Working Class Audio

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt is joined by Chris Selim from Mixdown Online ‪and Lij Shaw from Recording Studio Rockstars to discuss our NAMM 2025 experience.In This Episode, We Discuss: Wearing Good Shoes Drinking Water Community Gear We Saw Companies We Like Seminars at NAMM Podcaster and YouTuber Things Links and Show Notes: https://gracedesign.com/ https://gracedesign.com/product/m900-... https://www.audio-scape.com/ https://korneffaudio.com/plugins/ https://www.soundtoys.com/ https://microkits.net/ https://www.musikhack.com/ https://blinq.me/ Matt's Rant: Connecting With People At NAMMCredits: Guest: NAMM 2025 Host/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Owen Davies, an engineer and producer based in Staffordshire, UK, shares insights from his journey building a home studio. He discusses the creative and logistical challenges of studio design, emphasizing the need for expert guidance. Owen also touches on the importance of valuing audio work and charging clients appropriately. In a lighter moment, he recounts his unique experiences with tap dancing and navigating legal battles. The conversation highlights the interplay between passion projects and freelance work in the evolving music scene.

In this engaging chat, mastering engineer Adam Haggar, who has collaborated with artists like Migos and Belinda Carlisle, shares his inspiring journey from New Jersey to Los Angeles. He emphasizes the importance of networking and maintaining high standards in a competitive industry. Adam discusses the challenges of fair pricing in mastering and how staying connected to one’s musical passion fuels creativity. His personal anecdotes about transitioning between East Coast and West Coast music scenes provide valuable insights for aspiring audio professionals.

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back the Pellicci Brothers, Jay and Ian, who appeared originally on WCA #054. They have worked with Deerhoof, John Vanderslice, Sleater-Kinney, and the Magnetic Fields.They currently run Brothers (Chinese) Recording in the Bay Area.In This Episode, We Discuss: Challenges in Naming Unintentional Uniformity Studio History Literal Creativity Creative Decision Making Not Planning Studio Projects Burlap Links and Show Notes: Brothers (Chinese) Recording WCA #057 with The Pellicci Brothers Matt's Rant: IdentityCredits: Guest: The Pellicci Brothers Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Winning mastering engineer, Michael Romanowski. Michael’s extensive credits include Alicia Keys, Bonnie Raitt, Lyle, Lovett, Earth Wind & Fire, Kane Brown, and the Grateful Dead.In This Episode, We Discuss: Studio Acoustics Immersive Audio Advocacy Future Of Immersive Audio Value Of Community Collaboration Critical Listening Skills Balancing Artistic Vision With Label Demands Bass Management Challenges In Immersive Audio Consumer Perceptions Of Immersive Audio Role Of VR And AR In Audio Localization The Dangers of Comparison Links and Show Notes: Michael's Studio Michael on WCA #309 Matt's Rant: Year End ReviewCredits: Guest: Michael Romanowski Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes monitor engineer Lizzie Westsmith who has worked for numerous bands and sound companies including Rancid, Ice Spice, Rat Sound and Coachella. Lizzie shares her journey from discovering her love for audio at Berkeley's iconic Gilman Street to navigating the challenges of the live production industry.In This Episode, We Discuss: Role of a Monitor Engineer Maintaining Personal Balance 924 Gilman Influence Addiction and Recovery Rate Transparency Touring Life Balance Systems Engineering Goals Financial Management Strategies Community and Respect Links and Show Notes:Lizzie on InstagramMatt's Rant: Parlay, Pivot and Change CourseCredits: Guest: Lizzie Westsmith Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Producer/Engineer Ed Donnelly, who has worked with Willie Nelson, Zac Brown, Old 97s, Son Volt, Del McCoury, Nathan Jacques, Lorin Hart, Cole Gallagher, The Lonesome Captain, Trent Summar & The New Row MobIn This Episode, We Discuss: Musical Journey and Career Live Event Recording Journey Journey From Performer to Producer Independent Artist Budget Challenges Managing Budgets in Independent Bands Music Industry Evolution and Strategy Inspiration and Approaches in Work Independent Artists and Audio Professionals Immersive Audio Formats and Music Links and Show Notes:Ed's StudioMatt's Rant: Revisiting Community Credits: Guest: Ed Donnelly Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back mastering engineer Maor Appelbaum (originally on WCA #062)to discuss his career, his approach to mastering across genres, and how he adapts to new technology. Maor has worked on projects for artists such as Faith No More, Yes, and Meat Loaf.In This Episode, We Discuss: Genre-specific mastering approaches Creating and collaborating on new analog hardware Strategies for effective client communication Building and maintaining long-term professional relationships The value of being part of a collaborative team in the audio process Links and Show Notes: Maor Appelbaum Mastering WCA #062 with Maor Appelbaum Matt's Rant: The Value of Independent Clients Credits: Guest: Maor Appelbaum Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt reconnects with engineer and studio owner Jeremy Goody, who was last featured in Episode 85. Jeremy has worked on VO projects for Microsoft, Nuance, Google, Seasonal Visions, and music projects for John Santos, Anticon, and Winfred E. Eye.In This Episode, We Discuss: Studio Rebranding Battling Cell Towers Building Faraday Cages Shifting to Voice Recording Podcasting Links and Show Notes: Jeremy's Studio 25th Street Recording John Vanderslice on WCA Adobe Podcast Tools Neutrik EMC Series Filmic Double Take Essentialism on Audible (I really like this one) The Compound Effect on Audible Switch on Audible Day Trading Attention on Audible Credits: Guest: Jeremy Goody Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt reconnects with Grammy-winning producer and engineer J.J. Blair, last featured in Episode 96. J.J. shares the challenges of building a state-of-the-art recording studio in the Hollywood Hills and offers insights from his popular "Microphone Mondays" series. He also opens up about his recent heart surgery and recovery, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health in a demanding profession.J.J.'s impressive credits include producing and mixing the Grammy-winning album Press On by June Carter Cash, engineering Rod Stewart's Grammy-winning and #1 Billboard album The Great American Songbook, Vol. 3, and engineering and mixing Joanna Connor's #1 Billboard Blues album, 4801 South Indiana Avenue.In This Episode, We Discuss: "Microphone Mondays" series Building a state-of-the-art recording studio Acoustic design, soundproofing, and the science of great studio environments Incorporating vintage and modern gear, including a custom Rupert Neve console Adapting production techniques for genres from Motown to modern rock Reflections on heart surgery, health, and maintaining resilience in the industry The importance of studying hit productions and what makes songs stand out J.J.'s experience with social media success and connecting with audiences Links and Show Notes: J.J. on Instagram J.J.'s Website Credits: Guest: J.J. Blair Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell