Working Class Audio

My guest today is Bill Schnee who is an internationally renowned producer, engineer, and mix master. He has over 125 Gold and Platinum records and 50 top twenty singles and is known as an engineer’s engineer. Bill has worked on dozens of Grammy-nominated and winning albums, and has been personally nominated 11 times for The Best Engineered Album category, winning twice for Steely Dan’s Aja and Gaucho. He also has won an Emmy Award for Best Sound Mixing for a Variety Special and a Dove Award. In his 50+ year career, Bill has found success in every musical genre, from Pop to Rock to R&B to Gospel to Country. Bill talks to us from Blackbird Studios in Nashville where we have a great conversation I think you’ll enjoy.In this episode, we discuss: Growing up In Phoenix Love of Radio Early Record Deal Quitting College Law School Parents Approval San Francisco Discovering Audio Working with Hired Guns Keeping Musicians Happy Recording Drums Working with Singers High Profile Artists Shyness Faith Peers AL Schmitt

My guest today is Mastering Engineering Joe Caithness. Joe has worked on mastering the soundtrack music for games such as Borderlands, and Tekken, the soundtracks for the Netflix movie Close, bands such as Don Martin 3 and Palooka 5 and he does it all from the comfort of his mastering studio located in his backyard in Nottingham, England. In this episode, we discuss: Shakespeare Early PC Recording Clutter Being An Audio Introvert Forums GateKeeper Mentality Online Mentors Gear Poverty Inverse Financial Curves Pragmatic Studio Building Transfer Equipment Test Pressings Mastering QC Process Meta Data Professionalism Office Hours Back Issues Being Debt Free Matt's Rant: PatienceLinks and Show Notes Joe’s site: joecaithnessmastering.com 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 Cre

My guest today is producer, engineer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, singer and, songwriter, Alan Evans. This is Alan’s second time on the podcast. He first joined us on episode 133. This time around He talks to us from Massachusetts where we have a great chat about his studio and, his record label, and what’s been happening lately in his life. In this episode, we discuss: Studio Remodeling Alan's Record Label Remote Teaching Audio Minimalism Vinyl Flooring Great Musicians Open Concept Recording Template Mixing Financial Groove Selling Vinyl Records The Blockbuster Documentary The Black Puma's Great Monitoring Boot Drives Matt's Rant: Audio DogmaLinks and Show Notes Alan's Studio: https://www.ironwax.com/ Alan's Band: https://www.soulive.com/ Alan's Label: https://www.vintageleaguemusic.com/ Listen to this song! https://spoti.fi/3stsG6M WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/ Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Cu

My guest today is Grammy-winning producer/engineer and mixer, Trina Shoemaker. Trina has worked with Sheryl Crow, Tanya Tucker, the Indigo Girls, Pearl Jam, Patty Griffen, and many, many more. Trina comes to us by way of former WCA guest and friend Andrew Scheps who helped make the introduction. We have a great discussion that I think you’ll enjoy. In this episode, we discuss: Growing Up In Joliet, Illinois Concerts in Chicago Jackson 5 Dads’ “Control Room” Chicago Los Angeles Drive Aways Capital Records Temp Alternative Marketing Rancho De La Luna Living in London Drug Runs LA Recording Workshop Susan Rodgers New Orleans Daniel Lanois Canadians Sheryl Crow Needs-Based Creatures Jeff Trott Tchad Blake Hurricane Katrina Losing Her House Counting on Music Moments Alabama The Peavy Brothers Writing a Novel Matt's Rant: Lack of WorkLinks and Show Notes Trina's Site: http://www.trinashoemaker.com/ Trina on Instagram: @trinashoemaker Dauphin Street Studios: http://www.dauphinstreetsound.com/ WCA on Instagram

My guest today is Grammy Nominated engineer Stephen Dent. Stephen has worked on records for Notorious B.I.G, Sean Combs, Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, and Lil Kim. He also spent a number of years running Daddy’s House, the studio owned by Sean “Diddy” Combs located in Brooklyn. I met Stephen while participating in rooms on Club House. I reached out and he accepted my invitation to come on the show. We have a great conversation and I’m looking forward to you hearing about his journey.In this episode, we discuss: Motown Gospel Go Go Music Yacht Rock Anthony Wellington Offset Printing DJing Making Beats The Forest Gump Effect Super VHS/Beta Max Recording Engineering Out of Spite Omega Recording School SSL Plasma Meters DC to NYC House of Sound Bob Rosa Tackling the Tape Library Sleeping on Trains Befriending The Homeless  The One Page That Changed His Life Working with Sean Diddy Combs Not Leaving the Studio Golf Teaching Sons Man Cave Matt's Rant: Self EvaluationLinks and Show Notes Stephen on Instagram: @inlike

My guest today is producer, mixer, and scoring engineer Jason LaRocca. Jason has worked on films such as “Bad Boys for Life,” “Paddington,” “Aquaman,” “The Accountant,” “Joy”, “Godzilla: King of Monsters,” Blumhouse horror hit “Ma,” and the 2018 Oscar-winning documentary “Icarus.” Jason also mixed the music for the smash-hit video game “Fortnite" as well as “Cyberpunk” and “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.” Jason is formerly known as the singer/guitarist of the acclaimed punk band, The Briggs.In this episode, we discuss: Mixing Music for Films and Games Breakfast with The Beatles Kids Choir with Toto Music and Skateboarding Starting A Band Supportive Parents Home Studio Mackie 2408  DIY Mentality Free Tape Mark Isham Curveballs Cold Calling Fortnite Music Mixing Economics of The Gig Work/Life Balance Working Smarter  Matt's Rant: Maintaining A PresenceLinks and Show Notes Jason's Site: https://www.jasonlarocca.com/ Jason on Instagram: @jason_larocca solo.to for sharing links: https://solo.to/inv/MjAwNTM WCA

My guest today is Grammy-nominated engineer, Steve Genewick. Steve is making a return appearance on WCA. With 30 years of experience and 20 of that spent working alongside Al Schmitt, Steve has worked all over the world with artists such as Paul McCartney, Diana Krall, and LL Cool Jay as well as games such as Apex Legend. Lately, Steve is deep into remixing classic records for release in ATMOS.In this episode, we discuss: Preparing Capital for COVID Mixing Atmos from Home Setting up for Atmos Working Independently  Working with Al Schmitt High-Level Gigs Diverse Sessions Learning from Peers Learning from Everybody Being Prepared High-Pressure Sessions Sacrifices Cancer Saying No to Gigs Knowing What’s Important  Shrinking Budgets Mix Revisions Mixing for Video Games Home Studio Future Matt's Rant: RevisionsLinks and Show Notes Steve's Site: http://stevegenewick.com/ Steve on Instagram: @steve_genewick WCA #070 with Al Schmitt & Steve Genewick WCA #112 with Frank Wolf WCA on Instagram: @working_class_

My guest today is producer/engineer/mixer David Gnozzi. Originally from Tuscany and now living in Los Angeles, David hosts the very popular MixBusTV channel on YouTube and works in a variety of genres.In this episode, we discuss: MixBusTV Tuscany Moving to LA Dave Pensado Being Bullied Metal and Rage Marvel Comics At Home In The US Trial and Error Being a Virgo Bodybuilding Self Discipline Misinformation False Expectations Bella Kelly Irons in the Fire Dead Lifting Health Knowing Your Limits Horror Movies Gear Distractions Matt's Rant: Time Travel Links and Show Notes David's Site: davidgnozzimixing.com MixBus TV SIte: Mixbustv.com MixBusTV on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2ZDYrx2 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: David Gnozzi Host: Matt Boudreau  WCA T

My guest today is Matthew Rifino who is a music mixer for NBC's The Today Show as well as a freelance engineer. Matthew has worked with so many top names in music it would be futile to list them all here. That said, he is a 5 Time Emmy Award Winner for his mixing work in television.In this episode, we discuss: New Jersey Upbringing Don Mcclean Recording Lessons Pushing Boundaries Influence of Grandparents Tony Bongiovi/Power Station Five Towns College 911's Effect on Studios Mixing Bands NBC's The Today Show 40 Hours a Week Working with Major Bands Hierarchy of Union Audio Covid Effects On Work Stress Level Freelance Work Home Studio Build Early to Bed Early to Rise Being Healthy Freedom From Discipline Mixing Free Wood Financial Health Union Work Matt's Rant: Tax SeasonLinks and Show Notes Matthew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rifinomatthew/ Matthew's SIte: https://www.mattrifinomusicmixer.com/ Quickbooks Self Employed: http://fbuy.me/oLXTP WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Go Ad-Free

My guest today is producer, engineer, mixer Dave Way. Dave has a huge discography and a load of experience to share. He talks to us from his studio in Southern California, The Way Station.In this episode, we discuss: Apple Farm Assassin The Nun With A Guitar Pretending To Be a Beatle Hearing Life Through Cassette Early Mono Recording Music vs. Baseball Berklee College of Music New York Studios Dance Remixes Gig Opportunities  Teddy Riley 120 Hour Weeks Competitiveness Serendipitous Events New York Success  Michael Jackson Staying In California John Doe Genre Jumping Jazz Mixing Differences Home Studio Economics Dolby Atmos Working With Stars Matt's Rant: The PurgeLinks and Show Notes Dave's Site: https://www.daveway.com/ 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

My guest today is New York-based mix engineer Sam Sherbin. Sam studied under the late great Bruce Swedien and Manny Marroquin. Sam is also behind the podcast called In The Zone.In this episode, we discuss: Studying with a Bruce Swedien Listening to Thriller with Bernie Grundman and Bruce  Sonic Personality Dropping Out 99 cent pizzas Mixing During Covid Pivoting into Podcasting Management The Money Talk Meditation Mental Health Simple Setups Balancing Matt's Rant: Revisiting Audio Minimalism Links and Show Notes Sam's site: https://www.samsherbin.com/ Sam on Instagram: @samsherbinmusic 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: Sam Sherbin Host: Matt Boudreau  WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudr

My guest today is Grammy Award-winning mix engineer Michael Brauer. Michael has worked with Coldplay, John Mayer, The Rolling Stones, My Morning Jacket, and Bob Dylan, to name a few. In this episode, we discuss: Speaking French with Mom Playing in Bands Drummer/Soundman Total Clarity Working in Shipping Being Ready to Help Regional Sounds Daytime Jingles Luther Vandross Dancing Going to England Shaving the Mustache Producing Fear of Sounding Like Others Greg Calbi Self Evaluation Focusing on Mixing Audience Acceptance Forgetting Balance Mixing From Your Heart Mix Revisions Having a Great Team Bike Racing Transcendental Meditation Eating Well Work/Life Balance Matt's Rant: Client CommunicationLinks and Show Notes Michael's Site: https://www.mbrauer.com/ 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://

My guest today is Seattle-based producer-engineer Andy D. Park. Andy has worked with Death Cab for Cutie, John Van Deusen. K Flay, The Deftones, Alice in Chains, Pearl jam, and Soundgarden. He talks to us from his freshly built studio at his home in Seattle.In this episode, we discuss: Idealism Recording Schools Making Mistakes Tucson to Seattle Persistence Learning Lessons The Beauty of Seattle Working at a Bookstore Eddie Vedder Freelancing Obama Care 24 Hours with Chance the Rapper & Skrillex Building a Home Studio Full Circle with The Def Tones Making a Living As An Engineer TV Detectives Learning To Take a Break Planning Your Finances Emotion over Fidelity Matt's Rant: Spreading the WorkLinks and Show Notes Andy's Site: http://www.andyparkrecording.com/ 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

My guest today is Grammy award-winning mixer engineer and producer Ryan Gilligan. Ryan got his start at Quad Studios in New York, where he started as an intern, then assistant before taking on a year-long engineering gig for Busta Rhymes. Following that, he returned to Quad and began a mentorship with Michael Brauer that would last for seven years. He worked alongside artists, such as Coldplay, John Mayer, Kanye West, Shakira, Grizzly Bear, and many others. Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles to work with producer John Hill on music for Adele, Gwen, Stefani, and Florence and the Machine. He ended up staying in Los Angeles and continues to work there to this day freelancing. In this episode, we discuss: Playing Trumpet Interning Quad Studios Electric Lady Busta Rhymes Duffle Bags of Hard Drives Los Angeles New York Michael Brauer Health Challenges Mixing Based on Emotion Surviving on Mixing Strict Budgeting Matt's Rant: Banking! Yes, seriously. Links and Show Notes Ryan's Site: https://ryangilligan.com/ Rya

My guest today is Jenny Ortiz, also known as mixedbyJNY. Jenny has worked with K.A.A.N., JLA, Contraband, and Thurs. She talks to us from her home and home studio in Southern California, where we have a great conversation. In this episode, we discuss: Behind The Scenes Videos College Audio Wrapping Cables Shantih Hasst of Studio 770 Interning Aligning Tape Machines Being a Dispatcher Spreading Her Wings Networking Using Social Media Being a Runner Not Depending on Others Marketing Herself Having Patience Mixing Durning Covid Home Studio Facility Plan B Matt's Rant: Home Studio Income IdeasLinks and Show Notes Jenny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixedbyjny/ Jenny on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mixedbyjny WCA 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: Jenny

My guest today is engineer, musician Paul Fig. Paul has worked with Alice In Chains, Slipknot, Bush, the Def Tones, Rush, Stone Sour, The Mars Volta, and Johnny Cash. Paul's also worked alongside Joe Barresi, Matt Hyde, Don Smith, Matt Wallace, David Bianco, George Drakoulias, and Greg Fidelman. He's a former member of the band Amen. And when he's not working on other people's records, he's working on music for television and film, including the HBO documentary series Sonic Highways, Fox Sports, and MTV. Great guy. We hit it off immediately, and he comes to us via Joe Barresi. Once again. Thank you, Joe, for the referral.In this episode, we discuss: Eddie Van Halen Dantes Jazz Club Punk Rock Ethics Assisting Falling Budgets Acquiring Gear Video People Mailbox Money Handling Crashes Getting Gigs Low Overhead Managers Getting Out of the Chair Matt's Rant: Gear ChatLinks and Show Notes Paul's Site: https://paulfigmusic.com/ Paul on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulfigmusic/ Paul on Facebook: https:/

My guest today is engineer Shuta Shinoda. Based in London, originally from Tokyo. We talk all about Shuta's journey from Japan to the UK and everything in between. In this episode, we discuss: Learning Audio Visa Challenges Working in Japan Working in England Cleaning windows English classes Sacrificing Peak time Train Battles Moving to London Connecting with Local Bands Surviving During Covid Future Outlook Listening to your Instincts Matt's Rant: A Little Business and a Little InspirationLinks and Show Notes Shuta's Site: https://www.shutashinoda.co.uk/ Shuta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutashinoda/ Radio Garden on IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/radio-garden-live/id1339670993 Radio Garden on Android: https://tinyurl.com/ycambhd3 WCA 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://am

My guest today is Grammy award-winning recording engineer John Baffa. He's worked with a wide array of people, including Mike Patton, Henry Rollins, the Melvins, as well as the Los Angeles percussion quartet. He joins us from his home in Southern California, and we talk about many things, including his work at Cal Arts as an instructor. John Baffa, coming up here on the working class audio podcast.In this episode, we discuss: John's Diverse Upbringing Live Sound Touring The Troubadour FOH Paying Attention Introduction to Recording CAL ARTS Late Nights  The Hardest Thing About Teaching Audio John's House Studio Going Solar Socially Distanced Sessions Remote audio instruction Creating a Reverb Chamber Ghosts in the Building Diversification Stable Shows Forecasting Matt's Monologue: DIversification, again! Links and Show Notes Cal Arts: https://calarts.edu/ John's Studio: https://tvtrayrecording.com/ WCA Instagram: @working_class_audio Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/ Connect with Matt on

My guest today is Jesse Cannon. Jesse is a man who covers a lot of territory. He produces, engineers, mixes, and masters. He hosts podcasts, he's an author, and he's the host of a YouTube channel. He does a lot of stuff, and he comes to us as a recommendation from our good friend, former WCA guest, Steve Evetts, and I'm excited to have him on. We had a great conversation the other day. And I'm looking forward to you hearing that conversation. Jesse Cannon, coming up here on the Working Class Audio podcast.In this episode, we discuss: WFMU Producing Podcasting YouTube Books Identity Steve Albini Big Words Freedom Daily Beast Panic Attacks Managing Bands Surviving Diversifying Matt's Monologue: Paying it ForwardLinks and Show Notes Jesse's Studio: http://cannonfoundsoundation.com/ Jesse's Book: Processing Creativity  Jesse's Book: Get More Fans: The DIY Guide To The New Music Business  Jesse's Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/33RHwcN  Twitter: @jessecannon Jesse's Podcasts: The New Abnormal Podcast, Atlan

My guest today is Boston-based mastering and restoration engineer. Maria Rice, Maria works at Peerless mastering and has received three nominations for the Grammy award for Best Historical Album. Her remastering work also includes the 2018 reissue of Blondie's Heart of Glass. Maria and I connected over LinkedIn, and I reached out to her, and she graciously accepted my invitation to come on the show. So I'm very much looking forward to bringing you Maria Rice here on the Working Class Audio podcast.In this episode, we discuss: Dorm Room Studio Live Recording Audio Tough Love Quitting Architecture School Divided Focus Jessica Thompson Guilt "Real Job" Pressure Interning Florida Simulation Following Your Gut Quitting Her Day Job Transferable Skills Mastering Restoration Being Resilient Diversification Matt's Monologue: Knowing YourselfLinks and Show Notes Peerless Mastering Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peerlessmastering/ Maria on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-rice-8a11a19/ WCA Instagra