WCA #549 with Ian Shepherd – Mastering Democratized, AI, Physical or Virtual Gear, and Empty Nests

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer and Composer Dane Giordano who has engineered artists for Warner, Sony and Universal Music Group. Dane has composed music for Film, Video Games, Television and more! He is also one of the House Engineers at Young Avenue Sound & Sun Studio. In This Episode, We Discuss: First Studio Experience Touring Survival Methods Bad Engineer Experiences Positive Studio Experiences Flat Rates Engineering Transition  Sun Studio  Electrical Audio Internship Steve Albini's Kindness Professional Studio Habits Embrace Beginner Mindset Clients By Word-Of-Mouth Financial Discipline  Diversifying Services Links and Show Notes: Dane's Site Matt's Rant: Session Documentation in the 21st Century Credits: Guest: Dane Giordano Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy Winning Producer/engineer/mixer, Justin Francis who has worked alongside artists like Sheryl Crow, Kacey Musgraves, Tyler Childers, Lake Street Dive, Justin Timberlake, Madison Cunningham, Gary Clark Jr, Sarah Jarosz and Lauren Daigle. In This Episode, We Discuss: Early Music Passion Audio Production Path Studio Immersion Formal Audio Training Nashville Career Growth Efficient Studio Culture Navigating Payment Ethics Community Client Insights Nashville's "Clicky" Nature Remote Studio Benefits Beyond Music Row Links and Show Notes: Justin's Site Matt's Rant: Simplification Credits: Guest: Justin Francis Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back mastering engineer and host of The Mastering Show, Ian Shepherd. They dive into the current state of mastering, AI’s growing role, work/life balance, and in-the-box vs. out-of-the-box mastering. In This Episode, We Discuss: Companion podcast episode Advances in mastering technology The rise of AI mastering Shift toward releasing singles Impact of social media Mastering now democratized Lower barrier to entry AI lacks human context AI results often bland/generic Humans provide taste and nuance Networking challenges in rural areas Technology removes many practical limits Career hasn’t suffered despite changes Facing an empty nest soon Focus on intentional, joyful work Known as the "loudness guy" Links and Show Notes: Ian's 100th episode Ian on WCA #132 Matt's Rant: Building Things Credits: Guest: Ian Shepherd Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer and mixer Dan Malsch to discuss his journey from guitarist to studio owner, working with bands like Ghost and Avenged Sevenfold, building studios with his own hands, and maintaining a no-ego approach to recording at the highest level. In This Episode, We Discuss: Dan Malsch’s Journey From Guitarist to Music Producer Explore how Dan transitioned from touring with his metal band Wicked Mariah to becoming a full-time producer and mix engineer. Building and Running a Professional Recording Studio Learn how Dan used his construction background to build a world-class recording studio in the Poconos from the ground up. Working With Major Artists Like Ghost and Avenged Sevenfold Dan shares behind-the-scenes stories of working with chart-topping rock and metal bands including Ghost, Avenged Sevenfold, and Gojira. Mixing in Dolby Atmos Get insight into how Dan created an Atmos mix room in two weeks and how he mixed Ghost's Impera and Skeletor albums in Dolby Atmos. Collaborating With Legendary Mixer Andy Wallace Hear how a chance meeting led to a close working relationship with Andy Wallace and how that partnership elevated Dan’s career. Running a Successful Studio in a Secondary Market Discover how Dan attracts big-name clients to his Pennsylvania studio without being based in LA, Nashville, or New York. How to Maintain Long-Term Clients as a Music Producer Dan discusses how professionalism, personal communication, and trust help him retain high-profile clients year after year. Balancing Studio Life and Family Life Hear how Dan prioritized being present for his family while running a busy studio and raising two kids. Links and Show Notes: Dan's Studio IMSRV Studio In Stockholm Advice from Robert Diniro video Matt's Rant: Persistence Credits: Guest: Dan Malsch Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, songwriter and host of Recording Studio Rockstars Lij Shaw.   In This Episode, We Discuss: Friendship & Communication Studio & Workspace Costa Rica Trip Music & Production Collaboration & Mixing Identity & Roles Time Management Links and Show Notes: Recording Studio Rockstars Chris Chamness  (Matt & Lij colab) Matt's Rant: Barriers Credits: Guest: Lij Shaw Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Elad Marish, co-founder and producer at Swell Music + Sound, a leading creative audio agency based in San Francisco. Elad and his team at Swell have brought music, sound design, and audio branding to high-profile clients including Apple, Nike, Google, and Uber, working on everything from global ad campaigns to immersive brand experiences. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Magic of KISS Wearing Out Record Needles Hating Piano Surf Culture Guitar Obsession Early Parenthood Painful Band Experiences Post Production Powerhouse Growing Swell Sound Navigating COVID Staying Lean Links and Show Notes: Swell  Elad on Linkedin Matt's Rant: Getting Some Space Credits: Guest: Elad Marish Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Howie Beck who is a multi Juno nominated Mixer, Producer and musician located in Toronto who has mixed or produced music by artists as diverse as Feist, Charlotte Day Wilson, Barenaked Ladies, Chilly Gonzales, Ron Sexsmith, and the Weather Station amongst many more.  In This Episode, We Discuss: Musician to Producer 4 Tracks to Pro Tools Challenges & Rewards of Audio Production Polishing Turds Smart Financial Decisions Health Care Challenges Problems with Apple and ATMOS Independence to Set Schedule Saving the Day  Links and Show Notes: Howie's Website Matt's Rant: Small Chunks  Credits: Guest: Howie Beck Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixing engineer and podcaster Benedikt Hain. Benedikt discussed his journey from growing up in Bavaria to becoming a full-time mixing engineer and running a studio called Outback Recordings . Benedikt has worked with with bands like Pulley and Swallow's Rose and labels like Warner Music and SBÄM Records.  In This Episode, We Discuss: • Remote Mixing In Bavaria • Mindset and Songwriting  • Exclusive Focus on Mixing • Client Revisions  • Mixing Heavy Rock  • Lessons Learned From His Podcast • Client Filter Links and Show Notes: RIP Dan Jasper WCA #027 Studio Website The Self Recording Band Special Site for WCA Listeners Matt's Rant: Enjoying the Journey Credits: Guest: Benedikt Hain Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mastering engineer, Composer, and Guitarist Sarah Register. Her mastering clients include Faye Webster, Channel Tres, Jeffrey Lewis, Alice Longyu Gao, Lee "Scratch" Perry, S.G. Goodman, Wye Oak and many more.  In This Episode, We Discuss: Identity & Balance Avant Garde Egoic Attachment to Past Methods Health and Sanity NYC & The Nervous System 10,000 Hours at Once Playing with Kim Gordon Touring Mastering In The Box Being Flexible on Rate Links and Show Notes: Sarah’s Site Matt's Rant: The Battle for Organization Credits: Guest: Sarah Register Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, mixer, drummer, and composer Emre Ramazanoglu who has worked on projects for Brian Eno, David Bowie, Noel Gallagher Nova Twins and many more. ATMOS for Brian Eno Ziggy Stardust. & Ken Scott Playing on Pillows Mimicking Reverb Fashion Shows Session Drumming Giving a Shit ATMOS Success Apple Issues Dolby Curve Know Your Worth Family Balance ADHD Emre's Site Emre's Band Guest: (Current Guest) Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith In This Episode, We Discuss:Links and Show Notes:Matt's Rant: Embrace the UnpredictableCredits: