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

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

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt reconnects with engineer and studio owner Jeremy Goody, who was last featured in Episode 85. Jeremy has worked on VO projects for Microsoft, Nuance, Google, Seasonal Visions, and music projects for John Santos, Anticon, and Winfred E. Eye.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Studio Rebranding
• Battling Cell Towers
• Building Faraday Cages
• Shifting to Voice Recording
• Podcasting

Links and Show Notes:

• Jeremy's Studio
• 25th Street Recording
• John Vanderslice on WCA
• Adobe Podcast Tools
• Neutrik EMC Series
• Filmic Double Take
• Essentialism on Audible (I really like this one)
• The Compound Effect on Audible
• Switch on Audible
• Day Trading Attention on Audible

Credits:

• Guest: Jeremy Goody
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt reconnects with Grammy-winning producer and engineer J.J. Blair, last featured in Episode 96. J.J. shares the challenges of building a state-of-the-art recording studio in the Hollywood Hills and offers insights from his popular "Microphone Mondays" series. He also opens up about his recent heart surgery and recovery, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health in a demanding profession.

J.J.'s impressive credits include producing and mixing the Grammy-winning album Press On by June Carter Cash, engineering Rod Stewart's Grammy-winning and #1 Billboard album The Great American Songbook, Vol. 3, and engineering and mixing Joanna Connor's #1 Billboard Blues album, 4801 South Indiana Avenue.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• "Microphone Mondays" series
• Building a state-of-the-art recording studio
• Acoustic design, soundproofing, and the science of great studio environments
• Incorporating vintage and modern gear, including a custom Rupert Neve console
• Adapting production techniques for genres from Motown to modern rock
• Reflections on heart surgery, health, and maintaining resilience in the industry
• The importance of studying hit productions and what makes songs stand out
• J.J.'s experience with social media success and connecting with audiences

Links and Show Notes:

• J.J. on Instagram
• J.J.'s Website

Credits:

• Guest: J.J. Blair
• 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, Matt talks with Paul "Willie Green" Womack, a producer, engineer, and professor based in Brooklyn, NY. With nearly two decades of experience, Willie shares his passion for hip-hop production, teaching, and building meaningful connections in the studio. Having worked with renowned artists such as Armand Hammer, The Roots, The Alchemist, and Wiz Khalifa, Willie provides an insider's perspective on balancing artistry with the technical demands of audio production.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Teaching Hip-Hop History and Vocal Production
• Remote Education and In-Person Dynamics
• Building a Studio in Brooklyn
• Mentoring Upcoming Artists
• Bridging Creativity and Technical Expertise
• The Role of Community in Creative Spaces
• Balancing Work and Passion Projects
• The Unique Challenges of Teaching During COVID
• Willie's Journey from Engineer to Educator

Matt's Rant: Blank Spaces

Links and Show Notes:

• Willie Green's Website

Credits:

• Guest: Paul "Willie Green" Womack
• 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, Matt discusses Julie Kahryns extensive experience in the music industry as a producer, sound designer, composer, and educator. With a background spanning from criminal justice to a full-time music career, Julie has worked on a wide range of projects, including crafting unique audio samples for top software companies such as Ableton, Output, Cherry Audio, Splice, and Bandlab, as well as supervising music for films, and composing original scores.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Career Shift From Justice
• Roles: Producer, Composer, Designer
• Teaching at Berklee NYC
• Early Music Influences
• Mentor Tony Conniff's Guidance
• Learning Logic Pro
• Income From Samples
• Film Music Supervision
• Balancing Creativity and Business
• Parenthood's Career Impact
• Building Artist Confidence
• Collaborative Mixing Work
• Income Diversification
• Influences: Brian Eno, Laurie Anderson
• Film Scoring Techniques

Matt's Rant: Your Health

Links and Show Notes:

• Julie's Site (iamsnowangel.com)

Credits:

• Guest: Julie Kathryn
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode, Matt talks with Will Holland, owner of Chill House, a 2,000-square-foot studio in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Will has worked with acts like SeepeopleS, Club d'Elf, Nth Power, Berklee, and the Lowell Chamber Orchestra.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Chill House Studio Location
• 2,000 Square Feet Space
• Multiple Studio Rooms
• Local, Mid-Level Clients
• Will's Boston Beginnings
• Internship Turned Career
• Ownership Advantages Discussed
• Low Overhead Emphasized
• Word-of-Mouth Marketing
• Work-Life Balance Focus
• Future Relocation Possible
• Classic Rock Influence
• Staying Young
• Setting Rates

Matt's Rant: Following Up!

Links and Show Notes:

• Will's Studio

Credits:

• Guest: Will Holland
• 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, Matt Boudreau welcomes back audio engineer David, initially featured in WCA #210. David dives into his journey since his last interview, sharing updates on his Portland-based studio move, reflections on the city's music scene post-COVID, and how the pandemic shifted industry dynamics. David offers insights on balancing live sound with studio recording, the adaptive approaches required in today's music landscape, and how Portland's music community is showing resilience in challenging times. David has worked with fourhundred, Lucid Aisle, Storm Large, Kelly Koval, Joshua Lowe and the Juncos.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Relocating Studio Spaces and Adapting to New Work Environments
• Post-COVID Shifts in Portland’s Music Scene and Industry-Wide Changes
• Balancing Live Sound, Studio Recording, and Creative Roles
• Community Support, Artist Resilience, and Collaborative Culture in Portland
• Freelance Audio Strategies: Workflow Tips, Gear Decisions, and Client Relations
• Navigating New Music Production Trends and Managing Technical Challenges
• Challenges in Sustaining a Music Career in a Changing Industry Landscape

Matt's Rant: Refuse to Giveup

Links and Show Notes:

• David's First Appearance on WCA
• Justin Phelps from Hallowed Halls
• David's Site

Credits:

• Guest: David Streit
• 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, recorded live at AES 2024 in New York, Christal Jerez shares her career journey from Los Angeles to the UK. She discusses her experiences in live and studio sound, her move to the UK for a PhD, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with freelance work. Christal has worked with artists such as Lil Kim, Malik Moses, Al-Doms, and Timi O.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Move to the UK: Christal relocated to earn a PhD for the Andrew Scheps Music Production Scholarship, focused on immersive audio, supported by her family.
• Immersive Audio: Passion for 3D sound and binaural audio, working with psychoacoustic experts at NYU.
• Early Inspirations: Grew up in LA, influenced by family gatherings and VH1 documentaries.
• Education Path: Studied audio production in university, learned hands-on through radio station work recording live bluegrass music.
• Career Growth: Mentored by Serge Tsai at Platinum Sound, rising from assistant to freelance engineer. Focused on client relationships and studio professionalism.
• Challenges as a Woman in Audio: Faced bias and underrepresentation in the industry. Emphasized importance of mentorship and resilience.
• Balancing Work & Motherhood: Struggled to balance freelance work with being a mother, setting boundaries to manage family and career.

Matt’s Rant: AES 2024 Debrief

Links and Show Notes:

• Christal's Sonic Lab
• AES 2025 in Long Beach

Credits:

• Guest: Christal Jerez
• 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, Matt Boudreau chats with veteran producer and engineer Joel Jaffe, founder of Studio D Recording. Joel reflects on his 40-year journey running a renowned Bay Area studio, working with legendary artists like Faith No More and Huey Lewis, and perfecting live room recording techniques. He also shares insights on overcoming the challenges of studio life, the evolving music industry, and his decision to step away from day-to-day operations, or as Matt puts it, “getting out of the chair.”

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Challenges of running a studio in the Bay Area
• Building and managing Studio D Recording
• Recording techniques for live rooms and handling isolation
• Working with iconic artists like Faith No More, Huey Lewis, and Soundgarden
• The impact of streaming and the changing music industry
• Balancing a 40-year career with family life
• Lessons learned from mentors and iconic engineers
• Advice for aspiring audio engineers and producers
• Shifting from studio ownership to freelance work

Matt’s Rant: Revisiting Putting Yourself Out There

Links and Show Notes:

• Studio D Recording
• Joel Jaffe on Wikipedia

Credits:

• Guest: Joel Jaffe
• 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, 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