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Working Class Audio

Peel back the glamour of the professional recording world. Guests from the world of audio for music, film, games, restoration, and more share their insights on how they made their journey, how they survive, their advice on the real things including wins, losses, working with other people, money, and career advice. 
Hosted by audio engineer Matt Boudreau.
The Working Class Audio Podcast - Navigating the World of Recording with a working class perspective.

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back mastering engineer Maor Appelbaum (originally on WCA #062)to discuss his career, his approach to mastering across genres, and how he adapts to new technology. Maor has worked on projects for artists such as Faith No More, Yes, and Meat Loaf.
In This Episode, We Discuss:

Genre-specific mastering approaches

Creating and collaborating on new analog hardware

Strategies for effective client communication

Building and maintaining long-term professional relationships

The value of being part of a collaborative team in the audio process

Links and Show Notes:

Maor Appelbaum Mastering

WCA #062 with Maor Appelbaum

Matt's Rant: The Value of Independent Clients

Credits:

Guest: Maor Appelbaum

Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau

Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau

WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #521 with Maor Appelbaum – Genre-Specific Mastering, Creating Analog Hardware, Building Client Relationships, and Being Part of the Team

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Producer/Engineer Ed Donnelly, who has worked with Willie Nelson, Zac Brown, Old 97s, Son Volt, Del McCoury, Nathan Jacques, Lorin Hart, Cole Gallagher, The Lonesome Captain, Trent Summar & The New Row Mob
In This Episode, We Discuss:

Musical Journey and Career

Live Event Recording Journey

Journey From Performer to Producer

Independent Artist Budget Challenges

Managing Budgets in Independent Bands

Music Industry Evolution and Strategy

Inspiration and Approaches in Work

Independent Artists and Audio Professionals

Immersive Audio Formats and Music

Links and Show Notes:
Ed's Studio
Matt's Rant: Revisiting Community

Credits:

Guest: Ed Donnelly

Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau

Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau

WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #522 with Ed Donnelly – Independent Mindset, Live Recording, Indie Bands, Immersive Audio and Inspiration

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes monitor engineer Lizzie Westsmith who has worked for numerous bands and sound companies including Rancid, Ice Spice, Rat Sound and Coachella. Lizzie shares her journey from discovering her love for audio at Berkeley's iconic Gilman Street to navigating the challenges of the live production industry.
In This Episode, We Discuss:

Role of a Monitor Engineer

Maintaining Personal Balance

924 Gilman Influence

Addiction and Recovery

Rate Transparency

Touring Life Balance

Systems Engineering Goals

Financial Management Strategies

Community and Respect

Links and Show Notes:
Lizzie on Instagram
Matt's Rant: Parlay, Pivot and Change Course
Credits:

Guest: Lizzie Westsmith

Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau

Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau

WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #523 with Lizzie Westsmith – Role of a Monitor Engineer, Touring Life Balance, Community, and 924 Gilman Influence

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Winning mastering engineer, Michael Romanowski. Michael’s extensive credits include Alicia Keys, Bonnie Raitt, Lyle, Lovett, Earth Wind & Fire, Kane Brown, and the Grateful Dead.
In This Episode, We Discuss:

Studio Acoustics

Immersive Audio Advocacy

Future Of Immersive Audio

Value Of Community Collaboration

Critical Listening Skills

Balancing Artistic Vision With Label Demands

Bass Management Challenges In Immersive Audio

Consumer Perceptions Of Immersive Audio

Role Of VR And AR In Audio Localization

The Dangers of Comparison

Links and Show Notes:

Michael's Studio

Michael on WCA #309

Matt's Rant: Year End Review
Credits:

Guest: Michael Romanowski

Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau

Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau

WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #524 with Michael Romanowski – Immersive Audio, Critical Listening, Value Of Community, and The Dangers of Comparison

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back the Pellicci Brothers, Jay and Ian, who appeared originally on WCA #054. They have worked with Deerhoof, John Vanderslice, Sleater-Kinney, and the Magnetic Fields.They currently run Brothers (Chinese) Recording in the Bay Area.
In This Episode, We Discuss:

Challenges in Naming

Unintentional Uniformity

Studio History

Literal Creativity

Creative Decision Making

Not Planning

Studio Projects

Burlap

Links and Show Notes:

Brothers (Chinese) Recording

WCA #057 with The Pellicci Brothers

Matt's Rant: Identity
Credits:

Guest: The Pellicci Brothers

Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau

WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #525 with The Pellicci Brothers – Shared Commitment, Creative Collaboration, Cultural Influence, Literal Creativity, and Burlap

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mastering engineer Adam Haggar who has worked with Migos, Belinda Carlisle, and The Antlers.
In This Episode, We Discuss:

Adam's Journey In The Audio Industry

Different Cities, Studios, And Roles Within The Music Industry

His Approach To Mastering And Building His Business

The Importance Of Networking

Challenges Of Maintaining High Standards In A Competitive Industry

Value Of Staying Connected To One's Passion For Music

Links and Show Notes:
Adam s Site
Matt's Rant: Los Angeles
Credits:

Guest: Adam Haggar

Host/Engineer/Producer/Editor: Matt Boudreau

WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #526 with Adam Haggar – Los Angeles Life, New Jersey Living, The Importance Of Networking, Maintaining High Standards, and a Passion For Music

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer / Producer Owen Davies who has worked with Broken Teeth, Survival, Fangs Out, Netherhall, Yo Titan, and Brookhorse.
In This Episode, We Discuss:

Building THE Home Studio

Working with a Studio Designer

Navigating Studio Design Challenges

Lessons from Early Studios

Tap Dancing and Legal Battles

Freelancing and Passion Projects

Links and Show Notes:
Owen's Studio
Matt's Rant: Things You Should Charge For (In My Opinion)
Credits:

Guest: Owen Davies

Host/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt Boudreau

WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #527 with Owen Davies – Studio Design, Recording Everything, Tap Dancing, and Building THE Home Studio

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt is joined by Chris Selim from Mixdown Online ‪and Lij Shaw from Recording Studio Rockstars to discuss our NAMM 2025 experience.
In This Episode, We Discuss:

Wearing Good Shoes

Drinking Water

Community

Gear We Saw

Companies We Like

Seminars at NAMM

Podcaster and YouTuber Things

Links and Show Notes:

https://gracedesign.com/

https://gracedesign.com/product/m900-...

https://www.audio-scape.com/

https://korneffaudio.com/plugins/

https://www.soundtoys.com/

https://microkits.net/

https://www.musikhack.com/

https://blinq.me/

Matt's Rant: Connecting With People At NAMM
Credits:

Guest: NAMM 2025

Host/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt Boudreau

WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #528 with NAMM 2025 – Community, Gear We Saw, Companies We Like, Seminars, Good Shoes, and Drinking Water

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mixing Engineer David Stagl who has worked on projects for or with North Point Community Church, Christ Fellowship(West Palm Beach, FL), Eagle Brook Church (Minneapolis, MN), musical artists: Kristian Stanfill, Jesus Culture, Passion, Phil Keaggy, North Point Music and in broadcast: Discovery Channel, HGTV. Corporate: Home Depot, Wyndham Vacations, and Motorola.
In This Episode, We Discuss:

Post Production

Broadcast

Audio Books

Worship Sound

Dolby ATMOS

Live Sound Mistakes

Audio Professionals in Religious Settings

Immersive Audio for Churches

Worship Audio Challenges and Solutions

North Point Church

Links and Show Notes:
David's Site
Matt's Rant: Humility in Audio
Credits:

Guest: David Stagl

Host/Engineer/Editor/Producer: Matt Boudreau

WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #529 with David Stagl – Worship Sound, Broadcast, Bruce Springsteen, Live Sound Mistakes, and Feedback City

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mastering Engineer Justin Perkins who has worked with The Replacements, Rufus Wainwright, En Vogue, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Shania Twain, Jellyfish, Johnny Cash, The All-American Rejects, Rickie Lee Jones, Donna Summer, Busta Rhymes, Jason Mraz, Lucero, Hanson, New Kids on the Block , Sum 41, Asia
Justin Perkins' success as a mastering engineer is not solely based on his audio skills but also on his meticulous approach to business operations. His emphasis on automation, client communication, and data management provides valuable lessons for anyone in the audio industry seeking to optimize their workflow and deliver exceptional service.
In This Episode, We Discuss:

Streamlined Project Intake & Communication

Automation & Templates

Client Experience

Mastering Workflow & Tools

Data Archival & Backup

Links and Show Notes:

Justin's Site 

WaveLab: Mastering software.

iZotope RX: Audio repair and quality control.

Samply: Lossless audio delivery and approval platform. Use Code WCA20

OmniFocus: Task management software.

Backblaze: Cloud backup service.

NeoFinder: Hard drive cataloging software.

Thunder Bay 8 and Mini 4 (OWC): External hard drive enclosures.

Carbon Copy Cloner: Backup software.

Matt's Rant: Piggy Backing off of Victory
Credits:

Guest: Justin Perkins

Host/Engineer/Editing/Producer: Matt Boudreau

WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #530 with Justin Perkins – Mastering, Client Experience, Data Archival & Backup, Automation & Templates and Streamlined Communication

My guest today is the return of producer/engineer/mixer Don Zientara. Don has been highly influential in the D.C. hardcore music scene for over 30 years for his work with iconic punk and rock bands, including Fugazi, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Jawbox, and The Evens. His contributions have been pivotal in shaping the sound of many Dischord Records artists.
In this episode, we discuss

Studio Relocation

New Basement Setup

Historical Recordings

Studio Gear Changes

Analog to Digital Shift

Compact Studio Space

Recording Challenges and Success

Microphone Selection Strategy

Digital Console Benefits

Outboard Gear Preferences

Lower Overhead Costs

Promotion and Clientele

Reflection on Studio History

Neighborhood and Noise Management

Surfing and Staying Young

Selective Project Choices

Client Reactions

Control and Live Room Setup

Communication in Studio

Evolution of Punk Scene

Consistent Studio Rates

Historical Significance

Industry Perception

Matt's Rant: Beginning the Journey
Links and Show Notes

Don on WCA #106

Don Zientara's Biography: Wikipedia

Inner Ear Studio: Inner Ear Studio Official Website

Rights of Spring: Rights of Spring - Wikipedia

Credits

Guest: Don Zientara

Host: Matt Boudreau

Engineer: Matt Boudreau

Producer: Matt Boudreau

Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau 

WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell 

Announcer: Chuck Smith

Matt Boudreau

WCA #496 with Don Zientara - Historical Significance, Studio Relocation, Curated Gear Choices, Surfing, and Staying Young, and Back to the Basement Where It All Started

WCA #496 with Don Zientara - Historical Significance, Studio Relocation, Curated Gear Choices, Surfing, and Staying Young, and Back to the Basement Where It All Started

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