Working Class Audio

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WCA #544 with Benedikt Hain – Helping Bands Record Better, Mixing in Bavaria, Revisions, and Client Filter

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixing engineer and podcaster Benedikt Hain. Benedikt discussed his journey from growing up in Bavaria to becoming a full-time mixing engineer and running a studio called Outback Recordings . Benedikt has worked with with bands like Pulley and Swallow’s Rose and labels like Warner Music and SBÄM Records. 

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• • Remote Mixing In Bavaria
• • Mindset and Songwriting
• • Exclusive Focus on Mixing
• • Client Revisions
• • Mixing Heavy Rock
• • Lessons Learned From His Podcast
• • Client Filter

Links and Show Notes:

• RIP Dan Jasper WCA #027
• Studio Website
• The Self Recording Band
• Special Site for WCA Listeners

Matt’s Rant: Enjoying the Journey

Credits:

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

Video Interview

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WCA #542 with Emre Ramazanoglu – ATMOS For Brian Eno, Session Drumming, Fashion Shows, Family Balance, and ADHD

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, mixer, drummer, and composer Emre Ramazanoglu who has worked on projects for Brian Eno, David Bowie, Noel Gallagher Nova Twins and many more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• ATMOS for Brian Eno
• Ziggy Stardust. & Ken Scott
• Playing on Pillows
• Mimicking Reverb
• Fashion Shows
• Session Drumming
• Giving a Shit
• ATMOS Success
• Apple Issues
• Dolby Curve
• Know Your Worth
• Family Balance
• ADHD

Links and Show Notes:

• Emre’s Site
• Emre’s Band

Matt’s Rant: Embrace the Unpredictable

Credits:

• Guest: (Current Guest)
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

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WCA #540 with Max Dearing – Struck by Lightening, Building a Studio, Pounding Sand, Inflation, and Fasteners

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes recording and mix engineer at Dark Pine Studios, Max Dearing, to discuss his brush with being struck by lightening, the healing nature of music, and building a studio.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• North Carolina Talent
• Journey Into Music and Recording
• Recording Studio Design
• Studio Building Experience
• Critical Measurement
• Construction Challenges
• Being Struck by Lightening
• Live Sound Production

Links and Show Notes:

• Dark Pine Studios

Matt’s Rant: Revisiting Imagination

Credits:

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

Video Interview

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WCA #538 with Greg Norman – Steve Albini, Electrical Audio, Community, Family, & Institutional Knowledge

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Greg Norman of Electrical Audio to the show to talk about his journey, Steve Albini, the future of Electrical Audio and much more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• State of Electrical Audio
• Steve Albini’s Influence
• Greg’s Interest in Sound
• Internship with Steve
• Growth and Independence
• The Financial Aspect
• Legacy and The Future

Links and Show Notes:

• Electrical Audio
• Greg’s Site
• Yamaha Sound Reinforcement

Matt’s Rant: Visiting Other Studios

Credits:

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

Video Interview

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WCA #536 with Robert Kirby – Leaving Home, Tahoe, Education, Fantasy Studios, Growth, and The Noise Shop

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Bay Area producer and engineer Robert Kirby, who shares his journey from audio student to studio intern, assistant, and ultimately to running his own studio space.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Building a Sustainable Audio Career
• Gaining Experience at Legendary Studios
• Creating Opportunities Through Relocation
• Starting With DIY Audio Experimentation
• Leveraging Early Interests for Growth
• Embracing Hands-On Studio Education
• Transitioning From Hobbyist to Professional
• Pursuing Formal Audio Education Intentionally
• Learning From World-Class Sessions
• Growing Through Industry Mentorships
• Staying Versatile With Income Streams
• Building Reputation Through Referrals

Links and Show Notes:

• Robert’s Studio
• Scott Evans on WCA #256
• Scott Evans on WCA #010
• Bruce Kaphan on WCA #030
• Profit First Book
• Profit First on Audible

Matt’s Rant: A Different Way To Handle Money

Credits:

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

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WCA #534 with Brendan Duffey – Genre Diversity, Grounded Mindset, Career Evolution, Peaceful Living, and A Berklee Degree

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Winning Producer, Mixing and Mastering Engineer Brendan Duffey who has worked on projects for Bruce Dickinson, Devon Townsend, Sheryl Crow, and Kendrick Lamar. Brendan is also the Senior ATMOS mastering engineer for Million Dollar Snare.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Relocation
• Studio build
• Atmos mixing
• Hip-hop projects
• Bruce Dickinson
• Genre diversity
• Berklee degree
• Teaching plans
• Pricing growth
• Networking
• Grounded mindset
• Peaceful living
• Career evolution
• Encouragement

Links and Show Notes:

• Brendan Duffey on WCA #231
• Jack Endino on WCA #174
• Brendan’s Site
• Million Dollar Snare

Matt’s Rant: Dealing with Challenges

Credits:

• Guest: Brendan Duffey
• Host/Engineer/Editing/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

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WCA #532 with George Bokos –Studios In Athens, Nap Time, Working With Remote Clients, and Sunlight Over Isolation

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes George Bokos who runs Grind House Studios Athens in Athens, Greece. George has worked with numerous bands including ALL SINS UNDONE, CALYCES, COSTIN CHIOREANU, and BLACK KAISER.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• From Musician to Studio Owner
• Studios In Athens
• Working With Remote Clients
• Working with Drummers
• Nap Time in Athens
• Sunlight Over Isolation
• Choosing Gear That Makes an Imapct
• Being Part of The Team

Links and Show Notes:

• Grind House Studios Athens

Matt’s Rant: 30 Second Burst Method

Credits:

• Guest: George Bokos
• Host/Engineer/Producer/Editing: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview:

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WCA #530 with Justin Perkins – Mastering, Client Experience, Data Archival & Backup, Automation & Templates and Streamlined Communication

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mastering Engineer Justin Perkins who has worked with The Replacements, Rufus Wainwright, En Vogue, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Shania Twain, Jellyfish, Johnny Cash, The All-American Rejects, Rickie Lee Jones, Donna Summer, Busta Rhymes, Jason Mraz, Lucero, Hanson, New Kids on the Block , Sum 41, Asia

Justin Perkins’ success as a mastering engineer is not solely based on his audio skills but also on his meticulous approach to business operations. His emphasis on automation, client communication, and data management provides valuable lessons for anyone in the audio industry seeking to optimize their workflow and deliver exceptional service.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Streamlined Project Intake & Communication
• Automation & Templates
• Client Experience
• Mastering Workflow & Tools
• Data Archival & Backup

Links and Show Notes:

• Justin’s Site
• WaveLab: Mastering software.
• iZotope RX: Audio repair and quality control.
• Samply: Lossless audio delivery and approval platform. Use Code WCA20
• OmniFocus: Task management software.
• Backblaze: Cloud backup service.
• NeoFinder: Hard drive cataloging software.
• Thunder Bay 8 and Mini 4 (OWC): External hard drive enclosures.
• Carbon Copy Cloner: Backup software.

Matt’s Rant: Piggy Backing off of Victory

Credits:

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

VIdeo Interview

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WCA #528 with NAMM 2025 – Community, Gear We Saw, Companies We Like, Seminars, Good Shoes, and Drinking Water

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt is joined by Chris Selim from Mixdown Online ‪and Lij Shaw from Recording Studio Rockstars to discuss our NAMM 2025 experience.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Wearing Good Shoes
• Drinking Water
• Community
• Gear We Saw
• Companies We Like
• Seminars at NAMM
• Podcaster and YouTuber Things

Links and Show Notes:

• https://gracedesign.com/
• https://gracedesign.com/product/m900-…
• https://www.audio-scape.com/
• https://korneffaudio.com/plugins/
• https://www.soundtoys.com/
• https://microkits.net/
• https://www.musikhack.com/
• https://blinq.me/

Matt’s Rant: Connecting With People At NAMM

Credits:

• Guest: NAMM 2025
• Host/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

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WCA #526 with Adam Haggar – Los Angeles Life, New Jersey Living, The Importance Of Networking, Maintaining High Standards, and a Passion For Music

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mastering engineer Adam Haggar who has worked with Migos, Belinda Carlisle, and The Antlers.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Adam’s Journey In The Audio Industry
• Different Cities, Studios, And Roles Within The Music Industry
• His Approach To Mastering And Building His Business
• The Importance Of Networking
• Challenges Of Maintaining High Standards In A Competitive Industry
• Value Of Staying Connected To One’s Passion For Music

Links and Show Notes:

• Adam s Site

Matt’s Rant: Los Angeles

Credits:

1. Guest: Adam Haggar
2. Host/Engineer/Producer/Editor: Matt Boudreau
3. WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
4. The Voice: Chuck Smith