Working Class Audio

Today's guest is producer, engineer, mixer, and assistant professor at Berklee school of music, Sean McLaughlin. Sean has worked with notable producers Andy Johns, Jimbo Barton, Carmen Rizzo, and artists Rush, Elliott Smith, Marilyn Manson, Death Row Records, and many others. This is Sean's second appearance on the show, with his first being on WCA #037.In this episode, we discuss: Zoom Teaching Renting Studio Space Mini Split AC Units Studio Marriages Great Landlords Thought Leaders Template Mixing Billy Decker Taking the Clients Temperature Nashville vs. Boston Audio Student Observations Berklee Staff Kaizen  The Myth of Sisyphus Perfection Pushing the Envelope Screwing Up Star Wars  Links and Show Notes Sean's Studio Site: https://www.37ft.com/ Sean's Site: http://theseanmclaughlin.com/ Sean's Previous Episode: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-037-with-sean-mclaughlin/ Dolby Link: https://bit.ly/35j8gmY Dolby Surround Panner: https://bit.ly/3vjScfi WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio C

My guest today is GRAMMY-nominated mastering and restoration engineer, audio preservationist, and educator Jessica Thompson. Jessica originally appeared on WCA in episode #080, and I'm thrilled to have her back on the show to talk about backup strategies for audio, restoration, some gear talk, and changes in her new studio she is planning at her house. In this episode, we discuss: Admin Work Archiving Formats File Management Backup Strategies Working From Home Data Tape Restore DAT Tapes  Modular Digital Multitracks COVID Work Challenges Silver Linings Building A Home Studio The John Cuniberti ATR Spending Money To Make Money Gear Backup Buddies Zynaptic  Bettermaker EQ Weiss Mastering Turntables Audeze Headphones Future Formats Links and Show Notes Jessica's Site: https://www.jessicathompsonaudio.com/ Jessica on Instagram: @jathompso/ Jessica's Previous Episode: WCA #080 WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors

My guest today is live sound mixer, audio coach, and noise abatement consultant Peter Claes, who lives in Hasselt, Belgium.Peter has a great Youtube channel that I watch called Masterclaes (spelled with his last name in mind ) Master Claes, and I enjoy his approach to teaching and sharing knowledge. After connecting on Linkedin, we made arrangements to join me to share his experience working in live sound with bands such as Simple Monds, The Human League, and Arsenal. In this episode, we discuss: Hasselt, Belgium Family Music Shop Music School Live Sound Reading Music Using Studio Gear Live Playing In Bands Mentors Climbing The Live Sound Ladder Working With Others Making A Living Business Outlook Challenges Striving For Perfection Working With Musicians Coaching Sharing Knowledge Masterclaes  The Critics Ambition vs. Work/Life Post COVID Work Matt's Rant: ExplorationLinks and Show Notes Peter's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MasterclaesBE Peter's Site: https://www.varisound.be/ MasterClaes:

My guest today is producer, engineer, mixer Val Garay. Val has had an incredible career working with Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Kenny Rogers, Ringo Starr, Bonnie Raitt, Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Pablo Cruise, Queensrÿche, Santana, and many others. Val has garnered 5 Grammy wins, over 100 gold and platinum records, an Emmy nomination, and over 125 million worldwide record sales. In 1982, he shared a Grammy Award for Record of the Year with Kim Carnes for the iconic song, "Bette Davis Eyes." We catch up with Val at his home in Los Angeles. In this episode, we discuss: Vals Dad Frank Fillipetti Stanford School of Medicine Songwriting Lou Adler Dave Hassinger Studio Work Bill Schnee Dissecting Mixes Making Hits Teaching Others Niko Bolas Royalties Business Choosing Representation  Working with Avid Coaching Assistants Do-overs Work-Life Balance Matt's Rant: Getting Back Out in Person!Links and Show Notes Val's Site: http://www.valgaray.com/ WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Lin

My guest today is engineer, former studio owner, author, and vintage gear dealer, Dan Alexander.Dan was a fixture of the Bay Area recording scene in San Francisco for many years. He ran the same studio space I did, the former Coast Recorders building on Mission Street in San Francisco as well as Coast on Harrison. He’s spent many years of his life buying and selling vintage guitars and vintage recording equipment which we will talk about. He’s got a new book out called “Dan Alexander Audio: A Vintage Odyssey" He talk s to us from his home in Los Angeles.In this episode, we discuss: Radical Parents House UnAmerican Activities Committee  The Rockets Eddie Money Bay Area Music Selling Guitars Grocery Store Studio Vintage Recording Gear Wheeling and Dealing Hyde Street Studios Coast Recorders Coast on Harrison Bill Putnam The Drain of The Studio Business Getting Evicted Divorce Rising Gear Prices Gear Clones Matt's Rant: Getting out of the Chair!Links and Show Notes Dan's Site: https://danalexanderaudio.com/ D

My guest today is musician, songwriter, author, and producer, Jack Rubinacci. Born in Rome, raised in the UK, and now residing in Norway. Jack has been through the music industry on both sides of the glass including recorded his debut release with Tchad Blake Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, he’s sold produced and mixed his own releases, he’s opened for Joe Cocker, Lionel Richie, and Arcade Fire to name a few. Like many in the industry, Jack suffers from Tinnitus. He’s written two books on the topic and it is the focus of our conversation in today's episode. Jack came as a referral from our good friend and studio rat James Ivey. I felt it was important to have Jack on to discuss this topic of tinnitus since many people don’t. In this episode, we discuss: Tinnitus Monitoring low Earplugs Meeting Dad at 10 Sleeping By The Hotel Piano Tchad Blake Sympathetic Producers IPad Production Dealing with Tinnitus Getting inside the Song Ear Nose and Throat Prepping Your Ears for Sonic Assault Tools to Counteract Tinn

My guest today is producer, engineer, mixer Alex Crescioni.Alex is based in Los Angeles at his studio Stygian Sound, located in the legendary Sound City studio complex. He works with a wide variety of rock & metal bands on Nuclear Blast Records, Napalm Records, Wind-Up Records, Craft Recordings, Cleopatra Records, Metal Assault Records, Steamhammer Records, Sliptrick Records, EMP Label Group, Gore House Productions, Frontiers Records, Danse Macabre Records, and Minotauro Records. I've followed Alex's career for a long time and am happy he's here to join me for a chat. Alex Crescioni, coming up here on The Working Class Audio Podcast. In this episode, we discuss: Mothers Musical influence The Suzuki Method Musicians Institute Peter and the wolf Garage Sale Four-Track Home base Wanting To Give Up Bad Intern Experiences Sound City  LA Studio Complexes Getting Work Client Vetting Process Rates Mentors Guitar Pedals Doom metal Matt Wallace Tim Palmer Chris Collier Assistants Struggling Financial Awakening Matt

My guest today is Frank Filipetti, a producer, engineer, mixer, and a seven-time Grammy winner. Frank has worked with many artists, including Foreigner, KISS, Carly Simon, The Bangles, Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Paul McCartney, to name a few. Frank talks to us from his home in Connecticut about his journey, which I think you'll enjoy very much. In this episode, we discuss: Parental Impact Grammar School Band Physics to Music Losing Record Deals Transition to Recording at 30 Right Track Recording Peter Asher Niko Bolas Val Garay METAlliance Starting Late Survival Alan Myerson Dealing with Doubt Sticking With It Assessing Career Learning Everyday Studio in Connecticut Living Outside of Recording Hubs Finances Matt's Rant: Protecting your Ears!Links and Show Notes Frank's site: http://frankfilipetti.com/bio/ METAlliance: https://www.metalliance.com/ WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin

My guest today is Michael Castañeda, who is an audio engineer who does location recordings, post-production, producing, and consultation for podcasts.In this episode, we discuss: West Covina Tape Syncs Covid Audio Practices Cassettes Drum & Bugle Corps.  School Band Citrus Community College UC San Diego Sending Resumes Craigslist Illness Reality Show Gigs The Grind of TV Recording School Bands Getting Super Lucky The Gift of Audio Gear Live Sound Podcast Work Network of Friends Enjoying Gigs New York Times Podcast Producing Learning in the Field Linkedin Matt's Rant: Banking LocallyLinks and Show Notes Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plasticaudio Michael on Twitter: https://twitter.com/plasticaudio WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/ Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP Credits: Guest: 

My guest today is Bill Schnee who is an internationally renowned producer, engineer, and mix master. He has over 125 Gold and Platinum records and 50 top twenty singles and is known as an engineer’s engineer. Bill has worked on dozens of Grammy-nominated and winning albums, and has been personally nominated 11 times for The Best Engineered Album category, winning twice for Steely Dan’s Aja and Gaucho. He also has won an Emmy Award for Best Sound Mixing for a Variety Special and a Dove Award. In his 50+ year career, Bill has found success in every musical genre, from Pop to Rock to R&B to Gospel to Country. Bill talks to us from Blackbird Studios in Nashville where we have a great conversation I think you’ll enjoy.In this episode, we discuss: Growing up In Phoenix Love of Radio Early Record Deal Quitting College Law School Parents Approval San Francisco Discovering Audio Working with Hired Guns Keeping Musicians Happy Recording Drums Working with Singers High Profile Artists Shyness Faith Peers AL Schmitt

My guest today is Mastering Engineering Joe Caithness. Joe has worked on mastering the soundtrack music for games such as Borderlands, and Tekken, the soundtracks for the Netflix movie Close, bands such as Don Martin 3 and Palooka 5 and he does it all from the comfort of his mastering studio located in his backyard in Nottingham, England. In this episode, we discuss: Shakespeare Early PC Recording Clutter Being An Audio Introvert Forums GateKeeper Mentality Online Mentors Gear Poverty Inverse Financial Curves Pragmatic Studio Building Transfer Equipment Test Pressings Mastering QC Process Meta Data Professionalism Office Hours Back Issues Being Debt Free Matt's Rant: PatienceLinks and Show Notes Joe’s site: joecaithnessmastering.com WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/ Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP Cre

My guest today is producer, engineer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, singer and, songwriter, Alan Evans. This is Alan’s second time on the podcast. He first joined us on episode 133. This time around He talks to us from Massachusetts where we have a great chat about his studio and, his record label, and what’s been happening lately in his life. In this episode, we discuss: Studio Remodeling Alan's Record Label Remote Teaching Audio Minimalism Vinyl Flooring Great Musicians Open Concept Recording Template Mixing Financial Groove Selling Vinyl Records The Blockbuster Documentary The Black Puma's Great Monitoring Boot Drives Matt's Rant: Audio DogmaLinks and Show Notes Alan's Studio: https://www.ironwax.com/ Alan's Band: https://www.soulive.com/ Alan's Label: https://www.vintageleaguemusic.com/ Listen to this song! https://spoti.fi/3stsG6M WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/ Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Cu

My guest today is Grammy-winning producer/engineer and mixer, Trina Shoemaker. Trina has worked with Sheryl Crow, Tanya Tucker, the Indigo Girls, Pearl Jam, Patty Griffen, and many, many more. Trina comes to us by way of former WCA guest and friend Andrew Scheps who helped make the introduction. We have a great discussion that I think you’ll enjoy. In this episode, we discuss: Growing Up In Joliet, Illinois Concerts in Chicago Jackson 5 Dads’ “Control Room” Chicago Los Angeles Drive Aways Capital Records Temp Alternative Marketing Rancho De La Luna Living in London Drug Runs LA Recording Workshop Susan Rodgers New Orleans Daniel Lanois Canadians Sheryl Crow Needs-Based Creatures Jeff Trott Tchad Blake Hurricane Katrina Losing Her House Counting on Music Moments Alabama The Peavy Brothers Writing a Novel Matt's Rant: Lack of WorkLinks and Show Notes Trina's Site: http://www.trinashoemaker.com/ Trina on Instagram: @trinashoemaker Dauphin Street Studios: http://www.dauphinstreetsound.com/ WCA on Instagram

My guest today is Grammy Nominated engineer Stephen Dent. Stephen has worked on records for Notorious B.I.G, Sean Combs, Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, and Lil Kim. He also spent a number of years running Daddy’s House, the studio owned by Sean “Diddy” Combs located in Brooklyn. I met Stephen while participating in rooms on Club House. I reached out and he accepted my invitation to come on the show. We have a great conversation and I’m looking forward to you hearing about his journey.In this episode, we discuss: Motown Gospel Go Go Music Yacht Rock Anthony Wellington Offset Printing DJing Making Beats The Forest Gump Effect Super VHS/Beta Max Recording Engineering Out of Spite Omega Recording School SSL Plasma Meters DC to NYC House of Sound Bob Rosa Tackling the Tape Library Sleeping on Trains Befriending The Homeless  The One Page That Changed His Life Working with Sean Diddy Combs Not Leaving the Studio Golf Teaching Sons Man Cave Matt's Rant: Self EvaluationLinks and Show Notes Stephen on Instagram: @inlike

My guest today is producer, mixer, and scoring engineer Jason LaRocca. Jason has worked on films such as “Bad Boys for Life,” “Paddington,” “Aquaman,” “The Accountant,” “Joy”, “Godzilla: King of Monsters,” Blumhouse horror hit “Ma,” and the 2018 Oscar-winning documentary “Icarus.” Jason also mixed the music for the smash-hit video game “Fortnite" as well as “Cyberpunk” and “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.” Jason is formerly known as the singer/guitarist of the acclaimed punk band, The Briggs.In this episode, we discuss: Mixing Music for Films and Games Breakfast with The Beatles Kids Choir with Toto Music and Skateboarding Starting A Band Supportive Parents Home Studio Mackie 2408  DIY Mentality Free Tape Mark Isham Curveballs Cold Calling Fortnite Music Mixing Economics of The Gig Work/Life Balance Working Smarter  Matt's Rant: Maintaining A PresenceLinks and Show Notes Jason's Site: https://www.jasonlarocca.com/ Jason on Instagram: @jason_larocca solo.to for sharing links: https://solo.to/inv/MjAwNTM WCA

My guest today is Grammy-nominated engineer, Steve Genewick. Steve is making a return appearance on WCA. With 30 years of experience and 20 of that spent working alongside Al Schmitt, Steve has worked all over the world with artists such as Paul McCartney, Diana Krall, and LL Cool Jay as well as games such as Apex Legend. Lately, Steve is deep into remixing classic records for release in ATMOS.In this episode, we discuss: Preparing Capital for COVID Mixing Atmos from Home Setting up for Atmos Working Independently  Working with Al Schmitt High-Level Gigs Diverse Sessions Learning from Peers Learning from Everybody Being Prepared High-Pressure Sessions Sacrifices Cancer Saying No to Gigs Knowing What’s Important  Shrinking Budgets Mix Revisions Mixing for Video Games Home Studio Future Matt's Rant: RevisionsLinks and Show Notes Steve's Site: http://stevegenewick.com/ Steve on Instagram: @steve_genewick WCA #070 with Al Schmitt & Steve Genewick WCA #112 with Frank Wolf WCA on Instagram: @working_class_

My guest today is producer/engineer/mixer David Gnozzi. Originally from Tuscany and now living in Los Angeles, David hosts the very popular MixBusTV channel on YouTube and works in a variety of genres.In this episode, we discuss: MixBusTV Tuscany Moving to LA Dave Pensado Being Bullied Metal and Rage Marvel Comics At Home In The US Trial and Error Being a Virgo Bodybuilding Self Discipline Misinformation False Expectations Bella Kelly Irons in the Fire Dead Lifting Health Knowing Your Limits Horror Movies Gear Distractions Matt's Rant: Time Travel Links and Show Notes David's Site: davidgnozzimixing.com MixBus TV SIte: Mixbustv.com MixBusTV on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2ZDYrx2 WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/ Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP Credits: Guest: David Gnozzi Host: Matt Boudreau  WCA T

My guest today is Matthew Rifino who is a music mixer for NBC's The Today Show as well as a freelance engineer. Matthew has worked with so many top names in music it would be futile to list them all here. That said, he is a 5 Time Emmy Award Winner for his mixing work in television.In this episode, we discuss: New Jersey Upbringing Don Mcclean Recording Lessons Pushing Boundaries Influence of Grandparents Tony Bongiovi/Power Station Five Towns College 911's Effect on Studios Mixing Bands NBC's The Today Show 40 Hours a Week Working with Major Bands Hierarchy of Union Audio Covid Effects On Work Stress Level Freelance Work Home Studio Build Early to Bed Early to Rise Being Healthy Freedom From Discipline Mixing Free Wood Financial Health Union Work Matt's Rant: Tax SeasonLinks and Show Notes Matthew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rifinomatthew/ Matthew's SIte: https://www.mattrifinomusicmixer.com/ Quickbooks Self Employed: http://fbuy.me/oLXTP WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Go Ad-Free

My guest today is producer, engineer, mixer Dave Way. Dave has a huge discography and a load of experience to share. He talks to us from his studio in Southern California, The Way Station.In this episode, we discuss: Apple Farm Assassin The Nun With A Guitar Pretending To Be a Beatle Hearing Life Through Cassette Early Mono Recording Music vs. Baseball Berklee College of Music New York Studios Dance Remixes Gig Opportunities  Teddy Riley 120 Hour Weeks Competitiveness Serendipitous Events New York Success  Michael Jackson Staying In California John Doe Genre Jumping Jazz Mixing Differences Home Studio Economics Dolby Atmos Working With Stars Matt's Rant: The PurgeLinks and Show Notes Dave's Site: https://www.daveway.com/ WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/ Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP Credits: Guest

My guest today is New York-based mix engineer Sam Sherbin. Sam studied under the late great Bruce Swedien and Manny Marroquin. Sam is also behind the podcast called In The Zone.In this episode, we discuss: Studying with a Bruce Swedien Listening to Thriller with Bernie Grundman and Bruce  Sonic Personality Dropping Out 99 cent pizzas Mixing During Covid Pivoting into Podcasting Management The Money Talk Meditation Mental Health Simple Setups Balancing Matt's Rant: Revisiting Audio Minimalism Links and Show Notes Sam's site: https://www.samsherbin.com/ Sam on Instagram: @samsherbinmusic WCA on Instagram: @working_class_audio Go Ad-Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/ Connect with Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattboudreau/ Current sponsors & promos: https://bit.ly/2WmKbFw Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP Credits: Guest: Sam Sherbin Host: Matt Boudreau  WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudr