Working Class Audio

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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:

• Case’s Site
• Case on Instagram
• WCA # 157 with Dana Jae
• WCA #018 with David R. Bowels

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

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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:

• Mike’s Website

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

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WCA #531 with Travis Ference– LA Fires, Rebuilding a Studio, Insurance Lessons, Backup Strategies & Community Support

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, and mixer Travis Ference who has worked worked on projects for Imagine Dragons, John Mayer, Ariana Grande, and Bush, to name a few. Travis is also the host of the podcast Progressions: Success in the Music Industry.

Travis recently lost his studio in the fires in Altadena and this episode is all about that. 

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The LA fire’s impact on Travis’s home and studio
• The challenges of rebuilding after disaster
• Community support in times of crisis
• Key lessons on insurance and coverage gaps
• Backup strategies for audio professionals
• Using AI and cloud services for recovery
• Planning a flexible studio rebuild
• First responders and aid efforts
• Protecting your gear, business, and home

Links and Show Notes:

• Travis’s site
• Travis’s podcast
• https://musicares.org/
• https://www.wearemovingtheneedle.org/

Matt’s Rant: Planning for The Worst

Credits:

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

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WCA #529 with David Stagl – Worship Sound, Broadcast, Bruce Springsteen, Live Sound Mistakes, and Feedback City

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mixing Engineer David Stagl who has worked on projects for or with North Point Community Church, Christ Fellowship(West Palm Beach, FL), Eagle Brook Church (Minneapolis, MN), musical artists: Kristian Stanfill, Jesus Culture, Passion, Phil Keaggy, North Point Music and in broadcast: Discovery Channel, HGTV. Corporate: Home Depot, Wyndham Vacations, and Motorola.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Post Production
• Broadcast
• Audio Books
• Worship Sound
• Dolby ATMOS
• Live Sound Mistakes
• Audio Professionals in Religious Settings
• Immersive Audio for Churches
• Worship Audio Challenges and Solutions
• North Point Church

Links and Show Notes:

• David’s Site

Matt’s Rant: Humility in Audio

Credits:

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

Video Interview

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WCA #527 with Owen Davies – Studio Design, Recording Everything, Tap Dancing, and Building THE Home Studio

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer / Producer Owen Davies who has worked with Broken Teeth, Survival, Fangs Out, Netherhall, Yo Titan, and Brookhorse.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Building THE Home Studio
• Working with a Studio Designer
• Navigating Studio Design Challenges
• Lessons from Early Studios
• Tap Dancing and Legal Battles
• Freelancing and Passion Projects

Links and Show Notes:

• Owen’s Studio

Matt’s Rant: Things You Should Charge For (In My Opinion)

Credits:

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

Video Interview

Studio Tour

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WCA #525 with The Pellicci Brothers – Shared Commitment, Creative Collaboration, Cultural Influence, Literal Creativity, and Burlap

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back the Pellicci Brothers, Jay and Ian, who appeared originally on WCA #054. They have worked with Deerhoof, John Vanderslice, Sleater-Kinney, and the Magnetic Fields.They currently run Brothers (Chinese) Recording in the Bay Area.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Challenges in Naming
• Unintentional Uniformity
• Studio History
• Literal Creativity
• Creative Decision Making
• Not Planning
• Studio Projects
• Burlap

Links and Show Notes:

• Brothers (Chinese) Recording
• WCA #057 with The Pellicci Brothers

Matt’s Rant: Identity

Credits:

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

Video Interview

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WCA #523 with Lizzie Westsmith – Role of a Monitor Engineer, Touring Life Balance, Community, and 924 Gilman Influence

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes monitor engineer Lizzie Westsmith who has worked for numerous bands and sound companies including Rancid, Ice Spice, Rat Sound and Coachella. Lizzie shares her journey from discovering her love for audio at Berkeley’s iconic Gilman Street to navigating the challenges of the live production industry.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Role of a Monitor Engineer
• Maintaining Personal Balance
• 924 Gilman Influence
• Addiction and Recovery
• Rate Transparency
• Touring Life Balance
• Systems Engineering Goals
• Financial Management Strategies
• Community and Respect

Links and Show Notes:

• Lizzie on Instagram

Matt’s Rant: Parlay, Pivot and Change Course

Credits:

• Guest: Lizzie Westsmith
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

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WCA #521 with Maor Appelbaum – Genre-Specific Mastering, Creating Analog Hardware, Building Client Relationships, and Being Part of the Team

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back mastering engineer Maor Appelbaum (originally on WCA #062)to discuss his career, his approach to mastering across genres, and how he adapts to new technology. Maor has worked on projects for artists such as Faith No More, Yes, and Meat Loaf.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Genre-specific mastering approaches
• Creating and collaborating on new analog hardware
• Strategies for effective client communication
• Building and maintaining long-term professional relationships
• The value of being part of a collaborative team in the audio process

Links and Show Notes:

• Maor Appelbaum Mastering
• WCA #062 with Maor Appelbaum

Matt’s Rant: The Value of Independent Clients

Credits:

• Guest: Maor Appelbaum
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

Studio Tour

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WCA #519 with J.J. Blair – Studio Construction, Microphone Insights, Heart Surgery, and Navigating the Modern Music Landscape

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt reconnects with Grammy-winning producer and engineer J.J. Blair, last featured in Episode 96. J.J. shares the challenges of building a state-of-the-art recording studio in the Hollywood Hills and offers insights from his popular “Microphone Mondays” series. He also opens up about his recent heart surgery and recovery, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health in a demanding profession.

J.J.’s impressive credits include producing and mixing the Grammy-winning album Press On by June Carter Cash, engineering Rod Stewart’s Grammy-winning and #1 Billboard album The Great American Songbook, Vol. 3, and engineering and mixing Joanna Connor’s #1 Billboard Blues album, 4801 South Indiana Avenue.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• “Microphone Mondays” series 
• Building a state-of-the-art recording studio
• Acoustic design, soundproofing, and the science of great studio environments
• Incorporating vintage and modern gear, including a custom Rupert Neve console
• Adapting production techniques for genres from Motown to modern rock
• Reflections on heart surgery, health, and maintaining resilience in the industry
• The importance of studying hit productions and what makes songs stand out
• J.J.’s experience with social media success and connecting with audiences

Links and Show Notes: More on Patience

Links and Show Notes:

• J.J. on Instagram
• J.J.’s Website

Credits:

• Guest: J.J. Blair
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau

Video Interview

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WCA #517 with Julie Kathryn – Career Shift, Sample Creation, Becoming the Artist, Collaborative Mixing, Film Scoring, and Parenting

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt discusses Julie Kahryns extensive experience in the music industry as a producer, sound designer, composer, and educator. With a background spanning from criminal justice to a full-time music career, Julie has worked on a wide range of projects, including crafting unique audio samples for top software companies such as Ableton, Output, Cherry Audio, Splice, and Bandlab, as well as supervising music for films, and composing original scores.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Career Shift From Justice
• Roles: Producer, Composer, Designer
• Teaching at Berklee NYC
• Early Music Influences
• Mentor Tony Conniff’s Guidance
• Learning Logic Pro
• Income From Samples
• Film Music Supervision
• Balancing Creativity and Business
• Parenthood’s Career Impact
• Building Artist Confidence
• Collaborative Mixing Work
• Income Diversification
• Influences: Brian Eno, Laurie Anderson
• Film Scoring Techniques

Matt’s Rant: Your Health

Links and Show Notes:

• Julie’s Site (iamsnowangel.com)

Credits:

• Guest: Julie Kathryn
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

Video Interview