Working Class Audio

WCA #500 with Catherine Marks - From Architect to Producer, Fearlessness, Supportive Mentors, Managing Creative Conflicts, and Capturing the Immediacy of a Moment

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My guest today is Grammy-winning London-based producer and mixer Catherine Marks, who has worked on projects for boygenius, Wolf Alice, and The Mysterines.  


In this episode, we discuss

  • Upbringing in Australia
  • Early exposure to music through parents' record collection
  • Participation in a Yamaha piano course at an all-girls school
  • Development of interest in songwriting and record production
  • Studying architecture at the University of Melbourne
  • Taking a year out to work in Dublin
  • Introduction to Dublin's music
  • Immersion in live music and DJ nights in Dublin
  • Discovery of interest in music production and reverb
  • Transition from architecture degree to music production career
  • Learning about music production while working for Flood
  • Recording a song with Elastica, gaining Flood's attention
  • Fearlessness and willingness to take opportunities
  • Early advice from her father and
  • Support from the Dublin community
  • Early experiences in the studio,
  • Multitasking in various roles
  • Learning via observing, asking questions, and reading manuals
  • Development of skills and studio efficiency
  • Mentorship from Alan Moulder
  • Working with producers like Dmitry Tikovoy, Ben Hillier, and Flood
  • Importance of capturing the immediacy of a moment over technical perfection
  • Discipline to let go of awareness and move forward in projects
  • Managing creative conflicts and rising from unknown engineer to sought-after producer
  • Establishing connections with key individuals in the music industry
  • Importance of mutual understanding and communication in the recording process
  • Working with Alan Moulder and Flood, enhancing her career
  • Mutual respect and high expectations foster professional growth
  • Importance of enjoying projects and respecting colleagues
  • Prioritizing a balanced lifestyle over immediate success
  • Pressure to maintain career momentum and need for self-care to prevent burnout
  • Consistent commitment and passion for work
  • Experiences and reflections on winning a Grammy award
  • Highs and lows of industry recognition
  • Challenges of being away for extended periods during album work
  • Anticipation for future projects and collaborations


    • Matt's Rant: 500 Episodes and Pressing On

    Links and Show Notes

    • Catherine's Site
    • Catherine on Instagram


      • Credits

      • Guest: Catherine Marks
      • Host: Matt Boudreau
      • Engineer: Matt Boudreau
      • Producer: Matt Boudreau
      • Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau 
      • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell 
      • Announcer: Chuck Smith 
        • ...more
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