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Working Class Audio

Latest episodes

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Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 8min

WCA #540 with Max Dearing – Struck by Lightening, Building a Studio, Pounding Sand, Inflation, and Fasteners.

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 Talent Journey Into Music and Recording Recording Studio Design Studio Building Experience Critical Measurement Construction Challenges Being Struck by Lightening Live Sound Production Links and Show Notes:Dark Pine StudiosMatt's Rant: Revisiting ImaginationCredits: Guest: Max Dearing Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
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Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 15min

WCA #539 with Mixerman –New Book, Five Planes of Space, Studio Design & Monitoring, Budgeting & The Punter

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 & Monitoring Mixerman's New Book Producing Philosophy & Process Five Planes of Space The Punter Budgeting & Money Music Business Landscape Links and Show Notes: New Book Mixerman's SIte Mixerman on WCA #202 Patriot Series Matt's Rant: Finding Your PlaceCredits: Guest: Mixerman Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
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Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 47min

WCA #538 with Greg Norman – Steve Albini, Electrical Audio, Community, Family, & Institutional Knowledge

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 Audio Steve Albini's Influence Greg's Interest in Sound Internship with Steve Growth and Independence The Financial Aspect Legacy and The Future Links and Show Notes: Electrical Audio Greg's Site Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Matt's Rant: Visiting Other StudiosCredits: Guest: Greg Norman Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
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Mar 31, 2025 • 55min

WCA #537 with Peter Craft – Napa Destination Studio, Bonding Experiences, Life in Tech, Songwriters as Magicians, and Inspiration of Scenes

Peter Craft, owner of Boxer Lodge Studios in Napa, shares his inspiring journey from a tech career to full-time audio engineering. He discusses the creation of his destination studio, emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration among musicians. Craft reflects on memorable recording experiences and the technical challenges of studio acoustics. He also highlights the balance between passion and profession in the audio industry, advocating for affordable solutions that support burgeoning talents in the vibrant Bay Area scene.
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Mar 25, 2025 • 56min

WCA #536 with Robert Kirby – Leaving Home, Tahoe, Education, Fantasy Studios, Growth, and The Noise Shop

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 Career Gaining Experience at Legendary Studios Creating Opportunities Through Relocation Starting With DIY Audio Experimentation Leveraging Early Interests for Growth Embracing Hands-On Studio Education Transitioning From Hobbyist to Professional Pursuing Formal Audio Education Intentionally Learning From World-Class Sessions Growing Through Industry Mentorships Staying Versatile With Income Streams Building Reputation Through Referrals Links and Show Notes: Robert's Studio Scott Evans on WCA #256 Scott Evans on WCA #010 Bruce Kaphan on WCA #030 Profit First Book Profit First on Audible Matt's Rant: A Different Way To Handle MoneyCredits: Guest: Robert Kirby Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
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Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 7min

WCA #535 with Case Newcomb – COVID Career Shift, Industry Connections, Taking Command, Learning Process, and Customer Service

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 Journey COVID Career Shift City College Program First Real Mix Passion For Audio Mentors Industry Connections Early Mixing Struggles Taking Command Customer Service Learning Process Career Aspirations Links and Show Notes: Case's Site Case on Instagram WCA # 157 with Dana Jae WCA #018 with David R. Bowels Matt's Rant: The People Around YouCredits: Guest: Case Newcomb Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
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Mar 11, 2025 • 1h

WCA #534 with Brendan Duffey – Genre Diversity, Grounded Mindset, Career Evolution, Peaceful Living, and A Berklee Degree

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Winning Producer, Mixing and Mastering Engineer Brendan Duffey who has worked on projects for Bruce Dickinson, Devon Townsend, Sheryl Crow, and Kendrick Lamar. Brendan is also the Senior ATMOS mastering engineer for Million Dollar Snare.In This Episode, We Discuss: Relocation Studio build Atmos mixing Hip-hop projects Bruce Dickinson Genre diversity Berklee degree Teaching plans Pricing growth Networking Grounded mindset Peaceful living Career evolution Encouragement Links and Show Notes: Brendan Duffey on WCA #231 Jack Endino on WCA #174 Brendan's Site Million Dollar Snare Matt's Rant: Dealing with ChallengesCredits: Guest: Brendan Duffey Host/Engineer/Editing/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
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Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 14min

WCA #533 with Mike Fraser – Mixing, Psychology, Workflow, Managers, and Starting as a Janitor

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Legendary rock mix engineer Mike Fraser to discuss his 40+ year career crafting iconic records for Aerosmith, AC/DC, and more.In This Episode, We Discuss: Mixing approach – Keeping it minimalist & focusing on the song Time management & career longevity in the music business Building trust with high-profile artists in the studio Gear & workflow preferences – Why he sticks to SSL consoles & NS-10s Adapting to the industry’s shift to digital & remote work Navigating band dynamics & working with creative personalities Dropping Out of School Starting as a Janitor Links and Show Notes:Mike's WebsiteMatt's Rant: Reignite the Spark!Credits: Guest: Mike Fraser Host/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
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Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 1min

WCA #532 with George Bokos –Studios In Athens, Nap Time, Working With Remote Clients, and Sunlight Over Isolation

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes George Bokos who runs Grind House Studios Athens in Athens, Greece. George has worked with numerous bands including ALL SINS UNDONE, CALYCES, COSTIN CHIOREANU, and BLACK KAISER.In This Episode, We Discuss: From Musician to Studio Owner Studios In Athens Working With Remote Clients Working with Drummers Nap Time in Athens Sunlight Over Isolation Choosing Gear That Makes an Imapct Being Part of The Team Links and Show Notes:Grind House Studios AthensMatt's Rant: 30 Second Burst MethodCredits: Guest: George Bokos Host/Engineer/Producer/Editing: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
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Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 12min

WCA #531 with Travis Ference– LA Fires, Rebuilding a Studio, Insurance Lessons, Backup Strategies & Community Support

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, and mixer Travis Ference who has worked worked on projects for Imagine Dragons, John Mayer, Ariana Grande, and Bush, to name a few. Travis is also the host of the podcast Progressions: Success in the Music Industry.Travis recently lost his studio in the fires in Altadena and this episode is all about that. In This Episode, We Discuss: The LA fire’s impact on Travis’s home and studio The challenges of rebuilding after disaster Community support in times of crisis Key lessons on insurance and coverage gaps Backup strategies for audio professionals Using AI and cloud services for recovery Planning a flexible studio rebuild First responders and aid efforts Protecting your gear, business, and home Links and Show Notes: Travis's site Travis's podcast https://musicares.org/ https://www.wearemovingtheneedle.org/ Matt’s Rant: Planning for The WorstCredits: Guest: Travis Ference Host/Engineer/Editing/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith  

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