Synopsis
Working Class Audio (WCA) delves into the world behind recording engineers and goes way beyond the typical What was it like to work with or What is the best eq to use on a kick drum style questions typical of most interviews. WCA gets up close and personal with engineers and asks the questions no one else asks. Business practices, mistakes, failures, equipment choices, financial advice, work life balance, workflow, and family life are topics that are all on the table. WCA doesnt just concentrate on the elite of the recording world, but instead interviews a combination of known and unknown engineers.
Episodes
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WCA #375 with Hillary Johnson - Home Ownership, Pandemic Records, Experiencing The Symphony, Home R&D, and The Love of Recording Bands
22/02/2022 Duration: 52minMy 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 UsersLinks and Show Notes Hillary on WCA #003 Dan Alexander on WCA #335 Dan Alexander’s Book on Gear Hillary’s site WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos Credits Guest: Hillary Johnson Producer/Host/Engineer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith
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WCA #374 with Kolton Lee - Target Karaoke Machine, Dumpster Diving, Working with Jacquire King, Finding Your Role, and the Green Beret’s of Audio
15/02/2022 Duration: 01h01minMy 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 FameLinks and Show Notes Kolton’s Site Jacquire King on WCA Craig Schumacher on WCA WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos Credits Guest: Kolton Lee Producer/Host/Engineer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith
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WCA #373 with Mark Abrams - Puremix, Supportive Family, Automation, Intention, and Skipping the Bar for the SSL
08/02/2022 Duration: 01h16minWCA #373 with Mark Abrams – Puremix, Supportive Family, Automation, Intention, and Skipping the Bar for the SSLMy 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 VoiceGrowing up in Illinois & OhioSupportive FamilyDiscovering AudioConservatory of RecordingWeatherSkipping the Bar for the SSLBullshit Studio BehaviorParents Basement StudioGetting Financially SavyWorking Jobs You HateWork EthicWorking for SweetwaterDoing Post WorkNintendo GamesLas VegasBuilding a New StudioCarl Tatz DesignsWatching Vance Powell WorkPuremix IntentionSix-Figure Home Studio PodcastZapierMatt’s Rant: Staying on Top of Your MoneyLi
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WCA #372 with Glenn Schick - Mastering Without Speakers, Customer Service, Audio Travel Tips, Streaming Levels, and Working Remote
01/02/2022 Duration: 50minMy 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 PassionLinks and Show Notes Glenns Site WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
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WCA #371 with Pete Morse - Mixing for Video, Sketchy Contractors, Working From Home, Camaraderie, and Frozen Dance Parties
25/01/2022 Duration: 58minMy 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 Pete's Studio Pete on Instagram Pete on Linkedin Synology WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
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WCA #370 with Nikki McGuinness - Farm Life, Studio Building, Thinking on Your Feet, Pygmy Goats, and Falling Off Ladders
18/01/2022 Duration: 47minMy 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 StoriesLinks and Show Notes Nikki's Studio MX80 Sound Mike Wells on WCA #113 Rob Christensen WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos Leave Matt a message. 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
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WCA #369 with Heidi Trefethen & Ben Bernstein- Dolby Atmos, Gear Purchases, Audio Janitors, and Breaking Into Matts' House
11/01/2022 Duration: 56minMy 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 Heidi on WCA #293 Ben On WCA #260 & WCA #055 WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
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WCA #368 with Wavy Wayne - Thinking Bigger Picture, One Bad Night, Audio Education, Social Media Advice, and 7 AM Algebra
04/01/2022 Duration: 47minMy 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 Wavy Wayne's Site Wavy Wayne on Instagram Label Maker Adobe Scan WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
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WCA #367 with Brad Dollar - Moving to Nashville, Getting Work, Classic Money Mistakes, Survival, and Time Travel Retrospective
27/12/2021 Duration: 53minMy 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 solo.to Brad's Site Brad's YouTube Channel Brad on Instagram WCA #360 Bryan Mathison WCA #100 Steven Hart WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
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WCA #366 with Perry Leenhouts - Anything is Possible, US & Europe Comparison, Punk Rock Lessons Learned, and Living in an Abandon School.
20/12/2021 Duration: 56minMy 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 UpdateLinks and Show Notes Grace M908 WCA Reverb Shop Perry's Studio The Travoltas Perry on Instagram WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos 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
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WCA #365 with Alex Allinson - Cooking, Parallels, Presentation, Running a Studio, and Taking the Crooked Path
14/12/2021 Duration: 48minMy 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 DowntimeLinks 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
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WCA #364 with Chris Collier - Fathers Influence, Controlling Your Destiny, Getting Involved, Client Tree Branches, and Realizing Your Worth
07/12/2021 Duration: 58minWCA #364 with Chris Collier – Fathers Influence, Controlling Your Destiny, Getting Involved, Client Tree Branches, and Realizing Your WorthMy 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 InfluenceHome StudiosGetting Your Name Out ThereIdentity CrisisBeing a HomebodyThe Drive of RecordingJust Doing ItDiscovering Pro ToolsGetting InvolvedControlling Your DestinyRecording Dave Grohl StyleMoving to VegasMick MarsClient Tree BranchesRealizing Your WorthMatt’s Rant: Remembering the Bigger PictureLinks and Show NotesChris on InstagramChris on LinkedinWCA on InstagramConnect with Matt on LinkedinCurrent sponsors & promosCreditsGuest: Chris CollierHost: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith
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WCA #363 with Chaz Root - Classical Training, Going Blind, 4 Track Mastery, and Residential Recording
30/11/2021 Duration: 53minMy 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
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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
22/11/2021 Duration: 57minMy 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 RecordingNew StudioCrosstown ConcourseSun StudiosWorkflowSteven DurrWiring30,000 feet Of Audio cableAesthetic Choices15% Red Neck60's and 70's InspirationCustom Headphones SystemHoward Hughes OCDNice But Not Too NiceThe Price of WoodMatt's Rant: Staying PositiveLinks and Show NotesSouthern GroovesWCA on InstagramConnect with Matt on LinkedinCurrent sponsors & promosCreditsGuest: Matt Ross-SpangHost: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith
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WCA #361 with Patrick Keane - Tinkering, Being Prepared, Choosing Gear, Room Building, and Problem Solving Lessons
16/11/2021 Duration: 50minToday, 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 CelebrationLinks 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
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WCA #360 with Bryan Matheson - Keeping a Studio In Business, Always Learning, Good Landlords, and RTFM!
09/11/2021 Duration: 43minToday, 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
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WCA #359 with Will Yip - Feeding Off Stress, Setting Goals, Power of Routine, Investment in Songs, and Hard Working Parents
02/11/2021 Duration: 56minToday, 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: ComplacencyLinks 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
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WCA #358 with Robert Carranza - East LA, Lessons from Musicians, Gear vs. Good Songs, Listening, and Family
26/10/2021 Duration: 01h09minMy 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: CommunicationLinks 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
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WCA #357 with Michael James - Small Town Strategies, Dolby Atmos, Alternator Records, Shelter In Place, and a Room of 100 People
19/10/2021 Duration: 01h03minToday, 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 UpdateLinks 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
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WCA #356 with Todd Hutchisen - Blinders on Head Down, Serving the Scene, Anti-Trend, Triple Sessions, and Family Balance
12/10/2021 Duration: 48minToday, 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 GigsLinks 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