

Working Class Audio
Working Class Audio
The Working Class Audio Podcast pulls back the curtain on the professional recording world. Host and audio engineer Matt Boudreau talks with guests from music, film, games, restoration, and beyond—diving into their real-world journeys. No fluff, just honest conversations about the wins, losses, money, collaboration, and survival strategies that define a career in audio. It's recording life from a working class perspective.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 10min
WCA #548 with Dan Malsch – Touring Guitarist to Full-Time Engineer, Building a Studio Career, Mixing Ghost, Working with Andy Wallace, and Running a Successful Studio Outside the Big Cities
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer and mixer Dan Malsch to discuss his journey from guitarist to studio owner, working with bands like Ghost and Avenged Sevenfold, building studios with his own hands, and maintaining a no-ego approach to recording at the highest level.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Dan Malsch’s Journey From Guitarist to Music Producer
Explore how Dan transitioned from touring with his metal band Wicked Mariah to becoming a full-time producer and mix engineer.
Building and Running a Professional Recording Studio
Learn how Dan used his construction background to build a world-class recording studio in the Poconos from the ground up.
Working With Major Artists Like Ghost and Avenged Sevenfold
Dan shares behind-the-scenes stories of working with chart-topping rock and metal bands including Ghost, Avenged Sevenfold, and Gojira.
Mixing in Dolby Atmos
Get insight into how Dan created an Atmos mix room in two weeks and how he mixed Ghost's Impera and Skeletor albums in Dolby Atmos.
Collaborating With Legendary Mixer Andy Wallace
Hear how a chance meeting led to a close working relationship with Andy Wallace and how that partnership elevated Dan’s career.
Running a Successful Studio in a Secondary Market
Discover how Dan attracts big-name clients to his Pennsylvania studio without being based in LA, Nashville, or New York.
How to Maintain Long-Term Clients as a Music Producer
Dan discusses how professionalism, personal communication, and trust help him retain high-profile clients year after year.
Balancing Studio Life and Family Life
Hear how Dan prioritized being present for his family while running a busy studio and raising two kids.
Links and Show Notes:
Dan's Studio
IMSRV Studio In Stockholm
Advice from Robert Diniro video
Matt's Rant: Persistence
Credits:
Guest: Dan Malsch
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

Jun 10, 2025 • 60min
WCA #547 with Lij Shaw – Friendship, Communication, Collaboration, Mixing, and Time Management
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, songwriter and host of Recording Studio Rockstars Lij Shaw.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Friendship & Communication
Studio & Workspace
Costa Rica Trip
Music & Production
Collaboration & Mixing
Identity & Roles
Time Management
Links and Show Notes:
Recording Studio Rockstars
Chris Chamness (Matt & Lij colab)
Matt's Rant: Barriers
Credits:
Guest: Lij Shaw
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 15min
WCA #546 with Elad Marish –Surf Culture, The Magic of KISS, Guitar Obsession, Post Production Powerhouse, and The Growth of Swell
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Elad Marish, co-founder and producer at Swell Music + Sound, a leading creative audio agency based in San Francisco. Elad and his team at Swell have brought music, sound design, and audio branding to high-profile clients including Apple, Nike, Google, and Uber, working on everything from global ad campaigns to immersive brand experiences.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
The Magic of KISS
Wearing Out Record Needles
Hating Piano
Surf Culture
Guitar Obsession
Early Parenthood
Painful Band Experiences
Post Production Powerhouse
Growing Swell Sound
Navigating COVID
Staying Lean
Links and Show Notes:
Swell
Elad on Linkedin
Matt's Rant: Getting Some Space
Credits:
Guest: Elad Marish
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

May 27, 2025 • 1h 18min
WCA #545 with Howie Beck - Musician to Producer, 4 Tracks to Pro Tools, Independence, Polishing Turds, and Saving the Day
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Howie Beck who is a multi Juno nominated Mixer, Producer and musician located in Toronto who has mixed or produced music by artists as diverse as Feist, Charlotte Day Wilson, Barenaked Ladies, Chilly Gonzales, Ron Sexsmith, and the Weather Station amongst many more.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Musician to Producer
4 Tracks to Pro Tools
Challenges & Rewards of Audio Production
Polishing Turds
Smart Financial Decisions
Health Care Challenges
Problems with Apple and ATMOS
Independence to Set Schedule
Saving the Day
Links and Show Notes:
Howie's Website
Matt's Rant: Small Chunks
Credits:
Guest: Howie Beck
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

May 19, 2025 • 1h 5min
WCA #544 with Benedikt Hain – Helping Bands Record Better, Mixing in Bavaria, Revisions, and Client Filter
Benedikt Hain, a talented mixing engineer from Bavaria and co-host of the Self-Recording Band podcast, shares his fascinating journey in the music industry. He dives into the intricacies of remote mixing for international clients, offering insights on establishing effective communication with bands. Benedikt discusses the importance of mindset in songwriting, the challenges of client revisions, and balancing technical skills with emotional depth. He also reflects on the role of mentorship and the significance of enjoying the music production process.

May 13, 2025 • 1h 20min
WCA #543 with Sarah Register –Mastering, 10,000 Hours at Once, NYC & The Nervous System, Avant Garde, and PLaying with Kim Gordon
In this discussion, mastering engineer Sarah Register shares her journey from Oklahoma to NYC and back, revealing how her artistic identity has evolved amidst the challenges of the music industry. She dives into balancing health with creativity, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in a fast-paced environment. Sarah discusses her experience in working with avant-garde music, and her collaboration with Kim Gordon, highlighting the rich interplay between technology and artistry. The conversation also touches on mastering techniques and the freedom found in Los Angeles's creative scene.

May 6, 2025 • 1h 35min
WCA #542 with Emre Ramazanoglu – ATMOS For Brian Eno, Session Drumming, Fashion Shows, Family Balance, and ADHD
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, mixer, drummer, and composer Emre Ramazanoglu who has worked on projects for Brian Eno, David Bowie, Noel Gallagher Nova Twins and many more.
ATMOS for Brian Eno
Ziggy Stardust. & Ken Scott
Playing on Pillows
Mimicking Reverb
Fashion Shows
Session Drumming
Giving a Shit
ATMOS Success
Apple Issues
Dolby Curve
Know Your Worth
Family Balance
ADHD
Emre's Site
Emre's Band
Guest: (Current Guest)
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith
In This Episode, We Discuss:Links and Show Notes:Matt's Rant: Embrace the UnpredictableCredits:

Apr 28, 2025 • 42min
WCA #541 with Michael Roache – Producing Game Sound, Blizzard, Formosa, Mental Health, and Storytelling Across Mediums
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Producer Michael Roache who has worked for Halo/KDA, Blizzard, Formosa, Rebound, and TNM. Now he is launching a new company called Broken Stick.
Pyramind
Producing Game Sound
Blizzard
Formosa
Mental Health
Storytelling Across Mediums
Consulting
Broken Stick Productions
Guest: Michael Roache
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith
In This Episode, We Discuss:Links and Show Notes:Matt's Rant: Staying Well RoundedCredits:

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 6min
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 13min
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 Place
Credits:
Guest: Mixerman
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith