Working Class Audio

Working Class Audio
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated weekly

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.

  1. WCA #598 with Dante Fumo – Harmonic Content, Independent Film Sound, DIY Publishing, and Making a Living on Your Own Terms

    6 hr ago

    WCA #598 with Dante Fumo – Harmonic Content, Independent Film Sound, DIY Publishing, and Making a Living on Your Own Terms

    In this return visit to Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Dante Fumo — freelance sound designer, writer, and the creator behind Harmonic Content, a screen-printed audio zine now in its seventh issue. Dante talks about building a sustainable freelance life that spans independent film post-production, writing for Vintage King and Pro Sound Effects, and self-publishing a physical zine inspired by the Tape Op compilations he read as a college writing tutor. The conversation covers the realities of DIY publishing — screen printing, saddle-stitching zines at home, and the economics of Patreon — alongside the craft of mixing short films in Dolby Atmos, delivery specs for the festival circuit, building a sound library, and why low cost of living might be the most underrated career decision a freelancer can make. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Origin of Harmonic Content Zine How Tape Op Inspired the Whole ThingThe Economics of Self-Publishing a Physical ZineScreen Printing, Saddle-Stitching, and DIY Production WorkflowWhy Ink Cartridges Are a Scam (and What Dante Uses Instead)Building a Sustainable Patreon as a Small Independent CreatorBalancing Freelance Writing, Sound Design, and PublishingWriting for Vintage King and Pro Sound EffectsHow Dante Gets Independent Film Clients — All Word of MouthThe Life Cycle of an Indie Short Film: Festivals to YouTubeMixing Everything in Atmos Even for Non-Atmos DeliverablesNetflix Home Entertainment Spec as a Loudness BaselineLoudness for Short Films vs. Feature Films vs. MusicCalibrating Your Monitors With Pink NoiseOverhead Fold-Down Settings When Bouncing Atmos to StereoSound Design vs. Mixing: What Dante Loves MostField Recording for Ambiences vs. Buying LibrariesSoundCue — A Free Sound Effects Organizing Tool from Pro Sound EffectsGDC Free Sound Library and Other Ways to Build a Collection for FreeGeorge Vlad and Watson Wu — Field Recording HeroesTonebenders Podcast as the WCA of Post-Production SoundWhy Dante Stepped Back From Recording Everything HimselfThe Case for Not Having All Your Eggs in One BasketADHD and Freelancing: Finding Work You Can Actually Stay Engaged WithLow Cost of Living as a Freelance StrategyAES Nashville and the Press Pass QuestionWhat the Next Five Years Look Like Matt's RANT!: School Discount Codes: WCA25OFF — 25% off a zine at harmoniccontentzine.com Links and Show Notes: Harmonic Content ZineDante Fumo — Supernatural Sound DesignHarmonic Content on PatreonWCA #346 with Dante FumoWCA #596 with Will KennedyTape Op MagazineTonebenders Podcast Pro Sound Effects / SoundCue Credits: Guest: Dante FumoHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

    1hr 6min
  2. WCA #597 with Tchad Blake, Dr. Will Sedley, Jack Rubinacci & Hazel Goedhart – Tinnitus Quest: Breaking the Silence on the Music Industry's Most Common Occupational Condition

    25 May

    WCA #597 with Tchad Blake, Dr. Will Sedley, Jack Rubinacci & Hazel Goedhart – Tinnitus Quest: Breaking the Silence on the Music Industry's Most Common Occupational Condition

    In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes a panel of four guests united by a common cause: Tinnitus Quest, a patient-driven nonprofit pushing to fund and accelerate tinnitus research. Tchad Blake — 7-time Grammy Award-winning producer, mixer, and engineer with credits including Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, and Pearl Jam — opens up about living with tinnitus since age eight or nine, the result of childhood exposure to rifle fire, and how he has mixed some of the most acclaimed records of the past four decades with significant hearing loss in one ear. Neuroscientist and consultant neurologist Dr. Will Sedley of Newcastle University breaks down what the brain is actually doing when tinnitus occurs, from central gain theory to predictive coding, gating mechanisms, and why the brain's compensation strategies can misfire. Hazel Goedhart, co-founder and Executive Board Member at Tinnitus Quest, shares her own tinnitus journey and how it led her to leave a career in financial services and fundraise her own salary to work for the cause full-time. And Jack Rubinacci, musician, songwriter, and Head of PR at Tinnitus Quest, explains how the organization is working to change the narrative around tinnitus the same way the mental health conversation shifted over the past generation — because that narrative shift is what unlocks funding, and funding is what drives research. In This Episode, We Discuss: What Tinnitus Quest Is and Why It Was FoundedThe Scale of the Problem: 750 Million People, Almost No Research FundingTchad's Tinnitus Since Age Eight or Nine: Childhood Rifle FireMixing Iconic Records With Significant Hearing LossTinnitus as a Potential Creative SuperpowerHow the Brain Compensates for Hearing Loss and Generates Phantom SoundCentral Gain Theory and Neural Noise AmplificationSynchrony: How Neurons Fire Together and Make Tinnitus LouderGating Mechanisms and Why Some People's Brains Filter Tinnitus OutThe Predictive Coding Model: Why Tinnitus Embeds Itself in the BrainHair Cell Damage vs. Synaptopathy: Two Different Types of Noise TraumaRecruitment: A Frequency-Specific Amplification PhenomenonWhy Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Don't Always CorrelateWhy Some People With Hearing Loss Never Get TinnitusSudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Medical EmergencyTinnitus Spikes: What Causes Them and What the Evidence Says About SteroidsTinnitus as a Canary in the Coal Mine for Stress and OverexposureFleeting Tinnitus: The Brief Episodes Most People ExperienceLow-Frequency Tinnitus and "The Hum"Musical Tinnitus and Musical HallucinationsWho to See: ENT vs. Audiologist vs. NeurologistCBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness for TinnitusTchad's Personal Coping Strategies, Including Exposure Therapy and Harmonizing With the RingingThe Role of Psilocybin and Psychedelics in Potential Tinnitus TreatmentNeural Plasticity, Synaptogenesis, and Why Psychedelics May HelpStem Cell and Cochlear Regeneration ResearchIs Tinnitus a Modern Problem? Pre- vs. Post-Industrial Noise ExposureThe Stigma Around Tinnitus in the Music IndustryHow Bella Bathurst Connected Jack and TchadTQ's First Oxford Research Grant: Transcranial Ultrasound StimulationWhy Patient-Driven Funding Moves Faster Than Institutional FundingThe Catch-22 of "Learn to Live With It" and How It Suppresses Research Matt's RANT!: Hearing ProtectionLinks and Show Notes:Tinnitus QuestWCA #334 with Jack RubinacciWCA #200 with Tchad BlakeBella Bathurst – Sound: Stories of Hearing Lost and Found Newcastle University – Translational and Clinical Research Institute Credits:Guests: Tchad Blake, Dr. Will Sedley, Jack Rubinacci, Hazel GoedhartHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

    1hr 48min
  3. WCA #596 with Will Kennedy – Dolby Atmos Focus, Selling Recording Gear, Hidden Coffee Shops, and Mixing Rock in Surround

    18 May

    WCA #596 with Will Kennedy – Dolby Atmos Focus, Selling Recording Gear, Hidden Coffee Shops, and Mixing Rock in Surround

    In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, mixer, and engineer Will Kennedy. Will shares an update on his journey since his last appearance, focusing on his partnership with Matt Wallace and their deep dive into immersive and Dolby Atmos mixing from their Los Angeles studio. They discuss the strategic decision to sell off their traditional recording gear, the evolution of the immersive audio market, and the amusing discovery of a hidden Starbucks inside a Jaguar dealership. The conversation also explores the unique, ongoing challenges of adapting rock and roll production techniques for the Atmos format. In This Episode, We Discuss:Biking With Brad WoodHuman Powered VehiclesPartnership With Matt WallaceDolby Atmos Mixing FocusLos Angeles Studio LocationHorseless Carriage DinerJaguar Dealership StarbucksSelling Traditional Recording GearKeeping Essential Overdub SetupOffloading Full Band TrackingEarly Adopter Atmos StrategyBecoming Premium Immersive MixersDolby Atmos Market CorrectionNavigating Cheap Atmos MixesAtmos In Modern CarsMixing Rock In SurroundStereo Versus Immersive TechniquesDeveloping New Tracking Methods Matt's RANT!: Think BiggerLinks and Show Notes:WCA #388 with Will KennedyMatt Wallace on WCABrad Wood on WCA Credits:Guest: Will KennedyHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith Video Interview

    1hr 14min
  4. WCA #595 with Steve Kitch – Classical Roots, Sound On Sound, Supermarket Shifts, and Online Mastering Success

    11 May

    WCA #595 with Steve Kitch – Classical Roots, Sound On Sound, Supermarket Shifts, and Online Mastering Success

    In this episode, Matt welcomes mastering engineer Steve Kitch. Steve shares his journey from early music programming on home keyboards and classical piano training to building a worldwide mastering practice from his studio in Devon, UK. They discuss the transition from transferring DAT tapes to CDs, being an early adopter of online file delivery, and the evolution of a professional audio career through self-taught exploration and technical curiosity. In This Episode, We Discuss:Full Time MasteringDevon Studio LocationClassical Piano TrainingEarly Keyboard SequencersHiFi Technical UpbringingSound On SoundSelf Taught EducationDAT Tape TransfersOnline Mastering PioneerGoogle AdWords StrategiesSupermarket Shift WorkWebsite Design SoftwareGlobal Client ReachDigital Audio Evolution Matt's RANT!: The Small ThingsLinks and Show Notes:Steve Kitch’s Site: AudiomasterRelated Episode: WCA #593 with Katie Marie Richards Credits:Guest: Steve KitchHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

    58 min
  5. WCA #594 with Amar Lal – Experimental Roots, Corporate Transitions, Mastering Room Acoustics, and Macro Sound

    5 May

    WCA #594 with Amar Lal – Experimental Roots, Corporate Transitions, Mastering Room Acoustics, and Macro Sound

    In this episode, Matt welcomes mastering engineer and artist Amar Lal of Oakland’s Macro Sound. Amar shares his journey from the New York DIY scene and touring with Big Ups to a corporate role at Sennheiser and his eventual return to independent studio ownership. They discuss the benefits of an all-digital mastering workflow, the "Active Listening Club" philosophy, and how Amar maintains career longevity through work-life balance and photography. In This Episode, We Discuss:Mastering Engineer RolesOakland Studio LocationShared Building BenefitsEarly Childhood CanadaChildhood Piano LessonsExperimental Music SceneCircuit Bending GearHigh School RecordingNew York EducationTouring Big UpsFacing Career BurnoutCorporate Sennheiser ExperienceLaunching Macro SoundHome Studio LogisticsOakland Artistic CommunityAll Digital MasteringActive Listening ClubBalancing Personal LifePassion For PhotographyArtistic Practice PhilosophyMastering Room AcousticsLocal Community TiesRemote Working ModelsStudio Business LogisticsAuditory Sensitivity Issues Links and Show Notes:Amar Lal’s Site: Macro SoundBand Reference: Big UpsSennheiserActive Listening Club Matt's RANT: Doing Try OutsCredits:Guest: Amar LalHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

    1hr 14min
  6. WCA #593 with Katie Marie Richards – Self-taught Foundations, Four-track Experiments, Blue Rock, and The Human Experience

    28 Apr

    WCA #593 with Katie Marie Richards – Self-taught Foundations, Four-track Experiments, Blue Rock, and The Human Experience

    In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist Katie Marie for a deep dive into her 30-year career journey, moving from a rural UK trailer to world-class studios. They discuss the transition from solo artistry to a supportive production role, the philosophy of professional growth, and maintaining a healthy mindset around the business of music. In This Episode, We Discuss:Producer And Multi-instrumentalist BackgroundLeaving School At FifteenSelf-taught Musical FoundationsEarly Four-track Recording ExperimentsTransitioning From Solo ArtistManaging Performance AnxietyRelocating From Devon To AustinMentorship At Blue Rock StudioSharing Process Via Live StreamsTransitioning To North CarolinaMorning And Afternoon Life StagesGrowing Wider Rather Than TallerCollaborating With Christie LenéeOvercoming A Poverty MindsetCharging Based On ValueSelling The Human ExperiencePrioritizing Songs Over GearAdapting To New Environments Links and Show Notes:Katie Marie’s SiteBlue Rock StudioBook Reference: You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero Matt's Rant: What IS possibleCredits:Guest: Katie Marie RichardsHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

    1hr 16min
  7. WCA #592 with Ronan Chris Murphy – Falling Trees, World Travel, Anchor Points, and Being a Respectful Human

    21 Apr

    WCA #592 with Ronan Chris Murphy – Falling Trees, World Travel, Anchor Points, and Being a Respectful Human

    In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, mixer Ronan Chris Murphy (King Crimson, Steve Morse, Terry Bozzio, Tony Levin) to talk about being a pro audio nomad, falling trees, and and anchor points. In This Episode, We Discuss:World TravelFalling TreesLanguageBeing a Respectful HumanAnchor POintsDebt Links and Show Notes:Ronan's Site Matt's Rant: Passion for AudioCredits:Guest: Ronan Chris MurphyHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

    1hr 14min
  8. WCA #591 with Tyrone "Cross Bone T" Harris – Curiosity and Learning, Building a Client Base, Health Challenges, Overcoming Obstacles, and The Importance of Small Wins

    13 Apr

    WCA #591 with Tyrone "Cross Bone T" Harris – Curiosity and Learning, Building a Client Base, Health Challenges, Overcoming Obstacles, and The Importance of Small Wins

    In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixing and mastering engineer Tyrone "Cross Bone T" Harris who shares his journey from a young music enthusiast in London to a professional mixing and mastering engineer. In This Episode, We Discuss:Musical Roots and Early InfluencesThe Journey into Music ProductionCuriosity and Learning in MusicEarly Experiences with TechnologyFirst Steps in Radio and EducationNavigating Challenges in Music EducationTransitioning to Professional EnvironmentsLive Sound Experiences and GrowthThe Art of Live Sound EngineeringNavigating the Music Industry as a Young ProfessionalHealth Challenges and Career AdaptationTransitioning to Home Studio WorkBuilding a Client Base in a Niche MarketPhilosophy on Life and Overcoming ObstaclesThe Importance of Small Wins and Motivation Links and Show Notes: CBT's Site Matt's Rant: Sonic CitizensCredits:Guest: Tyrone "Cross Bone T" HarrisHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

    1hr 2min
See All (597)

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Working Class Audio
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    597
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Working Class Audio All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Working Class Audio

You Might Also Like