WCA #508 with Cesar Mejia – Navigating Post-COVID Teaching, Balancing Studio Ownership, Diversifying Income Streams, Expanding Shelter Studios, and Longtime Collaboration with Herbie Hancock

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

My guest for this episode is Producer/Engineer/ Composer Ebonie Smith, who currently holds the esteemed roles of senior audio engineer and producer at Atlantic Records. Ebonie has worked on projects for The Hamilton Cast Album, Janelle Monae, Sturgill Simpson, and Jason Mraz. In This Episode, We Discuss: Memphis Upbringing and Tri-State Area Radio and Musical Influences Transition from Sports to Music College Struggles and Musical Pursuit Technological Fascination and Audio Barnard College Audio Tech Job Pursuit of Music Technology Parental Expectations vs. Music NYU and Advanced Music Studies Career Start at Atlantic Records Evolution from Editing to Producing Hamilton Cast Recording Involvement Creating an Incubator Program Move to Los Angeles Decision Differences Between NYC and LA Atlantic Records Role Transformation Producing Unique Label Projects Challenges in the Music Industry Importance of Administrative Proficiency Balancing Multiple Creative Roles A Continuing Passion for Audio Multitasking Is a Necessity Full Control of the Signal Chain Matt's Rant: Making Opportunity For Yourself Links and Show Notes Ebonie's Site Credits Guest: Ebonie Smith Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith

My guests today are Wesley Heaton and Kameron Lockwood, producers, engineers, and mixers from Indianapolis, Indiana. They are studio partners at Holy Ground Productions and have extensive live sound experience working with bands like Bingo Boys, Skeletonwitch Rituaal, and Pillars. In this episode, we discuss: Studio Location And Name Early Friendship Timeline Growing Up Experiences Meeting Through Audio Live Sound Frustrations Musical Background Origins Gear Acquisition Journey First Paid Recordings Studio Environment Challenges DIY Venue Recordings Recording School Experiences Self-Education In Audio Recording With Anthrax Transition From Live Sound Studio Construction Challenges Importance Of Deposits Business Partnership Dynamics Studio Community Focus Lessons From First Studio Hospitality And Client Comfort Matt's Rant: Perfection Links and Show Notes Holy Ground Productions Holy Ground on Instagram Credits Guest: Wesley Heaton and Kameron Lockwood 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 Mastering Engineer Ben Pike, who runs an analog-based mastering and record cutting studio in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Ben specializes in vinyl mastering and custom lathe cut records, working primarily with independent artists. He has collaborated with artists and groups such as ATA Records, Yaatri, The London Ambient Orchestra, Smith & The Honey Badgers, and King Zepha. In this episode, we discuss: Leeds, West Yorkshire Roots Discovering Recording Technology DIY Recording Beginnings Home Studio Evolution Transition to Mastering Vinyl Mastering Journey Analog Studio Setup Custom Lathe Cut Records Challenges of Chronic Illness Building a Mastering Studio Navigating the Music Industry Supporting Independent Artists Small Batch Vinyl Production Innovative Vinyl Techniques Mastering and Cutting Synergy Restoring Vintage Gear Matt's Rant: The Art of Being Concise Links and Show Notes Ben Pike's Studio: Rare Tone Mastering Jeff Powell Companion Episode Credits Guest: Ben Pike 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 Producer/Multi-Instrumentalist/Engineer, Jordan Brooke Hamlin, who has worked with Indigo Girls, KT Tunstall, Vienna Teng, Lila Blue, Katie Herzig, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Allison Russell, and Brandy Clark. --------------------------------- In this episode, we discuss Upbringing In Kentucky Music-Loving Family Zeppelin Hippies Deep Connection To Music Early Music Exposure Discovery Of Production Sarah McLachlan Influence Running Her Studio Creating Artist Space Mental Health Focus Challenges In Nashville Supportive Studio Environment Economic Challenges Studio Setup Efficiency Working With Labels Navigating Industry Changes Moxie Studio Origin Residential Studio Blend Artist Commune Vision Reclaiming Neglected Land Importance Of Environment Balancing Creativity And Deadlines Nashville's Music Culture Contrasting With Los Angeles Session Efficiency Vs. Exploration Encouraging Artistic Risk Challenges In Studio Ownership Supporting Independent Artists Grant Programs For Artists Gender Equity In The Audio Industry Financial Pressures On Music Organizational Tools (Airtable) Payment Delays From Labels Navigating Professional Relationships Empathy For Touring Artists Evolving Industry Dynamics --------------------------------- Matt's Rant: Getting Organized --------------------------------- Links and Show Notes Book Matt mentions in Interview: Day Trading Attention AirTable Jordan's Studio --------------------------------- Credits Guest: Jordan Brooke Hamlin Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau  WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Chuck Smith

