
Working Class Audio
Peel back the glamour of the professional recording world. Guests from the world of audio for music, film, games, restoration, and more share their insights on how they made their journey, how they survive, their advice on the real things including wins, losses, working with other people, money, and career advice. Hosted by audio engineer Matt Boudreau.The Working Class Audio Podcast - Navigating the World of Recording with a working class perspective.
Latest episodes

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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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