

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

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
WCA #535 with Case Newcomb – COVID Career Shift, Industry Connections, Taking Command, Learning Process, and Customer Service
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 JourneyCOVID Career ShiftCity College ProgramFirst Real MixPassion For AudioMentorsIndustry ConnectionsEarly Mixing StrugglesTaking CommandCustomer ServiceLearning ProcessCareer AspirationsLinks and Show Notes:Case's SiteCase on InstagramWCA # 157 with Dana JaeWCA #018 with David R. BowelsMatt's Rant: The People Around YouCredits:Guest: Case NewcombHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Mar 11, 2025 • 58min
WCA #534 with Brendan Duffey – Genre Diversity, Grounded Mindset, Career Evolution, Peaceful Living, and A Berklee Degree
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, 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 #231Jack Endino on WCA #174Brendan's SiteMillion Dollar SnareMatt's Rant: Dealing with ChallengesCredits:Guest: Brendan DuffeyHost/Engineer/Editing/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 18min
WCA #533 with Mike Fraser – Mixing, Psychology, Workflow, Managers, and Starting as a Janitor
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 songTime management & career longevity in the music businessBuilding trust with high-profile artists in the studioGear & workflow preferences – Why he sticks to SSL consoles & NS-10sAdapting to the industry’s shift to digital & remote workNavigating band dynamics & working with creative personalitiesDropping Out of SchoolStarting as a JanitorLinks and Show Notes:Mike's WebsiteMatt's Rant: Reignite the Spark!Credits:Guest: Mike FraserHost/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Feb 24, 2025 • 59min
WCA #532 with George Bokos –Studios In Athens, Nap Time, Working With Remote Clients, and Sunlight Over Isolation
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 OwnerStudios In AthensWorking With Remote ClientsWorking with DrummersNap Time in AthensSunlight Over IsolationChoosing Gear That Makes an ImpactBeing Part of The TeamLinks and Show Notes:Grind House Studios AthensMatt's Rant: 30 Second Burst MethodCredits:Guest: George BokosHost/Engineer/Producer/Editing: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 11min
WCA #531 with Travis Ference– LA Fires, Rebuilding a Studio, Insurance Lessons, Backup Strategies & Community Support
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 studioThe challenges of rebuilding after disasterCommunity support in times of crisisKey lessons on insurance and coverage gapsBackup strategies for audio professionalsUsing AI and cloud services for recoveryPlanning a flexible studio rebuildFirst responders and aid effortsProtecting your gear, business, and homeLinks and Show Notes:Travis's siteTravis's podcasthttps://musicares.org/https://www.wearemovingtheneedle.org/Matt’s Rant: Planning for The WorstCredits:Guest: Travis FerenceHost/Engineer/Editing/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Feb 11, 2025 • 59min
WCA #530 with Justin Perkins – Mastering, Client Experience, Data Archival & Backup, Automation & Templates and Streamlined Communication
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 & CommunicationAutomation & TemplatesClient ExperienceMastering Workflow & ToolsData Archival & BackupLinks 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 WCA20OmniFocus: 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 PerkinsHost/Engineer/Editing/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 12min
WCA #529 with David Stagl – Worship Sound, Broadcast, Bruce Springsteen, Live Sound Mistakes, and Feedback City
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 ProductionBroadcastAudio BooksWorship SoundDolby ATMOSLive Sound MistakesAudio Professionals in Religious SettingsImmersive Audio for ChurchesWorship Audio Challenges and SolutionsNorth Point ChurchLinks and Show Notes:David's SiteMatt's Rant: Humility in AudioCredits:Guest: David StaglHost/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Jan 28, 2025 • 53min
WCA #528 with NAMM 2025 – Community, Gear We Saw, Companies We Like, Seminars, Good Shoes, and Drinking Water
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 ShoesDrinking WaterCommunityGear We SawCompanies We LikeSeminars at NAMMPodcaster and YouTuber ThingsLinks 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 2025Host/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 3min
WCA #527 with Owen Davies – Studio Design, Recording Everything, Tap Dancing, and Building THE Home Studio
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer / Producer Owen Davies who has worked with Broken Teeth, Survival, Fangs Out, Netherhall, Yo Titan, and Brookhorse.In This Episode, We Discuss:Building THE Home StudioWorking with a Studio DesignerNavigating Studio Design ChallengesLessons from Early StudiosTap Dancing and Legal BattlesFreelancing and Passion ProjectsLinks and Show Notes:Owen's StudioMatt's Rant: Things You Should Charge For (In My Opinion)Credits:Guest: Owen DaviesHost/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 17min
WCA #526 with Adam Haggar – Los Angeles Life, New Jersey Living, The Importance Of Networking, Maintaining High Standards, and a Passion For Music
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mastering engineer Adam Haggar who has worked with Migos, Belinda Carlisle, and The Antlers. In This Episode, We Discuss: Adam's Journey In The Audio IndustryDifferent Cities, Studios, And Roles Within The Music IndustryHis Approach To Mastering And Building His BusinessThe Importance Of NetworkingChallenges Of Maintaining High Standards In A Competitive IndustryValue Of Staying Connected To One's Passion For MusicLinks and Show Notes:Adam s SiteMatt's Rant: Los AngelesCredits:Guest: Adam HaggarHost/Engineer/Producer/Editor: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith


