Working Class Audio

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Latest Episodes:

WCA #596 with Will Kennedy – Dolby Atmos Focus, Selling Recording Gear, Hidden Coffee Shops, and Mixing Rock in Surround May 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, mixer, and engineer Will Kennedy. Will shares an update on his journey since his last appearance, focusing on his partnership with Matt Wallace and their deep dive into immersive and Dolby Atmos mixing from their Los Angeles studio. They discuss the strategic decision to sell off their traditional recording gear, the evolution of the immersive audio market, and the amusing discovery of a hidden Starbucks inside a Jaguar dealership. The conversation also explores the unique, ongoing challenges of adapting rock and roll production techniques for the Atmos format.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Biking With Brad Wood
Human Powered Vehicles
Partnership With Matt Wallace
Dolby Atmos Mixing Focus
Los Angeles Studio Location
Horseless Carriage Diner
Jaguar Dealership Starbucks
Selling Traditional Recording Gear
Keeping Essential Overdub Setup
Offloading Full Band Tracking
Early Adopter Atmos Strategy
Becoming Premium Immersive Mixers
Dolby Atmos Market Correction
Navigating Cheap Atmos Mixes
Atmos In Modern Cars
Mixing Rock In Surround
Stereo Versus Immersive Techniques
Developing New Tracking Methods

Matt's RANT!: Think Bigger

Links and Show Notes:

Credits:

Guest: Will Kennedy
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

Video Interview

WCA #595 with Steve Kitch – Classical Roots, Sound On Sound, Supermarket Shifts, and Online Mastering Success May 11, 2026

Show notes

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 Mastering
Devon Studio Location
Classical Piano Training
Early Keyboard Sequencers
HiFi Technical Upbringing
Sound On Sound
Self Taught Education
DAT Tape Transfers
Online Mastering Pioneer
Google AdWords Strategies
Supermarket Shift Work
Website Design Software
Global Client Reach
Digital Audio Evolution

Matt's RANT!: The Small Things

Links and Show Notes:

Steve Kitch’s Site: Audiomaster
Related Episode: WCA #593 with Katie Marie Richards

Credits:

Guest: Steve Kitch
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #594 with Amar Lal – Experimental Roots, Corporate Transitions, Mastering Room Acoustics, and Macro Sound May 04, 2026

Show notes

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 Roles
Oakland Studio Location
Shared Building Benefits
Early Childhood Canada
Childhood Piano Lessons
Experimental Music Scene
Circuit Bending Gear
High School Recording
New York Education
Touring Big Ups
Facing Career Burnout
Corporate Sennheiser Experience
Launching Macro Sound
Home Studio Logistics
Oakland Artistic Community
All Digital Mastering
Active Listening Club
Balancing Personal Life
Passion For Photography
Artistic Practice Philosophy
Mastering Room Acoustics
Local Community Ties
Remote Working Models
Studio Business Logistics
Auditory Sensitivity Issues

Links and Show Notes:

Amar Lal’s Site: Macro Sound
Band Reference: Big Ups
Sennheiser
Active Listening Club

Matt's RANT: Doing Try Outs

Credits:

Guest: Amar Lal
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #593 with Katie Marie Richards – Self-taught Foundations, Four-track Experiments, Blue Rock, and The Human Experience Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

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 Background
Leaving School At Fifteen
Self-taught Musical Foundations
Early Four-track Recording Experiments
Transitioning From Solo Artist
Managing Performance Anxiety
Relocating From Devon To Austin
Mentorship At Blue Rock Studio
Sharing Process Via Live Streams
Transitioning To North Carolina
Morning And Afternoon Life Stages
Growing Wider Rather Than Taller
Collaborating With Christie Lenée
Overcoming A Poverty Mindset
Charging Based On Value
Selling The Human Experience
Prioritizing Songs Over Gear
Adapting To New Environments

Links and Show Notes:

Katie Marie’s Site
Blue Rock Studio
Book Reference: You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

Matt's Rant: What IS possible

Credits:

Guest: Katie Marie Richards
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #592 with Ronan Chris Murphy – Falling Trees, World Travel, Anchor Points, and Being a Respectful Human Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

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 Travel
Falling Trees
Language
Being a Respectful Human
Anchor POints
Debt

Links and Show Notes:

Ronan's Site

Matt's Rant: Passion for Audio

Credits:

Guest: Ronan Chris Murphy
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #591 with Tyrone "Cross Bone T" Harris – Curiosity and Learning, Building a Client Base, Health Challenges, Overcoming Obstacles, and The Importance of Small Wins Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

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 Influences
The Journey into Music Production
Curiosity and Learning in Music
Early Experiences with Technology
First Steps in Radio and Education
Navigating Challenges in Music Education
Transitioning to Professional Environments
Live Sound Experiences and Growth
The Art of Live Sound Engineering
Navigating the Music Industry as a Young Professional
Health Challenges and Career Adaptation
Transitioning to Home Studio Work
Building a Client Base in a Niche Market
Philosophy on Life and Overcoming Obstacles
The Importance of Small Wins and Motivation

Links and Show Notes:

CBT's Site

Matt's Rant: Sonic Citizens

Credits:

Guest: Tyrone "Cross Bone T" Harris
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #590 with Phillip Broussard –Gulf Coast, Kingsway, Teatro, Rick Rubin, and Prioritizing Vibe Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

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 more

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Texas upbringing
Jobs in Gulf Coast refineries
First studio internships in Austin
Houston and Austin
Kingsway Studio in New Orleans
Prioritizing vibe over gear
Relocating to Los Angeles
Managing Teatro in Oxnard
Collaboration with Rick Rubin
Handling limited recording budgets
Skills in reading the room
Balancing career and family life
Negotiating rates and invoicing
Audio archiving and session restoration
Networking to find new music

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Inspiration and Imagination

Credits:

Guest: Phillip Broussard
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #589 with Mitch Easter – R.E.M., Drive-In Studio, Don Dixon, North Carolina, and Fidelatorium Recordings Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

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 Upbringing
Early Interest in Recording
Drive-In Studio
Fidelatorium Recordings
Balancing Multiple Roles
Collaboration with Don Dixon
The Music Industry and the Indie Ecosystem
Influences and Inspirations
Views on Retirement

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Creating Opportunity

Credits:

Guest: Mitch Easter
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #588 with Joe Costa– Ordering Lunch with William Shatner, Berklee School of Music, Mixing from Home, and Reading the Room Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

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) Shatner
Working with Ben Folds
Mixing from Home
Moving to Nashville
Berklee School of Music
Reading the Room

Links and Show Notes:

Joe On Instagram @costa71
Watch the Interview on YouTube

Matt's Rant: Know Your Value

Credits:

Guest: Joe Costa
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

WCA #587 with Willie Green – The Green House, Physical Media, Business Strategy, Daily Patterns, and Innovation Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

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
Innovation

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In This Episode, We Discuss:

Matt's RANT!: Think Bigger

Links and Show Notes:

Credits:

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Matt's RANT!: The Small Things

Links and Show Notes:

Credits:

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's RANT: Doing Try Outs

Credits:

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: What IS possible

Credits:

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Passion for Audio

Credits:

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Matt's Rant: Sonic Citizens

Credits:

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Inspiration and Imagination

Credits:

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Creating Opportunity

Credits:

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Know Your Value

Credits:

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: Which music industry do you work in?

Credits:

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