Working Class Audio

WCA #556 with Toby Lloyd– Working in Film, Returning to Music, New Zealand Scene, Being a Good Dad, and The Morning Cold Plunge

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, mixer, Toby Lloyd who runs Tiny Triumph Recordings in Wellington, New Zealand. Toby’s career spans working in film (The Hobbit Trilogy, Avatar, Mortal Engines) as well as music by playing a central role in the New Zealand Music world.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Producing And Mixing Music
• Rooftop Recording Studio
• Meditation And Cold Plunge
• Punk Rock Beginnings
• 110 Studio Rejections
• Sound Recordist On The Hobbit
• Learning In Collaboration
• Eight Years In Film
• University Studio Engineer
• Full-Time Music Producer
• Intimate Studio Design
• New Studio Lease
• Parenting Five Children
• Artist Relationship Building
• Financial Discipline Strategy
• Wellington Music Challenges
• Safe Space For Artists
• Staying In New Zealand
• Stories Of Perseverance

Links and Show Notes:

• Toby’s Studio

Matt’s Rant: A Brainstorm

Credits:

• Guest: Toby Lloyd
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #554 with Mark Pistel – Sampler Revolution, Disposable Heroes, Consolidated, Union Work, and Adapting to Industry Changes

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes engineer and producer Mark Pistel. His extensive credits include influential work with Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and Consolidated, as well as notable collaborations with artists such as Meat Beat Manifesto, Grace Jones, Hercules and Love Affair, Chuck Prophet, Rykarda Parasol, Machines of Loving Grace, Holly Herndon, Los Mocosos, and many others.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Growing up in Duluth
• Vibrant San Francisco Scene
• Sampler Revolution
• Disposable Heroes Album Production
• Jack Dangers
• Adapting to Industry Changes
• Union Work

Links and Show Notes:

• https://www.markpistel.com

Matt’s Rant: Differences

Credits:

• Guest: Mark Pistel
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #552 with Daniel Holter – Studio Aesthetics, Hospitality, Presentation, Relationships, and Cashflow

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, mixer, composer and songwriter Daniel Holter. Daniel first appeared in 2018 on WCA Episode #179. Over the years, Daniel has mixed music by artists such as Nick Lowe, Field Report, Over The Rhine, Amos Lee, Blitzen Trapper, Collections of Colonies of Bees, Phil Keaggy, Crowded House, Dead Horses, WebsterX, and Ryan Higa. He’s also composed and/or produced thousands of cues currently being used by such varied clients as Apple, Nike, Google, Microsoft, GM & Gatorade, virtually all of the top shows on HBO, ESPN, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and all across the globe in tv, radio, advertisements, video games and film.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Studio Aesthetics
• Hospitality
• Making Artists Feel at Home
• THUD Studios
• Relationships
• Cashflow
• Seattle
• Family Business
• Candles

Links and Show Notes:

• Daniel on WCA #179
• The Candles! (discount Applied on Checkout)
• THUD Studio

Matt’s Rant: The Curse

Credits:

• Guest: Daniel Holter
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

Studio Tour

WCA #550 with Justin Francis – Remote Studio Benefits, Nashville Efficiency, Beyond Music Row, and Navigating Payment Ethics

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

WCA #548 with Dan Malsch – Touring Guitarist to Full-Time Engineer, Building a Studio Career, Mixing Ghost, Working with Andy Wallace, and Running a Successful Studio Outside the Big Cities

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

Video Interview

WCA #546 with Elad Marish –Surf Culture, The Magic of KISS, Guitar Obsession, Post Production Powerhouse, and The Growth of Swell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Elad Marish, 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

Video Interview

WCA #544 with Benedikt Hain – Helping Bands Record Better, Mixing in Bavaria, Revisions, and Client Filter

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

Video Interview

WCA #542 with Emre Ramazanoglu – ATMOS For Brian Eno, Session Drumming, Fashion Shows, Family Balance, and ADHD

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.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• 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

Links and Show Notes:

• Emre’s Site
• Emre’s Band

Matt’s Rant: Embrace the Unpredictable

Credits:

• Guest: (Current Guest)
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #540 with Max Dearing – Struck by Lightening, Building a Studio, Pounding Sand, Inflation, and Fasteners

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes recording and mix engineer at Dark Pine Studios, Max Dearing, to discuss his brush with being struck by lightening, the healing nature of music, and building a studio.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• North Carolina Talent
• Journey Into Music and Recording
• Recording Studio Design
• Studio Building Experience
• Critical Measurement
• Construction Challenges
• Being Struck by Lightening
• Live Sound Production

Links and Show Notes:

• Dark Pine Studios

Matt’s Rant: Revisiting Imagination

Credits:

• Guest: Max Dearing
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #538 with Greg Norman – Steve Albini, Electrical Audio, Community, Family, & Institutional Knowledge

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Greg Norman of Electrical Audio to the show to talk about his journey, Steve Albini, the future of Electrical Audio and much more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• State of Electrical Audio
• Steve Albini’s Influence
• Greg’s Interest in Sound
• Internship with Steve
• Growth and Independence
• The Financial Aspect
• Legacy and The Future

Links and Show Notes:

• Electrical Audio
• Greg’s Site
• Yamaha Sound Reinforcement

Matt’s Rant: Visiting Other Studios

Credits:

• Guest: Greg Norman
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview