Working Class Audio
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.
Hosted by audio engineer Matt Boudreau.
The Working Class Audio Podcast - Navigating the World of Recording with a working class perspective.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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 Producer4 Tracks to Pro ToolsChallenges & Rewards of Audio ProductionPolishing TurdsSmart Financial DecisionsHealth Care ChallengesProblems with Apple and ATMOSIndependence to Set ScheduleSaving the Day Links and Show Notes:Howie's WebsiteMatt's Rant: Small Chunks Credits:Guest: Howie BeckHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith
May 19, 2025 • 1h 5min
WCA #544 with Benedikt Hain – Helping Bands Record Better, Mixing in Bavaria, Revisions, and Client Filter
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixing engineer and podcaster Benedikt Hain. Benedikt discussed his journey from growing up in Bavaria to becoming a full-time mixing engineer and running a studio called Outback Recordings . Benedikt has worked with with bands like Pulley and Swallow's Rose and labels like Warner Music and SBÄM Records. In This Episode, We Discuss:• Remote Mixing In Bavaria• Mindset and Songwriting • Exclusive Focus on Mixing• Client Revisions • Mixing Heavy Rock • Lessons Learned From His Podcast• Client FilterLinks and Show Notes:RIP Dan Jasper WCA #027Studio WebsiteThe Self Recording BandSpecial Site for WCA ListenersMatt's Rant: Enjoying the JourneyCredits:Guest: Benedikt HainHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith
May 13, 2025 • 1h 19min
WCA #543 with Sarah Register –Mastering, 10,000 Hours at Once, NYC & The Nervous System, Avant Garde, and PLaying with Kim Gordon
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mastering engineer, Composer, and Guitarist Sarah Register. Her mastering clients include Faye Webster, Channel Tres, Jeffrey Lewis, Alice Longyu Gao, Lee "Scratch" Perry, S.G. Goodman, Wye Oak and many more. In This Episode, We Discuss:Identity & BalanceAvant GardeEgoic Attachment to Past MethodsHealth and SanityNYC & The Nervous System10,000 Hours at OncePlaying with Kim GordonTouringMastering In The BoxBeing Flexible on RateLinks and Show Notes:Sarah’s SiteMatt's Rant: The Battle for OrganizationCredits:Guest: Sarah RegisterHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith
May 6, 2025 • 1h 34min
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. In This Episode, We Discuss:ATMOS for Brian EnoZiggy Stardust. & Ken ScottPlaying on PillowsMimicking ReverbFashion ShowsSession DrummingGiving a ShitATMOS SuccessApple IssuesDolby CurveKnow Your WorthFamily BalanceADHDLinks and Show Notes:Emre's SiteEmre's BandMatt's Rant: Embrace the UnpredictableCredits:Guest: (Current Guest)Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith
Apr 29, 2025 • 41min
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. In This Episode, We Discuss:Pyramind Producing Game SoundBlizzardFormosaMental HealthStorytelling Across Mediums ConsultingLinks and Show Notes:Broken Stick ProductionsMatt's Rant: Staying Well RoundedCredits:Guest: Michael RoacheHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith
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 TalentJourney Into Music and RecordingRecording Studio DesignStudio Building ExperienceCritical MeasurementConstruction ChallengesBeing Struck by LighteningLive Sound ProductionLinks and Show Notes:Dark Pine StudiosMatt's Rant: Revisiting ImaginationCredits:Guest: Max DearingHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith
Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 12min
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 & MonitoringMixerman's New BookProducing Philosophy & ProcessFive Planes of SpaceThe PunterBudgeting & MoneyMusic Business LandscapeLinks and Show Notes:New BookMixerman's SIteMixerman on WCA #202Patriot SeriesMatt's Rant: Finding Your PlaceCredits:Guest: MixermanHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith
Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 46min
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 AudioSteve Albini's InfluenceGreg's Interest in SoundInternship with SteveGrowth and IndependenceThe Financial AspectLegacy and The FutureLinks and Show Notes:Electrical AudioGreg's SiteYamaha Sound ReinforcementMatt's Rant: Visiting Other StudiosCredits:Guest: Greg NormanHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith
Mar 31, 2025 • 54min
WCA #537 with Peter Craft – Napa Destination Studio, Bonding Experiences, Life in Tech, Songwriters as Magicians, and Inspiration of Scenes
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau chats with Peter Craft of Boxer Lodge Studio in Napa. From a tech career to full-time audio engineering, Peter shares his inspiring path back to music. Hear about his early recording dreams, building a destination studio, recording philosophy, and working with the vibrant Bay Area Americana scene. A journey of passion, creativity, and community.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Day to Day Past ExperiencesInfluences & PhilosophyStudio and GearCareer TransitionPricingLove for AudioUnforeseen ExpensesLinks and Show Notes:Peter's Studio Matt's Rant: Thank you!Credits:Guest: Peter CraftHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith
Mar 25, 2025 • 55min
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 CareerGaining Experience at Legendary StudiosCreating Opportunities Through RelocationStarting With DIY Audio ExperimentationLeveraging Early Interests for GrowthEmbracing Hands-On Studio EducationTransitioning From Hobbyist to ProfessionalPursuing Formal Audio Education IntentionallyLearning From World-Class SessionsGrowing Through Industry MentorshipsStaying Versatile With Income StreamsBuilding Reputation Through ReferralsLinks and Show Notes:Robert's StudioScott Evans on WCA #256Scott Evans on WCA #010Bruce Kaphan on WCA #030Matt's Rant: A Different Way To Handle MoneyCredits:Guest: Robert KirbyHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith
