Working Class Audio

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 influencesStarting in recording & mixingUniversity training & goalsMetropolis internship lessonsMoving into masteringLive cuts & direct-to-discHalf-speed mastering overviewLearning & mentorship insightsJoining AIR StudiosAIR StudiosValue of attended sessionsManaging client expectationsHybrid mastering workflowsHow mastering engineers listenCommon mixing problemsMusic Producers Guild Challenges for studiosAIR’s cutting reputationVinyl cutting processMastering vs. cuttingAmerican mastering mystiqueLinks and Show Notes:AIR StudiosMusic Producers GuildMatt's Rant: How we present ourselvesCredits:Gue

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 MetalTechniquesSoundsRoom ToneBusinessSurvivalLetting GoLinks and Show Notes:Alex’s SiteAlex on LinkedinAlex on InstagramAlex on WCA #333Matt's Rant: Spread the WorkCredits:Guest: Alex CrescioniHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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. In This Episode, We Discuss:PavementGary YoungDetective WorkRestorationTape RescueMastering from CDRe- IssueKeeping the VibeLinks and Show Notes:Gary on BandcampIAC RecordsMatt's Rant: StructureCredits:Guest: Don Setaro /Dan Johnson/Justin PerkinsHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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.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 futur

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 TapesAnalog MachinesModular Digital MultitracksDAT MachinesDASH MachinesPro DigiRetrospectMezzoLinks and Show Notes:Links to Danhttps://www.audioarchivingservices.com/https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-405-with-dan-johnson/Links to Catherine https://www.centralaudioarchiving.com/https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-035-with-catherine-vericolli/https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-403-with-catherine-vericolli/Matt's Rant: This AI ThingCredits:Guest: Dan Johnson & Catherine VericolliHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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. In This Episode, We Discuss:OneMic SeriesDynamicsAcousticsPlacementTempo2 Track as Multi-TrackRibbon MicsLinks and Show Notes:OneMIc on YouTubeJohn's SiteShiny Eyes StudioMatt's Rant: Focus of Your AttentionCredits:Guest: John CunibertiHost/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 Gena Johnson who has worked with Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, and John Prine. In This Episode, We Discuss:Leave your ego at the doorMake people feel comfortableListen to the artistLabels are business partnersWord of mouth workFeminine energy in productionWomen in the industryClassical voice training for 12 yearsInternship at Welcome 1979Learned tape machines and solderingAssisting at Nashville studiosFirst number one recordWorking at RCA Studio ARewiring Studio A intensivelyMentor Michael Wagner's influenceChampions Vance Powell and Daryl ThorpWalls painted with glitterKeep overhead lowGood attorney and manager combinationLinks and Show Notes:Gena's WebsiteGena on InstagramVance Powell on WCAMatt Ross-Spang on WCADarrel Thorpe on WCAMatt's Rant: Sonic Intrusion RevisitedCredits:Guest: Gena JohnsonHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back engineer/producer electrician, Mike Blodgett to discuss electricity and pro audio!In This Episode, We Discuss:Isolated GroundsIsolation TransformersGround RodsPower ConditionersApartment PowerHome Studio PowerElectrical SafetyLinks and Show Notes:Mike on WCA #348Matt's Rant: How You ListenCredits:Guest: Mike BlodgettHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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:TearjerkersPeter GabrielReal Word StudiosBinaural MixingATMOSFormat HatersLinks and Show Notes:Pure Audio Streaming:Immersive Audio Album:Link tree Album:Youtube Siren Video:Audiomovers Apple: Illusonics Neumann RimeVirtuoso: Waves NX: Matt's Rant: Focused DiscussionCredits:Guest: Hans-Martin BuffHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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.In This Episode, We Discuss:Career path shiftFamily-driven choicesMoved to CanadaStudio-building challengesJoy in workFinancial balanceValued client relationshipsGlobal collaborationsSocial media pressureRedefining successLinks and Show

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 OhioMixingSaving TimeSkillsNetworkBuilding RelationshipsThe Masked SingerAmerican IdolLinks and Show Notes:Jon's SiteJon on InstagramMatt's Rant: Streaming vs Physical MediaCredits:Guest: Jon RezinHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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 CallWhere to RecordSetupMics, Preamps, etc..MixingMixing in ATMOSWIG Day!In The BoxCracking UpLinks and Show Notes:The time code softwareDownload the Input List!Steve's site Link to the record on Apple MusicWCA #070 with Al Schmitt & Steve GenewickWCA #324 with Steve GenewickWCA Live from NAMM 2024Matt's Rant: PerfectionCredits:Guest: Steve GenewickHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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 CenterDropping Out Of CollegePaying DuesSustained EnergyFailing Kidney'sHealth EpiphanyHome Town GigFOHGallo CenterLinks and Show Notes:Gallo Center for The ArtsMatt's Rant: Acting TerritorialCredits:Guest: Jordan LonnHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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. In This Episode, We Discuss:3-2-1 SystemBest Practices & ConsiderationsInsurance & LiabilityPersonal Experiences Travis's Altadena Fire ExperienceKerry's Nevada City Fire ScareScorched EarthRemote/Cloud StorageChallenges with CloudOffsite NASMethodology Over ToolsLinks and Show Notes:Watch Duty App GMRS RadiosDocumentary on ParadiseBackblazeSync.comNeofinderSynology NASOWCTravis onlineMatt's Rant: The Many Hats We WearCredits:Guest: Travis Ference and Kerry RoseHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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 StudiosThe PixiesGil NortonGordon RaphaelNew YorkBerlinDisco PowderGentrificationObscuring AudioLinks and Show Notes:Moses on InstagramMoses websiteMatt's Rant: Walking.....yes walkingCredits:Guest: Moses SchneiderHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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 moveAudio Nomad bookStudio connectionsModelingFreelance audioTravel recordingGear philosophyArtist supportMusic mediumsAuthentic livingIntuition guidesLinks and Show Notes:Get the book! Listen to Ady on WCA #468Matt's Rant: More DisciplineCredits:Guest: Ady ParzentnyHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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 IdentityTime in the USBullfunk StudiosLearning and MentorshipFirst Studio ChallengesJob Market in DubaiCurrent Home StudioFinancial RealitiesClient Acquisition Diversified IncomeContinuous LearningPerseveranceMental HealthLinks and Show Notes:Bull Funk ZooBull Funk StudiosBull Funk Zoo on YouTube: Matt's Rant: Self-employed disciplineCredits:Guest: Assad LakkisHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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 MusicRooftop Recording StudioMeditation And Cold PlungePunk Rock Beginnings110 Studio RejectionsSound Recordist On The HobbitLearning In CollaborationEight Years In FilmUniversity Studio EngineerFull-Time Music ProducerIntimate Studio DesignNew Studio LeaseParenting Five ChildrenArtist Relationship BuildingFinancial Discipline StrategyWellington Music ChallengesSafe Space For ArtistsStaying In New ZealandStories Of PerseveranceLinks and Show Notes:Toby's StudioMatt's Rant: A BrainstormCredits:Guest: Toby LloydHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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 KileyLA Survival64 SoundDave TrumfioRecording on 8 Track CassetteNew Studio Business ModelBonding with the LandlordThe HuntLinks and Show Notes:64 SoundKing Size Sound LabsRob Schnapf on WCAProfit First BookRilo Kiley on Apple MusicYou Are a Bad Ass at Making Money BookThe Psychology of MoneyMatt's Rant: Money TalkCredits:Guest: Pierre de ReederHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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