Working Class Audio Working Class Audio

My guest today is Grammy-winning engineer and Mixer Chris Dugan, who has worked on projects for Green Day, Gaslight Anthem, Weezer, and Alanis Morissette.
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In this episode, we discuss:
Touring and Work with Green Day

European Tour

Recording Live Shows

Studio Engineer

Mixing for TV Broadcasts

Transition to More Mixing

Mixing with the Artist Present

Studio Setup and Equipment

Family-Friendly Home Studio

Home Studio Customization Efforts

Studio Setup During the Pandemic

Importance of Sound Reflections

Portable Mixing Setup Benefits

Atmos Setup Decision Factors

Affordable Speaker Tuning

Balancing Work and Family

Balancing Family and Work

Parenting While Touring

Encouraging Kids' Musical Interest

Family's Involvement in Music

Kids' Interest in Studio

Travel and Jet Lag Tips

Managing Sleep and Travel

Jet Lag Recovery Strategies

Efficient Airport Tips

Global Entry Efficiency

Time Shifter App Usage

Freelance Work and Pricing

Freelance Pricing Challenges

Word-of-Mouth Opportunities

Managing Project Deadlines

Impact of Unconventional Tracks

Importance of Politeness

Importance of Session Prep

Backup Storage and Technology

Backup Storage Discussions

Travel-Friendly Work Strategies

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Matt's Rant: The Battle for Your Attention
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Links and Show Notes

Chris Dugan on WCA #078

TimeShifter APP

Global Entry

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Credits

Guest: Chris Dugan

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 Grammy-winning London-based producer and mixer Catherine Marks, who has worked on projects for boygenius, Wolf Alice, and The Mysterines.  

In this episode, we discuss

Upbringing in Australia

Early exposure to music through parents' record collection

Participation in a Yamaha piano course at an all-girls school

Development of interest in songwriting and record production

Studying architecture at the University of Melbourne

Taking a year out to work in Dublin

Introduction to Dublin's music

Immersion in live music and DJ nights in Dublin

Discovery of interest in music production and reverb

Transition from architecture degree to music production career

Learning about music production while working for Flood

Recording a song with Elastica, gaining Flood's attention

Fearlessness and willingness to take opportunities

Early advice from her father and

Support from the Dublin community

Early experiences in the studio,

Multitasking in various roles

Learning via observing, asking questions, and reading manuals

Development of skills and studio efficiency

Mentorship from Alan Moulder

Working with producers like Dmitry Tikovoy, Ben Hillier, and Flood

Importance of capturing the immediacy of a moment over technical perfection

Discipline to let go of awareness and move forward in projects

Managing creative conflicts and rising from unknown engineer to sought-after producer

Establishing connections with key individuals in the music industry

Importance of mutual understanding and communication in the recording process

Working with Alan Moulder and Flood, enhancing her career

Mutual respect and high expectations foster professional growth

Importance of enjoying projects and respecting colleagues

Prioritizing a balanced lifestyle over immediate success

Pressure to maintain career momentum and need for self-care to prevent burnout

Consistent commitment and passion for work

Experiences and reflections on winning a Grammy award

Highs and lows of industry recognition

Challenges of being away for extended periods during album work

Anticipation for future projects and collaborations


Matt's Rant: 500 Episodes and Pressing On
Links and Show Notes

Catherine's Site

Catherine on Instagram


Credits

Guest: Catherine Marks

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 UK-based mastering engineer Stephen Kerrison, known for his work with Petbrick, Ditz, Charles Watson, Jake Isaac, Lleo, and Liz Lawrence. This is Stephen's second appearance on Working Class Audio, his first being WCA #413 alongside Katie Tavini, a fellow Weird Jungle Mastering Collective member.
In this episode, we discuss

Weird Jungle Collective Update

Liverpool Music Scene Evolution

Working Under a Record Shop

From Touring to Mastering

Collective's Structural Changes

Industry's Financial Realities

Instilling Confidence

Balancing Creativity and Technique

Musicians' Record Perspectives

Older vs. Younger Musicians

Transition to Mastering

Mastering Different Genres

Challenges of Live Performance

Importance of Taste in Mastering

Exploring the UK Music Scene

Collaborative Music Environment

Managing Work-Life Balance

Financial Strategy

Use of Backing Tracks

Maintaining Artist Confidence

Comparison to Visual Art

Listening

Checking Out The Competition

Seth Godin


Matt's Rant: Stepping Away
Links and Show Notes

Matt's Photo Instagram account

WCA #413

Stephens Site

Katie's Site

Weird Jungle



Credits

Guest: Stephen Kerrison

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 Jacob Winik, the COO, Technical Director, and Sound Designer at Cosmic Standard, an audio production company he co-founded with his wife, Eliza Smith, in January 2020. Jacob has collaborated on projects with TED, Patagonia, Dropbox, KQED, Samantha Crain, Meernaa, Doe Eye, and Steep Ravine. He previously worked as an audio engineer at Tiny Telephone in San Francisco.
In this episode, we discuss

Bay Area Upbringing

Parents' Musical Influence

Early Punk Music

Divorce Sparks Punk Interest

Gillman Street Experiences

Technology at Home

Early Instruments

School Band Reluctance

Discovering DIY Punk

College Band Experience

House Shows in College

Obsessed with Music Making

Improving Live Sound

Early Recording Awareness

DIY Recording at Gillman

First Demo Recording

College Film Studies

Pursuit of Music Recording

Internship at The Compound

Learning Basic Recording Skills

Building Client Relationships

Internship at Fantasy Studios

Analog Tape Recording Challenges

Journey Recording Experience

Interning with Magic Magic Orchestra

John Vanderslice

Studio Setup at Tiny Telephone

Transition to Professional Engineer

Hands-on Learning with Tape

Podcast Company Formation

Balancing Overhead Costs

Scalable Team Structure

Remote Work Adaptation

Handling Pandemic Challenges

Client Training Remotely

Improved Quality of Life

Building Client Relationships


Matt's Rant: Moving Through Your Audio Career with Blinders On
Links and Show Notes

Cosmic Standard

John Vanderslice on WCA


Credits

Guest: Jacob Winik

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 Los Angeles-based Producer/Mixer/Engineer/Drummer Danny Reisch, who has worked on projects for Local Natives, Dirty Projectors, Khruangbin, Barns Courtney, White Denim, Other Lives, Shearwater, Sun June, Tele Novella, Intocable, Halo video game ( last 3 seasons), The Green Knight score (a24), Disney Peter Pan score, Interview With The Vampire score, Willie Nelson, Ed Sheeran, Lizzo, The Zombies, Counting Crows, Jimmy Cliff, Father John Misty and many more.
In this episode, we discuss

Dallas Childhood Memories

Early Band Experiences

Four Track Beginnings

Michael Jackson Obsession

Back to Future Influence

Supportive Creative Family

Unique School Experience

Discipline

College Music Degree

Early Audio Awareness

Atmos Mixing Insights

Texas State University

Touring and College Life

Sound Design Job

Band Experiences Takeaways

Respect for Bands

Working with Passionate Clients

Good Danny's Studio Journey

Early Studio Challenges

Austin Music Scene

Daytrotter Sessions Impact

South by Southwest Frenzy

Live Recording Skills

Move to Los Angeles

Pandemic Mixing Shift

Film Score Mixing

Financial Ecosystem Differences

LA Studio Setup Challenges

John Congleton's Advice


Matt's Rant: What If?
Links and Show Notes

Danny on Instagram

John Congelton on WCA


Credits

Guest: Danny Reisch

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 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