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

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 abuseLinks and Show Notes:Steve on WCA #245Steve on WCA #487Steve's SiteMatt'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 AreaLinks and Show Notes:Fran's SiteMatt'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 #329Matt's Rant: Credits:Guest: Joe CaithnessHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell<span class="ql-ui"...

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Producer, Mixer &amp; 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:Innovative immersive audioEarly surround experimentsCommunity-driven collaborationCanadian arts fundingValue of physical mediaSocial media promotionImpact of recognitionBalancing family supportBelief in the workEngineer and artistLinks and Show Notes:Justin's Site Links to all streaming PlatformsBand CampImmersive Audio AlbumJustin on WCA #451Matt's Rant: Forming Your Own BubbleCredits:Guest: Justin GrayHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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:Reflections on the past yearCreativity and staying inspiredRecharging creativelyHealth, wellness, and career longevitySimplicity in music productionThe role and value of album artworkCommunity and connection as creative fuelLooking ahead to 2026New projects on the horizonSelf-discovery through artistic workLinks and Show Notes:Al's SiteOrb AudioMicrocosm AudioAl on WCA #133Al on WCA #328Matt's Rant: What's Inspiring MeCredits:Guest: Alan EvansHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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 &amp; Violent Femmes. Michael originally appeared on WCA #029 back in 2015. In This Episode, We Discuss:Music productionRemote productionPre-productionMusic critiqueMainstream musicAI in musicUnique voicesMusic industryCreativity in musicMusic technologyArtist developmentRisk-taking in musicMusic analysisRecording industryListening setupCollaborationLinks and Show Notes:Michael's SiteMichael on WCA #029Matt's Rant: Auto PilotCredits:Guest: Michael BeinhornHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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:Owning Your TimeEmbracing Old and NewCelebrating the New GenerationSolving Audio ProblemsWorking From HomeCommunicating with MusiciansGetting It Right At The SourcePerforming LiveLinks and Show Notes:Stephen's SiteStephen on InstagramMatt's Rant: Staying PositiveCredits:Guest: Stephen DeAcutisHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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:Early musical influencesStarting in recording &amp; mixingUniversity training &amp; goalsMetropolis internship lessonsMoving into masteringLive cuts &amp; direct-to-discHalf-speed mastering overviewLearning &amp; mentorship insightsAIR StudiosValue of attended sessionsManaging client expectationsHybrid mastering workflowsHow mastering engineers listenCommon mixing problemsMusic Producers GuildChallenges for studiosAIR’s cutting reputationVinyl cutting processMastering vs. cuttingAmerican mastering mystiqueLinks and Show Notes:AIR StudiosMusic Producers GuildMatt's Rant: How we present ourselvesCredits:Guest: Natalie BibbyHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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:Extreme MetalTechniquesSoundsRoom ToneBusinessSurvivalLetting GoLinks and Show Notes:Alex’s SiteAlex on LinkedinAlex on InstagramAlex on WCA #333Matt's Rant: Spread the WorkCredits:Guest: Alex CrescioniHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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. Enjoy.In This Episode, We Discuss:PavementGary YoungDetective WorkRestorationTape RescueMastering from CDRe- IssueKeeping the VibeLinks and Show Notes:Gary on BandcampIAC RecordsMatt's Rant: StructureCredits:Guest: Don Setaro /Dan Johnson/Justin PerkinsHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith