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WCA #500 with Catherine Marks

WCA #500 with Catherine Marks WIDE Image

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

Matt’s Rant: 500 Episodes and Pressing On

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #499 with Stephen Kerrison

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.

In this episode, we discuss

  • Weird Jungle Collective Update
  • Liverpool Music Scene Evolution
  • Working Under a Record Shop
  • From Touring to Mastering
  • Collective’s Structural Changes
  • Industry’s Financial Realities
  • Instilling Confidence
  • Balancing Creativity and Technique
  • Musicians’ Record Perspectives
  • Older vs. Younger Musicians
  • Transition to Mastering
  • Mastering Different Genres
  • Challenges of Live Performance
  • Importance of Taste in Mastering
  • Exploring the UK Music Scene
  • Collaborative Music Environment
  • Managing Work-Life Balance
  • Financial Strategy
  • Use of Backing Tracks
  • Maintaining Artist Confidence
  • Comparison to Visual Art
  • Listening
  • Checking Out The Competition
  • Seth Godin

Matt’s Rant: Stepping Away

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #498 with Jacob Winik

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

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #497 with Danny Reisch

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.

In this episode, we discuss

  • Dallas Childhood Memories
  • Early Band Experiences
  • Four Track Beginnings
  • Michael Jackson Obsession
  • Back to Future Influence
  • Supportive Creative Family
  • Unique School Experience
  • Discipline
  • College Music Degree
  • Early Audio Awareness
  • Atmos Mixing Insights
  • Texas State University
  • Touring and College Life
  • Sound Design Job
  • Band Experiences Takeaways
  • Respect for Bands
  • Working with Passionate Clients
  • Good Danny’s Studio Journey
  • Early Studio Challenges
  • Austin Music Scene
  • Daytrotter Sessions Impact
  • South by Southwest Frenzy
  • Live Recording Skills
  • Move to Los Angeles
  • Pandemic Mixing Shift
  • Film Score Mixing
  • Financial Ecosystem Differences
  • LA Studio Setup Challenges
  • John Congleton’s Advice

Matt’s Rant: What If?

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #496 with Don Zientara

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.

In this episode, we discuss

  • Studio Relocation
  • New Basement Setup
  • Historical Recordings
  • Studio Gear Changes
  • Analog to Digital Shift
  • Compact Studio Space
  • Recording Challenges and Success
  • Microphone Selection Strategy
  • Digital Console Benefits
  • Outboard Gear Preferences
  • Lower Overhead Costs
  • Promotion and Clientele
  • Reflection on Studio History
  • Neighborhood and Noise Management
  • Surfing and Staying Young
  • Selective Project Choices
  • Client Reactions
  • Control and Live Room Setup
  • Communication in Studio
  • Evolution of Punk Scene
  • Consistent Studio Rates
  • Historical Significance
  • Industry Perception

Matt’s Rant: Beginning the Journey

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #495 with Elliot Vaughan

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.

In this episode, we discuss

  • Bristol
  • Miles to Kilometers Conversion
  • City of Black Sabbath
  • Birmingham Heavy Metal Roots
  • Born Near John Bonham
  • Mom’s Bank to Nurse Career
  • Dad’s Ever-Changing Jobs
  • Peacefully Divorced Parents
  • Music In the House
  • Piano Practice
  • Hated Old Piano Teacher
  • Drum Lessons to Escape Math
  • Parents’ Divorce Silver Lining
  • Drums vs Piano
  • Early Band Touring Adventures
  • Recording Studio Misfit
  • Mission Impossible Night
  • Pro Tools Learning Struggles
  • Band Tour Realization Moment
  • Day Job at Museum
  • Begging for Studio Time
  • Faked Experience for Bands
  • Building Reputation
  • Persistent Learning

Matt’s Rant: Change of Heart

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #494 with Aaron C Schroeder

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.

In this episode, we discuss

  • Texas Upbringing
  • Roller Blading & Silverchair
  • Battle of the Bands
  • Early Recording Experiments
  • Recording School
  • Studio Watchdog
  • Recording Willie Nelson
  • Palm Pilot Payment
  • Recording at Home
  • Mell Dettmer
  • Moving to Seattle
  • Working In a Gay Porn Store
  • Recording a Scene
  • Landlord Challenges
  • Recording in A Former Strip Club
  • Running a Basement Studio
  • The Fugazi Ethos
  • Don Zientara
  • Diverisication of Audio
  • Podcasting Gigs
  • The Return to Physical Goods
  • Patreon Page
  • Audio for Film
  • Business Manager Role
  • Chuck Vanderbilt

Matt’s Rant: Not Missing Out on Life

Links and Show Notes

Credits

  • Guest: Aaron C Schroeder
  • Host: Matt Boudreau
  • Engineer: Matt Boudreau
  • Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau 
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell 
  • Announcer: Chuck Smith 

WCA #493 with William Garrett

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! 

In this episode, we discuss

  • Winston Salem, North Carolina
  • Tobacco Leaves 
  • A Great Childhood
  • Stereo Under the Stairs
  • Early Musical Influences
  • Wipeout!
  • Playing Coffee Houses
  • Tossing X-Rays
  • Sound on Sound Recording
  • Boarding School in Maine
  • The World of Jingles
  • Nashville Sessions
  • Political Science and Economics
  • Berklee College of Music
  • Networking
  • Working as a Janitor
  • Driving Cabs on the Side
  • Burt Bacharach’s Jacket
  • Tape Copy Guy
  • Alpha Media Records
  • After Hours Recording
  • House Sound Guy
  • Recording band Demos
  • The Norah Jones Story
  • Changing Technology
  • Presence and Perseverance
  • Jolly Automatic
  • Slayer
  • The Black Crowes
  • Rick Ruben
  • Ed Stasium
  • George Drakoulius
  • Hugging Smokey Robinson
  • Producing Artists for Spotify
  • Getting Laid Off
  • Going back to Freelance
  • Being Grateful

Matt’s Rant: Going the Extra Mile

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

Video Interview

WCA #492 with Toby Campen

WCA #492 with Toby Campen – Mastering Mindset, Switching Lanes, Keeping Rates Up, Human Interaction, and Taking Care of Yourself

My guest today is Mastering Engineer Toby Campen, based in Brighton, UK, who has worked with Black Pines, Everyday Saints, The Endearing, Young Empress, Thorisson, Bekimachine, Rodney Cromwell, Daniel Hugh, Gemma Cullingford, The Droppers Neck, and Pixelstorm.

In this episode, we discuss

  • Growing up in Essex
  • Recording His Band
  • Crappy College Studio
  • Liner Note Reading
  • Recording Local Bands
  • Book Heavy Recording Classes
  • Archiving
  • Mixing for Film and TV
  • Mastering Mindset
  • Switching Lanes
  • Setting Up a Business
  • Going Part Time
  • Help From Wierd Jungle
  • Inspiration from Justin Perkins
  • Inspiration from Glenn Schick
  • Early Mistakes
  • Keeping Rates Up
  • Travis Ference 
  • AI Considerations
  • Getting Clients
  • The Tube
  • Human Interaction
  • Social Media Messaging
  • Audio Minimalism
  • Taking Care of Yourself
  • Standup/Sit Down
  • Production Expert

Matt’s Rant: Net 30 and Beyond

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #491 with Bruno Barcella

WCA #491 with Bruno Barcella – Brothers Influence, Attraction of Tape, Laundry Room Recording, Importance of Family, and Music in Sarnico, Italy

My guest today is Producer/ Recording and Mixing Engineer Bruno Barcella, based in Sarnico, Italy, who has worked with The Peawees, Bee Bee Sea, Faz Waltz, The Manges, Dahlmanns, Kurt Baker, Gluts, The Apers, Freez, and Zatopeks.

In this episode, we discuss

  • Sarnico, Italy
  • Brothers Influence
  • American Music 
  • Playing Drums
  • Recording in Middle School
  • Punk Rock Bands
  • The Attraction of Tape
  • Sense of Community
  • Vasco Rossi
  • 60’s Girl Groups
  • Power Pop
  • Laundry Room Recording
  • Becoming a Studio Partner
  • Mixing at Home
  • Big Tree Studio
  • Live Sound
  • The Weird Jungle Influence
  • Trading Sticks for Faders
  • Importance of Family
  • Grumpy Live Sound People
  • Rates
  • Steve Albini

Matt’s Rant: Reflecting on Steve Albini

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #490 with Joe Bagale aka Otis McDonald

WCA #490 with Joe Bagale, AKA Otis McDonald – Music with Family, San Francisco, The Creation of Otis McDonald, Hyde Street Studios, Pandemic Recording, and Working 9-5

My guest today is artist, producer, engineer, mixing, and mastering engineer Joe Bagale, AKA Otis McDonald, who has worked with Aloe Blacc, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Eric Krasno, King Canyon, Nicholas Payton, Son Little, Nigel Hall, and Adam Deitch.

In this episode, we discuss

  • Growing up in Rochester
  • Music Teacher Dad
  • Attic Studio
  • Music with Family
  • Playing Drums
  • Bill Clinton on Sax
  • Recording Lessons from Dad
  • Home Recording
  • Steve Gadd
  • Eastman School of Music
  • Moving to San Francisco
  • Intro to Pro Tools
  • Coast Recorders
  • Jazz Mafia
  • Connecting the Dots
  • Becoming a Producer
  • Micky Hart Band
  • YouTube Library
  • Identity Crisis
  • The Creation of Otis McDonald
  • Facebook Sound Collection
  • Pandemic
  • Royalties
  • Song a Week
  • Hyde Street Studios
  • Working 9-5
  • The New Music Industry
  • Financial Philosophy
  • Pandemic Recording

Matt’s Rant: Another Habit Talk

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

Video Interview

WCA #489 with BZ Lewis

WCA #489 with BZ Lewis – Big Spring, TX, Tumbleweed Smith, Outlier Status, Prophetic Dreams, and The Yellow Page Crowd

My guest today is Composer/Producer/Engineer BZ Lewis who has worked on projects for Blame Sally, Roberta Flack, MTV, Microsoft, Mapplethorpe, World Poker Tour, Dateline, All My Children, The Shield, and Guitar Hero to name just a few. 

In this episode, we discuss

  • The Origin of BZ
  • Big Spring, TX
  • Tumbleweed Smith
  • Reel to Reel Duplication
  • Outlier Status
  • David Koresh
  • UT Austin
  • Guilt Over Leaving Music
  • Prophetic Dreams
  • Starting a Production Company
  • Making a Movie
  • Moving From Texas
  • Easily Digital Audio
  • Riding a Bike
  • San Francisco Studio
  • Working in Mall Music Store
  • Media Creature
  • Luck
  • POPTUNA
  • Company Splits
  • Working with New Beginners
  • Music Libraries
  • Saving Early
  • Frugal Living
  • Work-Life Balance
  • Yellow Page Crowd

Matt’s Rant: Taking the Weekend Off

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #488 with Gavin Haverstick

WCA #488 with Gavin Haverstick – Acoustical Design, Love of Music, Investing in Yourself, Creating Inspiring Rooms, Acoustic Myths, and Meeting People Where They’re At

My guest today is Acoustical Consultant Gavin Haverstick. Gavin has worked on projects for Ringo Starr, Coldplay, Twenty One Pilots, Louis Bell, Tim Henson, Tori Kelly, David Crowder, and Luca Pretolesi. 

In this episode, we discuss

  • Small Town in Indiana
  • Colorado State University
  • Love of Music
  • Highschool Sweethearts
  • Musical Theater
  • Love of Stability
  • Robotics and Mechanical Engineering
  • Working for Auralex
  • Laminating Battery Cells
  • Going Solo
  • Relationships
  • Hiring People Better Than You
  • Rider Leadership Solutions
  • Investing in Yourself
  • Adding Value
  • Meeting People Where They’re At
  • Underestimating Isolation
  • Building Codes
  • Aiding Contractors
  • Working with Dolby
  • ATMOS Rooms
  • Creating Inspiring Rooms
  • Storage Space
  • Lighting
  • Acoustic Myths
  • Planning for the Future
  • Core Values

Matt’s Rant: Stepping Outside The Bubble

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #487 with Steve Chadie

WCA #487 with Steve Chadie – Sharing Knowledge, Leaving the Nest, Gig Snagging, Low Maintenance Living, and The Loudness Button

My guest today is the return of Grammy-winning engineer and Mixer Steve Chadie. Steve has worked on projects for Willie Nelson, Los Lonely Boys, Particle Kid, and Supersuckers. 

In this episode, we discuss

  • The Shroom Room
  • Rupert Neve Design
  • The Well-Behaved Self
  • Potty Mouth
  • Too Much Truck Time
  • Denton, Texas
  • Titty Bingo
  • Expanding Client Base
  • Management
  • Painfully Introverted
  • Networking
  • Willie Nelson
  • Leaving the Nest
  • College Ball
  • Leaving Texas
  • Making it Work
  • Being Challenged
  • Time to Make The Doughnuts
  • The Inner Asshole
  • Staying Invisible
  • Wendel Junior
  • Missle Command
  • Low Maintenance Living
  • Ikigai
  • Free Work
  • Gig Snagging
  • Legal Pads
  • Mold Sickness
  • Recalls
  • Thinking About Quitting
  • The Loudness Button
  • Commitment
  • Willing to Learn
  • Nighttime Calm
  • Financial Advice
  • Sharing Knowledge

Matt’s Rant: Tune Out

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #486 with Ryan Ordway

WCA #486 with Ryan Ordway – Music Learned Via Camping, The Rembrandts, Fallback Plans, Client Trends, and the Portland Music Scene

My guest today is Producer/Engineer/Songwriter, Ryan Ordway. Ryan runs The Studio Portland and has worked with 98.9 WCLZ Studio Z Series, The Heavy Heavy, Gregory Alan Isa Kov, Nature Valley, and actor Xander Berkeley.

In this episode, we discuss

  • Central New Hampshire
  • Music Learned Via Camping
  • Being Connected Technologically
  • The Rembrandts
  • Fallback Plan
  • LA Kicking his Ass
  • Not Going to Berklee School of Music
  • Starting on Tape
  • Home Studio Struggles
  • Moving to Portland
  • Clear Lines Between Home and Work
  • Studio Portland
  • Facelift for an Old Studio
  • Portland Music Scene
  • Speaker Choice 
  • Ready to Record
  • Client Trends
  • Mark Rubel
  • Focusing on the Client
  • Songwriter Perspective

Matt’s Rant: Food for Thought

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #485 with Andy Nelson

WCA #485 with Andy Nelson – Recording Friends, Financial Realities, Wedding Invitations, Getting Serious About Audio, and Postal Jobs

My guest today is Producer/Engineer/Mixer Andy Nelson. Andy has worked on projects for Pain of Truth, 200 Stab Wounds, Fireworks, Primitive Man, Never Ending Game, Full of Hell, Dead in the Dirt, Gridiron, Harms Way, Weekend Nachos, and Inclination. 

Andy is also the guitarist of Weekend Nachos, Singer/Guitarist of Dust Muscle, and bassist of Like Rats, a self-described art education dropout and a former synthesizer tech.

In this episode, we discuss

  • Early Days
  • Middle-Class Western Household
  • School band 
  • Columbia College
  • Getting Serious About Audio
  • Recording Friends
  • Pricing 
  • Music Industry’s Challenges
  • Financial Realities 
  • Postal Workers
  • Imposter Syndrome
  • Partnership with Pete Grossman
  • Chasing Other Sounds
  • Wedding Invitations
  • Navigating Financial Waters
  • Future Plans 
  • Financial Tips

Matt’s Rant: Pricing

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #484 with Fernando Reyes

WCA #484 with Fernando Reyes – Leaving Peru, Challenging Cultural Norms, Life in a Different Language, Working with Michael Brauer, and Flying Solo

My guest today is Mix Engineer Fernando Reyes, who has worked on projects for The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, Aerosmith, Fabio Capri, ARIZONA, and Idina Menzel. Fernando has also spent the last 7.5 years working as Michael Brauers’ assistant. 

In this episode, we discuss

  • Lima, Peru
  • Exposure to Computer Recording
  • Early Recording
  • Leaving Lima
  • Challenging Cultural Norms
  • PowerPoint
  • Planning Ahead
  • Therapy
  • Full Sail
  • Flying Solo
  • Adulting
  • Life in a Different Language
  • Grandparents Spoiling
  • Friends
  • Alternaitves to School
  • Electric Lady Studios
  • General Assistant 
  • Michael Brauer
  • Longevity
  • Raising Questions
  • Thrown Into the Deep End
  • Doing His Own Thing
  • Lessons Learned
  • ATMOS
  • New York to Miami
  • Watering The Seeds
  • Having Family Close
  • Taking Meetings
  • Building Community
  • Management

Matt’s Rant: The Gear We Choose

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #483 with Lars Deutsch

WCA #483 with Lars Deutsch – Impact Mixing, Composition, Classical Music, Heavy Metal, Soccer, and Brute Force Networking

My guest today is composer, producer, and engineer Lars Deutsch.

Lars has worked with 88 Rising Accura Adidas Amazon Anthony Anderson (Transformers) Blacklist (Trailer) Brett Gelman (Stranger Things) Budweiser California Energy Upgrade CBS Conde Nast (featuring BTS, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Rihanna, Black Pink, Alicia Keys, ASAP Rocky and Dolly Parton, Chris Hemsworth, David Schwimmer, Jessica Chastain, Malin Akerman, Idris Alba, Hillary Duff, Scotty Pippen, Dwayne Haskins, Danielle Brooks, Kendrick Sampson and Billy Eichner) Epson FOX Flying Theater Mexico City Generali Ghostface Killah (Wu-Tang Clan) Intel IRKO Higher Brothers Honda Hyundai Ian McKellen (Lord Of The Rings) James Earl Jones (Darth Vader) Joji Kate Micucci (Scrubs, Big Bang Theory) Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) Katie Melua Keith Ape Keke Palmer (Hustlers) Lewis Hamilton Magic Wands MBL Mercedes Neckermann Niki Nowness (Louis Vuitton) Oreos Palm Springs Film Festival Patrick Williams Paul Alexander Juutilainen Philip Rivers (NFL quarterback) Philips Rachel Shelley (Deep State) Red Bull Rich Brian Ruinart Stephen King’s The Passenger Tencent The Martian (trailer) The Masked Singer Toyota Voices for Children VW Wink Martindale (Tic-Tac-Dough)

In this episode, we discuss

  • Heavy Metal and Soccer
  • Classical Music
  • Excited About Guitar
  • Studying in London
  • Composition
  • Audio Branding
  • Impact Mixing
  • Berlin
  • German Stereotypes
  • Love of Los Angeles
  • Brute Force Network
  • Working with Irko
  • Mixing on His Own
  • Prodixing
  • Development
  • Cash Flow
  • Always Working
  • Flagship Projects
  • Pricing
  • Voice Doubles
  • Credits
  • Revisions

Matt’s Rant: Always Be Learning

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #482 with Ken Lewis

WCA #482 with Ken Lewis – Working from Ohio, Cancelling Vacations, Go Getter Attitude, Producing Remotely, and Mixing Night

My guest today is Grammy-winning producer/mixer/finisher Ken Lewis. Ken has worked on projects for BTS, The Old Kanye, Taylor Swift, and David Byrne.

In this episode, we discuss

  • Working from Ohio
  • Playing Guitar at 10
  • Basement Records at 16
  • Berklee College of Music
  • Parents Support
  • Go Getter Attitude
  • Talent is the Entry
  • Moving to New York
  • Getting Mugged
  • Soundtrack Studios
  • Interning Etiquette
  • Specializing
  • Cancelling Vacations
  • Working From Home
  • Leaving New York
  • Producing Remotely
  • Being Perceived as Too Expensive
  • ATMOS
  • Running A Little Factory
  • Having Open Heart Surgery
  • Getting More Rest
  • Make More Money Than You Spend
  • Money Press
  • Mixing Night

Matt’s Rant: Reflecting on Mark Rubel

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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

WCA #481 with Brendan Dekora

WCA #481 with Brendan Dekora – What You Put In, Runner Blues, Charging What You Are Worth, Winning a Grammy, and Working From Home

My guest today is Grammy-winning engineer Brendan Dekora, who has worked with Nine Inch Nails and Steven Wilson. 

In this episode, we discuss

  • Sibling Music Taste
  • Marching Snare
  • Attraction to Audio
  • Parents Support
  • CRAS
  • What You Put In
  • Moving to LA
  • Runner Blues
  • Paying People in Outboard Gear
  • Building a Portfolio
  • Raising Your Rates
  • Charging What You Are Worth
  • Assistants on the Phone
  • East West/Cello
  • Having the Courage to Say Yes
  • Wearing the Right T-Shirt
  • Being Ready for the Gig
  • Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
  • Winning a Grammy
  • Focusing on Mixing
  • Working From Home
  • Recalls
  • ATMOS

Matt’s Rant: The Bigger Picture

Links and Show Notes

Credits

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