

Although widely respected for his abilities as an engineer (one writer wrote “If you don’t generally think of sound production as an art form, you don’t know Joe Barresi”), Joe is first and foremost a musician. He started playing guitar when he was 7 and played in local bands in New York and in Florida. He studied classical guitar, piano, and music theory at the University of South Florida and the University of Miami. Joe also studied engineering and spent hundreds of hours recording local bands, developing patience and understanding for what goes on in the studio.

A trip to the West Coast inspired Joe to move to Los Angeles where he began working his way up the ladder by assisting at numerous local studios. In time, he engineered for many well-respected producers including David Kahne, Michael Beinhorn, and GGGarth Richardson, and gained a reputation for getting great sounds, particularly with guitars and drums.

Soon Joe was producing and mixing records on his own. He produced, recorded, and mixed the debut album for the newly formed Queens Of The Stone Age, which was unsigned at the time. The self-titled album was eventually released by indie label Loose Groove and garnered lots of attention from the press (Rolling Stone named Queens Of The Stone Age one of the ten most important hard & heavy bands of the year) and alternative radio (including KROQ) — all of which landed the band a deal with Interscope Records.

Over the years, Joe has consistently worked with quality artists and made some of their more seminal records — Weezer “Pinkerton,” Melvins “Stoner Witch” and the Queens Of The Stone Age debut, to name a few. His discography reflects his impeccable ear for great rock music.

Joe chats with Matt about his start, studio ownership, how an SSL impacts the electric bill, insurance, covering your ass, and a few thoughts on phase. Enjoy!

http://www.joebarresi.com/

http://www.mcdman.com/barresi

http://futureofmusic.org/

WCA #032 with Myles Boisen

Mon, 27 Jul 2015 07:00:00 -0700

Myles Boisen has enjoyed a 35-year career in recording, beginning as the head instructor at one of the country’s first accredited university-level recording studio programs. With his roots in the punk rock/ D.I.Y. recording scene of the late 1970’s, Myles has avoided the world of major labels and top-dollar studios, choosing instead to pursue affordable and top-quality recording from his Oakland CA. Guerrilla Recording/ Headless Buddha mastering complex for the past 20 years.

Boisen’s articles and reviews over a ten-year span at Electronic Musician magazine were known for fiercely high standards, and a no-nonsense attitude that made him many friends among recordists and readers, as well as a few enemies in the corporate pro audio world! Along the way there have been Grammy nominations, film soundtracks with David Lynch and composer Fred Frith, and sessions and gigs with a who’s who of the avant-garde, jazz, out-rock and blues worlds (Tom Waits, Anthony Braxton, Nina Hagen, Fred Frith, John Zorn, Kronos String Quartet, The Tigerlillies, Klaus Flouride (Dead Kennedys) Kim Wilson, Camper Van Beethoven, Malcolm Mooney (Can), Seth Ford-Young (Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros), Johnny Dyer, Rick Estrin, Francis Clay (Muddy Waters).

Myles joins Matt for an in depth discussion on studio ownership, retirement, gear lust on Working Class Audio session #032. Listen for a code to get a discount on Sonarworks speaker calibration software.

www.mylesboisen.com

WCA #031 with Allen Farmelo

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 10:30:00 -0700

Allen Farmelo has begun to call himself a “recordmaker”.”We all do everything these days,” he says, “and the old terms like producer, engineer, mixer, carry so many assumptions that aren’t really accurate these days. They have their roots in a much more ordered hierarchy that’s rarely true today.” As a record maker, Allen has worked intimately with everyone from Ian Gillan of Deep Purple to The Cinematic Orchestra. Allen has also worked with a slew of rather huge pop artists that he doesn’t put on his discography because, as he puts it, “Fattening up one’s discography with incidental big-name sessions doesn’t tell the real story. I just put the stuff on there that’s really got my fingerprints all over it. That way people know what I’m truly inclined make.” Restlessly pushing for the return of high fidelity as a popular interest, fighting to raise the female participation in our field beyond 5% with his publication Pink Noise (co-edited with Catherine Vericolli), writing classic essays about recording like his “Sonic Varnish” piece (he coined the term), building one of the most beautiful recording consoles ever with François Chambard of UM Project, launching Elska, which is known as Bjork for Children, with his life-partner, and now running the decidedly artsy record label Butterscotch Records, Allen has eschewed the temptations of mainstream success (including a nicely salaried position at one of the Big Three) to pursue endeavors on the fringes where he seems to thrive. He recently bought a one room schoolhouse built-in 1873. About an hour from New York City, and has relocated home and studio to the schoolhouse where he’s become obsessed with gardening.

Photo by Evelin Cheugn (taken at The Bunker Studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn NYC)

WCA #030 with Bruce Kaphan

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 17:08:00 -0700

Bruce Kaphan is a producer/engineer/mixer and one hell of pedal steel player! Bruce has worked with so many names in the music world on both sides of the glass including John Lee Hooker, Sheryl Crowe, Jellyfish as well as American Music Club of which he is a former member of. Bruce sits down with Matt at his home studio in Fresno (Niles), California to discuss all aspects of the recording world including health, life, gear, retirement and even brain functionality! We go deep on this one. We also announce a change to the show!

www.brucekaphan.com

WCA #029 with Michael Beinhorn

Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:17:00 -0700

Michael Beinhorn is a producer and engineer who got a major jump-start in the early ’80s by working with his bandmate Bill Laswell on Herbie Hancock’s Future Shock record which contained the hit single “Rockit“. What followed was a career of work with a list of household names in music including The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Violent Femmes, Soul Asylum, Soundgarden, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Social Distortion, Hole, Marilyn Manson, The Verve Pipe, Korn, and Black Label Society. After over 30 years of work Michael has written a fantastic new book called “Unlocking Creativity: A Producers Guide to Making Music and Art.” Michael discusses his new book, the new Apple Music service as well as meditation and taking care of yourself in a call with Matt.

http://michaelbeinhorn.com/

WCA #028 with John Congleton

Mon, 29 Jun 2015 11:00:00 -0700

John Congleton is Grammy Winning American producer/engineer/mixer/writer who joins Matt for session #028 of Working Class Audio. John works out of his his studio (Elmwood Studios) in Dallas, Texas. In addition to his production work Congleton fronted the indie rock band, The Paper Chase, and writes music for a newer project entitledThe Nighty Nite and music for various projects, including MTV’sJackass, the Discovery Channel, and several Halloween sound effects/music CDs. John has worked with St. Vincent, The Walkmen, Modest Mouse, Angel Olsen, Swans, The Thermals, Sigur Rós, Franz Ferdinand, Sparks, Chelsea Wolfe, Nelly Furtado, Cloud Nothings, Earl Sweatshirt, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Something for Kate, Okkervil River, Sarah Jaffe, David Byrne,Brian Wilson, Astronautalis, Bill Callahan, Smog, Xiu Xiu, Lower Dens, The Polyphonic Spree,Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Kirk Franklin, Explosions in the Sky, The Black Angels, Blood Red Shoes,Clinic, R. Kelly, The Mountain Goats, Swan Lake, The Octopus Project, Wye Oak, Rogue Wave,Erykah Badu, The Roots, Trash Talk,Amanda Palmer, Heartless Bastards, Sleater Kinney, Minus Story, Chairlift, Bitch Magnet, Maserati, 90 Day Men, Rubblebucket, Autopilot Off, Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s, Marilyn Manson, John Grant, SUUNS, Elvis Perkins, Jens Lekman, Bono, Two Ton Boa, Pink Mountaintops, Hitch, Logh, Chin Up Chin Up, Sybris, Black Mountain, Baroness, Ximena Sarinana, Lightning Dust, Zzzz, John Vanderslice, Hagfish, Big Harp, Antony and the Johnsons,Mozella, The Toadies, Buddy Miles, MC Breed, William Elliott Whitmore, This Will Destroy You,Lymbyc Systym, Anna Calvi, Micah P. Hinson, Keren Ann, The Appleseed Cast, Port O’Brien, Land of Talk, Brutal Juice, Shearwater, The New Pornographers, The Good Life, Pattern is Movement,Treefight For Sunlight, Bleeding Heart Pigeons, Black Joe Lewis, Pompeii, Waters, Knesset, Budos Band, Murder By Death, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, Disappears, Two Gallants, We Ragazzi,Dismemberment Plan, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Monika, Mini Mansions, Strand Of Oaks, The Districts, and Civil Twilight. Did we miss anybody? It’s an understatement to say John is busy these days! Enjoy..

WCA #027 with Dan Jaspar

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 11:00:00 -0700

Dan Jaspar is a sound mixer, boom operator, and sound designer from the Bay Area. As a Graduate of San Francisco State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Cinema production and Sound Design he continues to work in the field of production audio for the film and video Industry. Dan and Matt have worked together in the past when Dan was fronting the Bay Area band Yellow 5 and not yet standing out on a film set with a boom pole recording. Dan sits down with Matt for a detailed discussion on the nuts and bolts of location sound recording.

Photo by Larry Wong

WCA #026 with John Siket

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 11:30:00 -0700

John Siket is a producer, engineer, and mixer and is best known for his work with Sonic Youth, Phish, Yo La Tengo, Dave Matthews Band, Blonde Redhead, Fountains of Wayne, Moe, Peter Murphy, Freedy Johnston, and Ex Cops. Having spent 30 years in the recording world, John has amassed a world of experience. John has also has been fortunate to work alongside producer/engineers Steve Lily White and Butch Vig. John takes the time to talk with Matt about these experiences as well as his love for recording, starting out as the low man on the totem pole and his decision to take on a teaching position at SAE in New York.

WCA #025 with Tim Palmer

Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:00:00 -0700

Tim Palmer has produced and mixed albums for a huge selection of classic and alternative artists, from Robert Plant, David Bowie, and Tears For Fears to Ozzy Osbourne, Goo Goo Dolls, and U2. In 1989 Tim mixed ‘TEN’ for Pearl Jam, which is now in the top 50 best album sellers in US history. In 2001 Palmer was nominated for a Grammy for his mixing work on U2’s All That You Can’t Leave Behind. Now living in Austin, Texas, he has built his own mix room and continued producing and mixing for Jason Mraz, Blue October, David Cook, and many others. Tim has been a moderator for 2 years at SXSW, and a guest speaker for the Recording Academy.

Tim Palmer started his career at Utopia Studios in London during the early ’80s where he mixed the number one single ‘Died in your arms tonight’ for Cutting Crew. In the latter half of the ’80s, Palmer became a producer, and his keen ears and technical knowledge contributed to groups such as the Mighty Lemon Drops, the Mission, Texas, and Tears for Fears. Tim produced ‘Now and Zen for rock icon Robert Plant, a US top10 album, and David Bowie’s debut LP with Tin Machine. To close the 80’s Palmer mixed ‘TEN’ for Pearl Jam which went on to sell over 14 million albums.

This show is a milestone being the 25th session. It’s an honor to have Tim on the show since I’m a fan of his work. We also talk with our good friend Craig Schumacher about his recent decision to pull the plug on the Pot Luck Audio Conference in Tucson, AZ.

Enjoy!

-Matt

Photo was taken at Arlyn Studios by Andrew Chan.

Tim’s Site

Pot Luck Audio SIte

Sweetwaters Gearfest

WCA #024 with Gary Philips

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 11:30:00 -0700

Gary Philips is a talented multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter and mix engineer. During his college years at University of Pennsylvania, Gary realized his life would follow a musical path. This path soon led to a life as a touring musician. Touring led Gary to New York, where he quickly found himself in studios playing guitar and bass for artists both up-and-coming and legendary, including Carole King, Cyndi Lauper, and Arrested Development. Many of these tracks have found placements on albums such as the Orange County soundtrack, the Super Size Me soundtrack and the Lizzie McGuire Movie soundtrack and on national commercials for clients such as Verizon and Budweiser.

New York session work soon plunged Gary into production and writing. He co- produced, with the PopRox production team (Sam Hollander, Dave Schommer), Michael Tolcher’s debut album for Octone/J Records, which featured ?uestlove and Warren Haynes, cuts from which were heard on Scrubs (NBC), Life As We Know It (ABC) and the feature film Wedding Crashers.

Since then Gary’s produced more than 15 Billboard Top 10 albums including the Kidz Bop series (which has yielded just as many #1 albums on the Children’s chart) and a cut on the Now That’s What I Call Music series with indie-rockers Born Cages. His original songs and compositions have been featured on TV in diverse settings – from Late Night with David Letterman to Pretty Little Liars, from The Hills to So You Think You Can Dance?, from Pawn Stars to NFL Football and many more.

Gary talks with Matt about Kidz Bop, what it takes to keep clients coming back to you, his early days in New york and his recent studio setup at his new home in California after having moved from New York and working in studios. Enjoy!

Gary’s bio.

WCA #023 with Ryan Hewitt

Mon, 25 May 2015 12:45:00 -0700

Ryan Hewitt began his musical career by taking up drums and piano in the third grade and set up his first primitive bedroom recording studio at age 10. His interest in recording prompted his father, remote recording engineer David Hewitt, to take him on the road at age 12. Over the course of 15 years on the Remote Recording Services trucks, Ryan learned to get sessions going quickly, pay attention to details and capture the moment on tape at all costs.

After receiving a degree in Electrical Engineering from Tufts University, Ryan moved to New York City to take a job at Sony Music Studios. Once there, he quickly moved up the ranks to assist and learn from some of the best engineers and producers in the business such as Michael Brauer, Phil Ramone, Bob Power and Elliot Scheiner. Moving to Los Angeles in the autumn of 2000, Ryan landed at Cello Studios, again moving to the head of the class and working with top engineers such as Jim Scott, Richard Dodd, and Ed Thacker.

Today, Ryan is emulating his mentors, recording, mixing, and producing projects by diverse artists such as The Avett Brothers, The Band Perry, Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, Jamie Cullum, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, blink-182, Flogging Molly, The Alkaline Trio, Three Days Grace, We Are Scientists, Tom Petty, and John Frusciante. Producers such as Rick Rubin, Matt Serletic, Gregg Wells, Jeff Trott, and Max Martin have called on Ryan for his work ethic and sense of humor as much as for his recording and mixing skills.

Ryan sits down for a chat with Matt (Via SKype) and talks about growing up with a recording engineer dad, what he’s learned from the producers he’s worked with as well software piracy. By popular demand, Ryan also answers questions from the WCA Facebook page. Matt also has a special guest Michael Winger who is the Executive Director of the Recording Academy SF Chapter to talk about H.R. 1457: Allocation for Music Producers Act.

Ryan Hewitt’s site

More on H.R. 1457: Allocation for Music Producers Act

Letter of Direction

The Recording Academy

WCA #022 with Michael Rosen

Mon, 18 May 2015 12:00:00 -0700

Michael Rosen is a Grammy-winning producer/engineer who has worked with Santana, Rancid, Papa Roach, Tesla, AFI, The Donnas, Journey, Death Angel, Tony Macalpine, and Testament……..to name a few! In addition to recording and producing he also teaches at Chabot College and San Francisco State and is an alumnus of the famed Automatt studios where he got started on his professional recording journey. Michael sits down with Matt at is new personal studio East Bay Recorders to talk about the business, the journey, and the joy of recording.

Michael Rosen’s site.

WCA #021 with Doug Kallmeyer

Mon, 11 May 2015 12:16:00 -0700

Doug Kallmeyer is a 25 year plus veteran of live sound, a bass player and composer as well as a studio rat. Doug is a fan suggestion and carries with him a large amount of experience and miles travelled who is based in Virginia. Traveling the world mostly doing FOH (Front of House) sound, Doug has worked with Phantogram, Blonde Redhead, Shellac, Sunny Day Real Estate, Rancid, Damnwells, School of Seven Bells, Ok Go, Deathfix, 302Acid, Flaming Lips, Beauty Pill and Ex Hex. His list of venues that he has worked at with those artist’s is also notable and includes Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, Lollapalooza, Coachella, Sasquatch, Outside Lands, Fuji rock, Summer Sonic, Bonnaroo, Pukkelpop, Route du Rock, All Tommorow’s Parties, Primavera Sound, Big Chill, Austin City Limits, and Iceland Airwaves. We talk life on the road, credit card debt, eating well, as well as having a stable home life.

Check out Doug here. http://www.dougkallmeyer.com/

WCA #020 with Don Gunn

Mon, 04 May 2015 12:00:00 -0700

Don Gunn is a Seattle-based recording/mixing engineer, producer, and musician who flies under the radar yet seems to work with cool people! Soundgarden, Death Cab for Cutie, Peter Frampton, Trey Gunn (No relation), and Matt Cameron! Don was a WCA fan suggestion from our Facebook page and joins Matt for a Skype chat from his home studio in Seattle called The Office. Don talks gear, money, business cards, his studio, the decision not to have kids and recording at Peter Frampton’s “home studio”. Great guy and great interview!

http://dongunn.com/

Link regarding helping out in Nepal. http://www.pri.org/stories/2015-04-25/how-help-nepal-7-vetted-charities-doing-relief-work-following-earthquake

WCA #019 with Matt Kelley

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 12:00:00 -0700

Working Class Audio Session #019 with Matt Kelley!!! Matt Kelley has been at the recording game for just over 27 years. Based in the Bay Area in California Matt has worked with Tupac, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, DJ Qbert, Digital Underground, George Clinton, Hieroglyphics as well as Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine. Matt started […]

The post WCA #019 with Matt Kelley appeared first on Working Class Audio.

WCA #018 with David v.R. Bowles

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 12:00:00 -0700

David v.R. Bowles formed Swineshead Productions, LLC as a classical recording production company in 1995. His recordings have been GRAMMY-nominated (Classical – Best Orchestral Performance) and won the “Classical Orchestral Album” prize from Just Plain Folks Awards. Other Bowles-produced and engineered releases have been named “Record of the Month – Editor’s Choice” from Gramophone Magazine, MusicWeb International, and Opera News; “Record of the Year” from the New York Times (three times), the New Yorker, American Record Guide, Miami Clásica and Classical Candour. Several of these releases are available as high-resolution paid downloads from HDTracks.

In collaboration with New York University’s Music Technology program at Steinhardt School of Music, Mr. Bowles is pursuing research in height channel recording and reproduction. At the 135th AES convention, he chaired a panel on Height Channel recording, encoding, and distribution (followed by a 9.1 channel playback offsite).

As an educator, Mr. Bowles is a guest lecturer at New York University’s Stephen F. Temmer Tonmeister Seminar (Steinhardt School of Music) and at Peabody Recording Arts and Sciences (John Hopkins University). He was a Visiting Professor of Recording Arts at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.

Mr. Bowles is a member of the AES (Audio Engineering Society): he was on the Board of Governors, served on three convention committees, and is co-chair of the San Francisco section of the AES as well. He is a member of NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences) Producers & Engineers Wing and SPARS (Society of Professional Audio Recording Services).

David takes Matt through the complexities of recording and producing in the world of classical music.

Links

http://swineshead.com/

WCA #017 with Ross Hogarth

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:45:00 -0700

Ross Hogarth is a multiple Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning producer/engineer/mixer who has worked with artists such as Keb’ Mo’, Motley Crue, Van Halen, Gov’t Mule, Roger Waters, The Black Crowes, Shawn Colvin, John Mellencamp, and R.E.M.

His studio work runs the gamut from the heavy metal insanity of Motley Crue and Coal Chamber to the Grammy-winning Keb’ Mo’ released Slow Down to recent releases by Van Halen, Grammy-winning Ziggy Marley, and the Sick Puppies.

Growing up in NY during the influential punk scene of the 70′s, Ross began as a guitarist/singer/ songwriter, playing in the wild downtown New York clubs. With good fortune paving his way to California, he had the rare opportunity to hook up with both the San Francisco Bay area’s exploding New Wave music scene and Southern Cal’s seminal rock scene. Natural evolution took him from doing live production and sound on the road with Jackson Browne, David Lindley, Fleetwood Mac, and Little Feat into a world-class producer, mixer, and recording engineer.

In his Skype conversation with Matt, Ross talks about family life, working with Van Halen, the importance of communication, and adapting to the ever-changing world of the music business. Enjoy!

-Matt

Photo by Marian Matthis for The Blackbird Academy

Links

WCA #016 with Jonah Strauss

Wed, 08 Apr 2015 00:56:00 -0700

Early on March 21st, a fire struck the warehouse that has been home to Jonah Strauss’ Shipwreck Studios since 2008. The fire began in the unit directly above the studio. In less than an hour, it claimed two lives and displaced dozens of people, as well as several independent printing presses and artists. Jonah’s recording studio and home suffered severe water damage, amounting to tens of thousands of dollars in losses. Much of it is rare and irreplaceable vintage equipment that he has collected and refurbished over the years. Even though I don’t normally talk with studio owners on the show I felt it was important to have Jonah on to share his experience so that others could hopefully learn from this. He needs our help to get back up and running. Working Class Audio is here to offer him our support.

Fund Raising Site: https://www.gofundme.com/shipwreckoakland

Shipwreck Studio Website: http://shipwreckoakland.com/

Fund Raising Site: https://www.gofundme.com/shipwreckoakland

Shipwreck Studio Website: http://shipwreckoakland.com/

WCA #015 with Jeff Powell

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:21:00 -0700

Jeff Powell lives in Memphis, Tennessee, and has been making records since his first studio gig at Kiva Studios in 1987. He became an employee at Ardent Studios in 1989 and worked his way up from assistant to staff engineer, and eventually to staff producer. He went independent in 1997 and has worked in studios all over the US, The UK, and Canada, but still calls Ardent home. He still stays very busy engineering, mixing, and producing records and has worked with some of the best including Bob Dylan, B.B. King, Tonic, Big Star, The Bottle Rockets, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Primal Scream, Lucinda Williams, Ryan Adams, and The Afghan Whigs. In 2008, he convinced Larry Nix to teach him to master and cut vinyl records on the original STAX lathe, which also resides at Ardent Studios. He started a vinyl cutting business called Take Out Vinyl and has gone on to cut hundreds of albums including projects for Gregg Allman, Everclear, The Black Keys, Al Green, The Afghan Whigs, Irma Thomas, Relient K, and Blitzentrapper to name a few. Jeff talks about recording schools, asshole engineers, and how to keep a session successful. Super nice and humble, I think you’ll enjoy this interview. – Matt 4/6/2015

Photo by Pete Weiss

Links

WCA #014 with Sylvia Massy

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:00:00 -0700

Sylvia Massy has been Producing, Engineering, and Mixing popular music for decades. She’s renowned for her work with Tool, System of a Down, Johnny Cash, and Prince. She’s received over 25 gold and platinum records including awards for her work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sevendust, and Tom Petty. She’s also an accomplished fine artist, a published columnist, an in-demand educator, and a relentless entrepreneur. But to her many friends, she’s just Sylvia, the Radiant Being. Sylvia talks with Matt Boudreau about recording Tool, thriving in the LA recording scene in the ’90s, Radio Star Studios, divorce, embracing the hard times, and coming out stronger as a result.

Links

http://www.sylviamassy.com/

WCA #013 with Billy Anderson

Sun, 15 Mar 2015 07:00:00 -0700

Billy Anderson is a record producer, engineer, and musician. He has worked with hundreds of bands over the past 20 years, including Cormorant, Eyehategod, Mr. Bungle, Red House Painters, Fantômas, and Sleep. He is also a member of the bands Blessing the Hogs, Porn (The Men Of), Solodolor, and Good God. Billy takes time to talk to Matt Boudreau about his progression from his days playing college baseball in Long Beach, California to becoming a workaholic producer/engineer and making records for some of musics’ heaviest sounding bands all over the world.

Links from the show:

http://www.billyanderson.net/
http://www.typefoundrystudio.com/
http://www.cloudcitysound.com/
www.chuckjsmithcreative.com (The intro voice of WCA)
www.clifftruesdell.com (The music behind WCA)

WCA #012 with Michael Starita

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 08:00:00 -0700

Michael Starita is a lifelong musician with over 17 years experience as an engineer, producer and remixer. His career started at the famous Hyde Street Studios in the late 90s learning from many of the Bay Area greats. Moving to EDNET, Starita had the pleasure of being the ISDN engineer for clients such as Rick Rubin, Sting, Warner Bros, Universal Motown and many others. This propelled his career to working for Dolby for 5 years until he decided to go back to doing what he really loved…making records and building community. He has performed, remixed and worked with some of the industry’s top artists from The Bay to abroad including Childish Gambino, Los Amigos Invisibles, Third Eye Blind, Michael Franti and Spearhead and more. His current work with Laura Sullivan won the Grammy® for Best New Age Album and his work with Los Amigos Invisibles was Latin Grammy® nominated for Song Of The Year and Grammy® nominated for Best Latin Alternative. Recently, Starita launched Bay Area Music Collective and ULUV Music, two efforts aimed at making The Bay Area a top music destination while building community to foster local music industry professionals. Starita also serves as President of The Recording Academy San Francisco Chapter and continues to crank out tunes with an eclectic blend of recording artists while consulting for music tech companies nationally and internationally.

WCA #011 with Gabriel Shepard

Sun, 15 Feb 2015 14:47:00 -0700

For the past 20 years, Gabriel Shepard has been an engineer working at various Bay Area studios including the historic Hyde Street Studios where he earned a platinum and gold record with the band Cake. Other artists he’s worked with include Sun Kil Moon, Black Francis, Zigaboo Modeliste, and Joanna Newsome. Gabriel stops by my house for an in-person chat about car accidents, session vibe, and taking a year off.

Plug-Ins mentioned

Studios mentioned

WCA #010 with Scott Evans

Sun, 01 Feb 2015 09:12:00 -0700

Scott Evans is a member of Kowloon Walled City, a recording engineer (Puig Destroyer, The Loyalists, Neurosis), and a contributor to Tape Op magazine. Scott sits down to talk to me in his personal studio Antisleep Audio located in Oakland, CA. We talk family, summing, drool over his Neotek console, as well as the usual business of recording and doing our jobs as engineers. Enjoy!

WCA #009 with Andrew Scheps

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 08:21:00 -0700

Andrew Scheps has worked with The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele, Metallica, Grace Potter, Jay-Z, U2, Justin Timberlake, and Green Day…just to name a few. Just home from a European trip that included a week in France conducting a seminar at Mix with the Masters, Andrew shares his views on recording studio etiquette, his in-the-box workflow when mixing, his adventures as a record label owner, and his career advice.

Show notes and links:

McDonough Management http://www.mcdman.com/scheps.html
Tonequake Records http://tonequake.com/
Mix with the Masters http://mixwiththemasters.com/

WCA #008 with Steve Silverstein

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 00:18:00 -0700

Like so many professionals in music, Steve Silverstein got his start creating music — his electronic group Christmas Decorations has released an album on kranky and been played on the BBC. He’s written articles and reviews for Tape Op, and assistant edited a collection of Aaron Copland’s writings. He’s excited to have finally moved his studio from his apartment in 2013, into a shared commercial space. Steve shares his approach to his workflow and how he takes care of his clients. Additionally Jules Standen from Gearslutz.com calls in for a short chat and to share some wisdom from his recording past. Oh yea…..Happy New Year!

photo by John C. Morton

Links from the show. http://www.kranky.net/ https://www.gearslutz.com

WCA #007 with Vance Powell

Mon, 15 Dec 2014 19:20:00 -0700

Vance Powell, who has worked with Jack White, Red Fang, and Buddy Guy to name just a few is featured on Session #007. Vance is outspoken and takes a no-bullshit approach to not only his work but this interview. We talk technique including specifics of his analog workflow, business, including managers plus a bit of criticism of the old guard of the music industry. I love talking with Vance. I always learn something new from him and am proud to call him my friend. Enjoy!

Vance on Twitter: https://twitter.com/vancalot
Vance’s studio with engineer Mitch Dane: http://www.sputniksound.com/index.html

WCA #006 with Robert L. Smith

Mon, 01 Dec 2014 08:00:00 -0700

Robert L. Smith is an Oscar winning, Grammy and Emmy nominated Producer/Engineer/Mixer based in New York City. After 25+ years of working with the biggest names in music, his résumé reads like a who’s who of modern pop music. Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, David Byrne and U2 are just a tiny list of those on his discography. Robert is passionate and focused about what he does and opens up to us about his thoughts and practices on the business end of what we do. Check out Robert’s web site at www.defyrecordings.com

WCA #005 with John Cuniberti

Sun, 16 Nov 2014 05:09:00 -0700

My guest is producer/ engineer /mastering engineer John Cuniberti, based in the Bay Area. John has worked with Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar, The Dead Kennedys, and Chicken Foot. John is known for bringing the concept and name ReAmping into the mainstream of recording with his ReAmp box, which he created and sold on his own for many years, but eventually sold the name and circuit patent to Radial Engineering. John added mastering to his list of skills many years ago while working at The Plant in Sausalito, California, and currently mixes and masters from his home for artists worldwide.

In this episode, we discuss

Coast Recorders
Struggling to Sell Studio Time
Home Studio Emergence
SF Bay Area Studio Struggle
Band Managers
Hustling Work
Building a Career
Art Projects
Following the Money
Making Mistakes
Saying Yes
Studio Management
Recording Economics
The New Thing
Raising the Roof
Tiny Telephone

Links and Show Notes

John's Site

Credits

Guest: John Cuniberti
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

WCA #004 with David Wheeler

Sat, 01 Nov 2014 07:57:00 -0700

David Wheeler is a recording engineer based in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Las Cruces is located north of El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. David talks about the pros and cons of being one of very few recording people in Las Cruces who do it on a pro level and also talks about how the changes to the environment and business world affect the world of recording in the southern part of New Mexico. On a personal note, David and I went to High School together as did our moms! Before David got into recording he used to play in a band called Obsidian with our High School friend and pro audio superstar Colin McDowell of McDSP plug ins. Our discussion delves into location sound towards the end. I have included an Amazon link to the book on the topic by Ric Viers called the “Location Sound Bible”. We mentioned it in the conversation but for timing reasons I edited that part of the conversation out. The link is below. Enjoy!

Links mentioned in the show:

WCA #003 with Hillary Johnson - Tattoos, Many Hats, Wiring Studios, Mastering, Hi-Res and Archiving.

Wed, 15 Oct 2014 13:58:00 -0700

Happy to present WCA session #003 with New York recording engineer Hillary Johnson. Check Hillary's site out at www.hillaryjohnson.com

Hillary has worked with The Prids, Bell Hollow, Michael Gira (Swans, Angels Of Light), The Secret History, Jeff Buckley, The Misfits, Jennifer Kimball, Rufus Wainwright, The Ramones, Bishop Allen, Project Jenny, Project Jan, Nile Rodgers, Vernon Reid, Stereojax, D Generation/Jesse Malin and Umbrella Brigade. She has also worked with producers such as Lenny Kaye, Henry Rollins, Genya Ravan, and Daniel Rey.

I met Hillary through the original Tape Op conference which of course is now the amazing Pot Luck Audio conference. of which we both have been panelists and as a result, friends and peers to one another.

WCA #002 with Laura Dean

Wed, 01 Oct 2014 18:03:00 -0700

Laura Dean works in San Francisco at various studios including Tiny Telephone and Women’s Audio Mission. Laura talks recording schools, internships, knowing your role, tech work, music for dance, audio books, voice overs etc….

WCA #001 with Matt Boudreau

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 04:07:00 -0700

I am very happy to announce the Working Class Audio Podcast Session #001.

WCA #001 is an introduction to Working Class Audio with host Matt Boudreau. Get the low down on what to expect in upcoming sessions. Includes intro/outro music by our friend Cliff Truesdell and voice intro by our friend Chuck J Smith. I have started to schedule interviews with engineers working in the freelance trenches including Laura Dean and Hillary Johnson (http://www.hillaryjohnson.com/2014/home/). Be sure to subscribe to stay informed about upcoming sessions. Enjoy!