My guest is Grammy Nominated Music Metadata Professional Tony Brooke. Tony has worked on projects for Richard Thompson, Coldplay, David Byrne, twenty one pilots, Maroon 5, Jane's Addiction, Duran Duran, Steve Miller, Norah Jones, Erasure, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Doobie Brothers, Sarah McLachlan, Elvis Costello, Seal, George Clinton, Emmylou Harris, Indigo Girls, Lucinda Williams, Dave Chappelle, Khaled & Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Stern Grove Festival, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. He's also worked for Pandora/SiriusXM and Warner Music Group. --------------------------------- In this episode, we discuss Tony's Audio Production Journey Background and Education Bay Area Move Technical Skills & Equipment Live Music Engineer to Entrepreneur Tascam DA88 Benefits Multi-Track Services Gig Organization Logistics Music Industry Experiences Seasonal Income Fluctuations Business Diversification Website Development Ultimate Track Sheet Career Transition Insights Digital Console Shift Career Coach Influence Master's Degree Pursuit Family Support Gratitude Work-Life Balance Challenges Music Industry Pressures Honesty and Humility Importance Music Data Exchange Research DDEX XML Format Pandora Credit Inclusion Apple Credit Attribution Issues Identifier Initiative Music Data Management Tools Sound Credit Replacement Muse.AI & Other Databases Data Accuracy Challenges Technological Changes Preparation Three-Tiered Data Storage Data Preservation Strategies Copyrighted Compositions Importance Streaming Service Identification Online Course Idea Digital Data Management Strategies --------------------------------- Matt's Rant: Embracing Social Media --------------------------------- Links and Show Notes Book Matt mentions in Rant: Day Trading Attention Tools for capturing data in the studio:  Sound Credit: https://www.soundcredit.com/  Session Studio: https://www.sessionstudio.com/  VEVA Collect: https://vevacollect.com/  Identifiers: ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier): http://isni.org/  ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code): https://www.iswc.org/  DDEX standards for music data exchange: https://ddex.net/  CLIP - Free resource to learn industry terminology, creator rights, and how to get credited and paid: https://goclip.org/en/music  Master Tape Rescue project to find a home for lost tapes and other formats (Brian Kehew and Danny White): https://www.mastertaperescue.com/  Tony Brooke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybrooke/  SilentWay.com: http://www.silentway.com/  --------------------------------- Credits Guest: Tony Brooke Host: Matt Boudreau Engineer: Matt Boudreau Producer: Matt Boudreau Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau  WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell  Announcer: Chuck Smith

My guest is Hans-Martin Buff, a Recording Engineer, Music Producer, and 3D Geek based in Munich, Germany. Hans has worked with Prince, Peter Gabriel, and the Scorpions. --------------------------------- In this episode, we discuss Introduction and Background Family Musical Influence Early Musical Interests Educational Background Transition to Music Career Pachyderm Studio Experience Nirvana Recording Sessions Working with Prince Paisley Park Experience Prince's Influence on Hans Challenges in the Industry Difficult Clients and Lessons Technical Recording Techniques Personal Growth and Development Sequencing and Assembly Memorable Projects and Highlights Impact on Personal Music Enjoyment --------------------------------- Matt's Rant: When to Let it Go --------------------------------- Links and Show Notes Hans' Site Hans on Instagram --------------------------------- Credits Guest: Hans-Martin Buff 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 engineer and Mixer Chris Dugan, who has worked on projects for Green Day, Gaslight Anthem, Weezer, and Alanis Morissette. --------------------------------- 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 --------------------------------- Matt's Rant: The Battle for Your Attention --------------------------------- Links and Show Notes Chris Dugan on WCA #078 TimeShifter APP Global Entry --------------------------------- 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