WCA #512 with Dr. Mary Mazurek – Classical Recording, Mentoring, Microphone Techniques for Live Performances, Evolution of Audio Technology, and Moving to Canada
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau talks with Grammy-nominated recording engineer and educator Dr. Mary Mazurek about her work in classical music recording and her approach to teaching and mentoring.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Grammy-nominated projects
Challenges of recording classical music
Microphone techniques for live performances
Managing acoustics in different environments
Mentoring young engineers
Practical learning in audio
Evolution of audio technology
Moving to Canada
Summers in Chicago
Matt’s Rant: The most important thing is what comes out of the speakers!
WCA #511 with Gabriel Shepard – 25th Street Recording, Building, and Maintaining Client Relationships, Burning Out, and Learning from Other Producers
In this episode of Working Class Audio, we welcome back Engineer/Producer Gabriel Shepard, who first appeared on WCA #011. Now, 500 episodes later, Gabriel returns to share more from his journey. Gabriel’s impressive client list includes Cake, The Kronos Quartet, Bassnectar, Raphael Saadiq, and The Residents.
WCA #510 with Steve Lack- Freedom In Podcasting, Freelance Journey Shifts, Midlife Career Pivot, Seinfeld, and Working from a Sailboat
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Steve Lack shares his extensive background in audio post-production and podcasting. Steve reflects on his time working with Warner Brothers Discovery and his contributions to iconic shows like Seinfeld. With experience at NPR, VPM, Al Jazeera, and HBO, Steve now operates remotely from Richmond, Virginia. He discusses the flexibility of podcasting and how his journey from network television to podcasting has shaped his approach to building lasting client relationships.
WCA #509 with Alberto de Icaza- Mastering, Cash Flow Management, From Mexico to New Jersey, to Texas, Client Relations, and Crashing His Car
In this episode of Working Class Audio, mastering engineer Alberto de Icaza shares his journey from Mexico City to the U.S., transitioning from playing in metal bands to becoming a mastering engineer. Now based in Austin, Texas, Alberto discusses his path to mastering during the pandemic and the importance of building client relationships organically through word-of-mouth.
WCA #508 with Cesar Mejia – Navigating Post-COVID Teaching, Balancing Studio Ownership, Diversifying Income Streams, Expanding Shelter Studios, and Longtime Collaboration with Herbie Hancock
In this episode of Working Class Audio, host Matt Boudreau welcomes back Cesar Mejia, a longtime friend of the podcast, to discuss his continued journey as an educator, studio owner, and audio professional. Cesar, first featured in episode #117 back in 2017, shares his experiences navigating the post-pandemic world, teaching the next generation of musicians, and balancing life at his studio, Shelter Studios.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Cesar Mejia’s Return to Podcast: Reflecting on his first appearance in 2017, episode 117, and discussing his journey.
Teaching Post-COVID: Cesar talks about teaching at Cal State Dominguez Hills and Whittier College, highlighting changes in student mentality and the shift in teaching due to the pandemic.
Students’ Musical Preferences: Discussing the differences between students at Dominguez Hills, who are more electronic-focused, and those at Whittier, who are often acoustic musicians.
Shelter Studios and Family Property: Cesar’s studio, Shelter Studios, is located on family property that he inherited. He is working on possibly expanding the space while keeping the studio comfortable and home-like.
Balancing Expansion and Stability: Conversations about the benefits of expanding the studio or staying in the current location and the importance of financial stability.
Wiring and Additional Gigs: In addition to teaching and studio work, Cesar occasionally takes on wiring gigs for other studios, keeping his income diversified.
Collaboration with Herbie Hancock: Cesar continues to work with Herbie Hancock, especially on tours post-COVID, and handles audio tasks such as mixing stems for live performances.
WCA #507 with Ebonie Smith – Memphis Upbringing, Education, Atlantic Records, Administrative Proficiency, and Multitasking As A Necessity
My guest for this episode is Producer/Engineer/ Composer Ebonie Smith, who currently holds the esteemed roles of senior audio engineer and producer at Atlantic Records. Ebonie has worked on projects for The Hamilton Cast Album, Janelle Monae, Sturgill Simpson, and Jason Mraz.
WCA #506 with Wesley Heaton & Kamaron Lockwood – Studio Resilience, DIY Spaces, Live Sound Lessons, Gear Overload, And Lessons From Their First Studio Fiasco
My guests today are producer, engineer, and mixers out of Indianapolis, Indiana, Wesley Heaton and Kameron Lockwood, who are studio partners at Holy Ground Productions, who also happen to have a large amount of live sound experience working with bands like Bingo Boys, Skeletonwitch Rituaal, and Pillars.
WCA #505 with Ben Pike – Vinyl Mastering, Lathe Cut Records, Analog Studio Setup, and Navigating Chronic Illness
My guest today is Mastering & Record Cutting Engineer Ben Pike, who runs an analog-based mastering and record cutting studio in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Ben specializes in vinyl mastering and custom lathe cut records, working primarily with independent artists. He has collaborated with artists and groups such as ATA Records, Yaatri, The London Ambient Orchestra, Smith & The Honey Badgers, and King Zepha.
WCA #504 with Jordan Brooke Hamlin – Encouraging Artistic Risk, Moxe Studio, Nashville’s Music Culture, Zeppelin Hippies, and Reclaiming Neglected Land
My guest today is Producer/Multi-Instrumentalist/Engineer, Jordan Brooke Hamlin, who has worked with Indigo Girls, KT Tunstall, Vienna Teng, Lila Blue, Katie Herzig, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Allison Russell, and Brandy Clark.
WCA #503 with Tony Brooke – Audio Data Management, Seasonal Income Fluctuations, Career Coach Influence, Music Data Management Tools, and Getting Credit
My guest is Grammy Nominated Music Metadata Professional Tony Brooke. Tony has worked on projects for Richard Thompson, Coldplay, David Byrne, twenty one pilots, Maroon 5, Jane’s Addiction, Duran Duran, Steve Miller, Norah Jones, Erasure, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Doobie Brothers, Sarah McLachlan, Elvis Costello, Seal, George Clinton, Emmylou Harris, Indigo Girls, Lucinda Williams, Dave Chappelle, Khaled & Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Stern Grove Festival, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. He’s also worked for Pandora/SiriusXM and Warner Music Group.
WCA #502 with Hans-Martin Buff – From Journalism to Audio: Exploring Binaural Sound, Working with Prince, Dolby Atmos, and Mastering the Art of Sequencing and Assembly
My guest is Hans-Martin Buff, a Recording Engineer, Music Producer, and 3D Geek based in Munich, Germany. Hans has worked with Prince, Peter Gabriel, and the Scorpions.
WCA #501 with Chris Dugan – Green Day Tours, Studio Setup, Balancing Work and Family, Travel Tips, Freelance Pricing, and Backup Technology
My guest today is Grammy-winning engineer and Mixer Chris Dugan, who has worked on projects for Green Day, Gaslight Anthem, Weezer, and Alanis Morissette.
WCA #500 with Catherine Marks – Architect to Producer, Fearlessness, Supportive Mentors, Managing Creative Conflicts, and Capturing the Immediacy of a Moment
My guest today is Grammy-Winning London-based producer and Mixer Catherine Marks, who has worked on projects for boygenius, Wolf Alice, and The Mysterines.
In this episode, we discuss
Upbringing in Australia
Early exposure to music through parents’ record collection
Participation in a Yamaha piano course at an all-girls school
Development of interest in songwriting and record production
Studying architecture at the University of Melbourne
Taking a year out to work in Dublin
Introduction to Dublin’s music
Immersion in live music and DJ nights in Dublin
Discovery of interest in music production and reverb
Transition from architecture degree to music production career
Learning about music production while working for Flood
Recording a song with Elastica, gaining Flood’s attention
Fearlessness and willingness to take opportunities
Early advice from her father and
Support from the Dublin community
Early experiences in the studio,
Multitasking in various roles
Learning via observing, asking questions, and reading manuals
Development of skills and studio efficiency
Mentorship from Alan Moulder
Working with producers like Dmitry Tikovoy, Ben Hillier, and Flood
Importance of capturing the immediacy of a moment over technical perfection
Discipline to let go of awareness and move forward in projects
Managing creative conflicts and rising from unknown engineer to sought-after producer
Establishing connections with key individuals in the music industry
Importance of mutual understanding and communication in the recording process
Working with Alan Moulder and Flood, enhancing her career
Mutual respect and high expectations foster professional growth
Importance of enjoying projects and respecting colleagues
Prioritizing a balanced lifestyle over immediate success
Pressure to maintain career momentum and need for self-care to prevent burnout
Consistent commitment and passion for work
Experiences and reflections on winning a Grammy award
Highs and lows of industry recognition
Challenges of being away for extended periods during album work
Anticipation for future projects and collaborations
WCA #499 with Stephen Kerrison – Touring to Mastering, Weird Jungle, Liverpool Music Scene, Instilling Confidence, Listening, and The Importance of Taste in Mastering
My guest today is UK-based mastering engineer Stephen Kerrison, known for his work with Petbrick, Ditz, Charles Watson, Jake Isaac, Lleo, and Liz Lawrence. This is Stephen’s second appearance on Working Class Audio, his first being WCA #413 alongside Katie Tavini, a fellow Weird Jungle Mastering Collective member.
WCA #498 with Jacob Winik – Gillman Street Experiences, Improving Live Sound, Tiny Telephone, Improved Quality of Life, and Cosmic Standard
My guest today is Jacob Winik, the COO, Technical Director, and Sound Designer at Cosmic Standard, an audio production company he co-founded with his wife, Eliza Smith, in January 2020. Jacob has collaborated on projects with TED, Patagonia, Dropbox, KQED, Samantha Crain, Meernaa, Doe Eye, and Steep Ravine. He previously worked as an audio engineer at Tiny Telephone in San Francisco.
In this episode, we discuss
Bay Area Upbringing
Parents’ Musical Influence
Early Punk Music
Divorce Sparks Punk Interest
Gillman Street Experiences
Technology at Home
Early Instruments
School Band Reluctance
Discovering DIY Punk
College Band Experience
House Shows in College
Obsessed with Music Making
Improving Live Sound
Early Recording Awareness
DIY Recording at Gillman
First Demo Recording
College Film Studies
Pursuit of Music Recording
Internship at The Compound
Learning Basic Recording Skills
Building Client Relationships
Internship at Fantasy Studios
Analog Tape Recording Challenges
Journey Recording Experience
Interning with Magic Magic Orchestra
John Vanderslice
Studio Setup at Tiny Telephone
Transition to Professional Engineer
Hands-on Learning with Tape
Podcast Company Formation
Balancing Overhead Costs
Scalable Team Structure
Remote Work Adaptation
Handling Pandemic Challenges
Client Training Remotely
Improved Quality of Life
Building Client Relationships
Matt’s Rant: Moving Through Your Audio Career with Blinders On
WCA #497 with Danny Reisch – Dallas Childhood Memories, Back to the Future, Daytrotter Sessions, Austin Music Scene, Moving to LA, and Making Records on Cassette 8 Tracks
My guest today is Los Angeles-based Producer/Mixer/Engineer/Drummer Danny Reisch, who has worked on projects for Local Natives, Dirty Projectors, Khruangbin, Barns Courtney, White Denim, Other Lives, Shearwater, Sun June, Tele Novella, Intocable, Halo video game ( last 3 seasons), The Green Knight score (a24), Disney Peter Pan score, Interview With The Vampire score, Willie Nelson, Ed Sheeran, Lizzo, The Zombies, Counting Crows, Jimmy Cliff, Father John Misty and many more.
WCA #496 with Don Zientara – Historical Significance, Studio Relocation, Curated Gear Choices, Surfing, and Staying Young, and Back to the Basement Where It All Started
My guest today is the return of producer/engineer/mixer Don Zientara. Don has been highly influential in the D.C. hardcore music scene for over 30 years for his work with iconic punk and rock bands, including Fugazi, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Jawbox, and The Evens. His contributions have been pivotal in shaping the sound of many Dischord Records artists.
WCA #495 with Elliot Vaughan – City of Black Sabbath, Music In the House, Mission Impossible Night, and Persistent Learning
My guest today is Bristol, UK-based producer and mixer Elliot Vaughan, who has worked on projects by Frank Turner, Jason Ringenberg, Spunge, Ugly Kid Joe, Sonic Boom 6, The Wildhearts, Masca, and Hectares. Elliot is also an MPG Awards 2024 Breakthrough Producer Of The Year Nominee.
WCA #494 with Aaron C Schroeder – Battle of the Bands, Palm Pilot Payment, Recording a Scene, and The Return to Physical Goods
My guest today is Producer/Engineer Aaron C Schroeder, who has worked on projects for Willie Nelson, Hotegaia, Hallows, Arden Leas, Sharkie, Coasthouse Materials, and Hollow Earth Radio.
WCA #493 with William Garrett – Stereo Under the Stairs, Tossing X-Rays, After Hours Recording, Producing for Spotify, Hugging Smokey Robinson, and Burt Bacharach’s Jacket
My guest today is Producer, Engineer & Mixer William Garrett. William has worked with a LARGE amount of people! That’s includes Esperanza Spalding, Grouplove, John Legend, The Head and the Heart, Migos, Zara Larsson, The Shins, Max Richter, Sting, Ed Sheeran, Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, TLC, Arcade Fire, Miley Cyrus, Norah Jones, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez, The National, Greta Van Fleet, St. Vincent, Iron & Wine, Luke Combs, Jack White, The Raconteurs, Cyndi Lauper, John Cale, Conor Oberst, New Kids On The Block, Michael Monroe, Jennifer Lopez, John Waite, Slayer, Brandi Carlile, Def Leppard, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Shawn Mendes, Mac Miller, Elton John, Yo-Yo Ma, Michael Bublé, Jon Batiste, Vampire Weekend, Carly Rae Jepsen, Alicia Keys, The Lumineers, Alanis Morissette, Black Pumas, James Blake, Finneas, Arlo Parks, Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Samara Joy, Molly Tuttle, and Margot Price……..to name a few!
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