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Working Class Audio
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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.
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In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Nominated producer, engineer, and mixer Travis Ference as well as multi-instrumentalist, sound designer and audio engineer Kerry Rose to talk all about backing up and archiving audio.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
3-2-1 System
Best Practices & Considerations
Insurance & Liability
Personal Experiences
Travis's Altadena Fire Experience
Kerry's Nevada City Fire Scare
Scorched Earth
Remote/Cloud Storage
Challenges with Cloud
Offsite NAS
Methodology Over Tools
Links and Show Notes:
Watch Duty App
GMRS Radios
Documentary on Paradise
Backblaze
Sync.com
Neofinder
Synology NAS
OWC
Travis online
Matt's Rant: The Many Hats We Wear
Credits:
Guest: Travis Ference and Kerry Rose
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes engineer and producer Moses Schneider. The Berliner is responsible for some of the most successful records of recent years. The Beatsteaks achieved their breakthrough in the German charts under his direction. His other productions include Tocotronic, Fehlfarben, Dendemann, Kreator and others. In 2008, Schneider was nominated for the German music award Echo for his work on "Kapitulation" by Tocotronic and "Limbo Messiah" by the Beatsteaks. In 2018 and 2022 he was nominated for the German music Award "Preis für Popkultur" as "favorite Producer".
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Hansa Studios
The Pixies
Gil Norton
Gordon Raphael
New York
Berlin
Disco Powder
Gentrification
Obscuring Audio
Links and Show Notes:
Moses on Instagram
Moses website
Matt's Rant: Walking.....yes walking
Credits:
Guest: Moses Schneider
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Ady Parzentny. Adrian Parzentny is a German‒Polish music producer, audio engineer, and creative adventurer. With over 13 years of travel and music production experience, Adrian has recorded traditional musicians across Morocco, the Sahara Desert, and beyond — often in remote villages, mountain ranges, and DIY setups built inside vans and hotel rooms.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Barcelona move
Audio Nomad book
Studio connections
Modeling
Freelance audio
Travel recording
Gear philosophy
Artist support
Music mediums
Authentic living
Intuition guides
Links and Show Notes:
Get the book!
Listen to Ady on WCA #468
Matt's Rant: More Discipline
Credits:
Guest: Ady Parzentny
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith
1In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, and musician Assaad Lakkis, the creative force behind Bull Funk Zoo and owner of Bull Funk Studios in Dubai. Assad’s career blends boundary-pushing rock, funk, and experimental sounds with his work producing and recording artists from around the world, making him a central figure in the Middle Eastern music scene.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
The Bullfunk Identity
Time in the US
Bullfunk Studios
Learning and Mentorship
First Studio Challenges
Job Market in Dubai
Current Home Studio
Financial Realities
Client Acquisition
Diversified Income
Continuous Learning
Perseverance
Mental Health
Matt's Rant: Self-employed discipline
Links and Show Notes:
Bull Funk Zoo: https://www.bullfunkzoo.com/
Bull Funk Studios: https://bullfunkstudios.com/
Bull Fuunk Zoo on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BullFunkZoo/videos
Credits:
Guest: Assaad Lakkis
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, mixer, Toby Lloyd who runs Tiny Triumph Recordings in Wellington, New Zealand. Toby's career spans working in film (The Hobbit Trilogy, Avatar, Mortal Engines) as well as music by playing a central role in the New Zealand Music world.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Producing And Mixing Music
Rooftop Recording Studio
Meditation And Cold Plunge
Punk Rock Beginnings
110 Studio Rejections
Sound Recordist On The Hobbit
Learning In Collaboration
Eight Years In Film
University Studio Engineer
Full-Time Music Producer
Intimate Studio Design
New Studio Lease
Parenting Five Children
Artist Relationship Building
Financial Discipline Strategy
Wellington Music Challenges
Safe Space For Artists
Staying In New Zealand
Stories Of Perseverance
Links and Show Notes:
Toby's Studio
Matt's Rant: A Brainstorm
Credits:
Guest: Toby Lloyd
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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:
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