WCA #505 with Ben Pike – Vinyl Mastering, Lathe Cut Records, Analog Studio Setup, and Navigating Chronic Illness

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt discusses Julie Kahryns extensive experience in the music industry as a producer, sound designer, composer, and educator. With a background spanning from criminal justice to a full-time music career, Julie has worked on a wide range of projects, including crafting unique audio samples for top software companies such as Ableton, Output, Cherry Audio, Splice, and Bandlab, as well as supervising music for films, and composing original scores. In This Episode, We Discuss: Career Shift From Justice Roles: Producer, Composer, Designer Teaching at Berklee NYC Early Music Influences Mentor Tony Conniff's Guidance Learning Logic Pro Income From Samples Film Music Supervision Balancing Creativity and Business Parenthood's Career Impact Building Artist Confidence Collaborative Mixing Work Income Diversification Influences: Brian Eno, Laurie Anderson Film Scoring Techniques Matt's Rant: Your Health Links and Show Notes: Julie's Site (iamsnowangel.com) Credits: Guest: Julie Kathryn Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode, Matt talks with Will Holland, owner of Chill House, a 2,000-square-foot studio in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Will has worked with acts like SeepeopleS, Club d'Elf, Nth Power, Berklee, and the Lowell Chamber Orchestra. In This Episode, We Discuss: Chill House Studio Location 2,000 Square Feet Space Multiple Studio Rooms Local, Mid-Level Clients Will's Boston Beginnings Internship Turned Career Ownership Advantages Discussed Low Overhead Emphasized Word-of-Mouth Marketing Work-Life Balance Focus Future Relocation Possible Classic Rock Influence Staying Young Setting Rates Matt's Rant: Following Up! Links and Show Notes: Will's Studio Credits: Guest: Will Holland Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau welcomes back audio engineer David, initially featured in WCA #210. David dives into his journey since his last interview, sharing updates on his Portland-based studio move, reflections on the city's music scene post-COVID, and how the pandemic shifted industry dynamics. David offers insights on balancing live sound with studio recording, the adaptive approaches required in today's music landscape, and how Portland's music community is showing resilience in challenging times. David has worked with fourhundred, Lucid Aisle, Storm Large, Kelly Koval, Joshua Lowe and the Juncos. In This Episode, We Discuss: Relocating Studio Spaces and Adapting to New Work Environments Post-COVID Shifts in Portland’s Music Scene and Industry-Wide Changes Balancing Live Sound, Studio Recording, and Creative Roles Community Support, Artist Resilience, and Collaborative Culture in Portland Freelance Audio Strategies: Workflow Tips, Gear Decisions, and Client Relations Navigating New Music Production Trends and Managing Technical Challenges Challenges in Sustaining a Music Career in a Changing Industry Landscape Matt's Rant: Refuse to Giveup Links and Show Notes: David's First Appearance on WCA Justin Phelps from Hallowed Halls David's Site Credits: Guest: David Streit Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, recorded live at AES 2024 in New York, Christal Jerez shares her career journey from Los Angeles to the UK. She discusses her experiences in live and studio sound, her move to the UK for a PhD, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with freelance work. Christal has worked with artists such as Lil Kim, Malik Moses, Al-Doms, and Timi O. In This Episode, We Discuss: Move to the UK: Christal relocated to earn a PhD for the Andrew Scheps Music Production Scholarship, focused on immersive audio, supported by her family. Immersive Audio: Passion for 3D sound and binaural audio, working with psychoacoustic experts at NYU. Early Inspirations: Grew up in LA, influenced by family gatherings and VH1 documentaries. Education Path: Studied audio production in university, learned hands-on through radio station work recording live bluegrass music. Career Growth: Mentored by Serge Tsai at Platinum Sound, rising from assistant to freelance engineer. Focused on client relationships and studio professionalism. Challenges as a Woman in Audio: Faced bias and underrepresentation in the industry. Emphasized importance of mentorship and resilience. Balancing Work & Motherhood: Struggled to balance freelance work with being a mother, setting boundaries to manage family and career. Matt’s Rant: AES 2024 Debrief Links and Show Notes: Christal's Sonic Lab AES 2025 in Long Beach Credits: Guest: Christal Jerez Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau chats with veteran producer and engineer Joel Jaffe, founder of Studio D Recording. Joel reflects on his 40-year journey running a renowned Bay Area studio, working with legendary artists like Faith No More and Huey Lewis, and perfecting live room recording techniques. He also shares insights on overcoming the challenges of studio life, the evolving music industry, and his decision to step away from day-to-day operations, or as Matt puts it, “getting out of the chair.” In This Episode, We Discuss: Challenges of running a studio in the Bay Area Building and managing Studio D Recording Recording techniques for live rooms and handling isolation Working with iconic artists like Faith No More, Huey Lewis, and Soundgarden The impact of streaming and the changing music industry Balancing a 40-year career with family life Lessons learned from mentors and iconic engineers Advice for aspiring audio engineers and producers Shifting from studio ownership to freelance work Matt’s Rant: Revisiting Putting Yourself Out There Links and Show Notes: Studio D Recording Joel Jaffe on Wikipedia Credits: Guest: Joel Jaffe Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau talks with Grammy-nominated recording engineer and educator Dr. Mary Mazurek about her work in classical music recording and her approach to teaching and mentoring. In This Episode, We Discuss: Grammy-nominated projects Challenges of recording classical music Microphone techniques for live performances Managing acoustics in different environments Mentoring young engineers Practical learning in audio Evolution of audio technology Moving to Canada Summers in Chicago Matt’s Rant: The most important thing is what comes out of the speakers! Links and Show Notes: Dr. Mary Mazurek's Faculty Profile Mary Mazurek's previous WCA episode #253 Credits: Guest: Dr. Mary Mazurek Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, we welcome back Engineer/Producer Gabriel Shepard, who first appeared on WCA #011. Now, 500 episodes later, Gabriel returns to share more from his journey. Gabriel's impressive client list includes Cake, The Kronos Quartet, Bassnectar, Raphael Saadiq, and The Residents. In This Episode, We Discuss: 25th Street Recording Building Client Trust Creative Collaboration Crafting Signature Sound Navigating Industry Changes Freelance Persistence Audio Gear Insights Mixing Strategies Studio Workflow Client Communication Recording Challenges Evolving Sound Trends Learning from Other Producers Earning Fans of Your Work Matt's Rant: Covid! Links and Show Notes Gabriel's Site 25th Street Recording Studio Original WCA #011 with Gabriel WCA #073 with John Schimpf WCA #249 with Jeff Kolhede WCA #005 with John Cuniberti WCA #290 with Joe Chiccarelli Credits Guest: Gabriel Shepard Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Steve Lack shares his extensive background in audio post-production and podcasting. Steve reflects on his time working with Warner Brothers Discovery and his contributions to iconic shows like Seinfeld. With experience at NPR, VPM, Al Jazeera, and HBO, Steve now operates remotely from Richmond, Virginia. He discusses the flexibility of podcasting and how his journey from network television to podcasting has shaped his approach to building lasting client relationships. In This Episode, We Discuss: Freelancing Journey Shifts Early Adoption Of Pro Tools Discovery Channel Experience Remote Podcast Production Transition From Drumming To Film Composition Midlife Career Pivot Freedom In Podcasting Networking And Relationships Working From A Sailboat Overcoming Corporate Mergers Embracing Technological Changes Matt's Rant: Learning to Swim First Links and Show Notes Steve's Site Acon DeReverberate Accentize Plugins Credits Guest: Steve Lack Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, mastering engineer Alberto de Icaza shares his journey from Mexico City to the U.S., transitioning from playing in metal bands to becoming a mastering engineer. Now based in Austin, Texas, Alberto discusses his path to mastering during the pandemic and the importance of building client relationships organically through word-of-mouth. In This Episode, We Discuss: AI Tools Usage Mastering Career Shift Industry Challenges Impact Of AI On Work Client Relations Networking Expansion Spanish Market Strategy Social Media Promotion Professional Collaborations Remote Work Preference Cash Flow Management Studio Setup Adapting To New Tech Working With Key Mentors Crashing His Car From Mexico to New Jersey, to Texas Matt's Rant: All The Other Stuff Links and Show Notes Alberto's Site Steve Chadie on WCA #245 Steve Chadie on WCA #487 Credits Guest: Alberto de Icaza Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, host Matt Boudreau welcomes back Cesar Mejia, a longtime friend of the podcast, to discuss his continued journey as an educator, studio owner, and audio professional. Cesar, first featured in episode #117 back in 2017, shares his experiences navigating the post-pandemic world, teaching the next generation of musicians, and balancing life at his studio, Shelter Studios. In This Episode, We Discuss: Cesar Mejia's Return to Podcast: Reflecting on his first appearance in 2017, episode 117, and discussing his journey. Teaching Post-COVID: Cesar talks about teaching at Cal State Dominguez Hills and Whittier College, highlighting changes in student mentality and the shift in teaching due to the pandemic. Students' Musical Preferences: Discussing the differences between students at Dominguez Hills, who are more electronic-focused, and those at Whittier, who are often acoustic musicians. Shelter Studios and Family Property: Cesar's studio, Shelter Studios, is located on family property that he inherited. He is working on possibly expanding the space while keeping the studio comfortable and home-like. Balancing Expansion and Stability: Conversations about the benefits of expanding the studio or staying in the current location and the importance of financial stability. Wiring and Additional Gigs: In addition to teaching and studio work, Cesar occasionally takes on wiring gigs for other studios, keeping his income diversified. Collaboration with Herbie Hancock: Cesar continues to work with Herbie Hancock, especially on tours post-COVID, and handles audio tasks such as mixing stems for live performances. Matt's Rant: Being in Asset Links and Show Notes The Shelter Studios The Shelter on Instangram WCA Episode #117 with Cesar Mejia Credits Guest: Cesar Mejia Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith