In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau talks with Grammy-nominated recording engineer and educator Dr. Mary Mazurek about her work in classical music recording and her approach to teaching and mentoring.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Grammy-nominated projects
• Challenges of recording classical music
• Microphone techniques for live performances
• Managing acoustics in different environments
• Mentoring young engineers
• Practical learning in audio
• Evolution of audio technology
• Moving to Canada
• Summers in Chicago

Matt’s Rant: The most important thing is what comes out of the speakers!

Links and Show Notes:

• Dr. Mary Mazurek's Faculty Profile
• Mary Mazurek's previous WCA episode #253

Credits:

• Guest: Dr. Mary Mazurek
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, we welcome back Engineer/Producer Gabriel Shepard, who first appeared on WCA #011. Now, 500 episodes later, Gabriel returns to share more from his journey. Gabriel's impressive client list includes Cake, The Kronos Quartet, Bassnectar, Raphael Saadiq, and The Residents.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• 25th Street Recording
• Building Client Trust
• Creative Collaboration
• Crafting Signature Sound
• Navigating Industry Changes
• Freelance Persistence
• Audio Gear Insights
• Mixing Strategies
• Studio Workflow
• Client Communication
• Recording Challenges
• Evolving Sound Trends
• Learning from Other Producers
• Earning Fans of Your Work

Matt's Rant: Covid!

Links and Show Notes

• Gabriel's Site
• 25th Street Recording Studio
• Original WCA #011 with Gabriel
• WCA #073 with John Schimpf
• WCA #249 with Jeff Kolhede
• WCA #005 with John Cuniberti
• WCA #290 with Joe Chiccarelli

Credits

• Guest: Gabriel Shepard
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• Announcer: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Steve Lack shares his extensive background in audio post-production and podcasting. Steve reflects on his time working with Warner Brothers Discovery and his contributions to iconic shows like Seinfeld. With experience at NPR, VPM, Al Jazeera, and HBO, Steve now operates remotely from Richmond, Virginia. He discusses the flexibility of podcasting and how his journey from network television to podcasting has shaped his approach to building lasting client relationships.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Freelancing Journey Shifts
• Early Adoption Of Pro Tools
• Discovery Channel Experience
• Remote Podcast Production
• Transition From Drumming To Film Composition
• Midlife Career Pivot
• Freedom In Podcasting
• Networking And Relationships
• Working From A Sailboat
• Overcoming Corporate Mergers
• Embracing Technological Changes

Matt's Rant: Learning to Swim First

Links and Show Notes

• Steve's Site
• Acon DeReverberate
• Accentize Plugins

Credits

• Guest: Steve Lack
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• Announcer: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, mastering engineer Alberto de Icaza shares his journey from Mexico City to the U.S., transitioning from playing in metal bands to becoming a mastering engineer. Now based in Austin, Texas, Alberto discusses his path to mastering during the pandemic and the importance of building client relationships organically through word-of-mouth.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• AI Tools Usage
• Mastering Career Shift
• Industry Challenges
• Impact Of AI On Work
• Client Relations
• Networking Expansion
• Spanish Market Strategy
• Social Media Promotion
• Professional Collaborations
• Remote Work Preference
• Cash Flow Management
• Studio Setup
• Adapting To New Tech
• Working With Key Mentors
• Crashing His Car
• From Mexico to New Jersey, to Texas

Matt's Rant: All The Other Stuff

Links and Show Notes

• Alberto's Site
• Steve Chadie on WCA #245
• Steve Chadie on WCA #487

Credits

• Guest: Alberto de Icaza
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• Announcer: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, host Matt Boudreau welcomes back Cesar Mejia, a longtime friend of the podcast, to discuss his continued journey as an educator, studio owner, and audio professional. Cesar, first featured in episode #117 back in 2017, shares his experiences navigating the post-pandemic world, teaching the next generation of musicians, and balancing life at his studio, Shelter Studios.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Cesar Mejia's Return to Podcast: Reflecting on his first appearance in 2017, episode 117, and discussing his journey.
• Teaching Post-COVID: Cesar talks about teaching at Cal State Dominguez Hills and Whittier College, highlighting changes in student mentality and the shift in teaching due to the pandemic.
• Students' Musical Preferences: Discussing the differences between students at Dominguez Hills, who are more electronic-focused, and those at Whittier, who are often acoustic musicians.
• Shelter Studios and Family Property: Cesar's studio, Shelter Studios, is located on family property that he inherited. He is working on possibly expanding the space while keeping the studio comfortable and home-like.
• Balancing Expansion and Stability: Conversations about the benefits of expanding the studio or staying in the current location and the importance of financial stability.
• Wiring and Additional Gigs: In addition to teaching and studio work, Cesar occasionally takes on wiring gigs for other studios, keeping his income diversified.
• Collaboration with Herbie Hancock: Cesar continues to work with Herbie Hancock, especially on tours post-COVID, and handles audio tasks such as mixing stems for live performances.

Matt's Rant: Being in Asset

Links and Show Notes

• The Shelter Studios
• The Shelter on Instangram
• WCA Episode #117 with Cesar Mejia

Credits

• Guest: Cesar Mejia
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• Announcer: Chuck Smith

My guest for this episode is Producer/Engineer/ Composer Ebonie Smith, who currently holds the esteemed roles of senior audio engineer and producer at Atlantic Records. Ebonie has worked on projects for The Hamilton Cast Album, Janelle Monae, Sturgill Simpson, and Jason Mraz.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Memphis Upbringing and Tri-State Area
• Radio and Musical Influences
• Transition from Sports to Music
• College Struggles and Musical Pursuit
• Technological Fascination and Audio
• Barnard College Audio Tech Job
• Pursuit of Music Technology
• Parental Expectations vs. Music
• NYU and Advanced Music Studies
• Career Start at Atlantic Records
• Evolution from Editing to Producing
• Hamilton Cast Recording Involvement
• Creating an Incubator Program
• Move to Los Angeles Decision
• Differences Between NYC and LA
• Atlantic Records Role Transformation
• Producing Unique Label Projects
• Challenges in the Music Industry
• Importance of Administrative Proficiency
• Balancing Multiple Creative Roles
• A Continuing Passion for Audio
• Multitasking Is a Necessity
• Full Control of the Signal Chain

Matt's Rant: Making Opportunity For Yourself

Links and Show Notes

• Ebonie's Site

Credits

• Guest: Ebonie Smith
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• Announcer: Chuck Smith

My guests today are Wesley Heaton and Kameron Lockwood, producers, engineers, and mixers from Indianapolis, Indiana. They are studio partners at Holy Ground Productions and have extensive live sound experience working with bands like Bingo Boys, Skeletonwitch Rituaal, and Pillars.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Studio Location And Name
• Early Friendship Timeline
• Growing Up Experiences
• Meeting Through Audio
• Live Sound Frustrations
• Musical Background Origins
• Gear Acquisition Journey
• First Paid Recordings
• Studio Environment Challenges
• DIY Venue Recordings
• Recording School Experiences
• Self-Education In Audio
• Recording With Anthrax
• Transition From Live Sound
• Studio Construction Challenges
• Importance Of Deposits
• Business Partnership Dynamics
• Studio Community Focus
• Lessons From First Studio
• Hospitality And Client Comfort

Matt's Rant: Perfection

Links and Show Notes

• Holy Ground Productions
• Holy Ground on Instagram

Credits

• Guest: Wesley Heaton and Kameron Lockwood
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• Announcer: Chuck Smith

My guest today is Mastering Engineer Ben Pike, who runs an analog-based mastering and record cutting studio in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Ben specializes in vinyl mastering and custom lathe cut records, working primarily with independent artists. He has collaborated with artists and groups such as ATA Records, Yaatri, The London Ambient Orchestra, Smith & The Honey Badgers, and King Zepha.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Leeds, West Yorkshire Roots
• Discovering Recording Technology
• DIY Recording Beginnings
• Home Studio Evolution
• Transition to Mastering
• Vinyl Mastering Journey
• Analog Studio Setup
• Custom Lathe Cut Records
• Challenges of Chronic Illness
• Building a Mastering Studio
• Navigating the Music Industry
• Supporting Independent Artists
• Small Batch Vinyl Production
• Innovative Vinyl Techniques
• Mastering and Cutting Synergy
• Restoring Vintage Gear

Matt's Rant: The Art of Being Concise

Links and Show Notes

• Ben Pike's Studio: Rare Tone Mastering
• Jeff Powell Companion Episode

Credits

• Guest: Ben Pike
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• Announcer: Chuck Smith

My guest today is Producer/Multi-Instrumentalist/Engineer, Jordan Brooke Hamlin, who has worked with Indigo Girls, KT Tunstall, Vienna Teng, Lila Blue, Katie Herzig, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Allison Russell, and Brandy Clark.

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In this episode, we discuss

• Upbringing In Kentucky
• Music-Loving Family
• Zeppelin Hippies
• Deep Connection To Music
• Early Music Exposure
• Discovery Of Production
• Sarah McLachlan Influence
• Running Her Studio
• Creating Artist Space
• Mental Health Focus
• Challenges In Nashville
• Supportive Studio Environment
• Economic Challenges
• Studio Setup Efficiency
• Working With Labels
• Navigating Industry Changes
• Moxie Studio Origin
• Residential Studio Blend
• Artist Commune Vision
• Reclaiming Neglected Land
• Importance Of Environment
• Balancing Creativity And Deadlines
• Nashville's Music Culture
• Contrasting With Los Angeles
• Session Efficiency Vs. Exploration
• Encouraging Artistic Risk
• Challenges In Studio Ownership
• Supporting Independent Artists
• Grant Programs For Artists
• Gender Equity In The Audio Industry
• Financial Pressures On Music
• Organizational Tools (Airtable)
• Payment Delays From Labels
• Navigating Professional Relationships
• Empathy For Touring Artists
• Evolving Industry Dynamics

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Matt's Rant: Getting Organized

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Links and Show Notes

• Book Matt mentions in Interview: Day Trading Attention
• AirTable
• Jordan's Studio

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Credits

• Guest: Jordan Brooke Hamlin
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau 
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell 
• Announcer: Chuck Smith 

My guest is Grammy Nominated Music Metadata Professional Tony Brooke. Tony has worked on projects for Richard Thompson, Coldplay, David Byrne, twenty one pilots, Maroon 5, Jane's Addiction, Duran Duran, Steve Miller, Norah Jones, Erasure, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Doobie Brothers, Sarah McLachlan, Elvis Costello, Seal, George Clinton, Emmylou Harris, Indigo Girls, Lucinda Williams, Dave Chappelle, Khaled & Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Stern Grove Festival, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. He's also worked for Pandora/SiriusXM and Warner Music Group.

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In this episode, we discuss

• Tony's Audio Production Journey
• Background and Education
• Bay Area Move
• Technical Skills & Equipment
• Live Music Engineer to Entrepreneur
• Tascam DA88 Benefits
• Multi-Track Services
• Gig Organization Logistics
• Music Industry Experiences
• Seasonal Income Fluctuations
• Business Diversification
• Website Development
• Ultimate Track Sheet
• Career Transition Insights
• Digital Console Shift
• Career Coach Influence
• Master's Degree Pursuit
• Family Support Gratitude
• Work-Life Balance Challenges
• Music Industry Pressures
• Honesty and Humility Importance
• Music Data Exchange Research
• DDEX XML Format
• Pandora Credit Inclusion
• Apple Credit Attribution Issues
• Identifier Initiative
• Music Data Management Tools
• Sound Credit Replacement
• Muse.AI & Other Databases
• Data Accuracy Challenges
• Technological Changes Preparation
• Three-Tiered Data Storage
• Data Preservation Strategies
• Copyrighted Compositions Importance
• Streaming Service Identification
• Online Course Idea
• Digital Data Management Strategies

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Matt's Rant: Embracing Social Media

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Links and Show Notes

• Book Matt mentions in Rant: Day Trading Attention
• Tools for capturing data in the studio: 
• Sound Credit: https://www.soundcredit.com/ 
• Session Studio: https://www.sessionstudio.com/ 
• VEVA Collect: https://vevacollect.com/ 
• Identifiers:
• ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier): http://isni.org/ 
• ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code): https://www.iswc.org/ 
• DDEX standards for music data exchange: https://ddex.net/ 
• CLIP - Free resource to learn industry terminology, creator rights, and how to get credited and paid: https://goclip.org/en/music 
• Master Tape Rescue project to find a home for lost tapes and other formats (Brian Kehew and Danny White): https://www.mastertaperescue.com/ 
• Tony Brooke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybrooke/ 
• SilentWay.com: http://www.silentway.com/ 

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Credits

• Guest: Tony Brooke
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau 
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell 
• Announcer: Chuck Smith 

My guest is Hans-Martin Buff, a Recording Engineer, Music Producer, and 3D Geek based in Munich, Germany. Hans has worked with Prince, Peter Gabriel, and the Scorpions.

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In this episode, we discuss

• Introduction and Background
• Family Musical Influence
• Early Musical Interests
• Educational Background
• Transition to Music Career
• Pachyderm Studio Experience
• Nirvana Recording Sessions
• Working with Prince
• Paisley Park Experience
• Prince's Influence on Hans
• Challenges in the Industry
• Difficult Clients and Lessons
• Technical Recording Techniques
• Personal Growth and Development
• Sequencing and Assembly
• Memorable Projects and Highlights
• Impact on Personal Music Enjoyment

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Matt's Rant: When to Let it Go

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Links and Show Notes

• Hans' Site
• Hans on Instagram

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Credits

• Guest: Hans-Martin Buff
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau 
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell 
• Announcer: Chuck Smith