Working Class Audio

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixing engineer, producer and composerJade Alysse Berry, whose path to mixing was sparked by a life‑changing health event and a deep love for music. Jade shares practical insights on creativity, collaboration, and setting clear boundaries with clients.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
How a health crisis redirected Jade’s career toward audio engineering
Challenges and politics of the music industry
Collaborative dynamics with partner Bob Horn
The creative process of mixing
Setting boundaries
Understanding client expectations
Effective communication

Links and Show Notes:
Jade on Instagram

Matt's Rant: The Home Studio
Credits:
Guest: Jade Alysse Berry
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

Matt is joined by grammy winning engineer Tom Camuso who has worked with Lenny Kravitz, Blondie, Steve Earl as well as a number of commercial, television and film projects. Tom is also the Chief Engineer at The Les Paul Recording Studio in Holly wood.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Preserving Les Paul's Legacy
Los Angeles vs. New York
Cracking the Preservation Code
Weather
Education
Library of Congress

Links and Show Notes:
Tom's Site
Les Paul Studio

Matt's Rant: Economic Reevaluation
Credits:
Guest: Tom Camuso
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

Matt is joined by 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:
NAMM Experience
Current State of Immersive Audio
Moving to Nashville: Reasons and Plans
Early Musical Journey and Transition to Engineering
The Shift from Musician to Engineer
Adapting to Technological Changes in Audio
The Future of Atmos and Immersive Audio
Artist Reactions to Immersive Mixing
The Evolution of Atmos Technology
Learning from Major Artists
Navigating the Music Industry
Financial Strategies in Music Production
The Importance of Networking
Mixing Classic Records in Atmos

Links and Show Notes:
Rich's Site

Matt's Rant: The Expenses
Credits:
Guest: Richard Chycki
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

Matt welcomes Grammy Nominated producer /engineer/mixer Joel Weldon Willis.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Building a Home Studio
Early Experiences in Music Production
Transitioning to Freelance and Indie Music Scene
Creative Approaches to Music Production
Navigating Financial Challenges in the Studio
Recording Techniques and Live Sessions
Lessons Learned in the Studio
Freelancing and Renting Studio Spaces
Community and Collaboration in Music Production
Balancing Promotion and Authenticity
The Impact of Grammy Nominations
Adapting to Client Needs and Communication
Remote Mixing
Handling Criticism and Professional Growth
The Importance of Collaboration Over Competition

Links and Show Notes:
Joel's Site

Matt's Rant: Inspiration
Credits:
Guest: Joel Weldon WIllis
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

Matt welcomes Producer /engineer/mixer and film composer Sanford Parker. As an artist he’s performed and released albums with extreme heavy and industrial bands like Black Cross Hotel, Corrections House, Mirrors for Psychic Warfare and Minsk. Throughout the years he’s collaborated with members of Sonic Youth, Ministry, Napalm Death and Neurosis as well as producing and mixing albums for Darkthrone, Voivod, Brutal Truth, Pelican, YOB, Hide, Youth Code, Wovenhand, Rwake, Local H and many others.
Takeaways
Sanford opened his studio in March 2020, just before the pandemic.
He prefers working with independent artists and punk music.
Chicago's music scene is affordable compared to other major cities.
Managing overhead is crucial for running a successful studio.
Sanford transitioned to mixing in the box for efficiency.
He values genuine relationships with artists over bureaucracy.
The pandemic shifted his work focus back to mixing.
The flexibility of working remotely with clients.
Learning to navigate financial discussions with bands.
Independent music often allows for quicker decision-making.

Links and Show Notes:
Sanford's Site

Matt's Rant: Your Journey
Credits:
Guest: Sanford Parker
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith