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Working Class Audio

Special Interest

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.

Location:

Lafayette, CA

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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WCA #579 with Fran Cathcart – Studio Ownership, Herbie Hancock, Stress, and Moving to the Bay Area

1/19/2026
Matt welcomes producer/engineer/composer Fran Cathcart. Fran having just moved to the Bay Area from New York recounts his journey in studio ownership, working with Herbie Hancock, and facing down serious challenges that would make most throw in the towel, yet he still keeps going. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Fran's Site Matt's Rant: Client Communication Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:22:41

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WCA #578 with Joe Caithness – Pro Audio Minimalism, Finding Balance, Decluttering, Embracing Whimsy, and The Bell Curve

1/13/2026
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back 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. In this episode we discuss Pro Audio Minimalism. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Joe's SiteJoe on WCA #329 Matt's Rant: Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:36:53

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WCA #577 with Justin Gray – Immersive, Balancing Family Support, Belief In Your Work, Early Surround, & Being Engineer and Artist

1/5/2026
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Producer, Mixer & Mastering Engineer Justin Gray. Based in Toronto, Canada, Justin has worked on projects for Snoop Dogg, Brandy, Nicky Youre, Mother Mother, Arkells, Jamie Fine, Lola Brooke, Upsahl, and The Sheepdogs. In this conversation, Justin Gray discusses his album 'Immersed', exploring the creative process, technical aspects of immersive audio, and the importance of community and collaboration in music production. He shares insights on funding, marketing strategies, and the role of social media in promoting his work. The discussion also touches on the challenges of balancing family life with artistic pursuits and the significance of believing in oneself as an artist. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Justin's Site Links to all streaming PlatformsBand CampImmersive Audio AlbumJustin on WCA #451 Matt's Rant: Forming Your Own Bubble Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:10:04

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WCA #576 with Alan Evans – Health, Creativity, Reflections, Client Interactions, and 2026

12/29/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, singer and, songwriter, Alan Evans. Alan is of course well known as a member of his band Soulive. He's also been a past guest on WCA #133 and 328. Matt Boudreau and Alan Evans reflect on the past year and share insights on creativity, health, and the music industry. They discuss the importance of recharging creatively, embracing technology, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to ensure longevity in their careers. The duo also emphasizes the significance of simplicity in music production, the role of album artwork, and the power of community and connection in fostering creativity. As they look ahead to 2026, they express excitement for new projects and the journey of self-discovery in their artistic endeavors. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Al's SiteOrb AudioMicrocosm AudioAl on WCA #133Al on WCA #328 Matt's Rant: What's Inspiring Me Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:17:35

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WCA #575 with Michael Beinhorn – Remote Production, Artist Development, Risk Taking, High-End Listening, and Unique Voices

12/21/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer Michael Beinhorn who has worked with The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, Herbie Hancock, Korn, Marilyn Manson, Weezer, Ozzy Osbourne, Hole, Cuco, Aerosmith & Violent Femmes. Michael originally appeared on WCA #029 back in 2015. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Michael's SiteMichael on WCA #029 Matt's Rant: Auto Pilot Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:38:56

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WCA #574 with Stephen DeAcutis –Owning Your Time, Getting It Right At The Source, Solving Audio Problems, and Performing Live

12/15/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixer, producer, engineer, writer, and performer Stephen DeAcutis. Stephen has worked with Vanilla Fudge, Gladys Knight, Travers and Appice, Corey Glover, and Cyndi Lauper. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Stephen's SiteStephen on Instagram Matt's Rant: Staying Positive Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:05:39

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WCA #573 with Natalie Bibby – AIR Studios, Direct to Disc, Attended Sessions, MPG, and Connecting with Others

12/8/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mastering and lathe cutting engineer Natalie Bibby who works at AIR Studios in the U.K.. Natalie has worked with Kraftwerk, Bring Me The Horizon, Lola Young, Jimmy Eat World, The Vaccines, Lewis Capaldi, GIRLI, and CATTYShe's also led a world-class mastering workshop at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, UK. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: AIR StudiosMusic Producers Guild Matt's Rant: How we present ourselves Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:11:03

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WCA #572 with Alex Crescioni - Extreme Metal, Techniques, Clients, Survival, and Letting Go.

12/1/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back guitarist, producer, and mixing/mastering engineer Alex Crescioni to talk about Extreme Metal production. Alex is known for his work with Burton C. Bell, Deverauxx, and Siglos. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Alex’s SiteAlex on LinkedinAlex on InstagramAlex on WCA #333 Matt's Rant: Spread the Work Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:14:08

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WCA #571 with Don Setaro –DEEP DIVE - Gary Young Hospital For The Chemically Insane

11/24/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer/engineer/mixer and record label owner Don Setaro. Matt and Don get into a deep dive discussion of the re-issue process for former Pavement drummer, Gary Young's album "Hospital For The Chemically Insane". Former WCA guests Dan Johnson and Justin Perkins chime in to talk about their role in the process. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Gary on BandcampIAC Records Matt's Rant: Structure Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:01:29

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WCA #570 with Ken Sluiter – A deep dive into stereo rebuilds for Atmos mixing.

11/18/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer/engineer and mixer Ken Sluiter to delve into the intricate process of stereo rebuilds for Atmos mixing. They discuss the challenges of finding and organizing original material, the importance of matching to comparison masters, and the unique aspects of each project. Ken shares insights on the ingestion process, the role of research in understanding original recordings, and the potential of AI tools in audio restoration. The discussion also touches on the future of mixing and the evolving landscape of music production. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Ken on WCA #166 Matt's Rant: Music Expo/AES/NAMM Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:24:58

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WCA #569 with Dan Johnson & Catherine Vericolli – Audio Restoration/Archive Deep Dive

11/10/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Dan Johnson of Audio Archiving Services and Catherine Vericolli of Central Audio Archiving to do a deep dive into the world of audio archiving, preservation, and restoration. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Links to Dan https://www.audioarchivingservices.com/https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-405-with-dan-johnson/ Links to Catherine https://www.centralaudioarchiving.com/https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-035-with-catherine-vericolli/https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-403-with-catherine-vericolli/ Matt's Rant: This AI Thing Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:09:29

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WCA #568 with John Cuniberti – OneMIc, Dynamics, Acoustics, Placement, and 2 Tracks

11/3/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back John Cuniberti who produces, engineers, mixes and masters records for many artists including most notably Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar, The Dead Kennedys, and Chicken Foot. John originally appeared WCA #005 back in 2014 and returns to do a deep dive into his OneMic recording concept. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: OneMIc on YouTubeJohn's SiteShiny Eyes Studio Matt's Rant: Focus of Your Attention Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:47:15

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WCA #567 with Gena Johnson – Listening to Artists, Keeping Overhead Low, Career Champions, and Glitter Walls

10/27/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy Winning producer/engineer/mixer Gena Johnson who has worked with Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, and John Prine. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Gena's WebsiteGena on InstagramVance Powell on WCAMatt Ross-Spang on WCADarrel Thorpe on WCA Matt's Rant: Sonic Intrusion Revisited Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:07:39

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WCA #566 with Mike Blodgett – Isolated Ground, Ground Rods, Isolation Transformers, Power Conditioners, and Electrical Safety

10/20/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back engineer/producer electrician, Mike Blodgett to discuss electricity and pro audio! In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Mike on WCA #348 Matt's Rant: How You Listen Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:00:56:10

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WCA #566 with Mike Blodgett – Isolated Ground, Ground Rods, Isolation Transformers, Power Conditioners, and Electrical Safety

10/20/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back engineer/producer electrician, Mike Blodgett to discuss electricity and pro audio! In This Episode, We Discuss: Isolated Grounds Isolation Transformers Ground Rods Power Conditioners Apartment Power Home Studio Power Electrical Safety Links and Show Notes: Mike on WCA #348 Matt's Rant: How You Listen Credits: Guest: Mike Blodgett Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:00:55:16

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WCA #565 with Hans-Martin Buff – Tearjerkers, Peter Gabriel, Real World, Binaural, and ATMOS

10/13/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back engineer/producer and 3D audio geek, Hans-Martin Buff to discuss mixing Peter Gabriel's I/O as well as his own project Tearjerkers. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Pure Audio Streaming:Immersive Audio Album:Link tree Album:Youtube Siren Video:Audiomovers Apple: Illusonics Neumann RimeVirtuoso: Waves NX: Matt's Rant: Focused Discussion Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:20:45

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WCA #565 with Hans-Martin Buff – Tearjerkers, Peter Gabriel, Real World, Binaural, and ATMOS

10/13/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back engineer/producer and 3D audio geek, Hans-Martin Buff to discuss mixing Peter Gabriel's I/O as well as his own project Tearjerkers. In This Episode, We Discuss: Tearjerkers Peter Gabriel Real Word Studios Binaural Mixing ATMOS Format Haters Links and Show Notes: Pure Audio Streaming: Immersive Audio Album: Link tree Album: Youtube Siren Video: Audiomovers Apple: Illusonics Neumann Rime Virtuoso: Waves NX: Matt's Rant: Focused Discussion Credits: Guest: Hans-Martin Buff Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:19:51

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WCA #564 with Steve Dierkens – Career Path Shift, Joy in Work, Financial Balance, Global Collaborations, and Redefining Success

10/6/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer, Producer, Mixer Steve Dierkens. In this conversation, Steve shares his journey from as a succesful enginer working in film in California to a professional audio engineer and producer living in Canada. He discusses his early influences, the transition to a professional career, and the lifestyle changes that came with moving to Canada. Steve reflects on the challenges of building a studio, the importance of family, and the reevaluation of his career goals. He emphasizes the need for joy in music production and offers insights into financial perspectives in the audio profession. The conversation also touches on remote collaborations, social media challenges, and the definition of success and happiness in the industry. In This Episode, We Discuss: Career path shift Family-driven choices Moved to Canada Studio-building challenges Joy in work Financial balance Valued client relationships Global collaborations Social media pressure Redefining success Links and Show Notes: Steve and Chris Selim's Podcast Matt's Rant: More on Streaming vs Physical Media Credits: Guest: Steve Dierkens Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Duration:01:06:39

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WCA #564 with Steve Dierkens – Career Path Shift, Joy in Work, Financial Balance, Global Collaborations, and Redefining Success

10/6/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer, Producer, Mixer Steve Dierkens. In this conversation, Steve shares his journey from as a succesful enginer working in film in California to a professional audio engineer and producer living in Canada. He discusses his early influences, the transition to a professional career, and the lifestyle changes that came with moving to Canada. Steve reflects on the challenges of building a studio, the importance of family, and the reevaluation of his career goals. He emphasizes the need for joy in music production and offers insights into financial perspectives in the audio profession. The conversation also touches on remote collaborations, social media challenges, and the definition of success and happiness in the industry. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Steve and Chris Selim's Podcast Matt's Rant: More on Streaming vs Physical Media Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:07:33

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WCA #563 with Jon Rezin– Working Remotely in Ohio, Mixing, Saving Time, Skills and Network

9/29/2025
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy winning Mixer, Producer, & Mastering Engineer Jon Rezin who has worked with Natalia Jimenez, One Direction, Andy Grammer, BoA, and Santana. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Jon's SiteJon on Instagram Matt's Rant: Streaming vs Physical Media Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Duration:01:14:28