Menu Close

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:

WCA #531 with Travis Ference

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:

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

WCA #530 with Justin Perkins

WCA #530 with Justin Perkins – Mastering, Client Experience, Data Archival & Backup, Automation & Templates and Streamlined Communication

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mastering Engineer Justin Perkins who has worked with The Replacements, Rufus Wainwright, En Vogue, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Shania Twain, Jellyfish, Johnny Cash, The All-American Rejects, Rickie Lee Jones, Donna Summer, Busta Rhymes, Jason Mraz, Lucero, Hanson, New Kids on the Block , Sum 41, Asia

Justin Perkins’ success as a mastering engineer is not solely based on his audio skills but also on his meticulous approach to business operations. His emphasis on automation, client communication, and data management provides valuable lessons for anyone in the audio industry seeking to optimize their workflow and deliver exceptional service.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Streamlined Project Intake & Communication
  • Automation & Templates
  • Client Experience
  • Mastering Workflow & Tools
  • Data Archival & Backup

Links and Show Notes:

Matt’s Rant: Piggy Backing off of Victory

Credits:

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

VIdeo Interview

WCA #529 with David Stagl

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:

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