WCA #589 with Mitch Easter – R.E.M., Drive-In Studio, Don Dixon, North Carolina, and Fidelatorium Recordings

In this episode, Matt welcomes mastering engineer Steve Kitch. Steve shares his journey from early music programming on home keyboards and classical piano training to building a worldwide mastering practice from his studio in Devon, UK. They discuss the transition from transferring DAT tapes to CDs, being an early adopter of online file delivery, and the evolution of a professional audio career through self-taught exploration and technical curiosity.In This Episode, We Discuss:Full Time MasteringDevon Studio LocationClassical Piano TrainingEarly Keyboard SequencersHiFi Technical UpbringingSound On SoundSelf Taught EducationDAT Tape TransfersOnline Mastering PioneerGoogle AdWords StrategiesSupermarket Shift WorkWebsite Design SoftwareGlobal Client ReachDigital Audio EvolutionMatt's RANT!: The Small ThingsLinks and Show Notes:Steve Kitch’s Site: AudiomasterRelated Episode: WCA #593 with Katie Marie RichardsCredits:Guest: Steve KitchHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode, Matt welcomes mastering engineer and artist Amar Lal of Oakland’s Macro Sound. Amar shares his journey from the New York DIY scene and touring with Big Ups to a corporate role at Sennheiser and his eventual return to independent studio ownership. They discuss the benefits of an all-digital mastering workflow, the "Active Listening Club" philosophy, and how Amar maintains career longevity through work-life balance and photography.In This Episode, We Discuss:Mastering Engineer RolesOakland Studio LocationShared Building BenefitsEarly Childhood CanadaChildhood Piano LessonsExperimental Music SceneCircuit Bending GearHigh School RecordingNew York EducationTouring Big UpsFacing Career BurnoutCorporate Sennheiser ExperienceLaunching Macro SoundHome Studio LogisticsOakland Artistic CommunityAll Digital MasteringActive Listening ClubBalancing Personal LifePassion For PhotographyArtistic Practice PhilosophyMastering Room AcousticsLocal Community TiesRemote Working ModelsStudio Business LogisticsAuditory Sensitivity IssuesLinks and Show Notes:Amar Lal’s Site: Macro SoundBand Reference: Big UpsSennheiserActive Listening ClubMatt's RANT: Doing Try OutsCredits:Guest: Amar LalHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist Katie Marie for a deep dive into her 30-year career journey, moving from a rural UK trailer to world-class studios. They discuss the transition from solo artistry to a supportive production role, the philosophy of professional growth, and maintaining a healthy mindset around the business of music.In This Episode, We Discuss:Producer And Multi-instrumentalist BackgroundLeaving School At FifteenSelf-taught Musical FoundationsEarly Four-track Recording ExperimentsTransitioning From Solo ArtistManaging Performance AnxietyRelocating From Devon To AustinMentorship At Blue Rock StudioSharing Process Via Live StreamsTransitioning To North CarolinaMorning And Afternoon Life StagesGrowing Wider Rather Than TallerCollaborating With Christie LenéeOvercoming A Poverty MindsetCharging Based On ValueSelling The Human ExperiencePrioritizing Songs Over GearAdapting To New EnvironmentsLinks and Show Notes:Katie Marie’s SiteBlue Rock StudioBook Reference: You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen SinceroMatt's Rant: What IS possibleCredits:Guest: Katie Marie RichardsHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith

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 POintsDebtLinks and Show Notes:Ronan's SiteMatt'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 MotivationLinks and Show Notes:CBT's SiteMatt'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 moreIn 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 musicLinks and Show Notes:Phillip's SiteTrina Shoemaker on WCADave Schiffman on WCAMatt'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 RetirementLinks and Show Notes:YouTube versionMitch's SiteMatt'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 RoomLinks and Show Notes:Joe On Instagram @costa71Watch the Interview on YouTubeMatt'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 InnovationLinks and Show Notes:Willie Green’s WebsiteMatt'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 NashvilleLinks and Show Notes:Part 1 InterviewRich's SiteMatt's Rant: Auto PilotCredits:Guest: Richard ChyckiHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith