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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

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

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer/engineer/mixer and archivist, Phillip Broussard who has worked with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Slipknot, System of a Down, and many more In This Episode, We Discuss:Texas upbringingJobs in Gulf Coast refineriesFirst studio internships in AustinHouston and AustinKingsway Studio in New OrleansPrioritizing vibe over gearRelocating to Los AngelesManaging Teatro in OxnardCollaboration with Rick RubinHandling limited recording budgetsSkills in reading the roomBalancing career and family lifeNegotiating rates and invoicingAudio archiving and session restorationNetworking to find new music Links and Show Notes:Phillip's SiteTrina Shoemaker on WCADave Schiffman on WCA Matt's Rant: Inspiration and ImaginationCredits:Guest: Phillip BroussardHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcome musician/songwriter/producer/engineer Mitch Easter known for his work on the early R.E.M. records as well as his work with the db's, Game Theory, and Marshal Crenshaw as well as his own band Let's Active. In This Episode, We Discuss:Background and UpbringingEarly Interest in RecordingDrive-In StudioFidelatorium RecordingsBalancing Multiple RolesCollaboration with Don DixonThe Music Industry and the Indie EcosystemInfluences and InspirationsViews on Retirement Links and Show Notes:YouTube versionMitch's Site Matt's Rant: Creating OpportunityCredits:Guest: Mitch EasterHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes engineer/mixer Joe Costa who has worked with Ben Folds. Sara Bareilles, William Shatner and many more. In This Episode, We Discuss:Ordering Lunch with William (Bill) ShatnerWorking with Ben FoldsMixing from HomeMoving to NashvilleBerklee School of MusicReading the Room Links and Show Notes:Joe On Instagram @costa71Watch the Interview on YouTube Matt's Rant: Know Your ValueCredits:Guest: Joe CostaHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Producer, engineer, artist, and professor Willie Green returns to WCA to chat with Matt about about his new studio adventure and much more! Willie has worked with renowned artists such as Armand Hammer, The Roots, The Alchemist, and Wiz Khalifa. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Green House Expands! Physical Media Marketing Strategies for Creative Spaces Daily Patterns and Balancing Responsibilities Adapting to Client Needs and Studio Management Business Strategy Innovation Links and Show Notes:Willie Green’s Website Matt's Rant: Which music industry do you work in?Credits:Guest: Willie GreenHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

This is part 2 of a discussion Matt had with multi-platinum mixer and engineer Richard Chycki whose clients include such rock royalty as Rush, Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Skillet, Mick Jagger, Alice Cooper, Pink and many more. In This Episode, We Discuss:ManagementNetworking: Building Relationships for SuccessCultural Transition: From Canada to the U.S. Music SceneThe Rush Connection: Networking and OpportunitiesNavigating the World of Immersive Audio TechnologiesFuture Plans and Networking in Nashville Links and Show Notes:Part 1 InterviewRich's Site Matt's Rant: Auto PilotCredits:Guest: Richard ChyckiHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixing engineer, producer and composerJade Alysse Berry, whose path to mixing was sparked by a life‑changing health event and a deep love for music. Jade shares practical insights on creativity, collaboration, and setting clear boundaries with clients. In This Episode, We Discuss:How a health crisis redirected Jade’s career toward audio engineeringChallenges and politics of the music industryCollaborative dynamics with partner Bob Horn The creative process of mixingSetting boundariesUnderstanding client expectationsEffective communication Links and Show Notes:Jade on Instagram Matt's Rant: The Home StudioCredits:Guest: Jade Alysse BerryHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Matt is joined by grammy winning engineer Tom Camuso who has worked with Lenny Kravitz, Blondie, Steve Earl as well as a number of commercial, television and film projects. Tom is also the Chief Engineer at The Les Paul Recording Studio in Holly wood. In This Episode, We Discuss:Preserving Les Paul's LegacyLos Angeles vs. New YorkCracking the Preservation CodeWeatherEducationLibrary of Congress Links and Show Notes:Tom's SiteLes Paul Studio Matt's Rant: Economic ReevaluationCredits:Guest: Tom CamusoHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Matt is joined by multi-platinum mixer and engineer Richard Chycki whose clients include such rock royalty as Rush, Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Skillet, Mick Jagger, Alice Cooper, Pink and many more. In This Episode, We Discuss:NAMM Experience Current State of Immersive AudioMoving to Nashville: Reasons and PlansEarly Musical Journey and Transition to EngineeringThe Shift from Musician to EngineerAdapting to Technological Changes in AudioThe Future of Atmos and Immersive AudioArtist Reactions to Immersive MixingThe Evolution of Atmos TechnologyLearning from Major ArtistsNavigating the Music IndustryFinancial Strategies in Music ProductionThe Importance of NetworkingMixing Classic Records in Atmos Links and Show Notes:Rich's Site Matt's Rant: The ExpensesCredits:Guest: Richard ChyckiHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Matt welcomes Grammy Nominated producer /engineer/mixer Joel Weldon Willis. In This Episode, We Discuss:Building a Home StudioEarly Experiences in Music ProductionTransitioning to Freelance and Indie Music SceneCreative Approaches to Music ProductionNavigating Financial Challenges in the StudioRecording Techniques and Live SessionsLessons Learned in the StudioFreelancing and Renting Studio SpacesCommunity and Collaboration in Music ProductionBalancing Promotion and AuthenticityThe Impact of Grammy NominationsAdapting to Client Needs and CommunicationRemote MixingHandling Criticism and Professional GrowthThe Importance of Collaboration Over Competition Links and Show Notes:Joel's Site Matt's Rant: InspirationCredits:Guest: Joel Weldon WIllisHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

Matt welcomes Producer /engineer/mixer and film composer Sanford Parker. As an artist he’s performed and released albums with extreme heavy and industrial bands like Black Cross Hotel, Corrections House, Mirrors for Psychic Warfare and Minsk. Throughout the years he’s collaborated with members of Sonic Youth, Ministry, Napalm Death and Neurosis as well as producing and mixing albums for Darkthrone, Voivod, Brutal Truth, Pelican, YOB, Hide, Youth Code, Wovenhand, Rwake, Local H and many others. Takeaways Sanford opened his studio in March 2020, just before the pandemic.He prefers working with independent artists and punk music.Chicago's music scene is affordable compared to other major cities.Managing overhead is crucial for running a successful studio.Sanford transitioned to mixing in the box for efficiency.He values genuine relationships with artists over bureaucracy.The pandemic shifted his work focus back to mixing.The flexibility of working remotely with clients.Learning to navigate financial discussions with bands.Independent music often allows for quicker decision-making. Links and Show Notes:Sanford's Site Matt's Rant: Your JourneyCredits:Guest: Sanford ParkerHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back GRAMMY-winning recording engineer and producer Steve Chadie live from the AudioScape booth at NAMM 2026 to talk about recording bands. Steve has worked with WIllie Nelson, Los Lonely Boys, Wilco, and the Supersuckers. In This Episode, We Discuss:Mic placement and monitoring.The bleedBand dynamicsFood and energy levelsExpectationsCreative ruts.Being invisibleHeadphone mixesLess substance abuse Links and Show Notes:Steve on WCA #245Steve on WCA #487Steve's Site Matt's Rant: The PeopleCredits:Guest: Steve ChadieHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauEditing: Anne-Marie PleauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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:Studio OwnershipHerbie HancockEarly Digital RecordingDivorceCovidGetting SuedStressMoving to the Bay Area Links and Show Notes:Fran's Site Matt's Rant: Client CommunicationCredits:Guest: Fran CathcartHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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:Pro audio minimalism focuses on efficiency and workflow.Post-pandemic, many have adapted to home studios.Stripping down gear can lead to better productivity.Quality of work is not determined by the amount of gear.The bell curve illustrates the journey of audio engineers.Social media can exacerbate gear obsession.It's important to focus on skills rather than equipment.Minimalism can reduce stress in the creative process.Finding balance in audio engineering is crucial.Personal interests outside of audio can influence spending. Being debt-free allows for better control over finances.Intentional communication can streamline workflows and reduce confusion.Minimalism in workflow can lead to increased efficiency.Decluttering can help identify unnecessary subscriptions and expenses.Applying minimalism to business practices can enhance focus and productivity.The thrill of the hunt can lead to unnecessary clutter if not managed.Intentional equipment purchases can prevent buyer's remorse.Every purchase has a domino effect on workflow and finances.Embracing whimsy can make minimalism enjoyable and fulfilling.Sharing resources can benefit others and reduce personal clutter. Links and Show Notes:Joe's SiteJoe on WCA #329 Matt's Rant: Credits:Guest: Joe CaithnessHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith