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Working Class Audio

Special Interest

The Working Class Audio Podcast pulls back the curtain on the professional recording world. Host and audio engineer Matt Boudreau talks with guests from music, film, games, restoration, and beyond—diving into their real-world journeys. No fluff, just honest conversations about the wins, losses, money, collaboration, and survival strategies that define a career in audio. It's recording life from a working class perspective.

Location:

Lafayette, CA

Description:

The Working Class Audio Podcast pulls back the curtain on the professional recording world. Host and audio engineer Matt Boudreau talks with guests from music, film, games, restoration, and beyond—diving into their real-world journeys. No fluff, just honest conversations about the wins, losses, money, collaboration, and survival strategies that define a career in audio. It's recording life from a working class perspective.

Language:

English


Episodes
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WCA #555 with Pierre de Reeder – Rilo Kiley, LA Survival, 64 Sound, and A New Studio Business Model

8/4/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer/engineer/musician Pierre de Reeder. Pierre owns and runs 64 Sound and is a member of the band Rilo Kiley. In This Episode, We Discuss: Rilo Kiley LA Survival 64 Sound Dave Trumfio Recording on 8 Track Cassette New Studio Business Model Bonding with the Landlord The Hunt Links and Show Notes: 64 Sound Rilo Kiley King Size Sound Labs Rob Schnapf on WCA Profit First Book You Are a Bad Ass at Making Money Book The Psychology of Money Matt's Rant: Money Talk Credits: Guest: Pierre de Reeder Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:00:58:47

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WCA #554 with Mark Pistel – Sampler Revolution, Disposable Heroes, Consolidated, Union Work, and Adapting to Industry Changes

7/28/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes engineer and producer Mark Pistel. His extensive credits include influential work with Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and Consolidated, as well as notable collaborations with artists such as Meat Beat Manifesto, Grace Jones, Hercules and Love Affair, Chuck Prophet, Rykarda Parasol, Machines of Loving Grace, Holly Herndon, Los Mocosos, and many others. In This Episode, We Discuss: Growing up in Duluth Vibrant San Francisco Scene Sampler Revolution Disposable Heroes Album Production Jack Dangers Adapting to Industry Changes Union Work Links and Show Notes: https://www.markpistel.com Matt's Rant: Differences Credits: Guest: Mark Pistel Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:00:59:20

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WCA #553 with Stefan Bock – Being Too Early, Inventions, Immersive Audio, Pure Audio Streaming, and the Value of Good Acoustics Spaces.

7/21/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer & Producer Stefan Bock. His credits include productions for Peter Maffay, Herbert Grönemeyer, Sarah Brightman, Yello, 2L, Berliner Philharmoniker and Deutsche Grammophon. Due to his expertise in the field of immersive audio, Stefan Bock is a renown speaker at international congresses, including those of the Audio Engineering Society and the Association of German Sound Engineers. He is also a regular lecturer at the ARD.ZDF Medienakademie. In This Episode, We Discuss: Being Too Early Inventions Immersive Audio Pure Audio Streaming MSM Studios The Beauty of Niche Good Acoustics Links and Show Notes: Pure Audio Streaming MSM Studios Matt's Rant: Nerd Groups Credits: Guest: Stefan Bock Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:02:48

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WCA #552 with Daniel Holter – Studio Aesthetics, Hospitality, Presentation, Relationships, and Cashflow

7/14/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, mixer, composer and songwriter Daniel Holter. Daniel first appeared in 2018 on WCA Episode #179. Over the years, Daniel has mixed music by artists such as Nick Lowe, Field Report, Over The Rhine, Amos Lee, Blitzen Trapper, Collections of Colonies of Bees, Phil Keaggy, Crowded House, Dead Horses, WebsterX, and Ryan Higa. He’s also composed and/or produced thousands of cues currently being used by such varied clients as Apple, Nike, Google, Microsoft, GM & Gatorade, virtually all of the top shows on HBO, ESPN, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and all across the globe in tv, radio, advertisements, video games and film. In This Episode, We Discuss: Studio Aesthetics Hospitality Making Artists Feel at Home THUD Studios Relationships Cashflow Seattle Family Business Candles Links and Show Notes: Daniel on WCA #179 The Candles! (discount Applied on Checkout) THUD Studio Matt's Rant: The Curse Credits: Guest: Daniel Holter Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:09:03

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WCA #551 with Dane Giordano – Sun Studio, Steve Albini's Kindness, Financial Discipline, and Diversifying Services

7/7/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer and Composer Dane Giordano who has engineered artists for Warner, Sony and Universal Music Group. Dane has composed music for Film, Video Games, Television and more! He is also one of the House Engineers at Young Avenue Sound & Sun Studio. In This Episode, We Discuss: First Studio Experience Touring Survival Methods Bad Engineer Experiences Positive Studio Experiences Flat Rates Engineering Transition Sun Studio Electrical Audio Internship Steve Albini's Kindness Professional Studio Habits Embrace Beginner Mindset Clients By Word-Of-Mouth Financial Discipline Diversifying Services Links and Show Notes: Dane's Site Matt's Rant: Session Documentation in the 21st Century Credits: Guest: Dane Giordano Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:20:38

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WCA #550 with Justin Francis – Remote Studio Benefits, Nashville Efficiency, Beyond Music Row, and Navigating Payment Ethics

6/30/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy Winning Producer/engineer/mixer, Justin Francis who has worked alongside artists like Sheryl Crow, Kacey Musgraves, Tyler Childers, Lake Street Dive, Justin Timberlake, Madison Cunningham, Gary Clark Jr, Sarah Jarosz and Lauren Daigle. In This Episode, We Discuss: Early Music Passion Audio Production Path Studio Immersion Formal Audio Training Nashville Career Growth Efficient Studio Culture Navigating Payment Ethics Community Client Insights Nashville's "Clicky" Nature Remote Studio Benefits Beyond Music Row Links and Show Notes: Justin's Site Matt's Rant: Simplification Credits: Guest: Justin Francis Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:02:27

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WCA #549 with Ian Shepherd – Mastering Democratized, AI, Physical or Virtual Gear, and Empty Nests

6/23/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back mastering engineer and host of The Mastering Show, Ian Shepherd. They dive into the current state of mastering, AI’s growing role, work/life balance, and in-the-box vs. out-of-the-box mastering. In This Episode, We Discuss: Companion podcast episode Advances in mastering technology The rise of AI mastering Shift toward releasing singles Impact of social media Mastering now democratized Lower barrier to entry AI lacks human context AI results often bland/generic Humans provide taste and nuance Networking challenges in rural areas Technology removes many practical limits Career hasn’t suffered despite changes Facing an empty nest soon Focus on intentional, joyful work Known as the "loudness guy" Links and Show Notes: Ian's 100th episode Ian on WCA #132 Matt's Rant: Building Things Credits: Guest: Ian Shepherd Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:03:14

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WCA #548 with Dan Malsch – Touring Guitarist to Full-Time Engineer, Building a Studio Career, Mixing Ghost, Working with Andy Wallace, and Running a Successful Studio Outside the Big Cities

6/17/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer and mixer Dan Malsch to discuss his journey from guitarist to studio owner, working with bands like Ghost and Avenged Sevenfold, building studios with his own hands, and maintaining a no-ego approach to recording at the highest level. In This Episode, We Discuss: Dan Malsch’s Journey From Guitarist to Music Producer Explore how Dan transitioned from touring with his metal band Wicked Mariah to becoming a full-time producer and mix engineer. Building and Running a Professional Recording Studio Learn how Dan used his construction background to build a world-class recording studio in the Poconos from the ground up. Working With Major Artists Like Ghost and Avenged Sevenfold Dan shares behind-the-scenes stories of working with chart-topping rock and metal bands including Ghost, Avenged Sevenfold, and Gojira. Mixing in Dolby Atmos Get insight into how Dan created an Atmos mix room in two weeks and how he mixed Ghost's Impera and Skeletor albums in Dolby Atmos. Collaborating With Legendary Mixer Andy Wallace Hear how a chance meeting led to a close working relationship with Andy Wallace and how that partnership elevated Dan’s career. Running a Successful Studio in a Secondary Market Discover how Dan attracts big-name clients to his Pennsylvania studio without being based in LA, Nashville, or New York. How to Maintain Long-Term Clients as a Music Producer Dan discusses how professionalism, personal communication, and trust help him retain high-profile clients year after year. Balancing Studio Life and Family Life Hear how Dan prioritized being present for his family while running a busy studio and raising two kids. Links and Show Notes: Dan's Studio IMSRV Studio In Stockholm Advice from Robert Diniro video Matt's Rant: Persistence Credits: Guest: Dan Malsch Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:12:24

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WCA #547 with Lij Shaw – Friendship, Communication, Collaboration, Mixing, and Time Management

6/9/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, songwriter and host of Recording Studio Rockstars Lij Shaw. In This Episode, We Discuss: Friendship & Communication Studio & Workspace Costa Rica Trip Music & Production Collaboration & Mixing Identity & Roles Time Management Links and Show Notes: Recording Studio Rockstars Chris Chamness (Matt & Lij colab) Matt's Rant: Barriers Credits: Guest: Lij Shaw Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:01:48

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WCA #546 with Elad Marish –Surf Culture, The Magic of KISS, Guitar Obsession, Post Production Powerhouse, and The Growth of Swell

6/2/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Elad Marish, co-founder and producer at Swell Music + Sound, a leading creative audio agency based in San Francisco. Elad and his team at Swell have brought music, sound design, and audio branding to high-profile clients including Apple, Nike, Google, and Uber, working on everything from global ad campaigns to immersive brand experiences. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Magic of KISS Wearing Out Record Needles Hating Piano Surf Culture Guitar Obsession Early Parenthood Painful Band Experiences Post Production Powerhouse Growing Swell Sound Navigating COVID Staying Lean Links and Show Notes: Swell Elad on Linkedin Matt's Rant: Getting Some Space Credits: Guest: Elad Marish Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:17:21

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WCA #545 with Howie Beck - Musician to Producer, 4 Tracks to Pro Tools, Independence, Polishing Turds, and Saving the Day

5/26/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Howie Beck who is a multi Juno nominated Mixer, Producer and musician located in Toronto who has mixed or produced music by artists as diverse as Feist, Charlotte Day Wilson, Barenaked Ladies, Chilly Gonzales, Ron Sexsmith, and the Weather Station amongst many more. In This Episode, We Discuss: Musician to Producer 4 Tracks to Pro Tools Challenges & Rewards of Audio Production Polishing Turds Smart Financial Decisions Health Care Challenges Problems with Apple and ATMOS Independence to Set Schedule Saving the Day Links and Show Notes: Howie's Website Matt's Rant: Small Chunks Credits: Guest: Howie Beck Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:19:35

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WCA #544 with Benedikt Hain – Helping Bands Record Better, Mixing in Bavaria, Revisions, and Client Filter

5/19/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixing engineer and podcaster Benedikt Hain. Benedikt discussed his journey from growing up in Bavaria to becoming a full-time mixing engineer and running a studio called Outback Recordings . Benedikt has worked with with bands like Pulley and Swallow's Rose and labels like Warner Music and SBÄM Records. In This Episode, We Discuss: • Remote Mixing In Bavaria • Mindset and Songwriting • Exclusive Focus on Mixing • Client Revisions • Mixing Heavy Rock • Lessons Learned From His Podcast • Client Filter Links and Show Notes: RIP Dan Jasper WCA #027 Studio Website The Self Recording Band Special Site for WCA Listeners Matt's Rant: Enjoying the Journey Credits: Guest: Benedikt Hain Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:06:41

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WCA #543 with Sarah Register –Mastering, 10,000 Hours at Once, NYC & The Nervous System, Avant Garde, and PLaying with Kim Gordon

5/12/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mastering engineer, Composer, and Guitarist Sarah Register. Her mastering clients include Faye Webster, Channel Tres, Jeffrey Lewis, Alice Longyu Gao, Lee "Scratch" Perry, S.G. Goodman, Wye Oak and many more. In This Episode, We Discuss: Identity & Balance Avant Garde Egoic Attachment to Past Methods Health and Sanity NYC & The Nervous System 10,000 Hours at Once Playing with Kim Gordon Touring Mastering In The Box Being Flexible on Rate Links and Show Notes: Sarah’s Site Matt's Rant: The Battle for Organization Credits: Guest: Sarah Register Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:22:15

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WCA #542 with Emre Ramazanoglu – ATMOS For Brian Eno, Session Drumming, Fashion Shows, Family Balance, and ADHD

5/5/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, mixer, drummer, and composer Emre Ramazanoglu who has worked on projects for Brian Eno, David Bowie, Noel Gallagher Nova Twins and many more. ATMOS for Brian Eno Ziggy Stardust. & Ken Scott Playing on Pillows Mimicking Reverb Fashion Shows Session Drumming Giving a Shit ATMOS Success Apple Issues Dolby Curve Know Your Worth Family Balance ADHD Emre's Site Emre's Band Guest: (Current Guest) Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith In This Episode, We Discuss:Links and Show Notes:Matt's Rant: Embrace the UnpredictableCredits:

Duration:01:36:48

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WCA #541 with Michael Roache – Producing Game Sound, Blizzard, Formosa, Mental Health, and Storytelling Across Mediums

4/28/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Producer Michael Roache who has worked for Halo/KDA, Blizzard, Formosa, Rebound, and TNM. Now he is launching a new company called Broken Stick. Pyramind Producing Game Sound Blizzard Formosa Mental Health Storytelling Across Mediums Consulting Broken Stick Productions Guest: Michael Roache Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith In This Episode, We Discuss:Links and Show Notes:Matt's Rant: Staying Well RoundedCredits:

Duration:00:43:37

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WCA #540 with Max Dearing – Struck by Lightening, Building a Studio, Pounding Sand, Inflation, and Fasteners.

4/22/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes recording and mix engineer at Dark Pine Studios, Max Dearing, to discuss his brush with being struck by lightening, the healing nature of music, and building a studio. In This Episode, We Discuss: North Carolina Talent Journey Into Music and Recording Recording Studio Design Studio Building Experience Critical Measurement Construction Challenges Being Struck by Lightening Live Sound Production Links and Show Notes: Dark Pine Studios Matt's Rant: Revisiting Imagination Credits: Guest: Max Dearing Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:08:00

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WCA #539 with Mixerman –New Book, Five Planes of Space, Studio Design & Monitoring, Budgeting & The Punter

4/14/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Mixerman (aka Eric Sarafin) to talk about his new book MIXERMAN'S Ultimate Guide to PRODUCING Records, Music & Songs. In This Episode, We Discuss: Studio Design & Monitoring Mixerman's New Book Producing Philosophy & Process Five Planes of Space The Punter Budgeting & Money Music Business Landscape Links and Show Notes: New Book Mixerman's SIte Mixerman on WCA #202 Patriot Series Matt's Rant: Finding Your Place Credits: Guest: Mixerman Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:15:01

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WCA #538 with Greg Norman – Steve Albini, Electrical Audio, Community, Family, & Institutional Knowledge

4/7/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Greg Norman of Electrical Audio to the show to talk about his journey, Steve Albini, the future of Electrical Audio and much more. In This Episode, We Discuss: State of Electrical Audio Steve Albini's Influence Greg's Interest in Sound Internship with Steve Growth and Independence The Financial Aspect Legacy and The Future Links and Show Notes: Electrical Audio Greg's Site Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Matt's Rant: Visiting Other Studios Credits: Guest: Greg Norman Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:47:23

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WCA #537 with Peter Craft – Napa Destination Studio, Bonding Experiences, Life in Tech, Songwriters as Magicians, and Inspiration of Scenes

3/30/2025
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: Peter's Studio Matt's Rant: Thank you! Credits: Guest: Peter Craft Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:00:55:20

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WCA #536 with Robert Kirby – Leaving Home, Tahoe, Education, Fantasy Studios, Growth, and The Noise Shop

3/24/2025
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: Robert's Studio Scott Evans on WCA #256 Scott Evans on WCA #010 Bruce Kaphan on WCA #030 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

Duration:00:56:21