Working Class Audio

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back GRAMMY-winning recording engineer and producer Steve Chadie live from the AudioScape booth at NAMM 2026 to talk about recording bands. Steve has worked with WIllie Nelson, Los Lonely Boys, Wilco, and the Supersuckers.

1. Mic placement and monitoring.
2. The bleed
3. Band dynamics
4. Food and energy levels
5. Expectations
6. Creative ruts.
7. Being invisible
8. Headphone mixes
9. Less substance abuse

1. Steve on WCA #245
2. Steve on WCA #487
3. Steve's Site

1. Guest: Steve Chadie
2. Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
3. Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
4. WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
5. The Voice: Chuck Smith

Matt welcomes producer/engineer/composer Fran Cathcart. Fran having just moved to the Bay Area from New York recounts his journey in studio ownership, working with Herbie Hancock, and facing down serious challenges that would make most throw in the towel, yet he still keeps going.

• Studio Ownership
• Herbie Hancock
• Early Digital Recording
• Divorce
• Covid
• Getting Sued
• Stress
• Moving to the Bay Area

• Fran's Site

• Guest: Fran Cathcart
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Mastering Engineering Joe Caithness. Joe has worked on mastering the soundtrack music for games such as Borderlands, and Tekken, the soundtracks for the Netflix movie Close, bands such as Don Martin 3 and Palooka 5.

In this episode we discuss Pro Audio Minimalism.

• Pro audio minimalism focuses on efficiency and workflow.
• Post-pandemic, many have adapted to home studios.
• Stripping down gear can lead to better productivity.
• Quality of work is not determined by the amount of gear.
• The bell curve illustrates the journey of audio engineers.
• Social media can exacerbate gear obsession.
• It's important to focus on skills rather than equipment.
• Minimalism can reduce stress in the creative process.
• Finding balance in audio engineering is crucial.
• Personal interests outside of audio can influence spending. Being debt-free allows for better control over finances.
• Intentional communication can streamline workflows and reduce confusion.
• Minimalism in workflow can lead to increased efficiency.
• Decluttering can help identify unnecessary subscriptions and expenses.
• Applying minimalism to business practices can enhance focus and productivity.
• The thrill of the hunt can lead to unnecessary clutter if not managed.
• Intentional equipment purchases can prevent buyer's remorse.
• Every purchase has a domino effect on workflow and finances.
• Embracing whimsy can make minimalism enjoyable and fulfilling.
• Sharing resources can benefit others and reduce personal clutter.

• Joe's Site
• Joe on WCA #329

• Guest: Joe Caithness
• 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, Mixer & Mastering Engineer Justin Gray. Based in Toronto, Canada, Justin has worked on projects for Snoop Dogg, Brandy, Nicky Youre, Mother Mother, Arkells, Jamie Fine, Lola Brooke, Upsahl, and The Sheepdogs.

In this conversation, Justin Gray discusses his album 'Immersed', exploring the creative process, technical aspects of immersive audio, and the importance of community and collaboration in music production. He shares insights on funding, marketing strategies, and the role of social media in promoting his work. The discussion also touches on the challenges of balancing family life with artistic pursuits and the significance of believing in oneself as an artist.

1. Innovative immersive audio
2. Early surround experiments
3. Community-driven collaboration
4. Canadian arts funding
5. Value of physical media
6. Social media promotion
7. Impact of recognition
8. Balancing family support
9. Belief in the work
10. Engineer and artist

1. Justin's Site
2. Links to all streaming Platforms
3. Band Camp
4. Immersive Audio Album
5. Justin on WCA #451

1. Guest: Justin Gray
2. Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
3. WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
4. The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, singer and, songwriter, Alan Evans. Alan is of course well known as a member of his band Soulive. He's also been a past guest on WCA #133 and 328.

Matt Boudreau and Alan Evans reflect on the past year and share insights on creativity, health, and the music industry. They discuss the importance of recharging creatively, embracing technology, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to ensure longevity in their careers. The duo also emphasizes the significance of simplicity in music production, the role of album artwork, and the power of community and connection in fostering creativity. As they look ahead to 2026, they express excitement for new projects and the journey of self-discovery in their artistic endeavors.

• Reflections on the past year
• Creativity and staying inspired
• Recharging creatively
• Health, wellness, and career longevity
• Simplicity in music production
• The role and value of album artwork
• Community and connection as creative fuel
• Looking ahead to 2026
• New projects on the horizon
• Self-discovery through artistic work

• Al's Site
• Orb Audio
• Microcosm Audio
• Al on WCA #133
• Al on WCA #328

• Guest: Alan Evans
• 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 Michael Beinhorn who has worked with The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, Herbie Hancock, Korn, Marilyn Manson, Weezer, Ozzy Osbourne, Hole, Cuco, Aerosmith & Violent Femmes. Michael originally appeared on WCA #029 back in 2015.

• Music production
• Remote production
• Pre-production
• Music critique
• Mainstream music
• AI in music
• Unique voices
• Music industry
• Creativity in music
• Music technology
• Artist development
• Risk-taking in music
• Music analysis
• Recording industry
• Listening setup
• Collaboration

• Michael's Site
• Michael on WCA #029

• Guest: Michael Beinhorn
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixer, producer, engineer, writer, and performer Stephen DeAcutis. Stephen has worked with Vanilla Fudge, Gladys Knight, Travers and Appice, Corey Glover, and Cyndi Lauper.

• Owning Your Time
• Embracing Old and New
• Celebrating the New Generation
• Solving Audio Problems
• Working From Home
• Communicating with Musicians
• Getting It Right At The Source
• Performing Live

• Stephen's Site
• Stephen on Instagram

• Guest: Stephen DeAcutis
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mastering and lathe cutting engineer Natalie Bibby who works at AIR Studios in the U.K.. Natalie has worked with Kraftwerk, Bring Me The Horizon, Lola Young, Jimmy Eat World, The Vaccines, Lewis Capaldi, GIRLI, and CATTYShe's also led a world-class mastering workshop at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, UK.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Early musical influences
• Starting in recording & mixing
• University training & goals
• Metropolis internship lessons
• Moving into mastering
• Live cuts & direct-to-disc
• Half-speed mastering overview
• Learning & mentorship insights
• AIR Studios
• Value of attended sessions
• Managing client expectations
• Hybrid mastering workflows
• How mastering engineers listen
• Common mixing problems
• Music Producers Guild
• Challenges for studios
• AIR’s cutting reputation
• Vinyl cutting process
• Mastering vs. cutting
• American mastering mystique

• AIR Studios
• Music Producers Guild

• Guest: Natalie Bibby
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back guitarist, producer, and mixing/mastering engineer Alex Crescioni to talk about Extreme Metal production. Alex is known for his work with Burton C. Bell, Deverauxx, and Siglos.

• Extreme Metal
• Techniques
• Sounds
• Room Tone
• Business
• Survival
• Letting Go

• Alex’s Site
• Alex on Linkedin
• Alex on Instagram
• Alex on WCA #333

• Guest: Alex Crescioni
• 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 and record label owner Don Setaro. Matt and Don get into a deep dive discussion of the re-issue process for former Pavement drummer, Gary Young's album "Hospital For The Chemically Insane". Former WCA guests Dan Johnson and Justin Perkins chime in to talk about their role in the process. Enjoy.

• Pavement
• Gary Young
• Detective Work
• Restoration
• Tape Rescue
• Mastering from CD
• Re- Issue
• Keeping the Vibe

• Gary on Bandcamp
• IAC Records

• Guest: Don Setaro /Dan Johnson/Justin Perkins
• Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• The Voice: Chuck Smith