Working Class Audio

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

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

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

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

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

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  

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mastering Engineer Justin Perkins who has worked with The Replacements, Rufus Wainwright, En Vogue, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Shania Twain, Jellyfish, Johnny Cash, The All-American Rejects, Rickie Lee Jones, Donna Summer, Busta Rhymes, Jason Mraz, Lucero, Hanson, New Kids on the Block , Sum 41, AsiaJustin Perkins' success as a mastering engineer is not solely based on his audio skills but also on his meticulous approach to business operations. His emphasis on automation, client communication, and data management provides valuable lessons for anyone in the audio industry seeking to optimize their workflow and deliver exceptional service.In This Episode, We Discuss: Streamlined Project Intake & Communication Automation & Templates Client Experience Mastering Workflow & Tools Data Archival & Backup Links and Show Notes: Justin's Site WaveLab: Mastering software. iZotope RX: Audio repair and quality control. Samply: Lossless audio delivery and approval platform. Use Code WCA20 OmniFocus: Task management software. Backblaze: Cloud backup service. NeoFinder: Hard drive cataloging software. Thunder Bay 8 and Mini 4 (OWC): External hard drive enclosures. Carbon Copy Cloner: Backup software. Matt's Rant: Piggy Backing off of VictoryCredits: Guest: Justin Perkins Host/Engineer/Editing/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mixing Engineer David Stagl who has worked on projects for or with North Point Community Church, Christ Fellowship(West Palm Beach, FL), Eagle Brook Church (Minneapolis, MN), musical artists: Kristian Stanfill, Jesus Culture, Passion, Phil Keaggy, North Point Music and in broadcast: Discovery Channel, HGTV. Corporate: Home Depot, Wyndham Vacations, and Motorola.In This Episode, We Discuss: Post Production Broadcast Audio Books Worship Sound Dolby ATMOS Live Sound Mistakes Audio Professionals in Religious Settings Immersive Audio for Churches Worship Audio Challenges and Solutions North Point Church Links and Show Notes:David's SiteMatt's Rant: Humility in AudioCredits: Guest: David Stagl Host/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

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.