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WCA #551 with Dane Giordano

WCA #551 with Dane Giordano – Sun Studio, Steve Albini’s Kindness, Financial Discipline, and Diversifying Services

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer and Composer Dane Giordano who has engineered artists for Warner, Sony and Universal Music Group. Dane has composed music for Film, Video Games, Television and more! He is also one of the House Engineers at Young Avenue Sound & Sun Studio.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • First Studio Experience
  • Touring Survival Methods
  • Bad Engineer Experiences
  • Positive Studio Experiences
  • Flat Rates
  • Engineering Transition
  • Sun Studio
  • Electrical Audio Internship
  • Steve Albini’s Kindness
  • Professional Studio Habits
  • Embrace Beginner Mindset
  • Clients By Word-Of-Mouth
  • Financial Discipline
  • Diversifying Services

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Session Documentation in the 21st Century

Credits:

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

WCA #550 with Justin Francis

WCA #550 with Justin Francis – Remote Studio Benefits, Nashville Efficiency, Beyond Music Row, and Navigating Payment Ethics

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy WInning Producer/engineer/mixer, Justin Francis who has worked alongside artists like Sheryl Crow, Kacey Musgraves, Tyler Childers, Lake Street Dive, Justin Timberlake, Madison Cunningham, Gary Clark Jr, Sarah Jarosz and Lauren Daigle.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Early Music Passion
  • Audio Production Path
  • Studio Immersion
  • Formal Audio Training
  • Nashville Career Growth
  • Efficient Studio Culture
  • Navigating Payment Ethics
  • Community Client Insights
  • Nashville’s “Clicky” Nature
  • Remote Studio Benefits
  • Beyond Music Row

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Simplification

Credits:

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

WCA #549 with Ian Shepherd

WCA #549 with Ian Shepherd – Mastering Democratized, AI, Physical or Virtual Gear, and Empty Nests

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back mastering engineer and host of The Mastering Show, Ian Shepherd. They dive into the current state of mastering, AI’s growing role, work/life balance, and in-the-box vs. out-of-the-box mastering.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Companion podcast episode
  • Advances in mastering technology
  • The rise of AI mastering
  • Shift toward releasing singles
  • Impact of social media
  • Mastering now democratized
  • Lower barrier to entry
  • AI lacks human context
  • AI results often bland/generic
  • Humans provide taste and nuance
  • Networking challenges in rural areas
  • Technology removes many practical limits
  • Career hasn’t suffered despite changes
  • Facing an empty nest soon
  • Focus on intentional, joyful work
  • Known as the “loudness guy”

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Building Things

Credits:

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

Video Interview

WCA #548 with Dan Malsch

WCA #548 with Dan Malsch – Touring Guitarist to Full-Time Engineer, Building a Studio Career, Mixing Ghost, Working with Andy Wallace, and Running a Successful Studio Outside the Big Cities

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer and mixer Dan Malsch to discuss his journey from guitarist to studio owner, working with bands like Ghost and Avenged Sevenfold, building studios with his own hands, and maintaining a no-ego approach to recording at the highest level.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Dan Malsch’s Journey From Guitarist to Music Producer

  • Explore how Dan transitioned from touring with his metal band Wicked Mariah to becoming a full-time producer and mix engineer.

Building and Running a Professional Recording Studio

  • Learn how Dan used his construction background to build a world-class recording studio in the Poconos from the ground up.

Working With Major Artists Like Ghost and Avenged Sevenfold

  • Dan shares behind-the-scenes stories of working with chart-topping rock and metal bands including Ghost, Avenged Sevenfold, and Gojira.

Mixing in Dolby Atmos

  • Get insight into how Dan created an Atmos mix room in two weeks and how he mixed Ghost’s Impera and Skeletor albums in Dolby Atmos.

Collaborating With Legendary Mixer Andy Wallace

  • Hear how a chance meeting led to a close working relationship with Andy Wallace and how that partnership elevated Dan’s career.

Running a Successful Studio in a Secondary Market

  • Discover how Dan attracts big-name clients to his Pennsylvania studio without being based in LA, Nashville, or New York.

How to Maintain Long-Term Clients as a Music Producer

  • Dan discusses how professionalism, personal communication, and trust help him retain high-profile clients year after year.

Balancing Studio Life and Family Life

  • Hear how Dan prioritized being present for his family while running a busy studio and raising two kids.

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Persistence

Credits:

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

Video Interview

WCA #547 with Lij Shaw

WCA #547 with Lij Shaw – Friendship, Communication, Collaboration, Mixing, and Time Management

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, songwriter and host of Recording Studio Rockstars Lij Shaw.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Friendship & Communication
  • Studio & Workspace
  • Costa Rica Trip
  • Music & Production
  • Collaboration & Mixing
  • Identity & Roles
  • Time Management

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Barriers

Credits:

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

Video Interview

WCA #546 with Elad Marish

WCA #546 with Elad Marish –Surf Culture, The Magic of KISS, Guitar Obsession, Post Production Powerhouse, and The Growth of Swell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Elad Marish, Founder and producer at Swell Music + Sound, a leading creative audio agency based in San Francisco. Elad and his team at Swell have brought music, sound design, and audio branding to high-profile clients including Apple, Nike, Google, and Uber, working on everything from global ad campaigns to immersive brand experiences.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • The Magic of KISS
  • Wearing Out Record Needles
  • Hating Piano
  • Surf Culture
  • Guitar Obsession
  • Early Parenthood
  • Painful Band Experiences
  • Post Production Powerhouse
  • Growing Swell Sound
  • Navigating COVID
  • Staying Lean

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Getting Some Space

Credits:

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

Video Interview

WCA #545 with Howie Beck

WCA #545 with Howie Beck – Musician to Producer, 4 Tracks to Pro Tools, Independence, Polishing Turds, and Saving the Day

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Howie Beck who is a multi Juno nominated Mixer, Producer and musician located in Toronto who has mixed or produced music by artists as diverse as Feist, Charlotte Day Wilson, Barenaked Ladies, Chilly Gonzales, Ron Sexsmith, and the Weather Station amongst many more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Musician to Producer
  • 4 Tracks to Pro Tools
  • Challenges & Rewards of Audio Production
  • Polishing Turds
  • Smart Financial Decisions
  • Health Care Challenges
  • Problems with Apple and ATMOS
  • Independence to Set Schedule
  • Saving the Day

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Small Chunks

Credits:

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

Video Interview

WCA #544 with Benedikt Hain

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:

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

WCA #543 with Sarah Register

WCA #543 with Sarah Register –Mastering, 10,000 Hours at Once, NYC & The Nervous System, Avant Garde, and PLaying with Kim Gordon

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mastering engineer, Composer, and Guitarist Sarah Register. Her mastering clients include Faye Webster, Channel Tres, Jeffrey Lewis, Alice Longyu Gao, Lee “Scratch” Perry, S.G. Goodman, Wye Oak and many more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Identity & Balance
  • Avant Garde
  • Egoic Attachment to Past Methods
  • Health and Sanity
  • NYC & The Nervous System
  • 10,000 Hours at Once
  • Playing with Kim Gordon
  • Touring
  • Mastering In The Box
  • Being Flexible on Rate

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: The Battle for Organization

Credits:

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

Video Interview

WCA #542 with Emre Ramazanoglu

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:

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

WCA #541 with Michael Roache

WCA #541 with Michael Roache – Producing Game Sound, Blizzard, Formosa, Mental Health, and Storytelling Across Mediums

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Producer Michael Roache who has worked for Blizzard, Formosa, Rebound, and TNM. Now he is launching a new company called Broken Stick.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Pyramind
  • Producing Game Sound
  • Blizzard
  • Formosa
  • Mental Health
  • Storytelling Across Mediums
  • Consulting

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Staying Well Rounded

Credits:

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

Video Interview

WCA #540 with Max Dearing

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:

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

WCA #539 with Mixerman

WCA #539 with Mixerman –New Book, Five Planes of Space, Studio Design & Monitoring, Budgeting & The Punter

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Mixerman (aka Eric Sarafin) to talk about his new book MIXERMAN’S Ultimate Guide to PRODUCING Records, Music & Songs.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Studio Design & Monitoring
  • Mixerman’s New Book
  • Producing Philosophy & Process
  • Five Planes of Space
  • The Punter
  • Budgeting & Money
  • Music Business Landscape

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Finding Your Place

Credits:

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

Video Interview

WCA #538 with Greg Norman

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:

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

WCA #537 with Peter Craft

WCA #537 with Peter Craft – Napa Destination Studio, Bonding Experiences, Life in Tech, Songwriters as Magicians, and Inspiration of Scenes

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau chats with Peter Craft of Boxer Lodge Studio in Napa. From a tech career to full-time audio engineering, Peter shares his inspiring path back to music. Hear about his early recording dreams, building a destination studio, recording philosophy, and working with the vibrant Bay Area Americana scene. A journey of passion, creativity, and community.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • The Day to Day
  • Past Experiences
  • Influences & Philosophy
  • Studio and Gear
  • Career Transition
  • Pricing
  • Love for Audio
  • Unforeseen Expenses

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Thank you!

Credits:

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

Video Interview

WCA #536 with Robert Kirby

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:

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

WCA #535 with Case Newcomb

WCA #535 with Case Newcomb – COVID Career Shift, Industry Connections, Taking Command, Learning Process, and Customer Service

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes San Francisco based Producer, Engineer and Mixer Case Newcomb. Case works out of many studios including Hyde Street and 25th Street Recording and has worked on projects for Ishmael Reed, NVRMAN, and Rafe Stepto.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Audio Journey
  • COVID Career Shift
  • City College Program
  • First Real Mix
  • Passion For Audio
  • Mentors
  • Industry Connections
  • Early Mixing Struggles
  • Taking Command
  • Customer Service
  • Learning Process
  • Career Aspirations

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: The People Around You

Credits:

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

Video Interview

WCA #534 with Brendan Duffey

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:

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

WCA #533 with Mike Fraser

WCA #533 with Mike Fraser – Mixing, Psychology, Workflow, Managers, and Starting as a Janitor

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Legendary rock mix engineer Mike Fraser to discuss his 40+ year career crafting iconic records for Aerosmith, AC/DC, and more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Mixing approach – Keeping it minimalist & focusing on the song
  • Time management & career longevity in the music business
  • Building trust with high-profile artists in the studio
  • Gear & workflow preferences – Why he sticks to SSL consoles & NS-10s
  • Adapting to the industry’s shift to digital & remote work
  • Navigating band dynamics & working with creative personalities
  • Dropping Out of School
  • Starting as a Janitor

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Reignite the Spark!

Credits:

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

VIdeo Interview

WCA #532 with George Bokos

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:

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: