

Working Class Audio
Working Class Audio
The Working Class Audio Podcast pulls back the curtain on the professional recording world. Host and audio engineer Matt Boudreau talks with guests from music, film, games, restoration, and beyond—diving into their real-world journeys. No fluff, just honest conversations about the wins, losses, money, collaboration, and survival strategies that define a career in audio. It's recording life from a working class perspective.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 26, 2024 • 1h 17min
WCA #506 with Wesley Heaton & Kamaron Lockwood – Studio Resilience, DIY Spaces, Live Sound Lessons, Gear Overload, And Lessons From Their First Studio Fiasco
My guests today are Wesley Heaton and Kameron Lockwood, producers, engineers, and mixers from Indianapolis, Indiana. They are studio partners at Holy Ground Productions and have extensive live sound experience working with bands like Bingo Boys, Skeletonwitch Rituaal, and Pillars.In this episode, we discuss:
Studio Location And Name
Early Friendship Timeline
Growing Up Experiences
Meeting Through Audio
Live Sound Frustrations
Musical Background Origins
Gear Acquisition Journey
First Paid Recordings
Studio Environment Challenges
DIY Venue Recordings
Recording School Experiences
Self-Education In Audio
Recording With Anthrax
Transition From Live Sound
Studio Construction Challenges
Importance Of Deposits
Business Partnership Dynamics
Studio Community Focus
Lessons From First Studio
Hospitality And Client Comfort
Matt's Rant: PerfectionLinks and Show Notes
Holy Ground Productions
Holy Ground on Instagram
Credits
Guest: Wesley Heaton and Kameron Lockwood
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 11min
WCA #505 with Ben Pike – Vinyl Mastering, Lathe Cut Records, Analog Studio Setup, and Navigating Chronic Illness
My guest today is Mastering Engineer Ben Pike, who runs an analog-based mastering and record cutting studio in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Ben specializes in vinyl mastering and custom lathe cut records, working primarily with independent artists. He has collaborated with artists and groups such as ATA Records, Yaatri, The London Ambient Orchestra, Smith & The Honey Badgers, and King Zepha.In this episode, we discuss:
Leeds, West Yorkshire Roots
Discovering Recording Technology
DIY Recording Beginnings
Home Studio Evolution
Transition to Mastering
Vinyl Mastering Journey
Analog Studio Setup
Custom Lathe Cut Records
Challenges of Chronic Illness
Building a Mastering Studio
Navigating the Music Industry
Supporting Independent Artists
Small Batch Vinyl Production
Innovative Vinyl Techniques
Mastering and Cutting Synergy
Restoring Vintage Gear
Matt's Rant: The Art of Being ConciseLinks and Show Notes
Ben Pike's Studio: Rare Tone Mastering
Jeff Powell Companion Episode
Credits
Guest: Ben Pike
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Aug 12, 2024 • 1h 9min
WCA #504 with Jordan Brooke Hamlin – Encouraging Artistic Risk, Moxe Studio, Nashville's Music Culture, Zeppelin Hippies, and Reclaiming Neglected Land
My guest today is Producer/Multi-Instrumentalist/Engineer, Jordan Brooke Hamlin, who has worked with Indigo Girls, KT Tunstall, Vienna Teng, Lila Blue, Katie Herzig, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Allison Russell, and Brandy Clark.---------------------------------In this episode, we discuss
Upbringing In Kentucky
Music-Loving Family
Zeppelin Hippies
Deep Connection To Music
Early Music Exposure
Discovery Of Production
Sarah McLachlan Influence
Running Her Studio
Creating Artist Space
Mental Health Focus
Challenges In Nashville
Supportive Studio Environment
Economic Challenges
Studio Setup Efficiency
Working With Labels
Navigating Industry Changes
Moxie Studio Origin
Residential Studio Blend
Artist Commune Vision
Reclaiming Neglected Land
Importance Of Environment
Balancing Creativity And Deadlines
Nashville's Music Culture
Contrasting With Los Angeles
Session Efficiency Vs. Exploration
Encouraging Artistic Risk
Challenges In Studio Ownership
Supporting Independent Artists
Grant Programs For Artists
Gender Equity In The Audio Industry
Financial Pressures On Music
Organizational Tools (Airtable)
Payment Delays From Labels
Navigating Professional Relationships
Empathy For Touring Artists
Evolving Industry Dynamics
---------------------------------Matt's Rant: Getting Organized---------------------------------Links and Show Notes
Book Matt mentions in Interview: Day Trading Attention
AirTable
Jordan's Studio
---------------------------------Credits
Guest: Jordan Brooke Hamlin
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Aug 5, 2024 • 1h 22min
WCA #503 with Tony Brooke - Audio Data Management, Seasonal Income Fluctuations, Career Coach Influence, Music Data Management Tools, and Getting Credit
My guest is Grammy Nominated Music Metadata Professional Tony Brooke. Tony has worked on projects for Richard Thompson, Coldplay, David Byrne, twenty one pilots, Maroon 5, Jane's Addiction, Duran Duran, Steve Miller, Norah Jones, Erasure, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Doobie Brothers, Sarah McLachlan, Elvis Costello, Seal, George Clinton, Emmylou Harris, Indigo Girls, Lucinda Williams, Dave Chappelle, Khaled & Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Stern Grove Festival, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. He's also worked for Pandora/SiriusXM and Warner Music Group.---------------------------------In this episode, we discuss
Tony's Audio Production Journey
Background and Education
Bay Area Move
Technical Skills & Equipment
Live Music Engineer to Entrepreneur
Tascam DA88 Benefits
Multi-Track Services
Gig Organization Logistics
Music Industry Experiences
Seasonal Income Fluctuations
Business Diversification
Website Development
Ultimate Track Sheet
Career Transition Insights
Digital Console Shift
Career Coach Influence
Master's Degree Pursuit
Family Support Gratitude
Work-Life Balance Challenges
Music Industry Pressures
Honesty and Humility Importance
Music Data Exchange Research
DDEX XML Format
Pandora Credit Inclusion
Apple Credit Attribution Issues
Identifier Initiative
Music Data Management Tools
Sound Credit Replacement
Muse.AI & Other Databases
Data Accuracy Challenges
Technological Changes Preparation
Three-Tiered Data Storage
Data Preservation Strategies
Copyrighted Compositions Importance
Streaming Service Identification
Online Course Idea
Digital Data Management Strategies
---------------------------------Matt's Rant: Embracing Social Media---------------------------------Links and Show Notes
Book Matt mentions in Rant: Day Trading Attention
Tools for capturing data in the studio:
Sound Credit: https://www.soundcredit.com/
Session Studio: https://www.sessionstudio.com/
VEVA Collect: https://vevacollect.com/
Identifiers:
ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier): http://isni.org/
ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code): https://www.iswc.org/
DDEX standards for music data exchange: https://ddex.net/
CLIP - Free resource to learn industry terminology, creator rights, and how to get credited and paid: https://goclip.org/en/music
Master Tape Rescue project to find a home for lost tapes and other formats (Brian Kehew and Danny White): https://www.mastertaperescue.com/
Tony Brooke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybrooke/
SilentWay.com: http://www.silentway.com/
---------------------------------Credits
Guest: Tony Brooke
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 38min
WCA #502 with Hans-Martin Buff - From Journalism to Audio: Exploring Binaural Sound, Working with Prince, Dolby Atmos, and Mastering the Art of Sequencing and Assembly
Hans-Martin Buff, a seasoned recording engineer and music producer from Munich, shares his fascinating journey in the audio industry. He recalls memorable sessions with legends like Prince and Nirvana, emphasizing the unique experience at Paisley Park. The discussion also touches on the challenges of perfectionism in music production, alongside his personal growth through various roles. Buff dives into the complexities of audio engineering, including his work with innovative technologies like Dolby Atmos, and reflects on the influence of family and life experiences on his music career.

Jul 22, 2024 • 59min
WCA #501 with Chris Dugan – Green Day Tours, Studio Setup, Balancing Work and Family, Travel Tips, Freelance Pricing, and Backup Technology
Chris Dugan, a Grammy-winning engineer known for his work with Green Day, shares fascinating insights from his music journey. He discusses the challenges of balancing family life and touring, offering practical travel and jet lag tips. Dugan also dives into the intricacies of mixing live shows and the transition to home studios during the pandemic. He emphasizes customizing studio setups for creativity while maintaining family connections, and provides advice on freelance pricing and effective project management in the ever-evolving audio industry.

Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 16min
WCA #500 with Catherine Marks - From Architect to Producer, Fearlessness, Supportive Mentors, Managing Creative Conflicts, and Capturing the Immediacy of a Moment
Catherine Marks, a Grammy-winning producer based in London, shares her inspiring journey from architecture to music production. She reflects on her Australian upbringing, early musical influences, and pivotal moments in Dublin's vibrant music scene. Fearlessness and mentorship significantly shaped her career, including invaluable lessons from industry giants like Flood and Alan Moulder. Marks emphasizes the importance of capturing the immediacy of creativity over technical perfection while discussing how to manage creative conflicts and build essential industry connections.

Jul 8, 2024 • 1h 2min
WCA #499 with Stephen Kerrison - Touring to Mastering, Weird Jungle, Liverpool Music Scene, Instilling Confidence, Listening, and The Importance of Taste in Mastering
Stephen Kerrison, a talented UK-based mastering engineer known for his work with artists like Petbrick and Ditz, shares insights into the evolving Liverpool music scene. He discusses the transition from touring to mastering and the importance of instilling confidence in artists. The conversation explores balancing creativity with technical demands and the unique challenges faced by musicians today. Stephen also emphasizes the significance of taste in mastering and how collaboration enhances the final product, revealing an interesting perspective on the music industry's current landscape.

Jul 1, 2024 • 1h 7min
WCA #498 with Jacob Winik - Gillman Street Experiences, Improving Live Sound, Tiny Telephone, Improved Quality of Life, and Cosmic Standard
My guest today is Jacob Winik, the COO, Technical Director, and Sound Designer at Cosmic Standard, an audio production company he co-founded with his wife, Eliza Smith, in January 2020. Jacob has collaborated on projects with TED, Patagonia, Dropbox, KQED, Samantha Crain, Meernaa, Doe Eye, and Steep Ravine. He previously worked as an audio engineer at Tiny Telephone in San Francisco.In this episode, we discuss
Bay Area Upbringing
Parents' Musical Influence
Early Punk Music
Divorce Sparks Punk Interest
Gillman Street Experiences
Technology at Home
Early Instruments
School Band Reluctance
Discovering DIY Punk
College Band Experience
House Shows in College
Obsessed with Music Making
Improving Live Sound
Early Recording Awareness
DIY Recording at Gillman
First Demo Recording
College Film Studies
Pursuit of Music Recording
Internship at The Compound
Learning Basic Recording Skills
Building Client Relationships
Internship at Fantasy Studios
Analog Tape Recording Challenges
Journey Recording Experience
Interning with Magic Magic Orchestra
John Vanderslice
Studio Setup at Tiny Telephone
Transition to Professional Engineer
Hands-on Learning with Tape
Podcast Company Formation
Balancing Overhead Costs
Scalable Team Structure
Remote Work Adaptation
Handling Pandemic Challenges
Client Training Remotely
Improved Quality of Life
Building Client Relationships
Matt's Rant: Moving Through Your Audio Career with Blinders OnLinks and Show Notes
Cosmic Standard
John Vanderslice on WCA
Credits
Guest: Jacob Winik
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Jun 24, 2024 • 60min
WCA #497 with Danny Reisch - Dallas Childhood Memories, Back to the Future, Daytrotter Sessions, Austin Music Scene, Moving to LA, and Making Records on Cassette 8 Tracks.
My guest today is Los Angeles-based Producer/Mixer/Engineer/Drummer Danny Reisch, who has worked on projects for Local Natives, Dirty Projectors, Khruangbin, Barns Courtney, White Denim, Other Lives, Shearwater, Sun June, Tele Novella, Intocable, Halo video game ( last 3 seasons), The Green Knight score (a24), Disney Peter Pan score, Interview With The Vampire score, Willie Nelson, Ed Sheeran, Lizzo, The Zombies, Counting Crows, Jimmy Cliff, Father John Misty and many more.In this episode, we discuss
Dallas Childhood Memories
Early Band Experiences
Four Track Beginnings
Michael Jackson Obsession
Back to Future Influence
Supportive Creative Family
Unique School Experience
Discipline
College Music Degree
Early Audio Awareness
Atmos Mixing Insights
Texas State University
Touring and College Life
Sound Design Job
Band Experiences Takeaways
Respect for Bands
Working with Passionate Clients
Good Danny's Studio Journey
Early Studio Challenges
Austin Music Scene
Daytrotter Sessions Impact
South by Southwest Frenzy
Live Recording Skills
Move to Los Angeles
Pandemic Mixing Shift
Film Score Mixing
Financial Ecosystem Differences
LA Studio Setup Challenges
John Congleton's Advice
Matt's Rant: What If?Links and Show Notes
Danny on Instagram
John Congelton on WCA
Credits
Guest: Danny Reisch
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith


