Working Class Audio

WCA #500 with Catherine Marks - From Architect to Producer, Fearlessness, Supportive Mentors, Managing Creative Conflicts, and Capturing the Immediacy of a Moment

Jul 15, 2024

Catherine Marks, a Grammy-winning producer based in London, shares her inspiring journey from architecture to music production. She reflects on her Australian upbringing, early musical influences, and pivotal moments in Dublin's vibrant music scene. Fearlessness and mentorship significantly shaped her career, including invaluable lessons from industry giants like Flood and Alan Moulder. Marks emphasizes the importance of capturing the immediacy of creativity over technical perfection while discussing how to manage creative conflicts and build essential industry connections.

01:17:30

Episode guests

Catherine Marks

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Catherine Marks emphasizes the importance of fearlessness and perseverance in navigating challenges as a female producer in a male-dominated industry.

Her journey from studying architecture to music production illustrates the value of embracing diverse experiences to inform creative work.

Marks highlights the significance of mentorship and community support in her career, emphasizing how connections can facilitate professional growth.

Deep dives

Transitioning to Mixing in Dolby Atmos and Stereo

Mixing in Dolby Atmos while maintaining stereo compatibility is achievable and beneficial for audio professionals. A free course offers guidance on effectively transitioning between these two formats, addressing common misconceptions that may discourage individuals from exploring Atmos mixing. Participants learn practical techniques and tips to integrate Atmos into their workflow without sacrificing stereo quality. The main emphasis is on the practicality of this dual-mixing approach and how it can enhance creativity in audio production.

Intro

2min

Reflecting on 500 Episodes

6min

Reflections on Creativity and Craftsmanship in Audio

5min

A Journey Through Sound and Memory

18min

From Architecture to Audio: A Journey in Music Production

5min

Navigating Doubts and Embracing Determination in a Creative Transition

2min

From Architect to Producer: A Journey of Sound

13min

Navigating Success in the Music Industry

21min

Reflecting on Milestones and Introducing Innovative Audio Solutions

3min

My guest today is Grammy-winning London-based producer and mixer Catherine Marks, who has worked on projects for boygenius, Wolf Alice, and The Mysterines.

In this episode, we discuss

Upbringing in Australia
Early exposure to music through parents' record collection
Participation in a Yamaha piano course at an all-girls school
Development of interest in songwriting and record production
Studying architecture at the University of Melbourne
Taking a year out to work in Dublin
Introduction to Dublin's music
Immersion in live music and DJ nights in Dublin
Discovery of interest in music production and reverb
Transition from architecture degree to music production career
Learning about music production while working for Flood
Recording a song with Elastica, gaining Flood's attention
Fearlessness and willingness to take opportunities
Early advice from her father and
Support from the Dublin community
Early experiences in the studio,
Multitasking in various roles
Learning via observing, asking questions, and reading manuals
Development of skills and studio efficiency
Mentorship from Alan Moulder
Working with producers like Dmitry Tikovoy, Ben Hillier, and Flood
Importance of capturing the immediacy of a moment over technical perfection
Discipline to let go of awareness and move forward in projects
Managing creative conflicts and rising from unknown engineer to sought-after producer
Establishing connections with key individuals in the music industry
Importance of mutual understanding and communication in the recording process
Working with Alan Moulder and Flood, enhancing her career
Mutual respect and high expectations foster professional growth
Importance of enjoying projects and respecting colleagues
Prioritizing a balanced lifestyle over immediate success
Pressure to maintain career momentum and need for self-care to prevent burnout
Consistent commitment and passion for work
Experiences and reflections on winning a Grammy award
Highs and lows of industry recognition
Challenges of being away for extended periods during album work
Anticipation for future projects and collaborations

Matt's Rant: 500 Episodes and Pressing On

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Catherine Marks
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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Working Class Audio

WCA #500 with Catherine Marks - From Architect to Producer, Fearlessness, Supportive Mentors, Managing Creative Conflicts, and Capturing the Immediacy of a Moment

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Transitioning to Mixing in Dolby Atmos and Stereo

Celebrating 500 Podcast Episodes

Guest Spotlight: Catherine Marks

The Importance of Persistence in the Audio Profession

Navigating the Business of Audio

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts