Working Class Audio

In this episode, Matt talks with Will Holland, owner of Chill House, a 2,000-square-foot studio in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Will has worked with acts like SeepeopleS, Club d'Elf, Nth Power, Berklee, and the Lowell Chamber Orchestra. In This Episode, We Discuss: Chill House Studio Location 2,000 Square Feet Space Multiple Studio Rooms Local, Mid-Level Clients Will's Boston Beginnings Internship Turned Career Ownership Advantages Discussed Low Overhead Emphasized Word-of-Mouth Marketing Work-Life Balance Focus Future Relocation Possible Classic Rock Influence Staying Young Setting Rates Matt's Rant: Following Up! Links and Show Notes:Will's Studio Credits: Guest: Will Holland Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau welcomes back audio engineer David, initially featured in WCA #210. David dives into his journey since his last interview, sharing updates on his Portland-based studio move, reflections on the city's music scene post-COVID, and how the pandemic shifted industry dynamics. David offers insights on balancing live sound with studio recording, the adaptive approaches required in today's music landscape, and how Portland's music community is showing resilience in challenging times. David has worked with fourhundred, Lucid Aisle, Storm Large, Kelly Koval, Joshua Lowe and the Juncos. In This Episode, We Discuss: Relocating Studio Spaces and Adapting to New Work Environments Post-COVID Shifts in Portland’s Music Scene and Industry-Wide Changes Balancing Live Sound, Studio Recording, and Creative Roles Community Support, Artist Resilience, and Collaborative Culture in Portland Freelance Audio Strategies: Workflow Tips, Gear Decisions, and Client Relations Navigating New Music Production Trends and Managing Technical Challenges Challenges in Sustaining a Music Career in a Changing Industry Landscape Matt's Rant: Refuse to Giveup Links and Show Notes: David's First Appearance on WCA Justin Phelps from Hallowed Halls David's Site Credits: Guest: David Streit Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, recorded live at AES 2024 in New York, Christal Jerez shares her career journey from Los Angeles to the UK. She discusses her experiences in live and studio sound, her move to the UK for a PhD, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with freelance work. Christal has worked with artists such as Lil Kim, Malik Moses, Al-Doms, and Timi O. In This Episode, We Discuss: Move to the UK: Christal relocated to earn a PhD for the Andrew Scheps Music Production Scholarship, focused on immersive audio, supported by her family. Immersive Audio: Passion for 3D sound and binaural audio, working with psychoacoustic experts at NYU. Early Inspirations: Grew up in LA, influenced by family gatherings and VH1 documentaries. Education Path: Studied audio production in university, learned hands-on through radio station work recording live bluegrass music. Career Growth: Mentored by Serge Tsai at Platinum Sound, rising from assistant to freelance engineer. Focused on client relationships and studio professionalism. Challenges as a Woman in Audio: Faced bias and underrepresentation in the industry. Emphasized importance of mentorship and resilience. Balancing Work & Motherhood: Struggled to balance freelance work with being a mother, setting boundaries to manage family and career. Matt’s Rant: AES 2024 Debrief Links and Show Notes: Christal's Sonic Lab AES 2025 in Long Beach Credits: Guest: Christal Jerez Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau chats with veteran producer and engineer Joel Jaffe, founder of Studio D Recording. Joel reflects on his 40-year journey running a renowned Bay Area studio, working with legendary artists like Faith No More and Huey Lewis, and perfecting live room recording techniques. He also shares insights on overcoming the challenges of studio life, the evolving music industry, and his decision to step away from day-to-day operations, or as Matt puts it, “getting out of the chair.” In This Episode, We Discuss: Challenges of running a studio in the Bay Area Building and managing Studio D Recording Recording techniques for live rooms and handling isolation Working with iconic artists like Faith No More, Huey Lewis, and Soundgarden The impact of streaming and the changing music industry Balancing a 40-year career with family life Lessons learned from mentors and iconic engineers Advice for aspiring audio engineers and producers Shifting from studio ownership to freelance work Matt’s Rant: Revisiting Putting Yourself Out There Links and Show Notes: Studio D Recording Joel Jaffe on Wikipedia Credits: Guest: Joel Jaffe Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

Dr. Mary Mazurek, a Grammy-nominated recording engineer and educator at the University of Lethbridge, shares her insights on classical music recording and microphone techniques for live performances. She discusses the journey of moving from Chicago to Canada and the challenges of different acoustic environments. Mary emphasizes the importance of mentoring young engineers and fostering practical learning in audio. The conversation also touches on the evolution of audio technology and the pivotal role of creativity in achieving outstanding results.

Gabriel Shepard, an experienced engineer and producer known for working with bands like Cake and The Kronos Quartet, shares his journey at 25th Street Recording. He dives into building client trust and making creative collaborations work. Gabriel discusses the impact of industry changes on artists and the importance of persistence in freelancing. He also offers insights on navigating recording challenges, evolving sound trends, and the significance of maintaining strong client relationships in the dynamic world of audio production.

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