Working Class Audio – Navigating the World of Recording With a Working Class Perspective

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:

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

WCA #525 with The Pellicci Brothers

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:

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

WCA #524 with Michael Romanowski

WCA #524 with Michael Romanowski – Immersive Audio, Critical Listening, Value Of Community, and The Dangers of Comparison

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Winning mastering engineer, Michael Romanowski. Michael’s extensive credits include Alicia Keys, Bonnie Raitt, Lyle, Lovett, Earth Wind & Fire, Kane Brown, and the Grateful Dead.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Studio Acoustics
Immersive Audio Advocacy
Future Of Immersive Audio
Value Of Community Collaboration
Critical Listening Skills
Balancing Artistic Vision With Label Demands
Bass Management Challenges In Immersive Audio
Consumer Perceptions Of Immersive Audio
Role Of VR And AR In Audio Localization
The Dangers of Comparison

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Year End Review

Credits:

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

VIdeo Interview

WCA #523 with Lizzie Westsmith

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

WCA #522 with Ed Donnelly

WCA #522 with Ed Donnelly – Independent Mindset, Live Recording, Indie Bands, Immersive Audio and Inspiration

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Producer/Engineer Ed Donnelly, who has worked with Willie Nelson, Zac Brown, Old 97s, Son Volt, Del McCoury, Nathan Jacques, Lorin Hart, Cole Gallagher, The Lonesome Captain, Trent Summar & The New Row Mob

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Musical Journey and Career
Live Event Recording Journey
Journey From Performer to Producer
Independent Artist Budget Challenges
Managing Budgets in Independent Bands
Music Industry Evolution and Strategy
Inspiration and Approaches in Work
Independent Artists and Audio Professionals
Immersive Audio Formats and Music

Links and Show Notes:

Ed’s Studio

Matt’s Rant: Revisiting Community

Credits:

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

Video Interview

Studio Tour

WCA #521 with Maor Appelbaum

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:

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

WCA #520 with Jeremy Goody

WCA #520 with Jeremy Goody – Studio Rebranding, Shifting to Voice Recording, Battling Cell Towers, Building Faraday Cages, and Overcoming Obstacles

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt reconnects with engineer and studio owner Jeremy Goody, who was last featured in Episode 85. Jeremy has worked on VO projects for Microsoft, Nuance, Google, Seasonal Visions, and music projects for John Santos, Anticon, and Winfred E. Eye.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Studio Rebranding
Battling Cell Towers
Building Faraday Cages
Shifting to Voice Recording
Podcasting

Credits:

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

Video Interview

WCA #519 with J.J. Blair

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:

Credits:

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

Video Interview

WCA #518 with Willie Green

WCA #518 with Willie Green – Teaching Hip-Hop, Mentoring, Collaborating with Artists, and Hearing Your Work on the Other Side of the Globe

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt talks with Paul “Willie Green” Womack, a producer, engineer, and professor based in Brooklyn, NY. With nearly two decades of experience, Willie shares his passion for hip-hop production, teaching, and building meaningful connections in the studio. Having worked with renowned artists such as Armand Hammer, The Roots, The Alchemist, and Wiz Khalifa, Willie provides an insider’s perspective on balancing artistry with the technical demands of audio production.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Teaching Hip-Hop History and Vocal Production
Remote Education and In-Person Dynamics
Building a Studio in Brooklyn
Mentoring Upcoming Artists
Bridging Creativity and Technical Expertise
The Role of Community in Creative Spaces
Balancing Work and Passion Projects
The Unique Challenges of Teaching During COVID
Willie’s Journey from Engineer to Educator

Matt’s Rant: Blank Spaces

Links and Show Notes:

Willie Green’s Website

Credits:

Guest: Paul “Willie Green” Womack
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

Video Interview

WCA #517 with Julie Kathryn

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

WCA #516 with Will Holland

WCA #516 with Will Holland – Internship Turned Career, Ownership Advantages, Low Overhead, Setting Rates, and Staying Young

In this episode, Matt talks with Will Holland, owner of Chill House, a 2,000-square-foot studio in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Will has worked with acts like SeepeopleS, Club d’Elf, Nth Power, Berklee, and the Lowell Chamber Orchestra.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Chill House Studio Location
2,000 Square Feet Space
Multiple Studio Rooms
Local, Mid-Level Clients
Will’s Boston Beginnings
Internship Turned Career
Ownership Advantages Discussed
Low Overhead Emphasized
Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Work-Life Balance Focus
Future Relocation Possible
Classic Rock Influence
Staying Young
Setting Rates

Matt’s Rant: Following Up!

Links and Show Notes:

Will’s Studio

Credits:

Guest: Will Holland
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

VIdeo Interview

Chill House Studios Tour

WCA #515 with David Streit

WCA #515 with David Streit – Workflow Innovation, Gear Investments, Client Relations, Studio Efficiency, and Post-COVID Realities

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau welcomes back audio engineer David, initially featured in WCA #210. David dives into his journey since his last interview, sharing updates on his Portland-based studio move, reflections on the city’s music scene post-COVID, and how the pandemic shifted industry dynamics. David offers insights on balancing live sound with studio recording, the adaptive approaches required in today’s music landscape, and how Portland’s music community is showing resilience in challenging times. David has worked with fourhundred, Lucid Aisle, Storm Large, Kelly Koval, Joshua Lowe and the Juncos.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Relocating Studio Spaces and Adapting to New Work Environments
Post-COVID Shifts in Portland’s Music Scene and Industry-Wide Changes
Balancing Live Sound, Studio Recording, and Creative Roles
Community Support, Artist Resilience, and Collaborative Culture in Portland
Freelance Audio Strategies: Workflow Tips, Gear Decisions, and Client Relations
Navigating New Music Production Trends and Managing Technical Challenges
Challenges in Sustaining a Music Career in a Changing Industry Landscape

Matt’s Rant: Refuse to Giveup

Links and Show Notes:

Credits:

Guest: David Streit
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

Video Interview:

WCA #514 with Christal Jerez

WCA #514 with Christal Jerez – Education, Immersive Audio, Motherhood, New York Love, and VH1 Documentaries

In this episode of Working Class Audio, recorded live at AES 2024 in New York, Christal Jerez shares her career journey from Los Angeles to the UK. She discusses her experiences in live and studio sound, her move to the UK for a PhD, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with freelance work. Christal has worked with artists such as Lil Kim, Malik Moses, Al-Doms, and Timi O.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Move to the UK: Christal relocated to earn a PhD for the Andrew Scheps Music Production Scholarship, focused on immersive audio, supported by her family.
Immersive Audio: Passion for 3D sound and binaural audio, working with psychoacoustic experts at NYU.
Early Inspirations: Grew up in LA, influenced by family gatherings and VH1 documentaries.
Education Path: Studied audio production in university, learned hands-on through radio station work recording live bluegrass music.
Career Growth: Mentored by Serge Tsai at Platinum Sound, rising from assistant to freelance engineer. Focused on client relationships and studio professionalism.
Challenges as a Woman in Audio: Faced bias and underrepresentation in the industry. Emphasized importance of mentorship and resilience.
Balancing Work & Motherhood: Struggled to balance freelance work with being a mother, setting boundaries to manage family and career.

Matt’s Rant: AES 2024 Debrief

Links and Show Notes:

Credits:

Guest: Christal Jerez
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

Video Interview

WCA #513 with Joel Jaffe

WCA #513 with Joel Jaffe: Navigating 40 Years of Studio Life, Recording Legends, Perfecting Live Room Techniques, Overcoming Bay Area Challenges, and Getting Out of the Chair

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau chats with veteran producer and engineer Joel Jaffe, founder of Studio D Recording. Joel reflects on his 40-year journey running a renowned Bay Area studio, working with legendary artists like Faith No More and Huey Lewis, and perfecting live room recording techniques. He also shares insights on overcoming the challenges of studio life, the evolving music industry, and his decision to step away from day-to-day operations, or as Matt puts it, “getting out of the chair.”

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Challenges of running a studio in the Bay Area
Building and managing Studio D Recording
Recording techniques for live rooms and handling isolation
Working with iconic artists like Faith No More, Huey Lewis, and Soundgarden
The impact of streaming and the changing music industry
Balancing a 40-year career with family life
Lessons learned from mentors and iconic engineers
Advice for aspiring audio engineers and producers
Shifting from studio ownership to freelance work

Matt’s Rant: Revisiting Putting Yourself Out There

Links and Show Notes:

Credits:

Guest: Joel Jaffe
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

Video Interview

WCA #512 with Dr. Mary Mazurek

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!

Links and Show Notes:

Credits:

Guest: Dr. Mary Mazurek
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

Video Interview

WCA #511 with Gabriel Shepard

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.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

25th Street Recording
Building Client Trust
Creative Collaboration
Crafting Signature Sound
Navigating Industry Changes
Freelance Persistence
Audio Gear Insights
Mixing Strategies
Studio Workflow
Client Communication
Recording Challenges
Evolving Sound Trends
Learning from Other Producers
Earning Fans of Your Work

Matt’s Rant: Covid!

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Gabriel Shepard
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #510 with Steve Lack

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.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Freelancing Journey Shifts
Early Adoption Of Pro Tools
Discovery Channel Experience
Remote Podcast Production
Transition From Drumming To Film Composition
Midlife Career Pivot
Freedom In Podcasting
Networking And Relationships
Working From A Sailboat
Overcoming Corporate Mergers
Embracing Technological Changes

Matt’s Rant: Learning to Swim First

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Steve Lack
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #509 with Alberto de Icaza

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.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

AI Tools Usage
Mastering Career Shift
Industry Challenges
Impact Of AI On Work
Client Relations
Networking Expansion
Spanish Market Strategy
Social Media Promotion
Professional Collaborations
Remote Work Preference
Cash Flow Management
Studio Setup
Adapting To New Tech
Working With Key Mentors
Crashing His Car
From Mexico to New Jersey, to Texas

Matt’s Rant: All The Other Stuff

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Alberto de Icaza
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #508 with Cesar Mejia

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.

Matt’s Rant: Being in Asset

Links and Show Notes

Credits

Guest: Cesar Mejia
Host: Matt Boudreau
Engineer: Matt Boudreau
Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
Announcer: Chuck Smith