

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

Apr 8, 2024 • 59min
WCA #486 with Ryan Ordway - Music Learned Via Camping, The Rembrandts, Fallback Plans, Client Trends, and the Portland Music Scene
My guest today is Producer/Engineer/Songwriter, Ryan Ordway. Ryan runs The Studio Portland and has worked with 98.9 WCLZ Studio Z Series, The Heavy Heavy, Gregory Alan Isa Kov, Nature Valley, and actor Xander Berkeley.In this episode, we discuss
Central New Hampshire
Music Learned Via Camping
Being Connected Technologically
The Rembrandts
Fallback Plan
LA Kicking his Ass
Not Going to Berklee School of Music
Starting on Tape
Home Studio Struggles
Moving to Portland
Clear Lines Between Home and Work
Studio Portland
Facelift for an Old Studio
Portland Music Scene
Speaker Choice
Ready to Record
Client Trends
Mark Rubel
Focusing on the Client
Songwriter Perspective
Matt's Rant: Food for ThoughtLinks and Show Notes
The Studio Portland
Pete Morse on WCA
Todd Hutchison on WCA
Jason Phelps on WCA
Mark Rubel on WCA
Kevin Becka on WCA
Credits
Guest: Ryan Ordway
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 1min
WCA #485 with Andy Nelson - Recording Friends, Financial Realities, Wedding Invitations, Getting Serious About Audio, and Postal Jobs
My guest today is Producer/Engineer/Mixer Andy Nelson. Andy has worked on projects for Pain of Truth, 200 Stab Wounds, Fireworks, Primitive Man, Never Ending Game, Full of Hell, Dead in the Dirt, Gridiron, Harms Way, Weekend Nachos, and Inclination. Andy is also the guitarist of Weekend Nachos, Singer/Guitarist of Dust Muscle, and bassist of Like Rats, a self-described art education dropout and a former synthesizer tech.In this episode, we discuss
Early Days
Middle-Class Western Household
School band
Columbia College
Getting Serious About Audio
Recording Friends
Pricing
Music Industry's Challenges
Financial Realities
Postal Workers
Imposter Syndrome
Partnership with Pete Grossman
Chasing Other Sounds
Wedding Invitations
Navigating Financial Waters
Future Plans
Financial Tips
Matt's Rant: PricingLinks and Show Notes
Bricktop Recording
Weekend Nachos
Credits
Guest: Andy Nelson
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Mar 25, 2024 • 1h 10min
WCA #484 with Fernando Reyes - Leaving Peru, Challenging Cultural Norms, Life in a Different Language, Working with Michael Brauer, and Flying Solo
My guest today is Mix Engineer Fernando Reyes. Fernando has worked on projects for The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, Aerosmith, Fabio Capri, ARIZONA, and Idina Menzel. He has also spent the last 7.5 years as Michael Brauers' assistant. In this episode, we discuss
Lima, Peru
Exposure to Computer Recording
Early Recording
Leaving Lima
Challenging Cultural Norms
PowerPoint
Planning Ahead
Therapy
Full Sail
Flying Solo
Adulting
Life in a Different Language
Grandparents Spoiling
Friends
Alternaitves to School
Electric Lady Studios
General Assistant
Michael Brauer
Longevity
Raising Questions
Thrown Into the Deep End
Doing His Own Thing
Lessons Learned
ATMOS
New York to Miami
Watering The Seeds
Having Family Close
Taking Meetings
Building Community
Management
Matt's Rant: The Gear We ChooseLinks and Show Notes
Fernando's Site
Michael Brauer on WCA
Credits
Guest: Fernando Reyes
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Mar 18, 2024 • 1h 8min
WCA #483 with Lars Deutsch - Impact Mixing, Composition, Classical Music, Heavy Metal, Soccer, and Brute Force Networking
My guest today is composer, producer, and engineer Lars Deutsch.Lars has worked with 88 Rising Accura Adidas Amazon Anthony Anderson (Transformers) Blacklist (Trailer) Brett Gelman (Stranger Things) Budweiser California Energy Upgrade CBS Conde Nast (featuring BTS, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Rihanna, Black Pink, Alicia Keys, ASAP Rocky and Dolly Parton, Chris Hemsworth, David Schwimmer, Jessica Chastain, Malin Akerman, Idris Alba, Hillary Duff, Scotty Pippen, Dwayne Haskins, Danielle Brooks, Kendrick Sampson and Billy Eichner) Epson FOX Flying Theater Mexico City Generali Ghostface Killah (Wu-Tang Clan) Intel IRKO Higher Brothers Honda Hyundai Ian McKellen (Lord Of The Rings) James Earl Jones (Darth Vader) Joji Kate Micucci (Scrubs, Big Bang Theory) Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid's Tale) Katie Melua Keith Ape Keke Palmer (Hustlers) Lewis Hamilton Magic Wands MBL Mercedes Neckermann Niki Nowness (Louis Vuitton) Oreos Palm Springs Film Festival Patrick Williams Paul Alexander Juutilainen Philip Rivers (NFL quarterback) Philips Rachel Shelley (Deep State) Red Bull Rich Brian Ruinart Stephen King's The Passenger Tencent The Martian (trailer) The Masked Singer Toyota Voices for Children VW Wink Martindale (Tic-Tac-Dough)In this episode, we discuss
Heavy Metal and Soccer
Classical Music
Excited About Guitar
Studying in London
Composition
Audio Branding
Impact Mixing
Berlin
German Stereotypes
Love of Los Angeles
Brute Force Network
Working with Irko
Mixing on His Own
Prodixing
Development
Cash Flow
Always Working
Flagship Projects
Pricing
Voice Doubles
Credits
Revisions
Matt's Rant: Always Be LearningLinks and Show NotesLar's SiteCredits
Guest: Lars Deutsch
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Mar 11, 2024 • 1h 7min
WCA #482 with Ken Lewis - Working from Ohio, Cancelling Vacations, Go Getter Attitude, Producing Remotely, and Mixing Night
My guest today is Grammy-winning producer/mixer/finisher Ken Lewis. Ken has worked on projects for BTS, The Old Kanye, Taylor Swift, and David Byrne.In this episode, we discuss
Working from Ohio
Playing Guitar at 10
Basement Records at 16
Berklee College of Music
Parents Support
Go Getter Attitude
Talent is the Entry
Moving to New York
Getting Mugged
Soundtrack Studios
Interning Etiquette
Specializing
Cancelling Vacations
Working From Home
Leaving New York
Producing Remotely
Being Perceived as Too Expensive
ATMOS
Running A Little Factory
Having Open Heart Surgery
Getting More Rest
Make More Money Than You Spend
Money Press
Mixing Night
Matt's Rant: Reflecting on Mark RubelLinks and Show Notes
Mark Rubel WCA #034
Ken's Site
Mixing Night
Credits
Guest: Ken Lewis
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Mar 4, 2024 • 1h
WCA #481 with Brendan Dekora - What You Put In, Runner Blues, Charging What You Are Worth, Winning a Grammy, and Working From Home
My guest today is Grammy-winning engineer Brendan Dekora, who has worked with Nine Inch Nails and Steven Wilson. In this episode, we discuss
Sibling Music Taste
Marching Snare
Attraction to Audio
Parents Support
CRAS
What You Put In
Moving to LA
Runner Blues
Paying People in Outboard Gear
Building a Portfolio
Raising Your Rates
Charging What You Are Worth
Assistants on the Phone
East West/Cello
Having the Courage to Say Yes
Wearing the Right T-Shirt
Being Ready for the Gig
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Winning a Grammy
Focusing on Mixing
Working From Home
Recalls
ATMOS
Matt's Rant: The Bigger PictureLinks and Show Notes
Brendan's Site
Brendan's Podcast
Credits
Guest: Brendan Dekora
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Feb 26, 2024 • 56min
WCA #480 with Pete Grossman - Local Hardcore and Metal, Chicago Recording Studios, Word of Mouth, Balancing Family and Playing Guitar Upside Down
My guest today is Pete Grossman, Producer/Engineer/Mixer/Mastering Engineer and owner of Bricktop Recording in Chicago, Illinois. Pete has worked with Veil Of Maya, Inclination, Frail Body, Gates to Hell, and Weekend Nachos. In this episode, we discuss
Library Research
Playing Guitar Upside Down
Guitar Lessons
Jazz Band
Columbia College
Family Building
Family Business
Studio Building
Contractor Pricing
Isolation
Word of Mouth
Low Overhead
Property Taxes
Local Hardcore and Metal
Calendar Management
Covid
Accommodating Clients
Remote Work
18 Years of Business
Balancing Family
Growing Financially
No Console
Future Studio Plans
Chicago Recording Studios
Matt's Rant: Business ContinuityLinks and Show Notes
Pete's Studio
Bricktop on Instagram
Credits
Guest: Pete Grossman
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Feb 19, 2024 • 60min
WCA #479 with Richard Carrasco - Punk Rock, Electrical Engineering, Sync Libraries, Lame Contractors, and New Studio Construction
My guest today is Producer/Engineer/Composer/Mixer Richard Carrasco, who runs FullWave Studios in Eastvale, California.In this episode, we discuss
South Los Angeles
Weekend Cleaning
Middle Child
Playing Guitar
Community College
Electrical Engineering Degree
Punk Rock
GODSNATAS
Creating a Label
Book Your Own Fucking Life
Electro Magnetics
US Navy
Freelance Recording
Garage Studio
New Studio Construction
Job Flexibility
Haverstick Designs
Lame Contractors
Taking Over Construction
Sync Libraries
Creating Clinics
Live Instruments for Libraries
Matt's Rant: Update on SchoolLinks and Show Notes
Fullwave on Haverstick Designs Site
Fullwave Studios Site
Richard on Instagram
Credits
Guest: Richard Carrasco
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Feb 12, 2024 • 1h 6min
WCA #478 with Javi Bañuelos - Work Ethic, Day job Balancing, Keeping the Family Happy, Tchad Blake, and Justifying Purchases
My guest today is audio engineer Javi Bañuelos, who has worked with Kayla Von Der Heide, Manantial de Fuego, Daise. , and Kiki Diago, Dreamlover. In this episode, we discuss
Victorville, CA
Tchad Blake
South Bay
Hawthorne, CA
Sibling Influence
Drumming/Playing in Bands
Old School Parents
Work Ethic
Demos to Records
Mix with The Masters
Losing Sleep
Pricing
Payment Plans
Dayjob Balancing
The Railroad
Communication
Hearing Protection
Growing the Audio Biz
ATMOS
Sonos
Audeze
HEDD
Home Studio
Family Dynamic
Roommates and Neighbors
Word of Mouth
Being an Introvert
Keeping the Family Happy
Justifying Purchases
Matt's Rant: The Cold Hard TruthLinks and Show NotesJavi on InstagramCredits
Guest: Javi Bañuelos
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Feb 5, 2024 • 1h 8min
WCA #477 LIVE From NAMM 2024 Part 2 - Imposter Syndrome, Mixing Remote, ATMOS, Self Promotion, and Carrots and Celery
WCA Live from the PMC Booth at NAMM 2024. My guest is Andrew Scheps. Andrew is a mixing and recording engineer, producer, and record label owner in the United Kingdom. Andrew's work with various artists includes Green Day, Low Roar, Adele, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hosier, My Brightest Diamond, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Jay Z, and Black Sabbath. In this episode, we discuss
Structure of The Day
Andrew Talks to Awesome People
Carrots and Celery
Imposter Syndrome
Not Living in LA
Mixing Remote
Soundflow
Other Professions
Mailbox Money
Selling Gear
Shopping for Gear
ATMOS
Steve Genewick
Greg Penny
Room Simulation/Virtualization
Self Promotion
Q&A
Memphis Recording Scene
Diversification
Matt's Rant: Getting to WorkLinks and Show Notes
PMC
Andrew on Instagram
Andrew on WCA #009
Andrew on WCA #300
Credits
Guest: Andrew Scheps
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith


