Working Class Audio

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:
WCA #388 with Will Kennedy
Matt Wallace on WCA
Brad Wood on WCA

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

Video Interview

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

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