Explore every episode of the podcast Working Class Audio
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCA #614 with Michael Frondelli, Part 1 – Astoria, R&B Days, Salsa Nights, and Electric Lady | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:54:13 | |
For episode 614, Matt talks with Michael Frondelli, producer, engineer, and former Vice President of Capitol Records Studios, where he ran the facility for eleven years before going independent in 2001. Michael grew up in Astoria, Queens. Tony Bennett took vocal lessons with his Uncle Sal. The Walken family ran the bakery on Steinway Street. He came up playing guitar in soul bands and rock bands in the 60s, studied business in college, landed a maintenance tech job at Broadway Recording on 1697 Broadway, and from there made his way to Electric Lady in November 1975, where he spent nine years. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt's RANT!: Revisiting Backing Up and Archiving Links and Show Notes: Michael's site Credits:
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| WCA #613 with Ben Mellott – Northern Virginia, Church Sound, Farm Festivals, and Profit First | 15 Sep 2026 | 01:06:24 | |
For episode 613, Matt talks with Ben Mellott — recording engineer, mixer, and owner of Nothing but Noise studio in Northern Virginia. Ben has been freelance since 2014, balances studio work with live production at churches, farms, and local venues, and runs every dollar through the Profit First system. They talk about building a career on curiosity, the alternative path through cassette manufacturing and church sound, and why the business side of audio doesn't sound like fun until it absolutely is. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt's RANT!: Doing Things the Alternative Way Links and Show Notes:
Credits: Guest: Ben Mellott Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith | |||
| WCA #612 with Brian Starley – Utah, Cartage, Building a Studio in LA, and Relationships Before Gear | 08 Sep 2026 | 01:10:21 | |
For episode 612, Matt talks with Brian Starley recording and mixing engineer based in North Hollywood, California, and owner of Bergatron Music Studio. Brian grew up in Salt Lake City with a dad who transferred vinyl to cassette for the car, chased a hockey career to Ontario, came home to Utah without a plan, and found recording through a coworker who'd interned at the Blasting Room. After learning Pro Tools at twenty bucks an hour and getting out of Utah in 2005, he landed at Musicians Institute in LA and then at Lon Cohen Studio Rentals a cartage company where he spent six years moving Tim Pierce's guitars and Mike Elizondo's Logic rig around the city. After going freelance in 2013, he built a YouTube live session channel, had his busiest mixing years during COVID, and then spent the better part of two years fighting LA permits, tariffs, and a construction crew to build his dream studio — refinancing the house to do it. They talk about what cartage taught him about gear and sessions, the mobile recording revelation that shaped his whole approach, building a studio in 2025 LA, the stress that put him in the hospital with diverticulitis, and why you should focus on relationships before gear. In This Episode, We Discuss: - Growing Up in Salt Lake City, Utah — The Zion Curtain - A Dad Who Transferred Vinyl to Cassette and Filled the Car With Music - Hockey, Rage Against the Machine, and a Dream of the NHL - Moving to Shelburne, Ontario to Play Junior Hockey - Coming Home to Utah and Finding Construction Work for His Dad - A Coworker From the Blasting Room Who Changed Everything - Learning Pro Tools at Twenty Bucks an Hour on a Digi 001 - Getting Into Trouble and Getting Out of Utah — Moving to LA in 2005 - Musicians Institute and Finding the Path Into Recording - Landing at Lawn — a Cartage Company for LA's Top Session Musicians - Tim Pierce, Joe Chiccarelli, Abe Laboriel Sr., and What Cartage Taught Him - Mike Elizondo's Logic Rig and the Mobile Recording Revelation - Scab Dates, Church Choirs, and Recording With a Handful of Mics - Post Production School, Roger Nichols, and Getting Certified in Pro Tools - Going Freelance in 2013 - Live Sessions at Custom Vintage Keys With JJ Blair and the Boba Jam Channel - The Decision to Build a Studio — and Reaching Out to Josh Nyback in 2023 - Two and a Half Years of Permits, Hidden Fees, and LA Bureaucracy - Refinancing the House to Fund the Build - Tariffs, Construction Costs, and Watching the Budget Disappear - Supervising a General Contractor Who Didn't Know What a Studio Was - Isomax Clips, Green Glue, and Checking Every Screw - Diverticulitis in November From the Stress of the Build - His Wife Allie — The Person Who Got Them Through It - Crying in the Finished Room When They First Put the Speakers Up - California Disability Insurance for Freelancers — and the Scott McDowell Episode - You Don't Need All the Gear — Build Relationships First - Support the Ecosystem — Book Studios, Pay for Mastering Matt's RANT!: Things Matt Is Doing Links
Credits: - Guest: Brian Starley - Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau - WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell - The Voice: Chuck Smith | |||
| WCA #611 with Scott McDowell – Berklee, California vs New York, Getting Fired, Becoming a Studio Partner, and Getting Hit by a Car | 01 Sep 2026 | 01:08:56 | |
Scott McDowell is a producer, engineer, and co-owner of Wally's Hydeout at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco. In episode 611 they talk about getting fired from his first SF internship, becoming a studio partner at Wally’s Hydeout, surviving COVID, getting hit by a car in March 2026, recovering from a TBI, and why every freelancer in California needs to sign up for state disability insurance before something happens. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt's RANT!: Accumulation Links and Show Notes:
Credits:
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| WCA #610 with Stephen Shirk – Bloomington, New York, Chicago, and Twenty Years of SHIRK Studios | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:58:55 | |
For episode 610, Matt talks with Stephen Shirk — engineer, producer, guitarist, and owner of SHIRK Studios in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. Stephen grew up in Bloomington, Illinois, studied business at Miami University, moved to New York in 1998 with a friend's couch as his launch pad, and worked his way through the Hit Factory and a jingle house where he built Pro Tools systems, got his SAG card, and learned from Jay Messina. In 2004 he moved to Chicago, rented studio spaces for a decade, and in 2013 bought the building he now runs as a semi-commercial studio with a Sphere console, instruments on every wall, and a deliberately un-sterile feel. They talk about the HearYa live sessions that built his early reputation, word-of-mouth marketing and what comes next, Steve Albini and Electrical Audio, owning vs. renting in Chicago's studio ecosystem, and getting back out to shows. In This Episode, We Discuss: - Growing Up in Bloomington, Illinois - Church Choir, Guitar at Fourth Grade, and Early Bands - A Business Degree at Miami University and Playing in Bands - Moving to New York in 1998 With a Friend's Couch as a Launch Pad - Learning Pro Tools Version 4 on the Fly - Starting at the Hit Factory as a General Assistant - The Culture Shock of New York Speed — and Learning to Shut Up - Moving to a Jingle House: More Engineering, More Money, a Synclavier - Building Pro Tools Systems and Getting a Pager From the Boss - Learning From Jay Messina (Early Aerosmith, Jack Douglas) - Getting His SAG Card and Discovering Mailbox Money - Moving to Chicago in 2004 and Renting Studio Spaces - Buying the Building in 2013 and the History Behind It - SHIRK Studios: Semi-Commercial, Instruments on Every Wall - Avoiding the Sterile Studio — Guilford of Maine Walls and Why He Hates Them - Word of Mouth Marketing and Wondering What's Next - Chicago's Studio Scene: Narwhal, Brian Deck, and the DIY Wave - Steve Albini and Electrical Audio - Owning the Building vs. Renting — Lessons From Chicago Studios - Live-Work Lofts as an Option for Engineer-Owners - Getting Back Out to Shows and Reconnecting With the Scene - The Red Room: Chicago's Fifty-Cap DIY Listening Venue - Dana Nielsen Listening to the Episode and the Buttoned-Up Business Matt's RANT!: Getting the Job Done Part 2 Links and Show Notes: - WCA #137 with Anthony Gravino Credits: - Guest: Stephen Shirk - Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau - WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell - The Voice: Chuck Smith | |||
| WCA #609 with Eric M Lichter – Martha's Vineyard, New York, Connecticut, and the Beauty Marks That Make a Record | 18 Aug 2026 | 01:13:35 | |
For episode 609, Matt talks with Eric M Lichter — multi-instrumentalist, producer, and owner of Dirt Floor Recording in Connecticut, where he’s been in business for twenty years. Eric came up singing in chorus, spent time on Martha’s Vineyard playing the Hot Tin Roof and landing in Carly Simon’s living room with Danny Kortchmar and Jerry Marotta in the liner notes, then moved to New York, recorded at Sear Sound on a Polygram AR’s dime, and eventually landed back in Connecticut to open a studio on a wing and a prayer in 2006. They talk about the Ed Wood approach to recording — get the vibe before the moment is gone — why he leaves the beauty marks in, pitching a studio to 90-year-old landlords, keeping a tight ship with bankers hours, vetting clients for energy, a proposal-based pricing model, and the Caribou Ranch mentality that has everyone leaving with fresh eggs from the chickens out back. In This Episode, We Discuss:
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt’s RANT!: Getting the Job Done! Links and Show Notes:
Credits:
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| WCA #608 with Julian Kindred – Canada, America, England, and Thirty-Five Years of Making Records | 10 Aug 2026 | 01:19:28 | |
For episode 608, Matt talks with Julian Kindred — Canadian producer, engineer, and songwriter based in London, where he runs Nonsuch Park Studio in Epsom, Surrey. Julian grew up in St. John, New Brunswick — a working-class port city he describes as a place where people punched in all week and played blues in bars on the weekend — and found his way into recording through a part-time job at a music shop and access to synthesizers. Too broke for Berklee, he took a corporate function band gig that got him to Nashville, where he cold-called Music Row for a year and a half before landing a spot at Studio Nineteen. Ten years on Music Row followed, and then a move to London in 2003. They talk about what Nashville taught him about song craft and on-the-floor tracking, learning persistence in two different cultures, surviving a lull before the Ellie Goulding record turned things around, managing money as a freelancer, and why longevity attracts a different kind of client than talent alone ever did. Enjoy! In This Episode, We Discuss: - Growing Up in St. John, New Brunswick - "Sultans of Swing" as a Portrait of His Hometown - A Musical Family and a Father Who Taught Guitar - Keyboards at Eleven and a Part-Time Job at a Music Shop - Access to Synthesizers and the Recording Bug - Too Broke for Berklee — and the Corporate Function Band That Got Him to Nashville - Cold-Calling Music Row for a Year and a Half - Studio Nineteen: A Five-Week Course, a Trident Desk, and Patsy Cline's Living Room - Learning the Craft in Nashville's Legendary Rooms - What Ten Years on Music Row Taught Him About Song Craft - On-the-Floor Tracking: Finishing a Record in One Session - Nashville vs. London: Tracking Rooms, Production Rooms, and Culture - Moving to London in 2003 for a Woman — and Building a Career From Scratch - Learning Persistence in Two Different Cultures - The Lull, the Ellie Goulding Record, and the Comeback - Universal, Polydor, and Building a Repeat Client Base in the UK - Nonsuch Park Studio: A Purpose-Built Room in the Back of the Garden - Managing Money as a Freelancer: Living Below Your Means - Why Longevity Attracts a Different Kind of Client - The Conversations About You That You'll Never Hear Matt's RANT!: Random Items Links and Show Notes: - DriveDX - ExifTool Credits: - Guest: Julian Kindred - Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau - WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell - The Voice: Chuck Smith | |||
| WCA #607 with Dana Nielsen – Jazz School, System of a Down, SZA, and the Money Side of a Long Career | 04 Aug 2026 | 01:31:02 | |
For episode 607, Matt talks with Dana Nielsen — Grammy-nominated producer, mixer, engineer, multi-instrumentalist, and founder of Mix Protégé in Los Angeles. Dana came up as a jazz saxophonist at Loyola University in New Orleans, where a Brian Blade album and a set of studio keys changed his direction. After chasing Daniel Lanois all the way to a phone call with Teatro and eventually moving to LA with no plan, he found his footing at Guitar Center on Sunset, caught a break on a System of a Down session with Dave Schiffman, and built a career in Rick Rubin's camp alongside Andrew Scheps, Greg Fidelman, and Philip Broussard. Now with 450+ credits and 30B+ streams, they talk about the unspoken rules of the studio hierarchy, keeping cool when everything goes wrong, running six albums at once, and the financial discipline (—SEP IRAs, 529s, and a high-yield savings habit—) that keeps a freelance life sustainable. In This Episode, We Discuss: - Musician First: Jazz Saxophone at Loyola University - The Brian Blade Fellowship Album That Changed Everything - Keys to the Studio: His First Real Recording Access - Growing Up Outside Chicago and Reading the Credits - Chasing Daniel Lanois: The Phone Call to Teatro - How That Call Became the First Chapter of a Friendship With Philip Broussard - Moving to LA With No Job and Landing at Guitar Center on Sunset - The Film Lot Engineer Who Told Him to Say What He Wanted - Learning to Read the Room and Raise His Hand - Breaking In: System of a Down With Dave Schiffman - Meeting Andrew Scheps - How Rick Rubin's Camp Became His World - The Unspoken Rules: Hierarchy, Knowing Your Role, and Keeping Notes - Passing Gems Up the Chain Without Stealing the Credit - How One Alliance Becomes the Next - Recording Justin Timberlake's Vocals With a Green Screen and No Metering - Keeping Cool When Everything Goes South in the Studio - Six Albums at Once: Managing Multiple Projects With ClickUp - Client Management With Dubsado and Automating the Paperwork - Feast or Famine: How He Structures the Money - SEP IRAs, High-Yield Savings, and a 529 From Day One - Buying Gear as a Tax-Deductible Investment That Appreciates - The Financial Advisor Who Got Them Into Their Culver City Home - Telling People What You Want — From the Studio to the Rent Check Matt's RANT!: Taking Stock of Our Profession Links and Show Notes: - WCA #590 with Phillip Broussard - WCA #398 with Dave Schiffman Credits: - Guest: Dana Nielsen - Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau - WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell - The Voice: Chuck Smith | |||
| WCA #606 with Neil Rogers – Eighteen Years of Half-ton Studios, Bootstrapping in Cambridge, and Writing for Sound on Sound | 28 Jul 2026 | 01:07:46 | |
For episode 606, Matt talks with Neil Rogers — recording engineer, owner of Half-ton Studios in Cambridge, and longtime reviewer for Sound on Sound. After a decade of gigging as a drummer with no payoff, Neil found a music tech degree at 26 that rebuilt his confidence, then answered a group email about a ramshackle unit next to a brewery and built a studio there on about £7,000 and favors. Eighteen years on, they talk about the accidental great-sounding drum room, rebuilding bigger during COVID, pricing, being honest with young people about studio careers, and the joy of recording bands live on the floor. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt’s RANT!: CLUTTER! Links and Show Notes: Credits:
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| WCA #605 with Chris Mara – Building Welcome to 1979, Restoring Tape Machines, and Saying Yes to Everything | 20 Jul 2026 | 01:03:40 | |
Chris Mara owns Welcome to 1979, one of the larger recording studios in Nashville, along with his wife Yoli. He joins Matt for episode 605 to talk about moving to Nashville at 20, building Mara Machines and a vinyl mastering department alongside the studio, and running it for 18 years with no partners and almost no borrowed money. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt's RANT!: A Brain Dump Links and Show Notes:
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| WCA #604 with Alec Ness – Mastering in Minneapolis, Resisting Homogenization, and Putting the Art First | 12 Jul 2026 | 01:04:18 | |
For episode 604, Matt talks with Alec Ness, a mastering engineer in Minneapolis and the owner of Ness Mastering. Alec joins to tell an unusual origin story: born with partially amputated fingers, he was steered from guitar to drums, caught the recording bug on Cakewalk in a Dakotas high school, and chased music through a now-defunct college (McNally Smith), the San Francisco and LA beat scenes as an Ableton Certified Trainer, and years touring as a producer and artist — before pivoting fully into mastering as the pandemic hit. He learned the craft by badgering his way into Greg Reierson's Rare Form Mastering and trading questions with Mandy Parnell, then sold his entire modular synth rig to buy the speakers for his own room. They get into the "Should everything sound the same?" note on his desk, resisting the loudness game, controlling your space, putting the art before the money, and the health toll of going too hard. In This Episode, We Discuss: - Growing Up in the Dakotas and “Flyover” Music Culture - A Coffee Shop, a Venue, and Touring Bands Passing Through - Born With Half His Fingers: From Guitar to Drums - Catching the Recording Bug on Cakewalk in High School - The Guitar Shop That Introduced Him to Ableton - McNally Smith, Composition, and Dropping Out - San Francisco, the LA Beat Scene, and Becoming an Ableton Certified Trainer - From Producer and Artist to Mixing and Mastering - A Studio in the Back of a South Dakota Guitar Shop - Old Tools, Limitations, and Learning Phase and Mics the Hard Way - The Dua Saleh Remix Album That Tipped Him Into Mastering - Backing Off Touring Right as the Pandemic Hit - Learning From Greg Reierson at Rare Form Mastering - Badgering Mandy Parnell for Lessons - "Should Everything Sound the Same?" Resisting Homogenization - Why He Won’t Master to the Loudness of a Reference - Controlling Your Space and Reducing Variables - Selling His Modular Synths to Buy His Speakers - Empathy, the Artist’s Vision, and Serving the Music - Art First, Money Second, and Time as the Real Currency - Health, Overwork, and Backing Off Before It Broke Him Links and Show Notes:
Credits: - Guest: Alec Ness - Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau - WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell - The Voice: Chuck Smith | |||
| WCA #603 with Lorenzo Wolff – Building a Brooklyn Studio, Session Bass to Taylor Swift, and Working for Ms. Lauryn Hill | 05 Jul 2026 | 01:01:43 | |
For episode 603, Matt talks with Lorenzo Wolff — a Grammy-winning engineer, producer, musician, and owner of Restoration Sound in Brooklyn. Lorenzo joins on a Saturday from New York to trace a path from a hip-hop-obsessed kid in Nyack, chasing the basslines on Fugees and Wyclef records, to a session bassist, to interning under engineer Scott Lehrer at Second Story Sound, to building one of Brooklyn's most community-minded studios over eleven years. Along the way his string session with violinist Bobby Hawk turned out to be a Taylor Swift record, which led to Ye's Donda, which led to his ongoing work with Ms. Lauryn Hill. They get into the two tiers of gigs (community vs. famous), funding a studio build with a patron's retainer, why he treats generosity and conflict de-escalation as business strategy, and the honesty it takes to work with visionary artists. Enjoy! In This Episode, We Discuss:- Growing Up in Nyack, New York, in an Integrated Music Town - From Hip-Hop and Turntables to Hunting Down the Bass - The Fugees, Wyclef, Jerry Wonda, and Outkast as a Way In - Becoming a Session Bass Player to Live in Studios - Interning at Second Story Sound Under Scott Lehrer - Being Sent to the Library to Read the Dry Theory First - Why He Left to Start His Own Shops and Chase Creativity - Building a Brooklyn Studio Over Eleven Years - Winning Over Landlords: "Your Success Is Our Success" (and Cookies) - The Patron Who Funded a Studio by Commissioning a Musical - Survival Economics: Production Suites That Pay the Rent - Community as a Business Model - The Two Tiers of Gigs: Community vs. Famous - The Bobby Hawk String Session That Became a Taylor Swift Record - One Credit Leading to the Next: Folklore to Donda - Working for Ms. Lauryn Hill - Telling the Truth in the Room With Visionary Artists - What "He's Gonna Be Okay" Really Means at That Level - Why High-Profile Credits Do (and Don’t) Create More Work - Generosity and De-escalation as Studio Strategy - Why He Struggles With Interns Links and Show Notes:- Restoration Sound Credits:- Guest: Lorenzo Wolff - Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau - WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell - The Voice: Chuck Smith | |||
| WCA #602 with Luke Burgoyne – Seven Years Assisting a Top UK Mixer, Mix Prep, and Going Solo in London | 28 Jun 2026 | 01:04:09 | |
For episode 602, Matt talks with London mix engineer Luke Burgoyne, who joins from his room at Pony Studios in East London. Luke grew up in Winchester with two violinist parents, fell for the studio side of music at sixteen, and studied performance and recording at the University of West London before spending the last seven years assisting one of the UK's busiest mixers, Dan Grech-Marguerat (Lana Del Rey, The Killers, Liam Gallagher, George Ezra). Now he's transitioning into his own career as a mixer and producer. They get into the realities of high-level mix prep, what seven years of assisting actually teaches you, why UK managers tend to bring in work in a way American managers often don't, sharing expensive London rooms, his skeptical take on Atmos, and the differences between the UK and US recording ecosystems. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt's RANT!: Technology Prices Links and Show Notes:
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| WCA #601 with Gert Keunen – Immersive Audio, "Stereo Was a Nice Try," a Dozen Careers, and Brewing His Own Beer | 21 Jun 2026 | 01:18:37 | |
For episode 601, Matt sits down with Belgian musician, mastering engineer, and sociologist of music Gert Keunen — recommended to the show by past guest John Greenham. Gert has spent 35 years saying yes to nearly everything music: seven albums of his own, the nu-jazz project Briskey, a PhD in the sociology of music, four books on pop history, stints as a record-label staffer and newspaper critic, teaching at conservatories in Ghent, and most recently a deep dive into immersive audio that produced his book STEREO – Was a Nice Try. He joins from the Flemish countryside — where he also runs a 200-liter brewery and grows his own hops — to talk about how he manages time across all of it, why he learns best by teaching, how ADHD and dyslexia shaped an offline, notebook-driven discipline, and why he believes the future of immersive music is composing in 3D from the very first note rather than up mixing stereo. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt's RANT!: Time Links and Show Notes:
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| WCA #600 with Andrew Scheps – Atmos, Imposter Syndrome, Coding Plugins with AI, Climbing Walls, and 600 Episodes | 14 Jun 2026 | 01:19:47 | |
Matt celebrates episode 600 of Working Class Audio with a guest who's been there since the beginning — mixer and producer Andrew Scheps, who first appeared back on episodes 009 300 & 477. Andrew joins from his home in rural England to talk about winning MPG Atmos Mixer of the Year for his work on Low Roar, how he approaches Dolby Atmos delivery and client approval, why he switched from Sony headphones to the Audeze LCD-MX4, and what he's learned about training your brain to externalize binaural audio. The conversation also covers writing his own plugins with Claude and the JUCE framework, why he quit drinking four years ago and found rock climbing instead, breaking his foot, the realities of working with a manager, what "retirement" even means when no one tells you you're done, and why — 600 episodes in — Working Class Audio still matters in a way that's different from everything else. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt's RANT!: 600 Episodes! Links and Show Notes:
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| WCA #599 with Alex Newport – Three Decades of Production, a Studio in the Desert, Engineering at Tiny Telephone, and Why Unique Always Beats Good | 08 Jun 2026 | 01:31:07 | |
Matt welcomes producer, engineer, and mixer Alex Newport for his first appearance on Working Class Audio. Alex grew up in the UK Midlands with few music resources, and found his way into production after his band got signed to a UK label with an upstream deal to Columbia, and ended up recording at Sawmills, a legendary residential studio on a tidal island at the tip of Cornwall. Working there with producer Colin Richardson changed everything. From there Alex spent decades moving between LA, San Francisco, and New York — engineering at Tiny Telephone, producing records for At the Drive-In, City and Colour, and many more — before eventually building his own residential studio in Joshua Tree, designed from the ground up to let bands show up and make records without distraction. The conversation covers production philosophy, surviving as a freelancer across three decades, why he intentionally avoids getting pigeonholed, and what really matters when designing a studio space. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt's RANT!: AI and Its Uses Links and Show Notes: Credits:
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| WCA #598 with Dante Fumo – Harmonic Content, Independent Film Sound, DIY Publishing, and Making a Living on Your Own Terms | 02 Jun 2026 | 01:05:56 | |
In this return visit to Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Dante Fumo — freelance sound designer, writer, and the creator behind Harmonic Content, a screen-printed audio zine now in its seventh issue. Dante talks about building a sustainable freelance life that spans independent film post-production, writing for Vintage King and Pro Sound Effects, and self-publishing a physical zine inspired by the Tape Op compilations he read as a college writing tutor. The conversation covers the realities of DIY publishing — screen printing, saddle-stitching zines at home, and the economics of Patreon — alongside the craft of mixing short films in Dolby Atmos, delivery specs for the festival circuit, building a sound library, and why low cost of living might be the most underrated career decision a freelancer can make. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt's RANT!: School Discount Codes:
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| WCA #597 with Tchad Blake, Dr. Will Sedley, Jack Rubinacci & Hazel Goedhart – Tinnitus Quest: Breaking the Silence on the Music Industry's Most Common Occupational Condition | 25 May 2026 | 01:48:09 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes a panel of four guests united by a common cause: Tinnitus Quest, a patient-driven nonprofit pushing to fund and accelerate tinnitus research. Tchad Blake — 7-time Grammy Award-winning producer, mixer, and engineer with credits including Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, and Pearl Jam — opens up about living with tinnitus since age eight or nine, the result of childhood exposure to rifle fire, and how he has mixed some of the most acclaimed records of the past four decades with significant hearing loss in one ear. Neuroscientist and consultant neurologist Dr. Will Sedley of Newcastle University breaks down what the brain is actually doing when tinnitus occurs, from central gain theory to predictive coding, gating mechanisms, and why the brain's compensation strategies can misfire. Hazel Goedhart, co-founder and Executive Board Member at Tinnitus Quest, shares her own tinnitus journey and how it led her to leave a career in financial services and fundraise her own salary to work for the cause full-time. And Jack Rubinacci, musician, songwriter, and Head of PR at Tinnitus Quest, explains how the organization is working to change the narrative around tinnitus the same way the mental health conversation shifted over the past generation — because that narrative shift is what unlocks funding, and funding is what drives research. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt's RANT!: Hearing ProtectionLinks and Show Notes:
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| WCA #596 with Will Kennedy – Dolby Atmos Focus, Selling Recording Gear, Hidden Coffee Shops, and Mixing Rock in Surround | 18 May 2026 | 01:14:12 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, mixer, and engineer Will Kennedy. Will shares an update on his journey since his last appearance, focusing on his partnership with Matt Wallace and their deep dive into immersive and Dolby Atmos mixing from their Los Angeles studio. They discuss the strategic decision to sell off their traditional recording gear, the evolution of the immersive audio market, and the amusing discovery of a hidden Starbucks inside a Jaguar dealership. The conversation also explores the unique, ongoing challenges of adapting rock and roll production techniques for the Atmos format. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt's RANT!: Think BiggerLinks and Show Notes: Credits:
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| WCA #595 with Steve Kitch – Classical Roots, Sound On Sound, Supermarket Shifts, and Online Mastering Success | 11 May 2026 | 00:58:13 | |
In this episode, Matt welcomes mastering engineer Steve Kitch. Steve shares his journey from early music programming on home keyboards and classical piano training to building a worldwide mastering practice from his studio in Devon, UK. They discuss the transition from transferring DAT tapes to CDs, being an early adopter of online file delivery, and the evolution of a professional audio career through self-taught exploration and technical curiosity. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Matt's RANT!: The Small ThingsLinks and Show Notes:
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| WCA #594 with Amar Lal – Experimental Roots, Corporate Transitions, Mastering Room Acoustics, and Macro Sound | 05 May 2026 | 01:13:47 | |
In this episode, Matt welcomes mastering engineer and artist Amar Lal of Oakland’s Macro Sound. Amar shares his journey from the New York DIY scene and touring with Big Ups to a corporate role at Sennheiser and his eventual return to independent studio ownership. They discuss the benefits of an all-digital mastering workflow, the "Active Listening Club" philosophy, and how Amar maintains career longevity through work-life balance and photography. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes:
Matt's RANT: Doing Try OutsCredits:
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| WCA #593 with Katie Marie Richards – Self-taught Foundations, Four-track Experiments, Blue Rock, and The Human Experience | 28 Apr 2026 | 01:15:58 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist Katie Marie for a deep dive into her 30-year career journey, moving from a rural UK trailer to world-class studios. They discuss the transition from solo artistry to a supportive production role, the philosophy of professional growth, and maintaining a healthy mindset around the business of music. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: What IS possibleCredits:
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| WCA #592 with Ronan Chris Murphy – Falling Trees, World Travel, Anchor Points, and Being a Respectful Human | 21 Apr 2026 | 01:13:50 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, mixer Ronan Chris Murphy (King Crimson, Steve Morse, Terry Bozzio, Tony Levin) to talk about being a pro audio nomad, falling trees, and and anchor points. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Passion for AudioCredits:
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| WCA #591 with Tyrone "Cross Bone T" Harris – Curiosity and Learning, Building a Client Base, Health Challenges, Overcoming Obstacles, and The Importance of Small Wins | 13 Apr 2026 | 01:02:03 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixing and mastering engineer Tyrone "Cross Bone T" Harris who shares his journey from a young music enthusiast in London to a professional mixing and mastering engineer. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Sonic CitizensCredits:
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| WCA #590 with Phillip Broussard –Gulf Coast, Kingsway, Teatro, Rick Rubin, and Prioritizing Vibe | 07 Apr 2026 | 01:18:19 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer/engineer/mixer and archivist, Phillip Broussard who has worked with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Slipknot, System of a Down, and many more In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Inspiration and ImaginationCredits:
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| WCA #589 with Mitch Easter – R.E.M., Drive-In Studio, Don Dixon, North Carolina, and Fidelatorium Recordings | 31 Mar 2026 | 01:22:14 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcome musician/songwriter/producer/engineer Mitch Easter known for his work on the early R.E.M. records as well as his work with the db's, Game Theory, and Marshal Crenshaw as well as his own band Let's Active. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Creating OpportunityCredits:
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| WCA #588 with Joe Costa– Ordering Lunch with William Shatner, Berklee School of Music, Mixing from Home, and Reading the Room | 23 Mar 2026 | 01:03:29 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes engineer/mixer Joe Costa who has worked with Ben Folds. Sara Bareilles, William Shatner and many more. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes:
Matt's Rant: Know Your ValueCredits:
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| WCA #587 with Willie Green – The Green House, Physical Media, Business Strategy, Daily Patterns, and Innovation | 17 Mar 2026 | 01:17:50 | |
Producer, engineer, artist, and professor Willie Green returns to WCA to chat with Matt about about his new studio adventure and much more! Willie has worked with renowned artists such as Armand Hammer, The Roots, The Alchemist, and Wiz Khalifa. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Which music industry do you work in?Credits:
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| WCA #586 with Richard Chycki Part 2– Management, Networking, Cultural Transition, Future Plans, and The Rush Connection | 10 Mar 2026 | 01:03:04 | |
This is part 2 of a discussion Matt had with multi-platinum mixer and engineer Richard Chycki whose clients include such rock royalty as Rush, Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Skillet, Mick Jagger, Alice Cooper, Pink and many more. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Auto PilotCredits:
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| WCA #585 with Jade Alysse Berry – Passion for Music, Overcoming a Health Crisis, Navigating Industry Politics and Client Communication | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:55:32 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixing engineer, producer and composerJade Alysse Berry, whose path to mixing was sparked by a life‑changing health event and a deep love for music. Jade shares practical insights on creativity, collaboration, and setting clear boundaries with clients. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: The Home StudioCredits:
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| WCA #584 with Tom Camuso – Preserving Les Paul's Legacy, Education, Los Angeles vs. New York, Cracking the Preservation Code, and Weather | 24 Feb 2026 | 01:04:50 | |
Matt is joined by grammy winning engineer Tom Camuso who has worked with Lenny Kravitz, Blondie, Steve Earl as well as a number of commercial, television and film projects. Tom is also the Chief Engineer at The Les Paul Recording Studio in Holly wood. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Economic ReevaluationCredits:
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| WCA #583 with Richard Chycki Part 1– Networking, Finances, ATMOS, Learning from Major Artists, and Adapting to Technological Changes in Audio | 17 Feb 2026 | 01:14:44 | |
Matt is joined by multi-platinum mixer and engineer Richard Chycki whose clients include such rock royalty as Rush, Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Skillet, Mick Jagger, Alice Cooper, Pink and many more. In This Episode, We Discuss:NAMM Experience
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: The ExpensesCredits:
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| WCA #582 with Joel Weldon Willis – Church to indie music, Freelancing, Grammy Nominations, Remote Mixing, and The Importance of Collaboration Over Competition | 09 Feb 2026 | 01:05:18 | |
Matt welcomes Grammy Nominated producer /engineer/mixer Joel Weldon Willis. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: InspirationCredits:
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| WCA #581 with Sanford Parker – Chicago Music Scene, Independent Artists, Managing Overhead, and Getting out of Florida. | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:58:41 | |
Matt welcomes Producer /engineer/mixer and film composer Sanford Parker. As an artist he’s performed and released albums with extreme heavy and industrial bands like Black Cross Hotel, Corrections House, Mirrors for Psychic Warfare and Minsk. Throughout the years he’s collaborated with members of Sonic Youth, Ministry, Napalm Death and Neurosis as well as producing and mixing albums for Darkthrone, Voivod, Brutal Truth, Pelican, YOB, Hide, Youth Code, Wovenhand, Rwake, Local H and many others. Takeaways
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Your JourneyCredits:
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| WCA #580 with Steve Chadie – LIVE FROM NAMM 2026 | 27 Jan 2026 | 01:00:50 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back GRAMMY-winning recording engineer and producer Steve Chadie live from the AudioScape booth at NAMM 2026 to talk about recording bands. Steve has worked with WIllie Nelson, Los Lonely Boys, Wilco, and the Supersuckers. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: The PeopleCredits:
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| WCA #579 with Fran Cathcart – Studio Ownership, Herbie Hancock, Stress, and Moving to the Bay Area | 20 Jan 2026 | 01:22:59 | |
Matt welcomes producer/engineer/composer Fran Cathcart. Fran having just moved to the Bay Area from New York recounts his journey in studio ownership, working with Herbie Hancock, and facing down serious challenges that would make most throw in the towel, yet he still keeps going. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Client CommunicationCredits:
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| WCA #578 with Joe Caithness – Pro Audio Minimalism, Finding Balance, Decluttering, Embracing Whimsy, and The Bell Curve | 13 Jan 2026 | 01:37:11 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back 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. In this episode we discuss Pro Audio Minimalism. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Credits:
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| WCA #577 with Justin Gray – Immersive, Balancing Family Support, Belief In Your Work, Early Surround, & Being Engineer and Artist | 05 Jan 2026 | 01:15:32 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Producer, Mixer & Mastering Engineer Justin Gray. Based in Toronto, Canada, Justin has worked on projects for Snoop Dogg, Brandy, Nicky Youre, Mother Mother, Arkells, Jamie Fine, Lola Brooke, Upsahl, and The Sheepdogs. In this conversation, Justin Gray discusses his album 'Immersed', exploring the creative process, technical aspects of immersive audio, and the importance of community and collaboration in music production. He shares insights on funding, marketing strategies, and the role of social media in promoting his work. The discussion also touches on the challenges of balancing family life with artistic pursuits and the significance of believing in oneself as an artist. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Forming Your Own BubbleCredits:
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| WCA #576 with Alan Evans – Health, Creativity, Reflections, Client Interactions, and 2026 | 30 Dec 2025 | 01:17:53 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, singer and, songwriter, Alan Evans. Alan is of course well known as a member of his band Soulive. He's also been a past guest on WCA #133 and 328. Matt Boudreau and Alan Evans reflect on the past year and share insights on creativity, health, and the music industry. They discuss the importance of recharging creatively, embracing technology, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to ensure longevity in their careers. The duo also emphasizes the significance of simplicity in music production, the role of album artwork, and the power of community and connection in fostering creativity. As they look ahead to 2026, they express excitement for new projects and the journey of self-discovery in their artistic endeavors. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: What's Inspiring MeCredits:
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| WCA #575 with Michael Beinhorn – Remote Production, Artist Development, Risk Taking, High-End Listening, and Unique Voices | 21 Dec 2025 | 01:39:14 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer Michael Beinhorn who has worked with The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, Herbie Hancock, Korn, Marilyn Manson, Weezer, Ozzy Osbourne, Hole, Cuco, Aerosmith & Violent Femmes. Michael originally appeared on WCA #029 back in 2015. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Auto PilotCredits:
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| WCA #574 with Stephen DeAcutis –Owning Your Time, Getting It Right At The Source, Solving Audio Problems, and Performing Live | 16 Dec 2025 | 01:05:56 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixer, producer, engineer, writer, and performer Stephen DeAcutis. Stephen has worked with Vanilla Fudge, Gladys Knight, Travers and Appice, Corey Glover, and Cyndi Lauper. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Staying PositiveCredits:
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| WCA #573 with Natalie Bibby – AIR Studios, Direct to Disc, Attended Sessions, MPG, and Connecting with Others | 09 Dec 2025 | 01:11:20 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mastering and lathe cutting engineer Natalie Bibby who works at AIR Studios in the U.K.. Natalie has worked with Kraftwerk, Bring Me The Horizon, Lola Young, Jimmy Eat World, The Vaccines, Lewis Capaldi, GIRLI, and CATTYShe's also led a world-class mastering workshop at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, UK. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: How we present ourselvesCredits:
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| WCA #572 with Alex Crescioni - Extreme Metal, Techniques, Clients, Survival, and Letting Go. | 02 Dec 2025 | 01:14:25 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back guitarist, producer, and mixing/mastering engineer Alex Crescioni to talk about Extreme Metal production. Alex is known for his work with Burton C. Bell, Deverauxx, and Siglos. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Spread the WorkCredits:
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| WCA #571 with Don Setaro –DEEP DIVE - Gary Young Hospital For The Chemically Insane | 24 Nov 2025 | 01:01:47 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer/engineer/mixer and record label owner Don Setaro. Matt and Don get into a deep dive discussion of the re-issue process for former Pavement drummer, Gary Young's album "Hospital For The Chemically Insane". Former WCA guests Dan Johnson and Justin Perkins chime in to talk about their role in the process. Enjoy. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: StructureCredits:
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| WCA #570 with Ken Sluiter – A deep dive into stereo rebuilds for Atmos mixing. | 18 Nov 2025 | 01:24:47 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer/engineer and mixer Ken Sluiter to delve into the intricate process of stereo rebuilds for Atmos mixing. They discuss the challenges of finding and organizing original material, the importance of matching to comparison masters, and the unique aspects of each project. Ken shares insights on the ingestion process, the role of research in understanding original recordings, and the potential of AI tools in audio restoration. The discussion also touches on the future of mixing and the evolving landscape of music production. Enjoy. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Music Expo/AES/NAMMCredits:
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| WCA #569 with Dan Johnson & Catherine Vericolli – Audio Restoration/Archive Deep Dive | 11 Nov 2025 | 01:09:18 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Dan Johnson of Audio Archiving Services and Catherine Vericolli of Central Audio Archiving to do a deep dive into the world of audio archiving, preservation, and restoration. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Links to Dan Links to Catherine
Matt's Rant: This AI ThingCredits:
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| WCA #568 with John Cuniberti – OneMIc, Dynamics, Acoustics, Placement, and 2 Tracks | 04 Nov 2025 | 01:47:04 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back John Cuniberti who produces, engineers, mixes and masters records for many artists including most notably Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar, The Dead Kennedys, and Chicken Foot. John originally appeared WCA #005 back in 2014 and returns to do a deep dive into his OneMic recording concept. -Enjoy In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Focus of Your AttentionCredits:
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| WCA #567 with Gena Johnson – Listening to Artists, Keeping Overhead Low, Career Champions, and Glitter Walls | 27 Oct 2025 | 01:07:28 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy Winning producer/engineer/mixer Gena Johnson who has worked with Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, and John Prine. Enjoy. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: Sonic Intrusion RevisitedCredits:
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| WCA #566 with Mike Blodgett – Isolated Ground, Ground Rods, Isolation Transformers, Power Conditioners, and Electrical Safety | 20 Oct 2025 | 00:55:59 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back engineer/producer electrician, Mike Blodgett to discuss electricity and pro audio! Enjoy. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes: Matt's Rant: How You ListenCredits:
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| WCA #565 with Hans-Martin Buff – Tearjerkers, Peter Gabriel, Real World, Binaural, and ATMOS | 14 Oct 2025 | 01:20:34 | |
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back engineer/producer and 3D audio geek, Hans-Martin Buff to discuss mixing Peter Gabriel's I/O as well as his own project Tearjerkers. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Links and Show Notes:
Matt's Rant: Focused DiscussionCredits:
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