Working Class Audio

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

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

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

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

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:
Phillip's Site
Trina Shoemaker on WCA
Dave Schiffman on WCA

Matt's Rant: Inspiration and Imagination
Credits:
Guest: Phillip Broussard
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith