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.

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605 episodes
Updated July 28
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Episodes605

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Jun 27, 2023 · 1 hr 9 min
WCA #445 with Brad Smalling- Adopting ATMOS, Watching the Bottom Line, Relationships, Outreach, and Networking
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 Evergroove Studio Lisa Zahiya Business Coach 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
Jun 20, 2023 · 1 hr 58 min
WCA #444 with Jacob Light- The Acute Student, Survival, Focus, Discipline, Financial Literacy, and Music as Religion
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 Modern Tone Studios Buy Back Your Time 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
Jun 13, 2023 · 1 hr 15 min
WCA #443 with Golden Gate Mixers - Mixing Collective, Mutual Respect, Working in Silos, Coffee Bar Needs, and Putting on Pants
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 Golden Gate Mixers Site McKay on WCA #294 Reto on WCA #295 Weird Jungle Collective 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
Jun 6, 2023 · 1 hr 10 min
WCA #442 with Louie Gonzalez - Family, Listening Habits, Recording as a Drug, Financial Consistency, Day Gigs, and Being Happy
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 Cesar on WCA Louie's Site 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
May 30, 2023 · 57 min
WCA #441 with Anna Frick- Polyester School Band, Mix Tapes, Post College Challenges, Saturn Return, and Surviving the Cut
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 Anna's Site Anna on Instagram David Glasser on WCA Jason Livermore on WCA 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
May 23, 2023 · 54 min
WCA #440 with Tess Greenham - Training the Ears, Understanding the Business, Mastering Notes, Sonic Growth, and Working with Her Dad
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 Tess and John's Site Tess on Instagram 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
May 15, 2023 · 1 hr 21 min
WCA #439 with John McBride - Always Learning, The Golden Rule, The Next Lennon and McCartney, Positive Attitude, and Inside Blackbird
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 Inside Blackbird Blackbird Studio Blackbird Academy Blackbird Rentals 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
May 9, 2023 · 1 hr 3 min
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
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 Orlando's Site Acorn Betterment 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
May 1, 2023 · 1 hr 1 min
WCA #437 with Noam Levinberg - Tel Aviv and New Jersey, Sibling Competition, Earning Your Place in the Studio, Building Plugins, and Diversification
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 Safari Pedals Baba Prasad WCA #281 Noam's Site 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
Apr 25, 2023 · 42 min
WCA #436 with NAMM 2023 - Garth Richardson, Grace Design, Audiomovers, AEA, Antelope Audio, and Soundflow
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 Garth's Site Audiomovers AEA Soundflow Antelope 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
Apr 18, 2023 · 1 hr 4 min
WCA #435 with Maria Elisa Ayerbe - Education, Latin America, Understanding Culture, The Listening Experience, and Needing a Nap
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 South Mountain Music Marias Site 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
Apr 11, 2023 · 59 min
WCA #434 with Shawn Dealey - Hockey and Punk Rock, Work Ethic, Handling Business Friendships, Sweetwater Studios, and Having a Steady Gig
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 Big Deal Road Cases Sweetwater Studios 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
Apr 3, 2023 · 57 min
WCA #433 with Nicholas Messitte - Discovering Audio, Creating Opportunities For Yourself, Drug Use and Abuse, Theatrical Podcasts, and ChatGPT
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
Mar 27, 2023 · 57 min
WCA #432 with Phil Feinman - Bedrock LA, Studying Electronics, Taking Care of Staff, Microphone Technology, and Infrasonic Sound
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 Phil on the Infrasonic Site Asana Google Sheets Quickbooks Self-Employed 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
Mar 21, 2023 · 54 min
WCA #431 with Josh Rogosin - Recording Tiny Desk Concerts, Rejecting Stage Life, World Travel, Recording Music with Field Recorders, and National Public Radio
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
Mar 13, 2023 · 53 min
WCA #430 with Stephen Cole - Data Cassettes, Recycled Magazines, Self Sufficiency, Mini Disk 4 Track, and Music 24/7
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 Stephen's Studio Analog Addicts Audio Movers 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
Mar 7, 2023 · 59 min
WCA #429 with Andy Reed - Remote Collaboration, Mixing at Low Volumes, Working in Small Markets, Communication Advice, and Covid Era Survival
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 WCA #130 with Andy Andy's Site 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
Feb 27, 2023 · 59 min
WCA #428 with J Clark - Headbangers Ball, Punk Rock, Touring, ATMOS, Kenny G, and The Clarinet Incident
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 J's Site J on Instagram J at Infrasonic 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
Feb 21, 2023 · 1 hr 1 min
WCA #427 with Brett Bullion - BC/AC, MAX Msp, Remote Mixing, Expectations, and the Minneapolis Music Scene
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 Brett's Deep Glenns Project The Money Book Brett's Site 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
Feb 14, 2023 · 1 hr 15 min
WCA #426 with Pete Droge - Seattle Punk Rock, Boombox Multitracking, Investing in Career, Diversifying in all Directions, and Staying Mellow
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 Zapier Typeform Calendly Pete on Letterman Pete's Site Substack 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