Working Class Audio
Matt Boudreau
Navigating the World of Recording With a Working Class Perspective
- 1 hour 9 minutesWCA #552 with Daniel Holter – Studio Aesthetics, Hospitality, Presentation, Relationships, and Cashflow
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
15 July 2025, 12:22 am - 1 hour 20 minutesWCA #551 with Dane Giordano – Sun Studio, Steve Albini's Kindness, Financial Discipline, and Diversifying Services
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:
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
7 July 2025, 7:02 am - 1 hour 2 minutesWCA #550 with Justin Francis – Remote Studio Benefits, Nashville Efficiency, Beyond Music Row, and Navigating Payment Ethics
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:
Matt's Rant: Simplification
Credits:
Guest: Justin Francis Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith
30 June 2025, 7:02 am - 1 hour 3 minutesWCA #549 with Ian Shepherd – Mastering Democratized, AI, Physical or Virtual Gear, and Empty Nests
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:
Matt's Rant: Building Things
Credits:
- Guest: Ian Shepherd
- Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
- WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
- The Voice: Chuck Smith
24 June 2025, 2:34 am - 1 hour 12 minutesWCA #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
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:
Matt's Rant: Persistence
Credits:
- Guest: Dan Malsch
- Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
- WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
- The Voice: Chuck Smith
17 June 2025, 4:22 am - 1 hour 1 minuteWCA #547 with Lij Shaw – Friendship, Communication, Collaboration, Mixing, and Time Management
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:
Matt's Rant: Barriers
Credits:
- Guest: Lij Shaw
- Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
- WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
- The Voice: Chuck Smith
10 June 2025, 12:18 am - 1 hour 17 minutesWCA #546 with Elad Marish –Surf Culture, The Magic of KISS, Guitar Obsession, Post Production Powerhouse, and The Growth of Swell
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:
Matt's Rant: Getting Some Space
Credits:
- Guest: Elad Marish
- Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
- WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
- The Voice: Chuck Smith
2 June 2025, 4:31 pm - 1 hour 19 minutesWCA #545 with Howie Beck - Musician to Producer, 4 Tracks to Pro Tools, Independence, Polishing Turds, and Saving the Day
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:
Matt's Rant: Small Chunks
Credits:
- Guest: Howie Beck
- Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
- WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
- The Voice: Chuck Smith
27 May 2025, 1:57 am - 1 hour 6 minutesWCA #544 with Benedikt Hain – Helping Bands Record Better, Mixing in Bavaria, Revisions, and Client Filter
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:
Matt's Rant: Enjoying the Journey
Credits:
- Guest: Benedikt Hain
- Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
- WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
- The Voice: Chuck Smith
19 May 2025, 11:30 pm - 1 hour 22 minutesWCA #543 with Sarah Register –Mastering, 10,000 Hours at Once, NYC & The Nervous System, Avant Garde, and PLaying with Kim Gordon
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:
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
13 May 2025, 1:08 am - 1 hour 36 minutesWCA #542 with Emre Ramazanoglu – ATMOS For Brian Eno, Session Drumming, Fashion Shows, Family Balance, and ADHD
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
- 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:
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