Working Class Audio

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 EnvironmentsPost-COVID Shifts in Portland’s Music Scene and Industry-Wide ChangesBalancing Live Sound, Studio Recording, and Creative RolesCommunity Support, Artist Resilience, and Collaborative Culture in PortlandFreelance Audio Strategies: Workflow Tips, Gear Decisions, and Client RelationsNavigating New Music Production Trends and Managing Technical ChallengesChallenges in Sustaining a Music Career in a Changing Industry LandscapeMatt's Rant: Refuse to GiveupLinks and Show Notes:David's First Appearance on WCAJustin Phelps from Hallowed HallsDavid's SiteCredits:Guest: David StreitHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie PleauWCA 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 DebriefLinks and Show Notes:Christal's Sonic LabAES 2025 in Long BeachCredits:Guest: Christal JerezHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie PleauWCA 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 AreaBuilding and managing Studio D RecordingRecording techniques for live rooms and handling isolationWorking with iconic artists like Faith No More, Huey Lewis, and SoundgardenThe impact of streaming and the changing music industryBalancing a 40-year career with family lifeLessons learned from mentors and iconic engineersAdvice for aspiring audio engineers and producersShifting from studio ownership to freelance workMatt’s Rant: Revisiting Putting Yourself Out ThereLinks and Show Notes:Studio D RecordingJoel Jaffe on WikipediaCredits:Guest: Joel JaffeHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie PleauWCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau talks with Grammy-nominated recording engineer and educator Dr. Mary Mazurek about her work in classical music recording and her approach to teaching and mentoring.In This Episode, We Discuss:Grammy-nominated projectsChallenges of recording classical musicMicrophone techniques for live performancesManaging acoustics in different environmentsMentoring young engineersPractical learning in audioEvolution of audio technologyMoving to CanadaSummers in ChicagoMatt’s Rant: The most important thing is what comes out of the speakers!Links and Show Notes:Dr. Mary Mazurek's Faculty ProfileMary Mazurek's previous WCA episode #253Credits:Guest: Dr. Mary MazurekHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie PleauWCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, we welcome back Engineer/Producer Gabriel Shepard, who first appeared on WCA #011. Now, 500 episodes later, Gabriel returns to share more from his journey. Gabriel's impressive client list includes Cake, The Kronos Quartet, Bassnectar, Raphael Saadiq, and The Residents.In This Episode, We Discuss:25th Street RecordingBuilding Client TrustCreative CollaborationCrafting Signature SoundNavigating Industry ChangesFreelance PersistenceAudio Gear InsightsMixing StrategiesStudio WorkflowClient CommunicationRecording ChallengesEvolving Sound TrendsLearning from Other ProducersEarning Fans of Your WorkMatt's Rant: Covid!Links and Show NotesGabriel's Site25th Street Recording StudioOriginal WCA #011 with GabrielWCA #073 with John SchimpfWCA #249 with Jeff KolhedeWCA #005 with John CunibertiWCA #290 with Joe ChiccarelliCreditsGuest: Gabriel ShepardHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie PleauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellAnnouncer: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Steve Lack shares his extensive background in audio post-production and podcasting. Steve reflects on his time working with Warner Brothers Discovery and his contributions to iconic shows like Seinfeld. With experience at NPR, VPM, Al Jazeera, and HBO, Steve now operates remotely from Richmond, Virginia. He discusses the flexibility of podcasting and how his journey from network television to podcasting has shaped his approach to building lasting client relationships.In This Episode, We Discuss:Freelancing Journey ShiftsEarly Adoption Of Pro ToolsDiscovery Channel ExperienceRemote Podcast ProductionTransition From Drumming To Film CompositionMidlife Career PivotFreedom In PodcastingNetworking And RelationshipsWorking From A SailboatOvercoming Corporate MergersEmbracing Technological ChangesMatt's Rant: Learning to Swim FirstLinks and Show NotesSteve's SiteAcon DeReverberateAccentize PluginsCreditsGuest: Steve LackHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie PleauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellAnnouncer: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, mastering engineer Alberto de Icaza shares his journey from Mexico City to the U.S., transitioning from playing in metal bands to becoming a mastering engineer. Now based in Austin, Texas, Alberto discusses his path to mastering during the pandemic and the importance of building client relationships organically through word-of-mouth.In This Episode, We Discuss:AI Tools UsageMastering Career ShiftIndustry ChallengesImpact Of AI On WorkClient RelationsNetworking ExpansionSpanish Market StrategySocial Media PromotionProfessional CollaborationsRemote Work PreferenceCash Flow ManagementStudio SetupAdapting To New TechWorking With Key MentorsCrashing His CarFrom Mexico to New Jersey, to TexasMatt's Rant: All The Other StuffLinks and Show NotesAlberto's SiteSteve Chadie on WCA #245Steve Chadie on WCA #487CreditsGuest: Alberto de IcazaHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie PleauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellAnnouncer: Chuck Smith

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 NotesThe Shelter StudiosThe Shelter on InstangramWCA Episode #117 with Cesar MejiaCreditsGuest: Cesar MejiaHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie PleauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellAnnouncer: 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 AreaRadio and Musical InfluencesTransition from Sports to MusicCollege Struggles and Musical PursuitTechnological Fascination and AudioBarnard College Audio Tech JobPursuit of Music TechnologyParental Expectations vs. MusicNYU and Advanced Music StudiesCareer Start at Atlantic RecordsEvolution from Editing to ProducingHamilton Cast Recording InvolvementCreating an Incubator ProgramMove to Los Angeles DecisionDifferences Between NYC and LAAtlantic Records Role TransformationProducing Unique Label ProjectsChallenges in the Music IndustryImportance of Administrative ProficiencyBalancing Multiple Creative RolesA Continuing Passion for AudioMultitasking Is a NecessityFull Control of the Signal ChainMatt's Rant: Making Opportunity For YourselfLinks and Show NotesEbonie's SiteCreditsGuest: Ebonie SmithHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie PleauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellAnnouncer: Chuck Smith

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 NameEarly Friendship TimelineGrowing Up ExperiencesMeeting Through AudioLive Sound FrustrationsMusical Background OriginsGear Acquisition JourneyFirst Paid RecordingsStudio Environment ChallengesDIY Venue RecordingsRecording School ExperiencesSelf-Education In AudioRecording With AnthraxTransition From Live SoundStudio Construction ChallengesImportance Of DepositsBusiness Partnership DynamicsStudio Community FocusLessons From First StudioHospitality And Client ComfortMatt's Rant: PerfectionLinks and Show NotesHoly Ground ProductionsHoly Ground on InstagramCreditsGuest: Wesley Heaton and Kameron LockwoodHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie PleauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellAnnouncer: Chuck Smith