Working Class Audio

My guest today is recording and mixing engineer Leslie Brathwaite, who has worked with Pharrell Williams, Outkast, Björk, TLC, Jay Z, Madonna, Ludacris, Young Jeezy, Akon, T.I., Monica, Michael Jackson, Cher, Mary J. Blige, 2Pac, Notorious B.I.G just to name a few. In this episode, we discuss: Virgin Islands Calypso Music Birth of Hip Hop Drum Machines Island Culture Making Dubs Leaving The Island Full Sail The Craft of Recording Dallas Austin Salads for Whitney Houston Apple IIE Taking Pride in Work Good and Efficient Building Relationships The Cup Test Turning Work Down Valuing Peace Mixing in the Box Money Talk Mix Philosophy Matt's Rant: Revisiting HabitsLinks and Show Notes Leslie on Instagram Leslie on Twitch Atomic Habits WCA on Instagram Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos Credits Guest: Leslie Brathwaite Host: Matt Boudreau  Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Chuck Smi

My guest today is Grammy-Winning Mix Engineer and Producer Craig Alvin. Craig's recording credits include Hanson, Little Big Town, Amy Grant, Vanessa Carlton, Will Hoge, Andrew Belle, Brittany Howard, and a Grammy for his mix work on Kacey Musgraves' Golden Hour album in 2019.In this episode, we discuss: Vancouver, Washington Bible College Neves 5 O'Clock People Joe Chicarelli Always Be Listening Oklahoma City Advice on Nashville Muscle Shoals Mentors Larry Crane Aretha Franklin Cost of Living New Studio Work/Life Survival Quality of Tracks Matt's Rant: Do We Always Need to Get Paid for Our Stuff?Links and Show Notes Craig's Site Craig On Instagram WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos Credits Guest: Craig Alvin Host: Matt Boudreau  Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Chuck Smith Additional Music: The License Lab

Today, my guest is producer, engineer, composer, and electrician Mike Blodgett, the owner of Electric Sparky Land recording in East Oakland. In this episode, we discuss: East Oakland Live/Work Space Reno, Nevada Viola Field Recording 4 Tracks Starving Musician Becoming an Electrician Business Practices Building a Studio Creating A Record Label Recording Bands Live Choosing Gear Talking Electricity Hiring an Electrician Matt's Rant: Atmos Studio UpdateLinks and Show Notes Mike's Studio WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos Credits Guest: Mike Blodgett Host: Matt Boudreau  Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Chuck Smith Additional Music: The License Lab

My guest today is Live Sound engineer Beckie Campbell. Beckie does FOH for major acts like the Indigo Girls and the Commodores. She's also the owner of B4Media Production LLC, where she Produces corporate events, festivals, and live shows all over the US. In this episode, we discuss: Live Sound Union Work The UP of Michigan FullSail Building A Resume Worship Sound Controlling The Live Beast Building Troubleshooting Skills Setting Rates A1 AND A2 Distinctions Working On Digital Consoles Taking Deep Breaths Recording Shows Hearing Protection Money Management Planning for The Future Health and Wellness Work/Life Balance Running Your Life From The Road Health Insurance Matt's Rant: Making time for your imaginationLinks and Show Notes Beckie on Facebook Beckie on Linkedin Beckie on Instagram Beckie's Website Soundgirls Site WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos Credits Guest: Beckie Campbell Host: Matt Boudreau  Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: M

Today's guest today is sound designer, mixer, composer, and writer Dante Fumo. Dante started recording indie bands in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has since branched out into sound design for film and games and relocating to Minnesota. In this episode, we discuss: Copywriting Prog Rock Audio School Recording for 6 Packs Basement Studios Day Jobs Freelance Writing Building a Studio Working From Home Post Production Game Sound Immersive Audio Selling Gear Lower Overhead Studio Identity  The Sunk Cost Fallacy Finding Work Volunteering Local Work Opportunities Slack Channels Hobby vs. Profession Finances Matt's Rant: Dolby Atmos UpdateLinks and Show Notes Dante's Site Dante on Instagram Dante on Twitter Sound Anchor DAW stand  WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin Current sponsors & promos Credits Guest: Dante Fumo Host: Matt Boudreau  Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Ch

Today's guest is producer, engineer, mixer Chuck Zwicky, making a return appearance on WCA. Chuck has worked with Prince, Soul Asylum, The Rembrandts, Mandy Moore, and many others. In this episode, we discuss: Collaboration Social Media COVID Money Survival Analogies Prince Nostalgia AI Radio Flowers Next To Your Name 1000 Sheets of Paper Deterministic Latency Outboard Gear  Matt's Rant: My Favorite HobbyLinks and Show Notes Chucks Website Chucks First Interview on WCA George Vlad Interview SonoBus that Chuck mentioned Facebook Feed Eradicator Matt mentioned WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw Credits Guest: Chuck Zwicky Host: Matt Boudreau  Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Chuck Smith Additional Music: The License Lab

Today's guest is producer, engineer, mixer, Tim Palmer known for his work with Pearl Jam, U2, Cutting Crew, Tears for Fears, and many more. This is Tim's second appearance on the show. In this episode, we discuss: Key to Repeat Clients Treating People Well Humanizing Revisions "Prodixing" (Producing + Mixing) Remote Clients Past vs. Present State of Songwriting  Mutt Lang Handling Compromise Studio Building Hearing Safety Rethinking Gear  Music Cares Black Fret Pricing U2 Comfort zones  Matt's Rant: Thinking and Working GloballyLinks and Show Notes Tim's Site: https://timpalmer.com/ Black Fret: https://www.blackfret.org/ Music Cares: https://www.grammy.com/musicares Tim's First Interview on WCA: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-025-with-tim-palmer/ WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw Credits Guest: Tim Palmer Host: Matt Boudreau  Engineer: Matt Boudreau Produc

My guest today is podcast engineer, content producer, and thought leader Tanner Campbell. In this episode, we discuss: Pound Puppies Holding Court IT Influence Podcasts Marijuana Legalization  Colorado Podcast Audio Quality Imposter Syndrome  Portland, Maine ATM Studio Joanne Fabrics Podcast Studio Corporate Clients Joan London Marketing Locally Quality of Character Surviving COVID Bankruptcy Discussions Binaural Audio Spotify Q-code Audio Dramas Matt's Rant: Random ThoughtsLinks and Show Notes Tanner's Studio: https://guthtaigh.com/ Tanner's Site: https://www.tannerhelps.com/ Tanner's Blog: https://blog.tannerhelps.com/ WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw Credits Guest: Tanner Campbell Host: Matt Boudreau  Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Chuck Smith Additio

My guest today is producer/engineer/mixer, Steve Sykes. Steve has worked with Stanley Clark, Al Jarreau, Smokey Robinson, Enrique Iglesias, and many more. He talks to us from his studio in Los Angeles. In this episode, we discuss: Jazz in Philadelphia 10th-Grade Education Lunch in Denver Homelessness  The Guys in the White Coats The Deli Accident Payphone Gig Offer Learning Drums Day Labor Jobs Recording Mike Chapman Al Schmitt Bill Smith Steve Genewick Pete Doell Miami Vice Syncing Always Be in Record Musician Engineers  Work-Life Balance Matts' Rant: Reclaimed Wood WallsLinks and Show Notes Steve's Site: https://www.stevesykes.com/ WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw Credits Guest: Steve Sykes Host: Matt Boudreau  Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Chuck Smith Ad

My guest today is Grammy and Emmy award-winning producer/engineer Cynthia Daniels. Cynthia has worked with an incredible amount of talented ed people from the worlds of music, Broadway, television, radio, and film. In this episode, we discuss: Stamford, Connecticut  Early Influence of Audio Equipment Not The Chick on The Couch Al Grundy Institute of Audio Research Paying Dues Boot Camp of Audio Weeding People Out Proper Training Phil Ramone Inspiring Talent Headphone Mixes Talking With Other Engineers Timing Know Your Worth Downton Abbey Psychedelic Spinning Wheel of Doom Hamptons Studio John Storyk Covid Protocols Lockouts Alec Baldwin Matt's Rant: More Dolby Atmos Links and Show Notes Cynthia's Studio: http://monkmusicstudios.com/ WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw Credits Guest: Cynthia Daniels Host: Matt Boudreau  Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Edi

Today's guest is Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and mixer Collin Dupuis who has worked with many artists, including Lana Del Ray, Cage The Elephant, and the Black Keys. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up In Michigan Norman Druce Glenn Brown Productions Impedance The Learning Process Detroit, MI Nashville, TN Al Sutton Wiring and Tech Work Working Late Hours Vintage King Working in Italy Cost of Living in Michigan Mid-West Work Ethic Motown Dan Auerbach Moving to Nashville Getting Replaced Loyalty Engineer Roles Links and Show Notes Collin's Site: www.collindupuis.com Collin on Instagram: @collin_dupuis_mixer/ WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw Credits Guest: Collin Dupuis Host: Matt Boudreau  Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Chuck Smith Additional Mus

Today's guest is producer, engineer, mixer, and assistant professor at Berklee school of music, Sean McLaughlin. Sean has worked with notable producers Andy Johns, Jimbo Barton, Carmen Rizzo, and artists Rush, Elliott Smith, Marilyn Manson, Death Row Records, and many others. This is Sean's second appearance on the show, with his first being on WCA #037.In this episode, we discuss: Zoom Teaching Renting Studio Space Mini Split AC Units Studio Marriages Great Landlords Thought Leaders Template Mixing Billy Decker Taking the Clients Temperature Nashville vs. Boston Audio Student Observations Berklee Staff Kaizen  The Myth of Sisyphus Perfection Pushing the Envelope Screwing Up Star Wars  Links and Show Notes Sean's Studio Site: https://www.37ft.com/ Sean's Site: http://theseanmclaughlin.com/ Sean's Previous Episode: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-037-with-sean-mclaughlin/ Dolby Link: https://bit.ly/35j8gmY Dolby Surround Panner: https://bit.ly/3vjScfi WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio C

My guest today is GRAMMY-nominated mastering and restoration engineer, audio preservationist, and educator Jessica Thompson. Jessica originally appeared on WCA in episode #080, and I'm thrilled to have her back on the show to talk about backup strategies for audio, restoration, some gear talk, and changes in her new studio she is planning at her house. In this episode, we discuss: Admin Work Archiving Formats File Management Backup Strategies Working From Home Data Tape Restore DAT Tapes  Modular Digital Multitracks COVID Work Challenges Silver Linings Building A Home Studio The John Cuniberti ATR Spending Money To Make Money Gear Backup Buddies Zynaptic  Bettermaker EQ Weiss Mastering Turntables Audeze Headphones Future Formats Links and Show Notes Jessica's Site: https://www.jessicathompsonaudio.com/ Jessica on Instagram: @jathompso/ Jessica's Previous Episode: WCA #080 WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors

My guest today is live sound mixer, audio coach, and noise abatement consultant Peter Claes, who lives in Hasselt, Belgium.Peter has a great Youtube channel that I watch called Masterclaes (spelled with his last name in mind ) Master Claes, and I enjoy his approach to teaching and sharing knowledge. After connecting on Linkedin, we made arrangements to join me to share his experience working in live sound with bands such as Simple Monds, The Human League, and Arsenal. In this episode, we discuss: Hasselt, Belgium Family Music Shop Music School Live Sound Reading Music Using Studio Gear Live Playing In Bands Mentors Climbing The Live Sound Ladder Working With Others Making A Living Business Outlook Challenges Striving For Perfection Working With Musicians Coaching Sharing Knowledge Masterclaes  The Critics Ambition vs. Work/Life Post COVID Work Matt's Rant: ExplorationLinks and Show Notes Peter's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MasterclaesBE Peter's Site: https://www.varisound.be/ MasterClaes:

My guest today is producer, engineer, mixer Val Garay. Val has had an incredible career working with Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Kenny Rogers, Ringo Starr, Bonnie Raitt, Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Pablo Cruise, Queensrÿche, Santana, and many others. Val has garnered 5 Grammy wins, over 100 gold and platinum records, an Emmy nomination, and over 125 million worldwide record sales. In 1982, he shared a Grammy Award for Record of the Year with Kim Carnes for the iconic song, "Bette Davis Eyes." We catch up with Val at his home in Los Angeles. In this episode, we discuss: Vals Dad Frank Fillipetti Stanford School of Medicine Songwriting Lou Adler Dave Hassinger Studio Work Bill Schnee Dissecting Mixes Making Hits Teaching Others Niko Bolas Royalties Business Choosing Representation  Working with Avid Coaching Assistants Do-overs Work-Life Balance Matt's Rant: Getting Back Out in Person!Links and Show Notes Val's Site: http://www.valgaray.com/ WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Lin

My guest today is engineer, former studio owner, author, and vintage gear dealer, Dan Alexander.Dan was a fixture of the Bay Area recording scene in San Francisco for many years. He ran the same studio space I did, the former Coast Recorders building on Mission Street in San Francisco as well as Coast on Harrison. He’s spent many years of his life buying and selling vintage guitars and vintage recording equipment which we will talk about. He’s got a new book out called “Dan Alexander Audio: A Vintage Odyssey" He talk s to us from his home in Los Angeles.In this episode, we discuss: Radical Parents House UnAmerican Activities Committee  The Rockets Eddie Money Bay Area Music Selling Guitars Grocery Store Studio Vintage Recording Gear Wheeling and Dealing Hyde Street Studios Coast Recorders Coast on Harrison Bill Putnam The Drain of The Studio Business Getting Evicted Divorce Rising Gear Prices Gear Clones Matt's Rant: Getting out of the Chair!Links and Show Notes Dan's Site: https://danalexanderaudio.com/ D

My guest today is musician, songwriter, author, and producer, Jack Rubinacci. Born in Rome, raised in the UK, and now residing in Norway. Jack has been through the music industry on both sides of the glass including recorded his debut release with Tchad Blake Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, he’s sold produced and mixed his own releases, he’s opened for Joe Cocker, Lionel Richie, and Arcade Fire to name a few. Like many in the industry, Jack suffers from Tinnitus. He’s written two books on the topic and it is the focus of our conversation in today's episode. Jack came as a referral from our good friend and studio rat James Ivey. I felt it was important to have Jack on to discuss this topic of tinnitus since many people don’t. In this episode, we discuss: Tinnitus Monitoring low Earplugs Meeting Dad at 10 Sleeping By The Hotel Piano Tchad Blake Sympathetic Producers IPad Production Dealing with Tinnitus Getting inside the Song Ear Nose and Throat Prepping Your Ears for Sonic Assault Tools to Counteract Tinn

My guest today is producer, engineer, mixer Alex Crescioni.Alex is based in Los Angeles at his studio Stygian Sound, located in the legendary Sound City studio complex. He works with a wide variety of rock & metal bands on Nuclear Blast Records, Napalm Records, Wind-Up Records, Craft Recordings, Cleopatra Records, Metal Assault Records, Steamhammer Records, Sliptrick Records, EMP Label Group, Gore House Productions, Frontiers Records, Danse Macabre Records, and Minotauro Records. I've followed Alex's career for a long time and am happy he's here to join me for a chat. Alex Crescioni, coming up here on The Working Class Audio Podcast. In this episode, we discuss: Mothers Musical influence The Suzuki Method Musicians Institute Peter and the wolf Garage Sale Four-Track Home base Wanting To Give Up Bad Intern Experiences Sound City  LA Studio Complexes Getting Work Client Vetting Process Rates Mentors Guitar Pedals Doom metal Matt Wallace Tim Palmer Chris Collier Assistants Struggling Financial Awakening Matt

My guest today is Frank Filipetti, a producer, engineer, mixer, and a seven-time Grammy winner. Frank has worked with many artists, including Foreigner, KISS, Carly Simon, The Bangles, Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Paul McCartney, to name a few. Frank talks to us from his home in Connecticut about his journey, which I think you'll enjoy very much. In this episode, we discuss: Parental Impact Grammar School Band Physics to Music Losing Record Deals Transition to Recording at 30 Right Track Recording Peter Asher Niko Bolas Val Garay METAlliance Starting Late Survival Alan Myerson Dealing with Doubt Sticking With It Assessing Career Learning Everyday Studio in Connecticut Living Outside of Recording Hubs Finances Matt's Rant: Protecting your Ears!Links and Show Notes Frank's site: http://frankfilipetti.com/bio/ METAlliance: https://www.metalliance.com/ WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin

My guest today is Michael Castañeda, who is an audio engineer who does location recordings, post-production, producing, and consultation for podcasts.In this episode, we discuss: West Covina Tape Syncs Covid Audio Practices Cassettes Drum & Bugle Corps.  School Band Citrus Community College UC San Diego Sending Resumes Craigslist Illness Reality Show Gigs The Grind of TV Recording School Bands Getting Super Lucky The Gift of Audio Gear Live Sound Podcast Work Network of Friends Enjoying Gigs New York Times Podcast Producing Learning in the Field Linkedin Matt's Rant: Banking LocallyLinks and Show Notes Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plasticaudio Michael on Twitter: https://twitter.com/plasticaudio WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/ Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP Credits: Guest: