On this episode of Exploring Washington State, we delve into the world of music production and instrument building with our special guest Sam Albright. We explore the process of mastering records and how different formats require specific adjustments to sound their best. 

We explore the process of mastering records and how different formats require specific adjustments to sound their best. Sam shares his experience of having records mastered at John Golden Mastering and how it differed from today's digital process.

Sam also discuss his passion for building handmade mandolins and the challenges and joys that come with it.

We learn about his involvement with the Japanese girl punk band, Shonen Knife, and his experience recording with Van and Lee Conner of Screaming Trees.

Finally, we hear about his journey in building a recording studio and how the studio transitioned from analog to digital recording technology.

Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of music production and building handmade instruments.

Episode Summary: Mastering Records, Building Instruments, and Creating Good Music

- Mastering Records

- Excitement about test pressings 

- Analog and digital master similarities 

- Adjusting each format with optimization 

- Goal: making the record sound good at any level 

- Mastering techniques of the past differs from the present 

- Building Instruments

- 15 instruments made 

- Techniques of instrument making 

- Availability of high-quality instruments diminishes solo builders 

- Physical toll of instrument-making 

- Handmade instruments do not yield a high income 

- Recording and Playing Live 

- Creative moment with multiple people 

- Find the switch that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up 

- Building a studio to demo other business ventures 

- Van and Lee Conner (Screaming Trees)

- Met Van and Lee Conner through their parents' video store 

- Project was a group effort with the studio providing time and the band's parents contributed half the funding 

- Successful, intensive experience 

- Building a Recording Studio 

- Experiencing arson fires 

- New building designed with friend technical knowledge 

- Studio designed for big room to allow for musicians playing together 

- Digital transition over time

The Creative Process: "You're after that creative moment with multiple people. There's moments when the hairs on the back of your neck, they stand up and you just go, okay, that's it right there. That was it. And we're looking for that switch that you could turn on to make that happen. But there is no switch. It's a combination of many, many things."

— Sam Albright

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