Working Class Audio

In this engaging discussion, Steve Lack, a seasoned audio post-production expert and podcaster, shares insights from his diverse journey, including work with iconic shows like Seinfeld. He highlights the freedom that podcasting offers, allowing him to work remotely from a sailboat. Steve reflects on his midlife career pivot, the evolution of the industry post-pandemic, and the rise of independent creators. With fascinating anecdotes, he emphasizes the importance of strong client relationships and the need for adaptability in the ever-changing audio landscape.

Alberto de Icaza, a mastering engineer who transitioned from metal bands to audio mastery, shares his fascinating journey from Mexico City to Austin, Texas. He discusses the challenges of the music industry, including navigating cash flow and client relationships shaped by word-of-mouth. Alberto highlights the impact of AI on his work and emphasizes the importance of being adaptable in evolving audio technology. Personal anecdotes, including a car crash that reshaped his priorities, add depth to his insights on maintaining balance in a creative career.

In this episode of Working Class Audio, host Matt Boudreau welcomes back Cesar Mejia, a longtime friend of the podcast, to discuss his continued journey as an educator, studio owner, and audio professional. Cesar, first featured in episode #117 back in 2017, shares his experiences navigating the post-pandemic world, teaching the next generation of musicians, and balancing life at his studio, Shelter Studios.In This Episode, We Discuss: Cesar Mejia's Return to Podcast: Reflecting on his first appearance in 2017, episode 117, and discussing his journey. Teaching Post-COVID: Cesar talks about teaching at Cal State Dominguez Hills and Whittier College, highlighting changes in student mentality and the shift in teaching due to the pandemic. Students' Musical Preferences: Discussing the differences between students at Dominguez Hills, who are more electronic-focused, and those at Whittier, who are often acoustic musicians. Shelter Studios and Family Property: Cesar's studio, Shelter Studios, is located on family property that he inherited. He is working on possibly expanding the space while keeping the studio comfortable and home-like. Balancing Expansion and Stability: Conversations about the benefits of expanding the studio or staying in the current location and the importance of financial stability. Wiring and Additional Gigs: In addition to teaching and studio work, Cesar occasionally takes on wiring gigs for other studios, keeping his income diversified. Collaboration with Herbie Hancock: Cesar continues to work with Herbie Hancock, especially on tours post-COVID, and handles audio tasks such as mixing stems for live performances. Matt's Rant: Being in AssetLinks and Show Notes The Shelter Studios The Shelter on Instangram WCA Episode #117 with Cesar Mejia Credits Guest: Cesar Mejia Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith

My guest for this episode is Producer/Engineer/ Composer Ebonie Smith, who currently holds the esteemed roles of senior audio engineer and producer at Atlantic Records. Ebonie has worked on projects for The Hamilton Cast Album, Janelle Monae, Sturgill Simpson, and Jason Mraz.In This Episode, We Discuss: Memphis Upbringing and Tri-State Area Radio and Musical Influences Transition from Sports to Music College Struggles and Musical Pursuit Technological Fascination and Audio Barnard College Audio Tech Job Pursuit of Music Technology Parental Expectations vs. Music NYU and Advanced Music Studies Career Start at Atlantic Records Evolution from Editing to Producing Hamilton Cast Recording Involvement Creating an Incubator Program Move to Los Angeles Decision Differences Between NYC and LA Atlantic Records Role Transformation Producing Unique Label Projects Challenges in the Music Industry Importance of Administrative Proficiency Balancing Multiple Creative Roles A Continuing Passion for Audio Multitasking Is a Necessity Full Control of the Signal Chain Matt's Rant: Making Opportunity For YourselfLinks and Show NotesEbonie's SiteCredits Guest: Ebonie Smith Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith

My guests today are Wesley Heaton and Kameron Lockwood, producers, engineers, and mixers from Indianapolis, Indiana. They are studio partners at Holy Ground Productions and have extensive live sound experience working with bands like Bingo Boys, Skeletonwitch Rituaal, and Pillars.In this episode, we discuss: Studio Location And Name Early Friendship Timeline Growing Up Experiences Meeting Through Audio Live Sound Frustrations Musical Background Origins Gear Acquisition Journey First Paid Recordings Studio Environment Challenges DIY Venue Recordings Recording School Experiences Self-Education In Audio Recording With Anthrax Transition From Live Sound Studio Construction Challenges Importance Of Deposits Business Partnership Dynamics Studio Community Focus Lessons From First Studio Hospitality And Client Comfort Matt's Rant: PerfectionLinks and Show Notes Holy Ground Productions Holy Ground on Instagram Credits Guest: Wesley Heaton and Kameron Lockwood Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith

My guest today is Mastering Engineer Ben Pike, who runs an analog-based mastering and record cutting studio in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Ben specializes in vinyl mastering and custom lathe cut records, working primarily with independent artists. He has collaborated with artists and groups such as ATA Records, Yaatri, The London Ambient Orchestra, Smith & The Honey Badgers, and King Zepha.In this episode, we discuss: Leeds, West Yorkshire Roots Discovering Recording Technology DIY Recording Beginnings Home Studio Evolution Transition to Mastering Vinyl Mastering Journey Analog Studio Setup Custom Lathe Cut Records Challenges of Chronic Illness Building a Mastering Studio Navigating the Music Industry Supporting Independent Artists Small Batch Vinyl Production Innovative Vinyl Techniques Mastering and Cutting Synergy Restoring Vintage Gear Matt's Rant: The Art of Being ConciseLinks and Show Notes Ben Pike's Studio: Rare Tone Mastering Jeff Powell Companion Episode Credits Guest: Ben Pike Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith

My guest today is Producer/Multi-Instrumentalist/Engineer, Jordan Brooke Hamlin, who has worked with Indigo Girls, KT Tunstall, Vienna Teng, Lila Blue, Katie Herzig, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Allison Russell, and Brandy Clark.---------------------------------In this episode, we discuss Upbringing In Kentucky Music-Loving Family Zeppelin Hippies Deep Connection To Music Early Music Exposure Discovery Of Production Sarah McLachlan Influence Running Her Studio Creating Artist Space Mental Health Focus Challenges In Nashville Supportive Studio Environment Economic Challenges Studio Setup Efficiency Working With Labels Navigating Industry Changes Moxie Studio Origin Residential Studio Blend Artist Commune Vision Reclaiming Neglected Land Importance Of Environment Balancing Creativity And Deadlines Nashville's Music Culture Contrasting With Los Angeles Session Efficiency Vs. Exploration Encouraging Artistic Risk Challenges In Studio Ownership Supporting Independent Artists Grant Programs For Artists Gender Equity In The Audio Industry Financial Pressures On Music Organizational Tools (Airtable) Payment Delays From Labels Navigating Professional Relationships Empathy For Touring Artists Evolving Industry Dynamics ---------------------------------Matt's Rant: Getting Organized---------------------------------Links and Show Notes Book Matt mentions in Interview: Day Trading Attention AirTable Jordan's Studio ---------------------------------Credits Guest: Jordan Brooke Hamlin Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau  WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Chuck Smith 

My guest is Grammy Nominated Music Metadata Professional Tony Brooke. Tony has worked on projects for Richard Thompson, Coldplay, David Byrne, twenty one pilots, Maroon 5, Jane's Addiction, Duran Duran, Steve Miller, Norah Jones, Erasure, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Doobie Brothers, Sarah McLachlan, Elvis Costello, Seal, George Clinton, Emmylou Harris, Indigo Girls, Lucinda Williams, Dave Chappelle, Khaled & Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Stern Grove Festival, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. He's also worked for Pandora/SiriusXM and Warner Music Group.---------------------------------In this episode, we discuss Tony's Audio Production Journey Background and Education Bay Area Move Technical Skills & Equipment Live Music Engineer to Entrepreneur Tascam DA88 Benefits Multi-Track Services Gig Organization Logistics Music Industry Experiences Seasonal Income Fluctuations Business Diversification Website Development Ultimate Track Sheet Career Transition Insights Digital Console Shift Career Coach Influence Master's Degree Pursuit Family Support Gratitude Work-Life Balance Challenges Music Industry Pressures Honesty and Humility Importance Music Data Exchange Research DDEX XML Format Pandora Credit Inclusion Apple Credit Attribution Issues Identifier Initiative Music Data Management Tools Sound Credit Replacement Muse.AI & Other Databases Data Accuracy Challenges Technological Changes Preparation Three-Tiered Data Storage Data Preservation Strategies Copyrighted Compositions Importance Streaming Service Identification Online Course Idea Digital Data Management Strategies ---------------------------------Matt's Rant: Embracing Social Media---------------------------------Links and Show Notes Book Matt mentions in Rant: Day Trading Attention Tools for capturing data in the studio:  Sound Credit: https://www.soundcredit.com/  Session Studio: https://www.sessionstudio.com/  VEVA Collect: https://vevacollect.com/  Identifiers: ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier): http://isni.org/  ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code): https://www.iswc.org/  DDEX standards for music data exchange: https://ddex.net/  CLIP - Free resource to learn industry terminology, creator rights, and how to get credited and paid: https://goclip.org/en/music  Master Tape Rescue project to find a home for lost tapes and other formats (Brian Kehew and Danny White): https://www.mastertaperescue.com/  Tony Brooke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybrooke/  SilentWay.com: http://www.silentway.com/  ---------------------------------Credits Guest: Tony Brooke Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau  WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Chuck Smith     

Hans-Martin Buff, a seasoned recording engineer and music producer from Munich, shares his fascinating journey in the audio industry. He recalls memorable sessions with legends like Prince and Nirvana, emphasizing the unique experience at Paisley Park. The discussion also touches on the challenges of perfectionism in music production, alongside his personal growth through various roles. Buff dives into the complexities of audio engineering, including his work with innovative technologies like Dolby Atmos, and reflects on the influence of family and life experiences on his music career.

Chris Dugan, a Grammy-winning engineer known for his work with Green Day, shares fascinating insights from his music journey. He discusses the challenges of balancing family life and touring, offering practical travel and jet lag tips. Dugan also dives into the intricacies of mixing live shows and the transition to home studios during the pandemic. He emphasizes customizing studio setups for creativity while maintaining family connections, and provides advice on freelance pricing and effective project management in the ever-evolving audio industry.