Working Class Audio

Peel back the glamour of the professional recording world. Guests from the world of audio for music, film, games, restoration, and more share their insights on how they made their journey, how they survive, their advice on the real things including wins, losses, working with other people, money, and career advice.
Hosted by audio engineer Matt Boudreau.
The Working Class Audio Podcast - Navigating the World of Recording with a working class perspective.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

605 episodes
Updated July 28
Explicit

Support the show

Support the show!

Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.

Episodes605

Newest first

Dec 14, 2021 · 48 min
WCA #365 with Alex Allinson - Cooking, Parallels, Presentation, Running a Studio, and Taking the Crooked Path
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 Alexs' Studio (The Bridge Sound & Stage) WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Dec 7, 2021 · 58 min
WCA #364 with Chris Collier - Fathers Influence, Controlling Your Destiny, Getting Involved, Client Tree Branches, and Realizing Your Worth
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 Chris on Instagram Chris on Linkedin WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Nov 30, 2021 · 53 min
WCA #363 with Chaz Root - Classical Training, Going Blind, 4 Track Mastery, and Residential Recording
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 Electric Owl Works Website Electric Owl Works on Instagram Electric Owl Works on YouTube Electric Owl Works on Facebook Electric Owl Works on Twitter WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Nov 22, 2021 · 57 min
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
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 Southern Grooves WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Nov 16, 2021 · 50 min
WCA #361 with Patrick Keane - Tinkering, Being Prepared, Choosing Gear, Room Building, and Problem Solving Lessons
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 Patricks' Site WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Nov 9, 2021 · 43 min
WCA #360 with Bryan Matheson - Keeping a Studio In Business, Always Learning, Good Landlords, and RTFM!
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 Skyline Studios Site WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Nov 2, 2021 · 56 min
WCA #359 with Will Yip - Feeding Off Stress, Setting Goals, Power of Routine, Investment in Songs, and Hard Working Parents
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 Wills' Site Will on Instagram WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Oct 26, 2021 · 1 hr 9 min
WCA #358 with Robert Carranza - East LA, Lessons from Musicians, Gear vs. Good Songs, Listening, and Family
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 Robert in Instagram WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Oct 19, 2021 · 1 hr 3 min
WCA #357 with Michael James - Small Town Strategies, Dolby Atmos, Alternator Records, Shelter In Place, and a Room of 100 People
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 Michael's Site Michaels Label Michael's New Record WCA #125 w/ Michael James WCA #211 w/ Jamison Durr WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Oct 12, 2021 · 48 min
WCA #356 with Todd Hutchisen - Blinders on Head Down, Serving the Scene, Anti-Trend, Triple Sessions, and Family Balance
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 acadiarecording.com Todd on Linkedin WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Oct 5, 2021 · 46 min
WCA #355 with Jason Phelps - Lobster, Landlords, Studio Partnerships, Portland, Maine, and Bluegrass
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 acadiarecording.com jasonphelpsmusic.com WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Sep 28, 2021 · 1 hr 7 min
WCA #354 with Tom Gordon - Granny's House, Weed Offerings, 80 Hour Weeks, Sammy Davis Jr., and Advice from Shelly Yakus
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 Tom's Site Tom at UNR Mike Blodgett WCA #348 WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Sep 21, 2021 · 56 min
WCA #353 with Matt Qualls - Van Burnout, Doctors Office Recording, Working with Limitations, Sound Baths, and Memphis
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 Matt Qualls on Instagram WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Sep 14, 2021 · 1 hr 2 min
WCA #352 with Sean O'Keefe - Quitting School, Wednesday Warriors, Hacking the Intern Process, Managers, Royalties, and Soft Cities
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 Sean's Site Sean on Instagram Doug McBride Justin Perkins Ken Sluiter Brad Wood Butch Vig WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Sep 7, 2021 · 1 hr
WCA #351 with Travis Ference - Talent Shows, Capital Studios, Waiting for the Phone to Ring, and Doing Awful Things to Audio
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 Travis's Site ProGressions Podcast Travis on Instagram WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Aug 30, 2021 · 1 hr 19 min
WCA #350 with Leslie Brathwaite - Island Culture, The Craft of Recording, Taking Pride in Work, Valuing Peace, and Salads for Whitney Houston
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 Leslie on Instagram Leslie on Twitch Atomic Habits WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
Aug 23, 2021 · 52 min
WCA #349 with Craig Alvin - Muscle Shoals, Mentors, Survival, Bible College Neves, And A Brand New Studio
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
Aug 17, 2021 · 46 min
WCA #348 with Mike Blodgett - Reno to East Oakland, Starving Musician, Building a Studio, and Becoming an Electrician.
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
Aug 9, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min
WCA #347 with Beckie Campbell - Controlling The Live Beast, Building A Resume, Planning for The Future, and Running Your Life From The Road
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
Aug 2, 2021 · 53 min
WCA #346 with Dante Fumo - Post Production, Immersive Audio, Recording for 6 Packs, Finding Work, and The Sunk Cost Fallacy
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