Working Class Audio

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 RootsDiscovering Recording TechnologyDIY Recording BeginningsHome Studio EvolutionTransition to MasteringVinyl Mastering JourneyAnalog Studio SetupCustom Lathe Cut RecordsChallenges of Chronic IllnessBuilding a Mastering StudioNavigating the Music IndustrySupporting Independent ArtistsSmall Batch Vinyl ProductionInnovative Vinyl TechniquesMastering and Cutting SynergyRestoring Vintage GearMatt's Rant: The Art of Being ConciseLinks and Show NotesBen Pike's Studio: Rare Tone MasteringJeff Powell Companion EpisodeCreditsGuest: Ben PikeHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie PleauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellAnnouncer: Chuck Smith

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 discussUpbringing In KentuckyMusic-Loving FamilyZeppelin HippiesDeep Connection To MusicEarly Music ExposureDiscovery Of ProductionSarah McLachlan InfluenceRunning Her StudioCreating Artist SpaceMental Health FocusChallenges In NashvilleSupportive Studio EnvironmentEconomic ChallengesStudio Setup EfficiencyWorking With LabelsNavigating Industry ChangesMoxie Studio OriginResidential Studio BlendArtist Commune VisionReclaiming Neglected LandImportance Of EnvironmentBalancing Creativity And DeadlinesNashville's Music CultureContrasting With Los AngelesSession Efficiency Vs. ExplorationEncouraging Artistic RiskChallenges In Studio OwnershipSupporting Independent ArtistsGrant Programs For ArtistsGender Equity In The Audio IndustryFinancial Pressures On MusicOrganizational Tools (Airtable)Payment Delays From LabelsNavigating Professional RelationshipsEmpathy For Touring ArtistsEvolving Industry Dynamics---------------------------------Matt's Rant: Getting Organized---------------------------------Links and Show NotesBook Matt mentions in Interview: Day Trading AttentionAirTableJordan's Studio---------------------------------CreditsGuest: Jordan Brooke HamlinHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith 

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 discussTony's Audio Production JourneyBackground and EducationBay Area MoveTechnical Skills & EquipmentLive Music Engineer to EntrepreneurTascam DA88 BenefitsMulti-Track ServicesGig Organization LogisticsMusic Industry ExperiencesSeasonal Income FluctuationsBusiness DiversificationWebsite DevelopmentUltimate Track SheetCareer Transition InsightsDigital Console ShiftCareer Coach InfluenceMaster's Degree PursuitFamily Support GratitudeWork-Life Balance ChallengesMusic Industry PressuresHonesty and Humility ImportanceMusic Data Exchange ResearchDDEX XML FormatPandora Credit InclusionApple Credit Attribution IssuesIdentifier InitiativeMusic Data Management ToolsSound Credit ReplacementMuse.AI & Other DatabasesData Accuracy ChallengesTechnological Changes PreparationThree-Tiered Data StorageData Preservation StrategiesCopyrighted Compositions ImportanceStreaming Service IdentificationOnline Course IdeaDigital Data Management StrategiesMatt's Rant: Embracing Social MediaLinks and Show NotesBook Matt mentions in Rant: Day Trading AttentionTools for capturing data in the studio: Sound Credit: https://www.soundcredit.com/ Session Studio: https://www.sessionstudio.com/ VEVA Collect: https://vevacollect.com/ 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/ CreditsGuest: Tony BrookeHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith    

My guest is Hans-Martin Buff, a Recording Engineer, Music Producer, and 3D Geek based in Munich, Germany. Hans has worked with Prince, Peter Gabriel, and the Scorpions.---------------------------------In this episode, we discussIntroduction and BackgroundFamily Musical InfluenceEarly Musical InterestsEducational BackgroundTransition to Music CareerPachyderm Studio ExperienceNirvana Recording SessionsWorking with PrincePaisley Park ExperiencePrince's Influence on HansChallenges in the IndustryDifficult Clients and LessonsTechnical Recording TechniquesPersonal Growth and DevelopmentSequencing and AssemblyMemorable Projects and HighlightsImpact on Personal Music Enjoyment---------------------------------Matt's Rant: When to Let it Go---------------------------------Links and Show NotesHans' SiteHans on Instagram---------------------------------CreditsGuest: Hans-Martin BuffHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith 

My guest today is Grammy-winning engineer and Mixer Chris Dugan, who has worked on projects for Green Day, Gaslight Anthem, Weezer, and Alanis Morissette.---------------------------------In this episode, we discuss:Touring and Work with Green DayEuropean TourRecording Live ShowsStudio EngineerMixing for TV BroadcastsTransition to More MixingMixing with the Artist PresentStudio Setup and EquipmentFamily-Friendly Home StudioHome Studio Customization EffortsStudio Setup During the PandemicImportance of Sound ReflectionsPortable Mixing Setup BenefitsAtmos Setup Decision FactorsAffordable Speaker TuningBalancing Work and FamilyBalancing Family and WorkParenting While TouringEncouraging Kids' Musical InterestFamily's Involvement in MusicKids' Interest in StudioTravel and Jet Lag TipsManaging Sleep and TravelJet Lag Recovery StrategiesEfficient Airport TipsGlobal Entry EfficiencyTime Shifter App UsageFreelance Work and PricingFreelance Pricing ChallengesWord-of-Mouth OpportunitiesManaging Project DeadlinesImpact of Unconventional TracksImportance of PolitenessImportance of Session PrepBackup Storage and TechnologyBackup Storage DiscussionsTravel-Friendly Work Strategies---------------------------------Matt's Rant: The Battle for Your Attention---------------------------------Links and Show NotesChris Dugan on WCA #078TimeShifter APPGlobal Entry---------------------------------CreditsGuest: Chris DuganHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith   

My guest today is Grammy-winning London-based producer and mixer Catherine Marks, who has worked on projects for boygenius, Wolf Alice, and The Mysterines.  In this episode, we discussUpbringing in AustraliaEarly exposure to music through parents' record collectionParticipation in a Yamaha piano course at an all-girls schoolDevelopment of interest in songwriting and record productionStudying architecture at the University of MelbourneTaking a year out to work in DublinIntroduction to Dublin's musicImmersion in live music and DJ nights in DublinDiscovery of interest in music production and reverbTransition from architecture degree to music production careerLearning about music production while working for FloodRecording a song with Elastica, gaining Flood's attentionFearlessness and willingness to take opportunitiesEarly advice from her father andSupport from the Dublin communityEarly experiences in the studio,Multitasking in various rolesLearning via observing, asking questions, and reading manualsDevelopment of skills and studio efficiencyMentorship from Alan MoulderWorking with producers like Dmitry Tikovoy, Ben Hillier, and FloodImportance of capturing the immediacy of a moment over technical perfectionDiscipline to let go of awareness and move forward in projectsManaging creative conflicts and rising from unknown engineer to sought-after producerEstablishing connections with key individuals in the music industryImportance of mutual understanding and communication in the recording processWorking with Alan Moulder and Flood, enhancing her careerMutual respect and high expectations foster professional growthImportance of enjoying projects and respecting colleaguesPrioritizing a balanced lifestyle over immediate successPressure to maintain career momentum and need for self-care to prevent burnoutConsistent commitment and passion for workExperiences and reflections on winning a Grammy awardHighs and lows of industry recognitionChallenges of being away for extended periods during album workAnticipation for future projects and collaborationsMatt's Rant: 500 Episodes and Pressing OnLinks and Show NotesCatherine's SiteCatherine on InstagramCreditsGuest: Catherine MarksHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith 

My guest today is UK-based mastering engineer Stephen Kerrison, known for his work with Petbrick, Ditz, Charles Watson, Jake Isaac, Lleo, and Liz Lawrence. This is Stephen's second appearance on Working Class Audio, his first being WCA #413 alongside Katie Tavini, a fellow Weird Jungle Mastering Collective member.In this episode, we discussWeird Jungle Collective UpdateLiverpool Music Scene EvolutionWorking Under a Record ShopFrom Touring to MasteringCollective's Structural ChangesIndustry's Financial RealitiesInstilling ConfidenceBalancing Creativity and TechniqueMusicians' Record PerspectivesOlder vs. Younger MusiciansTransition to MasteringMastering Different GenresChallenges of Live PerformanceImportance of Taste in MasteringExploring the UK Music SceneCollaborative Music EnvironmentManaging Work-Life BalanceFinancial StrategyUse of Backing TracksMaintaining Artist ConfidenceComparison to Visual ArtListeningChecking Out The CompetitionSeth GodinMatt's Rant: Stepping AwayLinks and Show NotesMatt's Photo Instagram accountWCA #413Stephens SiteKatie's SiteWeird JungleCreditsGuest: Stephen KerrisonHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith 

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 discussBay Area UpbringingParents' Musical InfluenceEarly Punk MusicDivorce Sparks Punk InterestGillman Street ExperiencesTechnology at HomeEarly InstrumentsSchool Band ReluctanceDiscovering DIY PunkCollege Band ExperienceHouse Shows in CollegeObsessed with Music MakingImproving Live SoundEarly Recording AwarenessDIY Recording at GillmanFirst Demo RecordingCollege Film StudiesPursuit of Music RecordingInternship at The CompoundLearning Basic Recording SkillsBuilding Client RelationshipsInternship at Fantasy StudiosAnalog Tape Recording ChallengesJourney Recording ExperienceInterning with Magic Magic OrchestraJohn Vanderslice Studio Setup at Tiny TelephoneTransition to Professional EngineerHands-on Learning with TapePodcast Company FormationBalancing Overhead CostsScalable Team StructureRemote Work AdaptationHandling Pandemic ChallengesClient Training RemotelyImproved Quality of LifeBuilding Client RelationshipsMatt's Rant: Moving Through Your Audio Career with Blinders OnLinks and Show NotesCosmic StandardJohn Vanderslice on WCACreditsGuest: Jacob WinikHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith    

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 discussDallas Childhood MemoriesEarly Band ExperiencesFour Track BeginningsMichael Jackson ObsessionBack to Future InfluenceSupportive Creative FamilyUnique School ExperienceDisciplineCollege Music DegreeEarly Audio AwarenessAtmos Mixing InsightsTexas State University Touring and College LifeSound Design JobBand Experiences TakeawaysRespect for BandsWorking with Passionate ClientsGood Danny's Studio JourneyEarly Studio ChallengesAustin Music SceneDaytrotter Sessions ImpactSouth by Southwest FrenzyLive Recording SkillsMove to Los AngelesPandemic Mixing ShiftFilm Score MixingFinancial Ecosystem DifferencesLA Studio Setup ChallengesJohn Congleton's AdviceMatt's Rant: What If?Links and Show NotesDanny on InstagramJohn Congelton on WCA CreditsGuest: Danny ReischHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith    

My guest today is the return of producer/engineer/mixer Don Zientara. Don has been highly influential in the D.C. hardcore music scene for over 30 years for his work with iconic punk and rock bands, including Fugazi, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Jawbox, and The Evens. His contributions have been pivotal in shaping the sound of many Dischord Records artists.In this episode, we discussStudio RelocationNew Basement SetupHistorical RecordingsStudio Gear ChangesAnalog to Digital ShiftCompact Studio SpaceRecording Challenges and SuccessMicrophone Selection StrategyDigital Console BenefitsOutboard Gear PreferencesLower Overhead CostsPromotion and ClienteleReflection on Studio HistoryNeighborhood and Noise ManagementSurfing and Staying YoungSelective Project ChoicesClient ReactionsControl and Live Room SetupCommunication in StudioEvolution of Punk SceneConsistent Studio RatesHistorical SignificanceIndustry PerceptionMatt's Rant: Beginning the JourneyLinks and Show NotesDon on WCA #106Don Zientara's Biography: WikipediaInner Ear Studio: Inner Ear Studio Official WebsiteRights of Spring: Rights of Spring - WikipediaCreditsGuest: Don ZientaraHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith