Menu Close

WCA #571 with Don Setaro

WCA #571 with Don Setaro –DEEP DIVE – Gary Young Hospital For The Chemically Insane

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer/engineer/mixer and record label owner Don Setaro. Matt and Don get into a deep dive discussion of the re-issue process for former Pavement drummer, Gary Young’s album “Hospital For The Chemically Insane”. Former WCA guests Dan Johnson and Justin Perkins chime in to talk about their role in the process.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Pavement
  • Gary Young
  • Detective Work
  • Restoration
  • Tape Rescue
  • Mastering from CD
  • Re- Issue
  • Keeping the Vibe

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Structure

Credits:

  • Guest: Don Setaro /Dan Johnson/Justin Perkins
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #570 with Ken Sluiter

WCA #570 with Ken Sluiter – A deep dive into stereo rebuilds for Atmos mixing

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer/engineer and mixer Ken Sluiter to delve into the intricate process of stereo rebuilds for Atmos mixing. They discuss the challenges of finding and organizing original material, the importance of matching to comparison masters, and the unique aspects of each project. Ken shares insights on the ingestion process, the role of research in understanding original recordings, and the potential of AI tools in audio restoration. The discussion also touches on the future of mixing and the evolving landscape of music production.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Stereo rebuilds for Atmos mixing.
  • The process involves gathering original assets and recreating mixes.
  • Each project is unique, requiring a tailored approach.
  • Matching to a comparison master is crucial for accuracy.
  • Researching the original recording can provide valuable insights.
  • AI tools can assist in stem separation but have limitations.
  • Finalizing mixes involves careful listening and adjustments.
  • The future of audio mixing may involve more AI and technology.
  • Understanding the original recording process is key to successful rebuilds.

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Music Expo/AES/NAMM

Credits:

  • Guest: Ken Sluiter
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #569 with Dan Johnson & Catherine Vericolli

WCA #569 with Dan Johnson & Catherine Vericolli – Audio Restoration/Archive Deep Dive

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Dan Johnson of Audio Archiving Services and Catherine Vericolli of Central Audio Archiving to do a deep dive into the world of audio archiving, preservation, and restoration.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Analog Tapes
  • Analog Machines
  • Modular Digital Multitracks
  • DAT Machines
  • DASH Machines
  • Pro Digi
  • Retrospect
  • Mezzo

Links and Show Notes:

Links to Dan

Links to Catherine

Matt’s Rant: This AI Thing

Credits:

  • Guest: Dan Johnson & Catherine Vericolli
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #568 with John Cunibert

WCA #568 with John Cuniberti – OneMIc, Dynamics, Acoustics, Placement, and 2 Tracks

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back John Cuniberti who produces, engineers, mixes and masters records for many artists including most notably Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar, The Dead Kennedys, and Chicken Foot. John originally appeared WCA #005 back in 2014 and returns to do a deep dive into his OneMic recording concept.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • OneMic Series
  • Dynamics
  • Acoustics
  • Placement
  • Tempo
  • 2 Track as Multi-Track
  • Ribbon Mics

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Focus of Your Attention

Credits:

  • Guest: John Cuniberti
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #567 with Gena Johnson

WCA #567 with Gena Johnson – Listening to Artists, Keeping Overhead Low, Career Champions, and Glitter Walls

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy Winning producer/engineer/mixer Gena Johnson who has worked with Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, and John Prine.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Leave your ego at the door
  • Make people feel comfortable
  • Listen to the artist
  • Labels are business partners
  • Word of mouth work
  • Feminine energy in production
  • Women in the industry
  • Classical voice training for 12 years
  • Internship at Welcome 1979
  • Learned tape machines and soldering
  • Assisting at Nashville studios
  • First number one record
  • Working at RCA Studio A
  • Rewiring Studio A intensively
  • Mentor Michael Wagner’s influence
  • Champions Vance Powell and Daryl Thorp
  • Walls painted with glitter
  • Keep overhead low
  • Good attorney and manager combination

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Sonic Intrusion Revisited

Credits:

  • Guest: Gena Johnson
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #566 with Mike Blodgett

WCA #566 with Mike Blodgett – Isolated Ground, Ground Rods, Isolation Transformers, Power Conditioners, and Electrical Safety

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back engineer/producer electrician, Mike Blodgett to discuss electricity and pro audio!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Isolated Grounds
  • Isolation Transformers
  • Ground Rods
  • Power Conditioners
  • Apartment Power
  • Home Studio Power
  • Electrical Safety

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: How You Listen

Credits:

  • Guest: Mike Blodgett
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #565 with Hans-Martin Buff

WCA #565 with Hans-Martin Buff – Tearjerkers, Peter Gabriel, Real World, Binaural, and ATMOS

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back engineer/producer and 3D audio geek, Hans-Martin Buff to discuss mixing Peter Gabriel’s I/O as well as his own project Tearjerkers. 

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Tearjerkers
  • Peter Gabriel
  • Real Word Studios
  • Binaural Mixing
  • ATMOS
  • Format Haters

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Focused Discussion

Credits:

  • Guest: Hans-Martin Buff
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #564 with Steve Dierkens

WCA #564 with Steve Dierkens – Career Path Shift, Joy in Work, Financial Balance, Global Collaborations, and Redefining Success

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer, Producer, Mixer Steve Dierkens. In this conversation, Steve shares his journey from as a succesful enginer working in film in California to a professional audio engineer and producer living in Canada. He discusses his early influences, the transition to a professional career, and the lifestyle changes that came with moving to Canada. Steve reflects on the challenges of building a studio, the importance of family, and the reevaluation of his career goals. He emphasizes the need for joy in music production and offers insights into financial perspectives in the audio profession. The conversation also touches on remote collaborations, social media challenges, and the definition of success and happiness in the industry.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Career path shift
  • Family-driven choices
  • Moved to Canada
  • Studio-building challenges
  • Joy in work
  • Financial balance
  • Valued client relationships
  • Global collaborations
  • Social media pressure
  • Redefining success

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: More on Streaming vs Physical Media

Credits:

  • Guest: Steve Dierkens
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #563 with Jon Rezin

WCA #563 with Jon Rezin– Working Remotely in Ohio, Mixing, Saving Time, Skills and Network

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy winning Mixer, Producer, & Mastering Engineer Jon Rezin who has worked with Natalia Jimenez, One Direction, Andy Grammer, BoA, and Santana.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Working Remotely in Ohio
  • Mixing
  • Saving Time
  • Skills
  • Network
  • Building Relationships
  • The Masked Singer
  • American Idol

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Streaming vs Physical Media

Credits:

  • Guest: Jon Rezin
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #562 Steve Genewick talks Spinal Tap

WCA #562 – STEVE GENEWICK talks SPINAL TAP

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Recording and Mixing Engineer Steve Genewick. Steve gives us the full behind the scenes look into the making of the new Spinal Tap record “The End Continues”. From the initial phone call to the release of the record and movie we get into the details.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Initial Phone Call
  • Where to Record
  • Setup
  • Mics, Preamps, etc..
  • Mixing
  • Mixing in ATMOS
  • WIG Day!
  • In The Box
  • Cracking Up

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Perfection

Credits:

  • Guest: Steve Genewick
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #561 with Jordan Lonn

WCA #561 with Jordan Lonn – FOH, Paying Dues, Failing Kidney’s, Home Town Gig, and Sustained Energy

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Jordan Lonn, Head Audio Engineer at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, California. The venue hosts a wide range of performances, including musical acts such as Joss Stone, Joan Osborne, and the Count Basie Orchestra, as well as musical theater and stand-up comedy.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Guitar Center
  • Dropping Out Of College
  • Paying Dues
  • Sustained Energy
  • Failing Kidney’s
  • Health Epiphany
  • Home Town Gig
  • FOH
  • Gallo Center

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Acting Territorial

Credits:

  • Guest: Jordan Lonn
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #560 The Backup Episode

WCA #560 The Backup Episode – 3-2-1 System, Nevada City Fire Scare, Altadena Fire Experience, and Best Practices & Considerations

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Nominated producer, engineer, and mixer Travis Ference as well as multi-instrumentalist, sound designer and audio engineer Kerry Rose to talk all about backing up and archiving audio.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • 3-2-1 System
  • Best Practices & Considerations
  • Insurance & Liability
  • Personal Experiences
  • Travis’s Altadena Fire Experience
  • Kerry’s Nevada City Fire Scare
  • Scorched Earth
  • Remote/Cloud Storage
  • Challenges with Cloud
  • Offsite NAS
  • Methodology Over Tools

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: The Many Hats We Wear

Credits:

  • Guest: Travis Ference and Kerry Rose
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #559 with Moses Schneider

WCA #559 with Moses Schneider – Hansa Studios, Disco Powder, Obscuring Audio, The Wall, and No Sandwich Recording

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes engineer and producer Moses Schneider. The Berliner is responsible for some of the most successful records of recent years. The Beatsteaks achieved their breakthrough in the German charts under his direction. His other productions include Tocotronic, Fehlfarben, Dendemann, Kreator and others. In 2008, Schneider was nominated for the German music award Echo for his work on “Kapitulation” by Tocotronic and “Limbo Messiah” by the Beatsteaks. In 2018 and 2022 he was nominated for the German music Award “Preis für Popkultur” as “favorite Producer”.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Hansa Studios
  • The Pixies
  • Gil Norton
  • Gordon Raphael
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Disco Powder
  • Gentrification
  • Obscuring Audio

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Walking…..yes walking

Credits:

  • Guest: Moses Schneider
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #558 with Ady Parzentny

WCA #558 with Ady Parzentny – Barcelona, Artist Support, Studio Connections, and the Audio Nomad Book

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Ady Parzentny. Adrian Parzentny is a German‒Polish music producer, audio engineer, and creative adventurer. With over 13 years of travel and music production experience, Adrian has recorded traditional musicians across Morocco, the Sahara Desert, and beyond — often in remote villages, mountain ranges, and DIY setups built inside vans and hotel rooms.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Barcelona move
  • Audio Nomad book
  • Studio connections
  • Modeling
  • Freelance audio
  • Travel recording
  • Gear philosophy
  • Artist support
  • Music mediums
  • Authentic living
  • Intuition guides

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: More Discipline

Credits:

  • Guest: Ady Parzentny
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #557 with Assaad Lakkis

WCA #557 with Assaad Lakkis– Bullfunk Studios, Financial Realities, Continuous Learning, Perseverance, and Mental Health

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, and musician Assaad Lakkis, the creative force behind Bull Funk Zoo and owner of Bull Funk Studios in Dubai. Assad’s career blends boundary-pushing rock, funk, and experimental sounds with his work producing and recording artists from around the world, making him a central figure in the Middle Eastern music scene.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • The Bullfunk Identity
  • Time in the US
  • Bullfunk Studios
  • Learning and Mentorship
  • First Studio Challenges
  • Job Market in Dubai
  • Current Home Studio
  • Financial Realities
  • Client Acquisition
  • Diversified Income
  • Continuous Learning
  • Perseverance
  • Mental Health

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Self-employed discipline

Credits:

  • Guest: Assaad Lakkis
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #556 with Toby Lloyd

WCA #556 with Toby Lloyd– Working in Film, Returning to Music, New Zealand Scene, Being a Good Dad, and The Morning Cold Plunge

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, mixer, Toby Lloyd who runs Tiny Triumph Recordings in Wellington, New Zealand. Toby’s career spans working in film (The Hobbit Trilogy, Avatar, Mortal Engines) as well as music by playing a central role in the New Zealand Music world.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Producing And Mixing Music
  • Rooftop Recording Studio
  • Meditation And Cold Plunge
  • Punk Rock Beginnings
  • 110 Studio Rejections
  • Sound Recordist On The Hobbit
  • Learning In Collaboration
  • Eight Years In Film
  • University Studio Engineer
  • Full-Time Music Producer
  • Intimate Studio Design
  • New Studio Lease
  • Parenting Five Children
  • Artist Relationship Building
  • Financial Discipline Strategy
  • Wellington Music Challenges
  • Safe Space For Artists
  • Staying In New Zealand
  • Stories Of Perseverance

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: A Brainstorm

Credits:

  • Guest: Toby Lloyd
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #555 Pierre de Reeder

WCA #555 with Pierre de Reeder – Rilo Kiley, LA Survival, 64 Sound, and A New Studio Business Model

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer/engineer/musician Pierre de Reeder. Pierre owns and runs 64 Sound and is a member of the band Rilo Kiley.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Rilo Kiley
  • LA Survival
  • 64 Sound
  • Dave Trumfio
  • Recording on 8 Track Cassette
  • New Studio Business Model
  • Bonding with the Landlord
  • The Hunt

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Money Talk

Credits:

  • Guest: Pierre de Reeder
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #554 with Mark Pistel

WCA #554 with Mark Pistel – Sampler Revolution, Disposable Heroes, Consolidated, Union Work, and Adapting to Industry Changes

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes engineer and producer Mark Pistel. His extensive credits include influential work with Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and Consolidated, as well as notable collaborations with artists such as Meat Beat Manifesto, Grace Jones, Hercules and Love Affair, Chuck Prophet, Rykarda Parasol, Machines of Loving Grace, Holly Herndon, Los Mocosos, and many others.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Growing up in Duluth
  • Vibrant San Francisco Scene
  • Sampler Revolution
  • Disposable Heroes Album Production
  • Jack Dangers
  • Adapting to Industry Changes
  • Union Work

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Differences

Credits:

  • Guest: Mark Pistel
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #553 with Stefan Bock

WCA #553 with Stefan Bock – Being Too Early, Inventions, Immersive Audio, Pure Audio Streaming, and the Value of Good Acoustics Spaces

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer & Producer Stefan Bock. His credits include productions for Peter Maffay, Herbert Grönemeyer, Sarah Brightman, Yello, 2L, Berliner Philharmoniker and Deutsche Grammophon.

Due to his expertise in the field of immersive audio, Stefan Bock is a renown speaker at international congresses, including those of the Audio Engineering Society and the Association of German Sound Engineers. He is also a regular lecturer at the ARD.ZDF Medienakademie.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Being Too Early
  • Inventions
  • Immersive Audio
  • Pure Audio Streaming
  • MSM Studios
  • The Beauty of Niche
  • Good Acoustics

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Nerd Groups

Credits:

  • Guest: Stefan Bock
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

VIdeo Interview

WCA #552 with Daniel Holter

WCA #552 with Daniel Holter – Studio Aesthetics, Hospitality, Presentation, Relationships, and Cashflow

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, mixer, composer and songwriter Daniel Holter. Daniel first appeared in 2018 on WCA Episode #179. Over the years, Daniel has mixed music by artists such as Nick Lowe, Field Report, Over The Rhine, Amos Lee, Blitzen Trapper, Collections of Colonies of Bees, Phil Keaggy, Crowded House, Dead Horses, WebsterX, and Ryan Higa. He’s also composed and/or produced thousands of cues currently being used by such varied clients as Apple, Nike, Google, Microsoft, GM & Gatorade, virtually all of the top shows on HBO, ESPN, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and all across the globe in tv, radio, advertisements, video games and film.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Studio Aesthetics
  • Hospitality
  • Making Artists Feel at Home
  • THUD Studios
  • Relationships
  • Cashflow
  • Seattle
  • Family Business
  • Candles

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: The Curse

Credits:

  • Guest: Daniel Holter
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

Studio Tour