Working Class Audio

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 DuluthVibrant San Francisco SceneSampler RevolutionDisposable Heroes Album ProductionJack DangersAdapting to Industry ChangesUnion WorkLinks and Show Notes:https://www.markpistel.comMatt's Rant: DifferencesCredits:Guest: Mark PistelHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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.In This Episode, We Discuss:Being Too EarlyInventionsImmersive AudioPure Audio StreamingMSM StudiosThe Beauty of NicheGood AcousticsLinks and Show Notes:Pure Audio StreamingMSM StudiosMatt's Rant: Nerd GroupsCredits:Guest: Stefan BockHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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.In This Episode, We Discuss:Studio AestheticsHospitalityMaking Artists Feel at HomeTHUD StudiosRelationshipsCashflowSeattleFamily BusinessCandlesLinks and Show Notes:Daniel on WCA #179The Candles! (discount Applied o

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 ExperienceTouring Survival MethodsBad Engineer ExperiencesPositive Studio ExperiencesFlat RatesEngineering Transition Sun Studio Electrical Audio InternshipSteve Albini's KindnessProfessional Studio HabitsEmbrace Beginner MindsetClients By Word-Of-MouthFinancial Discipline Diversifying ServicesLinks and Show Notes:Dane's SiteMatt's Rant: Session Documentation in the 21st CenturyCredits:Guest: Dane GiordanoHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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.In This Episode, We Discuss:Early Music PassionAudio Production PathStudio ImmersionFormal Audio TrainingNashville Career GrowthEfficient Studio CultureNavigating Payment EthicsCommunity Client InsightsNashville's "Clicky" NatureRemote Studio BenefitsBeyond Music RowLinks and Show Notes:Justin's SiteMatt's Rant: SimplificationCredits:Guest: Justin FrancisHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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.In This Episode, We Discuss:Companion podcast episodeAdvances in mastering technologyThe rise of AI masteringShift toward releasing singlesImpact of social mediaMastering now democratizedLower barrier to entryAI lacks human contextAI results often bland/genericHumans provide taste and nuanceNetworking challenges in rural areasTechnology removes many practical limitsCareer hasn’t suffered despite changesFacing an empty nest soonFocus on intentional, joyful workKnown as the "loudness guy"Links and Show Notes:Ian's 100th episodeIan on WCA #132Matt's Rant: Building ThingsCredits:Guest: Ian ShepherdHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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.In This Episode, We Discuss:Dan Malsch’s Journey From Guitarist to Music ProducerExplore 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 StudioLearn 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 SevenfoldDan shares behind-the-scenes stories of working with chart-topping rock and metal bands including Ghost, Avenged Sevenfold, and Gojira.Mixing in Dolby AtmosGet 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.C

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 & CommunicationStudio & WorkspaceCosta Rica TripMusic & ProductionCollaboration & MixingIdentity & RolesTime ManagementLinks and Show Notes:Recording Studio RockstarsChris Chamness (Matt & Lij colab)Matt's Rant: BarriersCredits:Guest: Lij ShawHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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 KISSWearing Out Record NeedlesHating PianoSurf CultureGuitar ObsessionEarly ParenthoodPainful Band ExperiencesPost Production PowerhouseGrowing Swell SoundNavigating COVIDStaying LeanLinks and Show Notes:Swell Elad on LinkedinMatt's Rant: Getting Some SpaceCredits:Guest: Elas MarishHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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. In This Episode, We Discuss:Musician to Producer4 Tracks to Pro ToolsChallenges & Rewards of Audio ProductionPolishing TurdsSmart Financial DecisionsHealth Care ChallengesProblems with Apple and ATMOSIndependence to Set ScheduleSaving the Day Links and Show Notes:Howie's WebsiteMatt's Rant: Small Chunks Credits:Guest: Howie BeckHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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. 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 FilterLinks and Show Notes:RIP Dan Jasper WCA #027Studio WebsiteThe Self Recording BandSpecial Site for WCA ListenersMatt's Rant: Enjoying the JourneyCredits:Guest: Benedikt HainHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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 & BalanceAvant GardeEgoic Attachment to Past MethodsHealth and SanityNYC & The Nervous System10,000 Hours at OncePlaying with Kim GordonTouringMastering In The BoxBeing Flexible on RateLinks and Show Notes:Sarah’s SiteMatt's Rant: The Battle for OrganizationCredits:Guest: Sarah RegisterHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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 EnoZiggy Stardust. & Ken ScottPlaying on PillowsMimicking ReverbFashion ShowsSession DrummingGiving a ShitATMOS SuccessApple IssuesDolby CurveKnow Your WorthFamily BalanceADHDLinks and Show Notes:Emre's SiteEmre's BandMatt's Rant: Embrace the UnpredictableCredits:Guest: (Current Guest)Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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. In This Episode, We Discuss:Pyramind Producing Game SoundBlizzardFormosaMental HealthStorytelling Across Mediums ConsultingLinks and Show Notes:Broken Stick ProductionsMatt's Rant: Staying Well RoundedCredits:Guest: Michael RoacheHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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. In This Episode, We Discuss:North Carolina TalentJourney Into Music and RecordingRecording Studio DesignStudio Building ExperienceCritical MeasurementConstruction ChallengesBeing Struck by LighteningLive Sound ProductionLinks and Show Notes:Dark Pine StudiosMatt's Rant: Revisiting ImaginationCredits:Guest: Max DearingHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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. In This Episode, We Discuss:Studio Design & MonitoringMixerman's New BookProducing Philosophy & ProcessFive Planes of SpaceThe PunterBudgeting & MoneyMusic Business LandscapeLinks and Show Notes:New BookMixerman's SIteMixerman on WCA #202Patriot SeriesMatt's Rant: Finding Your PlaceCredits:Guest: MixermanHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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 AudioSteve Albini's InfluenceGreg's Interest in SoundInternship with SteveGrowth and IndependenceThe Financial AspectLegacy and The FutureLinks and Show Notes:Electrical AudioGreg's SiteYamaha Sound ReinforcementMatt's Rant: Visiting Other StudiosCredits:Guest: Greg NormanHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Day to Day Past ExperiencesInfluences & PhilosophyStudio and GearCareer TransitionPricingLove for AudioUnforeseen ExpensesLinks and Show Notes:Peter's Studio Matt's Rant: Thank you!Credits:Guest: Peter CraftHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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.In This Episode, We Discuss:Building a Sustainable Audio CareerGaining Experience at Legendary StudiosCreating Opportunities Through RelocationStarting With DIY Audio ExperimentationLeveraging Early Interests for GrowthEmbracing Hands-On Studio EducationTransitioning From Hobbyist to ProfessionalPursuing Formal Audio Education IntentionallyLearning From World-Class SessionsGrowing Through Industry MentorshipsStaying Versatile With Income StreamsBuilding Reputation Through ReferralsLinks and Show Notes:Robert's StudioScott Evans on WCA #256Scott Evans on WCA #010Bruce Kaphan on WCA #030Matt's Rant: A Different Way To Handle MoneyCredits:Guest: Robert KirbyHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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. In This Episode, We Discuss:Audio JourneyCOVID Career ShiftCity College ProgramFirst Real MixPassion For AudioMentorsIndustry ConnectionsEarly Mixing StrugglesTaking CommandCustomer ServiceLearning ProcessCareer AspirationsLinks and Show Notes:Case's SiteCase on InstagramWCA # 157 with Dana JaeWCA #018 with David R. BowelsMatt's Rant: The People Around YouCredits:Guest: Case NewcombHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith