Working Class Audio

Legendary producer/engineer Eddie Kramer has worked with Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Traffic and a myriad of other major recording stars.More on Eddie here: http://www.eddie-kramer.com/About this Interview:One day I received an email with the subject line Guest suggestion/Eddie Kramer from Clifton David Broadbridge. The email read “I work with Eddie in Toronto. I’m his studio partner and assistant,, was wondering if you would like to interview him for your podcast? He would be totally into it!” I almost fell out of the chair! Long story short, I replied back, spoke with Clifton, then spoke with Eddie, and next thing I know I’m wrapping up an interview with someone who is responsible for some of the most incredible records in music history. I was a little stunned afterward. Sincere, funny, and full of energy is how I would describe Eddie Kramer. We talk about his photography, Jimi Hendrix and the new record coming out, Led Zeppelin, business, diversification, leaving South Africa for England, the famous Troggs tape, music today vs. the past, rebuilding the El Mocambo club with a studio inside, and much more. Enjoy! Happy Holidays! MattShow notes and links:Eddie Kramer’s Site: http://www.eddie-kramer.com/Clifton David Broadbridge: http://cliftondavidbroadbridge.com/The infamous Troggs Tape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrXfK9OsmvsThe El Mocambo http://www.elmocambo.com/Walters-Storyk Design Group: https://wsdg.com/

Dana Jae’s career as an audio engineer spans 34 years since the first day she began to record and mix songs on her Tascam PortaStudio in the early 80’s while attending college at UC Berkeley. She formed several of her own bands performing and recording until 1988 when she discovered that the “behind-the-scenes” tech realm was much more to her liking. Dana then began a career as a live sound engineer and has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe as front-of-house sound engineer for a multitude of bands on various record labels and have been a staff engineer at the venerable Bottom of the Hill nightclub since their inception in 1991.Dana has owned and maintained a live sound production company since 1989 under the moniker dcj Productions, that has provided sound to the Bay Area community (mostly in the non-profit sector) in both large-scale, outdoor sound events as well as nightclubs and music halls. In 1991, she started recording bands on an 8-track Tascam TSR-8 analog tape recorder and moved into the digital realm in 1993 to 16-tracks of Alesis ADAT in her home studio. In 1995, Dana advanced to using Pro Tools and has been recording exclusively digital ever since, combining audio skills in sound for film as a location recordist as well as in post-production sound design and mixing. Dana says she still prefers the sonic rapture of “strictly analog” in live sound mixing, however.Dana co-owned and was the President of APG Records & APG Studios, a record label and recording studio from 1999 – 2004 which had a distribution deal through EMI.In 2001, Dana was hired to the part-time faculty at City College of San Francisco in the Broadcast Electronic Media Arts department where she has taught Digital Media Skills, Basic Audio Production, Digital Audio Production, Sound Recording Studio, Sound For Visual Media, Advanced Sound Recording, Sound Reinforcement, Audio for the Web, Video for the Web, Field Video Production, classes in sound design, audio for animation and games, music video, and computer applications at Laney College in Oakland, CA, Art Institute of California-San Francisco, and Globe Recording Institute in San Francisco.About this Interview:I’ve known Dana Jae since the late 90’s. We crossed paths working at local San Francisco pro audio dealers Audio Images and Cutting Edge Audio  and also worked briefly together at a small record company. Since then we have stayed in touch over the years and recently ran into each other at an audio event where we planned this interview. We discuss how Dana got into audio and her journey through live sound, studio sound, film sound, pro audio retail and her current gig at City College of San Francisco. Enjoy!Show notes and links:Simon Phillips GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/jwequ-life-rebuilding-fundLocal 16 Union in San Francisco: http://www.iatse.net/CCSF – City College of San Francisco: https://www.ccsf.edu/NOLO Press: https://www.nolo.com/

Working Class Audio #156 with Justin Perkins!!!Justin Perkins has been recording music since his mid-teens. It all started  in his father’s basement then progressed to recording studios around the state of Wisconsin including the renowned Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin before relocating to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he now has his own mastering studio called Mystery Room Mastering. Justin's  clients include Tommy Stinson, The Replacements, The Figgs, The Gaslight Anthem, Daryl Stuermer, Screeching Weasel, The Mr. T Experience, The Smoking Popes, Limbeck, Miles Nielsen, and Tenement. Justin also recently mixed a new documentary about the legendary 90’s band Jawbreaker called “Don’t Break Down”. Outside of the studioJustin has  played bass in some of his own bands as well as with the newly reformed Bash & Pop, Tommy Stinson, Paul Collins Beat, Cory Chisel and a few others.About this Interview:Every time I post  about a new WCA show on Twitter there was always one guy who liked it, shared it or commented on it and that was Justin. Naturally I wanted to know who Justin Perkins was and why he was always liking the show so one day I visited his website Mystery Room Mastering and it was then I fully understood just how bad ass this guy was plus I was just blown away at the thorough nature of his website. Justin had reached out before to invite me to a Bash and Pop show  he was playing in San Francisco (I was unable to go) so I wasn't completely unaware of of his background but I had to talk to him! So after reaching out, scheduling and conducting my interview I had a whole new appreciation for Justin. We chat about his journey and his website and the usual WCA topics (clients, business, work/life balance, etc...).  -Enjoy!Matt

Andrew Maury is an American record producer, audio engineer, and mixing engineer based in Brooklyn, New York. Maury has worked with artists such as Lewis Del Mar, Ra Ra Riot, Shawn Mendes, Grace Mitchell, Strange Names, Post Malone, RAC, Panama Wedding, Atlas Genius, Kimbra, Delicate Steve, Milagres, High Highs, Penguin Prison, Kisses, Satchmode, COIN, The Kooks, and CRUISR. In the summer of 2009, he worked on Tegan and Sara’s Sainthood alongside producer and Death Cab for Cutie guitarist Chris Walla at the world-famous Sound City Studios in Los Angeles. Maury also spent years mixing front of house on tour for artists such as Ra Ra Riot and Givers and has mixed shows for bands such as Delicate Steve, Surfer Blood, and Chairlift.About this Interview:Andrew talks to me from his home in Brooklyn, NY about management, health, working in the pop world as a rock guy, gear lust, Sound City, and much more. Many thanks to listener Chad Wahlbrink for suggesting Andrew.Show notes and links:The Patchbay I mention in the monologue: https://www.flocktechnologies.com/

James Tuttle is an recording/mixing engineer and producer with 40 years in the trenches. After growing up playing in local bands in the midwest and Colorado he traded his place on stage for a place behind the console and never looked back. He has worked with everyone from Carole King and Dan Fogelberg to Joe Ely and Big Head Todd and the Monsters. He is a 2 time Grammy nominee for his mixing work with singer/songwriter Eliza Gilkyson and Jungle Jazz For Kids creator Mark Oblinger. He currently lives outside of Boulder, Colorado where he returned to after a stay in the fertile music mecca of Austin TX. He continues to be actively involved in making records with local and national artists. After a long affiliation with Airshow Mastering where he had a mix room, he now works from his home studio and from the Studio at eTown Hall. His ongoing affiliation with the eTown syndicated radio show/podcast spans 20+ years where he is the chief recording engineer. Working on the eTown show has afforded him the opportunity to record and mix hundreds of  artists including:  James Taylor, Mumford and Son, Los Lobos, Michael Franti, Lyle Lovett, Imogen Heap, Rickie Lee Jones, Randy Newman, Ben Folds, Atmosphere, Emmy Lou Harris, Brother Ali and many, many more.   About this Interview:WCA #154 features US recording/mixing engineer and producer James Tuttle. James originally emailed me knowing I would be in Colorado to see if I wanted to sit down for coffee. Once I saw that James had a serious background I countered his coffee offer with a an interview in a local coffee shop. With my portable rig in tow we got caffeinated and talked money, E-Town  (https://www.etown.org/ ) where  James has been at the last 20 years, his connection to David Glasser , recording in Austin and being in Carol King's backup band. Enjoy! -MattShow notes and links: E Town: https://www.etown.org/ The documentary we mention: http://www.shopkeepermovie.com/ The studio in the above documentary: http://congresshouse.com/ Arguments for FCC Net Neutrality: https://goo.gl/NpHxWW Arguments against FCC Net Neutrality:  https://goo.gl/DCjA1V

Katie Tavini began working as a producer and engineer before a piece of advice changed everything for her. “I was looking to improve my mixes,” she recalls. “Someone told me that if I wanted to do that I should learn to master. Whether it was good advice or not I took it. I loved what I discovered and never looked back.”With a fine balance of curiosity and experience, Tavini is now a mastering engineer with a rich and diverse client-list far bigger than any sound or scene.“I like things with a lot of influences,” she adds. “I like not being able to place a piece of music immediately and I love working with bands and artists who push their boundaries. I've found that a willingness to try and explore something new has often led to amazing results for my clients.”Katie is a mastering engineer who encourages, refines, expands and finishes. She loves to amplify the emotion and energy of an artist while bringing clarity and consistency to their art. People do not hear her best work, they feel it.“Most people don't think about how music moves them,” admits Tavini. “They are just moved. My job is to bring all the hard work of artists, producers and engineers together and create a platform for songs to shine. It's the perfect job for me.”About this Interview:WCA #153 features UK Mastering engineer Katie Tavini ( https://www.katietavini.co.uk/ ). Katie recently wrote a what I think is a great opinion piece for Audio Media International ( https://goo.gl/XaovbN) about supporting your fellow engineers, your peers etc.. Instead of casting judgement over the gear they use and instead judge them based on the work they do. After reading that article I had a look at Katie’s website sent an email and invited her on the show. We chatted a couple of days ago about mastering of course, clients, money, health and marketing. Enjoy! -MattShow notes and links: Katie's website: https://www.katietavini.co.uk/home Katie's Audio Media International Article: https://goo.gl/XaovbN Audio-Technica 2017 Gift Guide: https://goo.gl/7LGYoS Al Schmitt on Using Microphones: https://www.groove3.com/tutorials/Al-Schmitt-on-Using-Microphones Sonarworks Reference 4 software https://www.sonarworks.com/ ISRC Codes US: http://www.usisrc.org/ ISRC Codes UK: http://www.ppluk.com/ Lean In: Sheryl Sandburg  Simple Invoices: https://simpleinvoices.io Easy Invoice: https://easyinvoiceapp.com/

Horacio Bolz  is an engineer/producer from  Montevideo, Uruguay. By the age of 8 he was recording for fun and playing guitar and drums. While his life plan was originally to become a commercial airline pilot, it wasn't until  later he realized that music, producing and engineering was what I wanted to do in life. So by the age of 18 he moved to the UK to follow that dream. Horacio  started his Production & Sound Engineering studies at Alchemea Collage in London. Once there he began to work for Phil Manzanera and Javier Weyler as an assistant engineer. During this period he recorded part of Phil's last two solo albums (The Sound of Blue & Corroncho 2).   In 2012 Horacio returned to Uruguay where he started working as head engineer at Vivace Music. There, he recorded and mixed songs for most of the best bands in the country. Meanwhile he started doing live related work as a Monitor Engineer for Uruguayan bands. 2013 was the year in which Horacio  started his band The Islingtons. They released "1 1 2 3 5", their  first studio album which was nominated for "Best New Band" at the Graffiti Awards. Since 2015 Horacio has been working as a freelance engineer, producer and musician. He owns (with his business partner Christian Eichin) a software development company in which they develop a free app called "Wavejam". A collaborative multi-track recorder for iOS devices. Horacio also owns Vincent, a Creative Audio & Film production company based in Montevideo, Uruguay.   About this Interview:Horacio talks with me about his early plan to become a commercial airline pilot, his work with Phil Manzanara, import taxes in Uruguay and how that affects his ability to buy equipment, as well his ability to make a living and incorporate audio into his life even when faced limitations. -MattShow notes and links: Horacio on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/horacio-bolz-33659957/ Fix Audio Designs (Paul Wolf) https://www.fixaudiodesigns.com/ After Master http://aftermaster.com/ http://www.500seriesmodules.com/ Sonarworks Reference 4 software https://www.sonarworks.com/

Mastering engineer David Glasser  has over 35 years of experience  in audio engineering and has mastered thousands of records, including more than 80 GRAMMY nominees. A three-time nominee himself, he has earned two GRAMMY awards for mastering and restoration of the culturally significant  Anthology of American Folk Music (1997) and Screamin’ and Hollerin’ the Blues: The Worlds of Charley Patton (2002). David began his audio career with the Boston Symphony, followed by eight years of recording and production for NPR. He founded Airshow in 1983 and shifted to full-time mastering in 1990 with a modest studio in Springfield, VA. Expanding the company to Boulder, Colorado in 1997, David grew Airshow into one of the largest mastering facilities in the country. In 2016, David built a new facility where he continues to enjoy the daily variety of a busy mastering practice.About this Interview:David talks with me about his early days at NPR, recording live shows, transitioning into mastering and being a volunteer fire fighter! Enjoy! - Matt

Jim Homes is a producer /engineer and one half of the production team known as Boe Weaver who have worked with artists including Champs, Whyte Horses, Wolfpeople, Archie Bronson Outfit and Rhys Lewis. Jim is our guest today since according to him he is the chatty one and brother Rob is the quiet one. Jim and Rob parlayed their 90's era band's minor success into a production  career by making some very good decisions  about gear and money early on. Their studio is located on the Isle of Wight South of London on property owned by the Crown where they rent a 3 story water tower to make records in. Raising families and careers, the brothers have taken what some would see as a disadvantage (being isolated away from London) into an advantage by bringing artists to a truly magical place away from distraction to focus purely on music. About this Interview:Jim chats with me about living and working on the Isle of Wight with brother Rob, raising a family, working 9-5, working below a giant water tank and being at peace with his surroundings. Show notes and links: Florida Supreme Court Copyright Decision Jim and Rob's studio. Management page about Jim and Rob. 

Dom Morley is a Grammy Award winning producer and mixer based in his own Oxfordshire (UK) studio. Dom engineered  Amy Winehouse's number 1 "Back To Black" album, Mark Ronson's "Version" and "Record Collection", Richard Ashcroft's 'These People' and "Keys' To The World', the Grinderman (Nick Cave) debut album and singles for Adele, Morrissey & Estelle amongst others. Some recent mixes include Sting's 5.1 "Live at Durham Cathedral", Solomon Grey's debut album, Mull Historical Society's 'Dear Satellite' & 'City Awakenings' (both of which Dom also produced) 'Colin MacIntyre's "The Water", the Million Dollar Quartet OCR, and the soundtrack for the upcoming British film 'Gozo'. Dom has also engineered or mixed for Rag'n'Bone Man, The Staves, Rumer, Keane, Birdy, Lemon Jelly, Jeff Beck, Sting, I Am Kloot, The Verve, Live8 (DVD) and Underworld, as well as working with The Police on the pre-production for their world tour and recording and mixing the audio for the 5 "Intros" and "Input/Output" series (Mumford & Sons, Florence & The Machine etc) for Channel 4 and Island Records. Dom has also recently undertaken a sound design project, providing all the sounds for the Samplephonics 'Dirty Modular' Kontakt instrument ("Great waveform library. Excellent sound" MusicRadar / "great sound quality of waveform library" producerspot.com). Read more about Dom at www.dommorley.com , his studio at www.flintbarnstudio.com or at Wikipedia.  About this Interview:I can't honestly remember how I came to be emailing with Dom Morley. I do know it took us awhile to figure out a workable time to do it. Time Zones.......what a head scratcher when it comes to interview planning. Anyway, I talk with Dom about his work with Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse, staying busy even though he lives out in the English countryside and work/life balance among many other topics. Enjoy. Show notes and links: Dom's website: http://www.dommorley.com Don's Studio : http://www.flintbarnstudio.com Mix Consultancy: https://themixconsultancy.com Fjord Audio Kickstarter Lij Shaw's Recording Studio Rockstars Podcast 

Bill Smith is a recording engineer & producer wIth over thirty years experience in the music industry. He’s worked with YES, John Fogerty, Steve Lukather, Trevor Horn, Natalie Cole, George Benson, Queen Latifah and many more. He’s been  involved with numerous Gold, Platinum and both Grammy winning and Grammy nominated records and film soundtracks. Simultaneous to his own career he also spent eleven years as the personal recording assistant, co-engineer and Pro Tools operator to twenty-two time Grammy winning recording engineer, producer and industry legend Al Schmitt. Bill has an extensive and diverse background in rock, jazz, orchestral and big band recording. He has also with been involved with product and preset development for both the hardware and software versions of the Lexicon PCM96 and the TC Electronic M6000 Multichannel Processor.About this Interview:In our interview we talk about Bill's early days in New York as a recording engineer and his decision to move to California. We also talk about lessons learned from Al Schmitt, the changing recording world and how to adapt as well as common sense financial advice. Enjoy!Show notes and links: Bill's Website: www.billsmith.biz Backblaze: https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup.html#af9h3h Bernie Krause: https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/2017/10/11/bernie-krauses-equipment-decades-of-musical-memorabilia-lost-in-fires/

Brett Bullion is a mixing engineer and producer based in Minneapolis, MN. Born 1984 in the suburbs of MN, Brett Grew up on 90s Warp Records and the Ornette Coleman box set. Brett's recording path started with playing drums in studios and eventually led to getting a Roland a digital multitrack as a kid. Brett earned  his  BA in theology from St Olaf College and eventually moved to Seattle where he spent his time drinking coffee, eating noodles, but kept recording on his own. After a move back to Minneapolis, he toured with Tarlton and Dark Dark Dark . Hundreds of sessions later he stopped performing to focus full-time on recording and mixing and has been at it ever since.About this Interview:I met Brett at Mix with the Masters in France. After hearing his work and spending time drinking wine, eating meals and talking shop I knew he had to be on the show. Enjoy!Show notes and links: www.brettbullion.com Morph plugin Coil Tap microphone

Rene Coronado graduated in 1999 with with an AAS in audio engineering from South Plains College and jumped straight into the working world as an audio engineer at Dallas Audio Post where he does audio post and mixing, sound design, field recording and voice production. He also builds and releases sfx libraries at echocollectivefx.com and is the co host of the tonebenders podcast  along with Tim Muirhead. About this Interview:I interviewed Rene when I was in France staying at Studio La Fabrique. We were challenged by 2 visiting wasps in my room and therefore did the interview in two parts (1 for each wasp-kidding). We discuss Rene's job at Dallas Audio post, work/life balance, sound design, capturing sounds in the field and maintaining those sounds for future access as well as his podcast Tonebenders. Special thanks to Mark Kilborn for setting this up! -Enjoy!Show notes and links:http://dallasaudiopost.comhttp://tonebenderspodcast.comhttp://echocollectivefx.com https://www.raid.com/en-us/products/raid-wasp-and-hornet-killer-33http://store.soundminer.com/

This week WCA features the 2017 attendees to Mix with the Masters with Tchad Blake. Noam Levinberg, Rishi Bradoo, Eduardo Molina Goigoux, Jeremy Glover, Chris Brandes, Brett Bullion, Peo Hedin, Horacio Bolz, Ryan Worsley, Matthias Ortner, Guillaume Charret, Manuel Egger, Vincent Bonanno, Oded Davidov, Bas Kennis and Gilles Olivesi all join me for short conversations about their experience learning from Tchad Blake at Mix with the Masters 2017. About these Interviews:From Sept. 20th-26th I was in France attending Mix with the Masters with Tchad Blake. I met a great group of audio pros while there. We formed a strong bond and I felt it was important to have a brief chat with each one of them over the course of the time I was there. These interviews took place in the backyard of Studio La Fabrique in St. Remy de Provence. 

Working Class Audio #144 with Jack Shirley!!! Jack Shirley is a record producer, audio engineer, musician and owner of The Atomic Garden Studio located in Palo Alto, California. He is best known for his work with Deafheaven,  Loma Prieta,  Bosse-de-Nage, Punch, Whirr,  La Bella, State Faults and Frameworks. Jack is currently one year into building a new studio in Oakland, California that will become the new Atomic Garden and has been designed by Wes Lachot . About this Interview:I visit Jack at his new studio location in Oakland, California and see the building in process. We talk about Jack's humble beginnings at his parents house recording on an Mbox and Dell Computer all the way to his current setup of an API 1608 and 2 inch analog machine. Jack takes me through his progression as an engineer and businessman, laying out his approach to money, band and work. Jack is truly passionate, focused and just an all around nice guy. Enjoy,   -MattShow notes and links:Atomic Garden - http://theatomicgarden.com/ Wes Lachot - http://www.weslachot.com/ Mix with the Masters - https://mixwiththemasters.com/

Working Class Audio #143 with Rocky Gallo!!!Anthony “Rocky” Gallo is a producer/recording engineer based in NYC.  Rocky has worked with artists such as John Legend, Tycho, Carrie Underwood, Cat Power, Yeasayer, Mos Def, Carly Simon, Jon Bon Jovi, Perry Farrell, Warren Haynes, Travis Barker, Robert Randolph, Andrew Bird, KRS1 and Talib Kweli just to name a few.As the former Chief Engineer at The Cutting Room studios for years, Rocky has worked on platinum award-winning and many Grammy-nominated projects. He has worked closely with notorious producers including Steve Lillywhite, Eddie Kramer, Will.I.AM, Track Masters, and Jimmy Douglas. Rocky is constantly producing artists himself and is always excited to work in all music genres.Since then Rocky has opened his own studio Virtue And Vice Studios located in Brooklyn, New York. Featuring a Vintage 8024 Neve Console(coming soon) he’s put together a variety of great instruments and high end analog equipment into one place with rates the indie artist can afford.  When he is not freelancing at other studios it is his primary home.About this Interview:Rocky chat's with me about his time at the Cutting Room and the events that lead up to that being his first studio job. We also talk about his new studio Virtue and Vice , his new Neve 80 series, being single, money, building permits and how he goes out 6 nights a week rather sitting on the couch watching Netflix. Many thanks to WCA Kyle Joseph for suggesting Rocky as a guest! -MattShow notes and links:Virtue and Vice Studio - http://virtueandvicestudio.com/ Seat Guru - http://www.seatguru.com Mix with the Masters - https://mixwiththemasters.com/

Working Class Audio #142 with Tim Randolph!!!Tim Randolph is a musician, songwriter and record producer. After producing for several indie bands in a variety of studios across the U.S., Tim co-wrote and produced Nico Vega's debut album in 2007.  Since then, he has gone on to produce for and co-write with international stars such as Imagine Dragons, including two tracks from their 2017 album Evolve, reaching number two on billboard charts.  Along with a thriving career in production, Tim is a multi-instrumentalist that has toured globally, most notably playing arenas and festivals with The Killers.About this Interview:TIm joins me for a chat about his early recording and live sound days as well as  his current work producing and cowriting with Dan from Imagine Dragons. We also talk about the finer details of working with people in the music industry when it comes to songwriting splits and signing on with a manager. -MattShow notes and links:UA Link for Apollo Rack Dream Studio: http://www.uaudio.com/apollo-dream-studioAudio-Technica BLOG: http://blog.audio-technica.com/audio-techniques-video-production-comprehensive-guide/The song Levitate mentioned in the interview: https://youtu.be/z0a9k1gSMswThe Donald Passman Book: http://amzn.to/2wzsoRg

Chris Selim is a musician, music producer and recording/mixing engineer.  Chris is renowned for his work in the French Christian music industry. Having produced and mixed artists globally in Canada, USA, France, Belgium and Switzerland, Chris has been working remotely with many of these artists using today’s technology. Out of his recording studio near Montreal, Canada, Chris has mixed and produced more than 75 albums over the past fourteen years.   Chris has worked with Canadian Christian Artist, Convenant Award winner (Canadian version of the Dove Awards) and Juno nominee Lianna Klassen. French Christian Artists such as Impact, Seb Demrey, Luc Dumont, Andreanne, Peggy Polito to name a few...   Chris is also the creator of Mixdown Online (mixdown.online), a resource website and Youtube channel design for helping musicians and home studio owners with their music production, recording and mixing skills through Youtube tutorial videos and blog articles. About this Interview:I met Chris through an online "Mastermind" Friday morning video call I do weekly.  I was able to hang out with Chris in person in Nashville and it's there I realized he would be a great candidate for WCA. Chris joins me  for a chat about  diet, money, his involvement in the French Canadian Christian music scene, and his home studio build. -Matt

Working Class Audio Session #140 with Robert Scovill!!!Robert Scovill is a modern day renaissance man with interests and activities spanning a wide breadth of professional audio. Robert is a 35-year veteran of professional concert sound and recording and has mixed over 3500 events in his career. His engineering and production talents have been enlisted by a veritable ‘Who’s Who’ of marquee music acts including Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Matchbox Twenty, Jackson Browne, Rush, Def Leppard, Prince and many others.Scovill’s body of live sound and recording work has garnered numerous industry accolades including 6 TEC Awards for technical and creative achievement in sound reinforcement. Robert is a 4 time nominee, two time winner of the PLSN Parnelli Award for live sound engineer of the year and has been a multi-year nominee for Mobile Production’s “Top Dog” Award along with being an inaugural nominee for the highly coveted Pensado Award for live sound excellence.As the owner of Eldon’s Boy Productions Inc. and MusiCanvas Recorders in Scottsdale, AZ, he offers full service mixing facility and mobile recording services.Robert is also a highly sought after consultant advising artists, sound companies and the house of worship market on everything from technology, workflows and acoustics for their companies and events.As an educator, Robert has lectured throughout the world on concert sound and recording practices at seminars and trade shows, and is a regular contributor to numerous industry publications, blog sites and YouTube video series.Robert’s profile includes positions as a technical consultant for many of the top name manufacturers in professional audio, including Avid, EAW, Neumann, Audio-Technica, Electrovoice, Servo Drive, and Alesis. He has held the title of endorser for numerous products, including Avid’s VENUE live sound environment, WAVE’s digital technology, Neumann Microphones, ATI Paragon, Intersonics loud speakers, Future Sonics ear monitors, and countless others throughout the years.In 2006 Robert served as guest speaker delivering the keynote address for the Annual AES conference in San Francisco. He currently holds the position of Senior Specialist for live sound and recording products for Avid as principle designer for their VENUE line of live sound consoles, contributing to all aspects of their commanding presence in the live event market.Robert’s hobbies include snowboarding, archery, pistol and rifle sports along with endurance challenge athletic events. He has successfully completed the Lake Tahoe North/South Swim, The Alcatraz Swim Challenge, The Great Wall Marathon and World’s Toughest Mudder along with numerous other events.Robert is very happily married with three children and a dog named Fender.About this Interview:Robert joins me via Skype in Arizona to talk about challenges on the road including diet, fitness, staying close with family as well as his love for digital technology in the live sound world. -Matt

Langston Masingale has been working in recording studios for the last 24 years, starting at age 16 in his uncles studio in New Jersey.  Langston helped start JJ Audio Mics in 2009 and in 2014 invented what would become the core technology of Zulu.  He formed Handsome Audio in 2015 with his partner Tod Levine and Zulu was released this year. Langston still owns a recording studio called Narrative Audio based in Syracuse, NY where he still produces and records artists.His passion for the analog aesthetic drives him to create new and interesting tools for the modern recording engineer and record producer alike. About this Interview:Alan Evans (WCA#133) suggested I talk with Langston. Langston talks about his early experiences with his Uncle's studio in New Jersey, how early exposure to analog tape shaped his sonic viewpoint and lead him to develop Zulu. Langston also talks about his faith, family and how his experience in college also helped drive him to be the person he is today.  -Matt

Ryan Massey is a musician, recording engineer/producer, and is the co-owner of Sharkbite Studios and Jack London Rehearsal in Oakland, CA. Ryan has spent a lifetime in music- singing with the SF Opera as a choir boy, belting out punk rock anthems with his band American Steel (Lookout Records/Fat Wreck Chords), doing the pop thing with Communiqué (Lookout), rocking with The Sunset Shipwrecks (Lugosi Records), touring the world, running both studios and a very small label.About this Interview:Ryan came over to the house and chatted about many things including how he became the co-owner of Sharkbite Studios, how he runs his business, getting and beating Cancer, the importance of his family and the Bay Area recording/music scene. I have great respect for Ryan. He's a hard working honest guy who deals fairly when it comes to business.

Anthony Gravino is an independent musician and record maker in Chicago, Illinois. He primarily works as a producer, recording engineer, mixer and mastering engineer out of his private studio, The Drake in Chicago, IL. In addition to his music production background, Anthony also plays guitar, bass, percussion and sings as a backing musician and a solo artist in both live and studio settings. His work includes an eclectic variety of styles across many genres including rock, jazz, blues, folk, pop, classical, R&B and a lot of stuff in between.About this Interview:Anthony talks with me about being influenced by Adam Schmitt and our mutual friend Jonathan Pines, how he runs his studio, the transition from day jobs to full time recording professional, insurance, and the importance of getting out of the house to see live music and meet bands.Show notes and links:RIN-M Meta Data Plugin. Choose your airline seat carefully! seatguru.comThe Desk  https://output.com/products/platformAnthony's website: https://anthonygravino.com/Anthony's insurance agent:  Jeff Woodman of Woodman Insurance contact info is [email protected]

Kevin Becka has worked as a recording engineer for over 25 years, working with the top names in music including Kenny G., Quincy Jones, Michael Bolton, George Benson, George Lynch, and more. An experienced educator, Kevin is currently the co-director and instructor at The Blackbird Academy in Nashville. He has also taught advanced recording at Belmont University, surround recording and lecturer at the Danish Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, Denmark, and was director of education and instructor at the Conservatory of Recording Arts for over 10 years. Kevin is a journalist who has worked as editors of Pro Audio Review and Audio Media USA magazines. Since 2003, Kevin has been the technical editor of the industry-leading Mix Magazine where he writes features, product reviews and a monthly column.About this Interview:On my recent trip to Nashville I was given a tour of Blackbird Studios by former WCA guest Mark Rubel (WCA #034). On that tour I was introduced to Kevin Becka. I later talked with Kevin at length during the Winter NAMM show that week and knew he would make a great guest for WCA. In this interview I chat with Kevin about the RIN-M meta Data plugin, Blackbird and Education, Blackbird graduate David Platillero and his struggle after being hit by a car. We also discuss Kevin’s background, his habits and quotes that help him keep his career moving forward and inspire others.

Working Class Audio Session #135 with Jacquire King!!!Jacquire King is known for his work with  Kings of Leon, Tom Waits, James Bay, Modest Mouse, You Me At Six, Buddy Guy, Norah Jones, Of Monsters and Men, Josh Ritter, Cold War Kids, Punch Brothers, City and Colour, Moon Taxi, Robert Ellis, Amber Rubarth and Dawes. Our interview takes place at Jacquire's private studio outside of Nashville, Tennessee where he graciously invited me over to have a chat and discuss our common connection to the Bay Area. We discuss his time there coming up as someone trying to make his mark in the studio scene and the changes that eventually convinced him to move to Nashville. We follow that up with his transition into Nashville and the struggles that followed and of course the success that followed that. Jacquire is a thoughtful and low key person who shares his views on what inspires him and how he works to inspire others. I have to say this interview really inspired me and got me thinking about my own career and what I can do to move it forward. I hope you have the same experience. -Matt

Working Class Audio Session #134 with Andrew Oswald!!!Andrew Oswald is a recording engineer who is based out of Oakland, CA who makes records almost everyday. He  co-owns and operates Secret Bathroom, a recording studio in West Oakland, where he also does a monthly live in studio podcast called Live From Secret Bathroom, that features new and upcoming bands. Andrew started recording bands in high school while growing up in San Diego where he also took a series of Pro Tools certification classes. Eventually he made his way to the Bay Area to go to recording school even though he already accumulated a few years of experience . While in recording school he continued to record bands and become affiliated with local recording vets Eli Crews (WCA #044) and Jonah Strauss (WCA #016)  who gave him keys and access to their studios . Andrew found early success with his recordings of the band Ash Borer which were both praised by Pitchfork . After graduating Andrew  and his studio partner Max Senna opened Secret Bathroom and have been making records in that space for the last 6 years. YOu can read more on Andrew at: http://secretbathroom.com/ and http://www.andrewoswaldrecording.com/

Working Class Audio Session #133 with Alan Evans!!!Alan Evans is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, studio engineer, record producer, whose “retro” style incorporates elements of rock, blues, soul, R&B, funk,jazz,reggae and the psychedelic. In addition to singing lead and backing vocals, Evans often plays all the guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and percussion himself on his solo recordings. Alan Joins Matt for a discussion about his musical side, family, living in a small town and keeping things relaxed and musically focused in the studio.Show Notes:Link to Evernote I mentioned in the monologue. https://evernote.com/Link to Alan's studio: http://www.ironwax.com/

Working Class Audio Session #132 with Ian Shepherd!!!Ian Shepherd is a mastering engineer owner of Mastering Media Ltd, host of The Mastering Show podcast as well as the founder of the website Production Advice. Over the last twenty years he's worked on literally thousands of CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays for all of the major record labels, TV stations and independents, including several number one singles and award-winning albums. Ian has been  a fierce critic of the so-called “Loudness Wars” and in 2010 he organized the first Dynamic Range Day to raise awareness about the issue. He also developed two plugins with MeterPlus – Perception, which received an AudioMedia Gear Of The Year award in 2014, and Dynameter, which helps you achieve optimal audio dynamics for your music, and competitive loudness for online streaming. Ian has worked with  Keane, Tricky, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Deep Purple, The Orb, Leslie Garret, Culture Club, Porcupine Tree, Andy Weatherall, The Las, Ozric Tentacles, Christine Tobin, New Order and King Crimson amongst many others.Ian chats with Matt about the Loudness Wars, dynamics in music, family, clients, money matters and his plug in Dynameter.

Working Class Audio Session #131 with Ronan Chris Murphy!!!Ronan Chris Murphy works around the globe in the wide extremes of music and in the last 20 years has amassed a discography spanning several hundred albums including work with international pop stars to some of the most respected virtuoso musicians in the world.As a producer, engineer and/or mixer, Ronan Chris Murphy has worked with the likes of King Crimson (several albums), Steve Morse (Dixie Dreggs Deep Purple), Terry Bozzio (Zappa, Missing Persons), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, John Lennon, Pink Floyd)), Martin Sexton, Jamie Walters, Ulver, The California Guitar Trio, Chucho Valdes y Groupo Irakere, Pete Teo Joan LaBarbara (Philip Glass Ensemble, Steve Reich) Nels Cline (Wilco) as well as various projects featuring members of Tool, Ministry, Weezer Dishwalla, and Yes.Before diving into production and mixing Ronan spent several years as a musician playing in bands in the scene that later became know as grunge, sharing the stage with bands such as Dinosaur Jr., All, The Flaming lips, Gwar and the Rollins Band. He has an odd footnote in rock history his first band was an early DC punk band called Freakbaby, which was also the first band of Dave Grohl following Ronan's departure from the band.Ronan speaks with Matt from his new studio in the mountains about his recording workshops, career, trolls, and recording Terry Bozzio.To learn more about Ronan?s production and mixing work, as well as his studio visit Veneto West.

Working Class Audio Session #130 with Andy Reed!!! Andy Reed purchased his first guitar when he was 18 and by the time he was 21 he started a band with his brother called The Haskels. They signed a small record deal and ended up recording with Brendan Benson of The Raconteurs. This is where Andy initially got the recording bug.    Fast forward through touring, experimenting with 4 tracks and you'll arrive at Andy acquiring his first Pro Tools rig at age 23. Andy would spend every second he had in his basement for the next 3 years figuring out how to get better sounds, write better songs, and hone the craft of recording by learning from his own mistakes on his own recordings. 3 years later Andy would emerge with recordings of his own music that attracted others to officially hire him to record. For the last 14 years Andy has been recording and producing artists from all over the country.    Andy joins Matt to talk about recording in Bay City Michigan, family life, his mentors and his musical connection to Donny Brown of the Verve Pipe.    Read more about Andy at https://www.reedrecordingcompany.com/home

Working Class Audio Session #129 with Brad Smalling!!!Brad Smalling is an audio professional with a passion for music and for making great records - records that connect the artist and the listener emotionally. From the creative to the technical, Brad is passionate about all aspects of the record-making process. Brad’s creative ear and his ability to connect with the artist combine to present the artist’s music as they envision it and often in ways they never considered.Brad’s desire to learn about audio appeared in his teens while learning to play guitar but he wouldn’t actively pursue engineering until 2000 when he built a recording studio in his basement in Boulder, CO. After gaining confidence through self study, he and his wife, Jenny, hired Wes Lachot to design what would become Evergroove Studio. Solar powered and located on 4.5 wooded acres just outside Denver, Evergroove Studio opened in 2006 and offers a retreat-like setting sought by artists that desire a different recording studio experience.Brad continues to grow as an audio professional and small business owner by striving for excellence in every project, and pushing himself to be a better engineer, business owner, and person. In addition to studio work, Brad enjoys the challenges of live mixing and recording, as well as the detail of mastering. He works closely with artists and their home studios to help them capture better recordings, or by a combination of home recording and studio recording at Evergroove. This experience led to the launch of the Evergroove Academy of Recording (EAR) - a series of workshops for audio engineers, producers, and musicians focused on producing the highest-quality recordings possible.When asked about his passion for audio Brad said:“I love exploring different microphone techniques, the thrill of the first take, and the excitement on an artist’s face when they hear their music in a way that moves them. I enjoy working closely with artists to help bring out the emotion of the song. I like exploring arrangements through overdubs and I love combining all the tracks into a mix that draws the listener into the music. The final creative and technical process of mastering fascinates me and, finally, I love album release shows; that moment when an artist’s work is presented to the World.”When not in the studio you can find Brad with his wife at a local music show, working with the massive interactive performance art group itchy-O, on a local hiking trail, road-tripping across the Western USA, or enjoying a locally crafted beer on a sunny deck.Brad joins Matt to talk about his solar powered studio, his partnership with his wife and how hiring studio designer Wes Lachot was one of the best moves he ever made.

WCA #128 with Frank PappalardoFrank Pappalardo started out a guitarist wanting the rock star dream. After hearing Van Halen's "Eruption" at a party  he realized  being a killer recording engineer was a more realistic plan  than being a mediocre guitar player. From his early days at Chicago studio River North Recorders to his current 30 plus year gig at PBS' Soundstage, Frank has had an incredible career recording and mixing so many household names including Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band, Fall Out Boy, Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, Sheryl Crow, Sonic Youth, Death Cab For Cutie and the list goes on and on. Frank talks with Matt via Facetime from Saint Charles, Illinois ( West of Chicago) in the post house where he does most of his mixing work about family, work ethic and his overall approach to audio. Enjoy!

Craig Schumacher has been making noise unprofessionally since 1985. He's managed to carve out a niche in the desert southwest by be part of an eclectic scene that bubbles out of Tucson and has been an integral part of the sound of  Calexico and Giant Sand, and has recorded artists like Neko Case, Amos Lee, KT Tunstall, Roger Clyne, Left Over Salmon, The Jayhawks, Steve Wynn, and John Doe at WaveLab. He is also a sought after mixer and has been to France, Sweden, LA, NYC, Austin, and New Orleans for mix jobs. He is also an adjunct professor at Scottsdale Community College for the past ten years.Craig crashes at Matt's house for a night while on his way to record the new Calexico record. Naturally an interview that was long overdue was in order. 

Peterson Goodwyn wants every musician and audio engineer to know how to build, tweak, and repair their own gear. He founded DIY Recording Equipment (DIYRE) in 2010 as a wiki to catalog the world of DIY pro audio. He now conducts workshops, publishes how-to content, and designs DIY kits for DIYRE. In 2014, DIYRE launched the open-source Colour platform for modular, analog signal-processing. Since then, Colour products have found their way into thousands of studios and dozens of designers and have contributed designs to the format. Peter joins Matt for a discussion about his world of DIY pro audio equipment and all that goes into his small working class business.   www.diyrecordingequipment.com

Michael James is a  New York-born producer/mixer/engineer and has also been a an A&R rep as well as an solo artist himself. He's worked with  New Radicals, Hole, Far, Robben Ford, L7, Edwin McCain, Chicago, Reverend Horton Heat, A.J. Croce, Butterfly Boucher, Jane's Addiction, Maia Sharp, The Coronas, and Jawbreaker and many more.At 19 years of age, Michael  met former Blue Cheer member Ethan James (no relation), the owner and creative nucleus of Radio Tokyo. Michael had just recorded a single, which cost him $15 in studio time.  Ethan happened to walk past the control room as the mix was being played, and offered Michael a record deal on the spot. Ethan took the disc to KROQ-FM DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, who debuted it on his legendary show, "Rodney On The ROQ."  It was later added to the station's playlist. From there, Michael joined the band Waves Of Grain, whose indie release "Catch Me I'm Falling" placed Top Ten on several college radio playlists; it was later licensed in the UK, France and Germany.Radio Tokyo and Sub Pop By then however, Michael decided he was to be a producer and engineer, not an artist. He served as a staff producer and chief engineer at Radio Tokyo from 1986-90, where he recorded classic rock giants such as Ray Manzarek (The Doors), John Lang (#1 songwriter of "Broken Wings" and "Kyrie"), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), and L.A. session aces Abe Laboriel (Larry Carlton) and Alex Acuna (Weather Report).  An unsigned band from New York called Too Much Joy came to L.A. to record a demo at Radio Tokyo, which had become a Mecca for credible indie bands.  Michael was given the chance to produce a few tracks for the band. When Too Much Joy was signed by Alias Records, they asked Michael to produce the album Son of Sam I Am.  Rolling Stone, New York Times and Billboard praised the album and Michael went on to produce the band's major label debut for Irving Azoff's Giant Records.Michael soon encountered a band called L7, who asked him to produce their debut album, Smell The Magic for Sub Pop Records. Sub Pop liked it enough to ask him to produce several other artists on the label, including Reverend Horton Heat, who generously offered to perform at Michael's wedding reception!  And then there was Courtney Love and her band, Hole, whose Sub Pop debut he produced. Michael was taken with Courtney's sense of style, as well as her sense of where she was destined. "My goal was to keep the intensity while highlighting the pop element," he says.   Michael went on to work briefly with Jane's Addiction, Mazzy Star and the critically acclaimed Geraldine Fibbers.The Major Labels: Find The Good Stuff First!After an introduction from Sheryl Crow and Beck bassist Dan Rothchild, venerable WEA and Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman tapped Michael to be Head of A&R and Producer at his Warner/Discovery label. Michael made it a point to listen to the boxes of unsolicited tapes that came in until he found Canadian band, Sal’s Birdland, which he signed.  Later, they changed their name to Artificial Joy Club and Michael brought them to Interscope Records for their second album.  The band's first track wasted no time in ascending to the Top 20 of the alternative airplay charts.  Michael quickly found his next hit, New Radicals.  Working under the radar and without a record deal, he and singer Gregg Alexander slipped into the studio during downtime to work on the album.  Not only did Michael mix, but he also played the guitar solo on "Crying Like A Church On Monday."  When Michael “shopped” the album, it was repeatedly rejected. The major labels claimed “the stigma against male singer/songwriters” was insurmountable.  Ultimately, however, MCA Records saw the light, selling over two million units of Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too and securing Michael his first Gold and Platinum credits.Encouraged by Alexander to play and write more, Michael began taking on more work as a session musician.  He wrote several songs with A.J. Croce for Transit, including the hits "Maybe" and "What I Wouldn’t Do," and played lead guitar on the album, which was recorded mostly live in the studio.  “There’s no substitute for having a tight band perform live,” he says, “because that’s how you get the best vibe; that’s how you capture a great moment.”Giving Back = Staying RelevantMichael founded IndieProMix, a remote service that provides bona fide professional mixes to independent recording artists, at sliding scale prices.  "I pitched a few of my favorite mixers (David Kahne, Matt Forger, Tony Shepperd and Rob Chiarelli) the idea of giving back to the indie community because we all started as indies," says Michael.  "Many super-talented indies only dream of having their music mixed by pros with hits, so we decided to give them the pro experience while keeping our thumbs on the pulse of fresh new talent.  We thoug

Owen Curtin is a audio engineer and professor of audio technology. He has worked with Sheryl Crow, David Gray, Keane, Amanda Palmer and Jordan Knight. Owen is the co-owner and head engineer at The Bridge Sound and Stage. Aside from his role recording and mixing at The Bridge, he manages all technology and facilities including studio integration, information technology, and acoustic design. One of his latest endeavors includes the Audio Builders Workshop which holds seminars on DIY audio building projects. Along with numerous DIY preamps and other tools, he designed and built a control room monitoring solution for the 500 series. Owen's courses at Emerson College and the New England Institute of Art includes Adv. Studio Recording, Foley, and Senior Seminar. As the Director of Faculty Development at NEiA, Owen chairs the sabbatical, grant, and titling committees. Owen also runs the online Learning Management System used to support all classes at NEiA. He holds a bachelor's in Media Arts from Emerson College and a master's in Music Technology at from The Conservatorium at the University of New Castle. Owen joins Matt for a chat to discuss his studio, his workshop, education and how keeping his kid count at two prevents him from being outnumbered!

Jon O’Brien is the owner and producer at The Music Box Studios in Downtown Fullerton, CA.  In 2009, fresh out of college and after a summer spent interning at Blackwatch Studios in Norman, OK, Jon returned home and began recording local bands out of his parents’ living room. Since then, Jon has spent the last 7 years recording and producing over 80 bands and artists in the Southern California area.  Many of the clients continue to frequent the studio year after year.  In a constant effort to improve his recording space, Jon has moved studios 3 times in the past 5 years, all the while, scouring craigslist and picking up unique instruments and gear for clients and producers to use. Eventually landing at his current and favorite space in Downtown Fullerton, Jon has launched a new studio model that focuses on pairing clients with like-minded staff producers. Jon has worked with bands such as Young the Giant, Listener, Travelers, Yellow Red Sparks and Roah Summit.  Today, Jon is 29 and he and his wife are expecting identical twin girls; sure to be producers and engineers in the making.www.jonobrienrecording.comwww.themusicboxstudios.com

Kurt Andress is a Business Manager for Working Class Audio guest Mitch Dane ( WCA #075). Kurt is also an old friend of Matt's going back almost 30 years. Kurt's background before moving to Nashville was as a musician in New Mexico working at Mesilla Valley Music where he built stage gear and flight cases, and owned a stage lighting company. Kurt moved to  Nashville in 1991 and graduated from Belmont University in 1994 with a degree in Music Business. After graduating he worked for a popular Christian music band called White Heart for a couple of years and then started KSA Management in 1996. In addition to Business Management in the music industry Kurt is also a real estate investor and property manager. Kurt and Matt talk money, debt and the business of recording. Kurt offers up his advice and guidance on running your business as a recording professional.  Enjoy. 

Jim Greer is a Bay Area record producer who has massed a wide variety of credits through many years of wielding multiple instruments and knowing how to fiddle some knobs. Highlights included writing and producing with or for: Galactic, Macy Gray, Handsome Boy modeling School, Cyndi Harvell, Andrew St.James, Diegos Umbrella, MC Lars, Del the Funkee Homosapien, Irma Thomas, Rondo Brothers, Butterscotch, and many more, including lots of writing and placing music in various films, tv shows, and commercials…Matt and Jim sit down for an in person talk that covers Jim’s approach to making records, business and how the death of his son Teddy has shaped his view and approach to life.Jim’s Site: http://digitalchildren.net/

Will Russell is the owner and chief engineer at Electric Wilburland Studio, which is located in an old Baptist church in Newfield, NY. He has been working in audio since the age of 17, when he first started doing live sound. Will continues to mix live at regional music festivals for bands like The Horse Flies and Sim Redmond Band. His most notable tour was mixing for Rusted Root from 1994-95. After being on the road, Will switched his focus to running Electric Wilburland full time, where he records and produces mostly local and regional artists-- and has been for 30 years. Past clients include The Samples, Madder Rose, Martin Simpson, The Horse Flies, Joe Crookston and Donna The Buffalo. He won a Grammy in 2009 for recording the album “Douga Mansa" with kora player Mamadou Diabate. Three years ago, Will joined the staff at The Park School of Communications at Ithaca College, where he teaches audio production part time. He also teaches a handful of young engineers and interns at Electric Wilburland year-round. Show notesWill's Studiohttp://www.wilburland.com/

Tucker Martine is a record producer, musician and composer and the son of singer and songwriter Layng Martine, Jr.,  Tucker grew up in Nashville, Tennessee where he played in bands and tinkered with recording devices before moving to Boulder, Colorado after graduating from high school. In Colorado, Martine was a DJ at a public radio station KGNU. He would frequently play two or more records at once on the air to experiment with creating new sounds. Martine also took courses at the Naropa Institute where he studied sound collage and befriended Harry Smith - the ethnomusicologist, artist and Kabbalist - who made a large impression on Martine.1993, Martine moved to Seattle, Washington where he began to combine his skills and interests. He joined Wayne Horvitz's chamber group The 4 Plus 1 Ensemble where Martine's instrument was a series of looping and sound manipulating devices which were fed by the groups otherwise acoustic instruments. Martine received a Grammy nomination in 2007 in the "best engineered album" category for the Floratone album with Bill Frisell on Blue Note. He has also released several albums of his field recordings. As a composer and musician Martine has released 2 albums under the recording pseudonym Mount Analog and a 3rd one is on the way. Additionally, Microsoft called upon Martine's creativity when they asked him to help compose the startup and branding sounds for Microsoft's new operating system Vista. Today Martine lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife, singer songwriter Laura Veirs and continues to make records in his own studio, Flora Recording & Playback.Tucker has worked with artists such as The Decemberists, R.E.M., My Morning Jacket, Modest Mouse, Beth Orton, Neko Case, Mudhoney, Bill Frisell, Sufjan Stevens, Spoon, Grandaddy, Mavis Staples, Iron And Wine, The Jayhawks, Karl Blau, Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros, Blind Pilot, Camera Obscura, Stephen Malkmus, k.d. lang, She and Him, M Ward, Case/lang/veirs, Jesse Sykes and Laura Veirs.

Tyler Crowder is a freelance recording/audio engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area, who enjoys working in various recording studios, where he's done projects with both artist on major labels including Sony, RCA, Def Jam, GOOD Music, Windham Hill, Arista Records, B&G, Dancing Cat, etc. as well as  with a diverse range of local indy bands.  By working with a diverse range of major artists and local indy artist, it allows Tyler to be fluent in all styles of music, and be able to contribute to the local community of musicians and bands that surround the San Francisco Bay Area. Over the years Tyler has earned 2 Grammy nominations for audio engineering, and participated in many Billboard Charting Albums. Tyler has worked with numerous artists including Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Lil’ Wayne, Snoop Dog, George Winston, Melvin Seals, Tuck & Pattie, Joan Jeanrenaud, Phil Aaburg, Henry Butler, Dave “Dave’s Hands” Jackson, Keola Beamer, Cyril Pahinui, Bola Sete, Professor Longhair, Steven, Damian, and Ziggy Marley, and the Los Lonely Boys along with many other artists.More on Tyler www.noisedrop.com

Cesar Mejia is an L.A. based engineer and producer born and raised in Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles. Besides engineering and producing he is a faculty member at Cal State Dominguez Hills where he teaches audio recording courses for the Digital Media Arts program. Cesar has a unique approach of putting his clients at ease, allowing the artist to perform at their optimal. Cesar’s methods and skills have allowed him to maintain an ever-growing list of clients like: Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Brian Eno, Bill Withers, Will I. Am, Beatmo, Chicago, Zach de la Rocha, Mezklah, Wayne Shorter, Hurley Clothing, Hanoi Counsel for the Arts Vietnam, Sting, Joni Mitchell, Al Geroe, George Duke, George Benson, Motorhead, Monte Carlo 76, Natashia Williams, Brujeria, Nathan East, Los Lobos, Marcus Miller, Aztlan Underground, Chicano Son, Amazon Gold Foundation, Andy Garcia, Most Eligible Basturds, Marisa Ronstadt, Susan Egan, & Kenny Moreno. Constantly working on projects of multiple magnitudes, he fully dedicates himself and applies the same enthusiasm to all his clients.Cesar speaks with Matt about all things WCA from The Shelter Studios in Los Angeles.More on Cesar's studio http://theshelterstudios.com/

Mark Kilborn is a sound designer, mixer and implementer with over a decade of experience in the video games industry. He has worked on various game franchises including Borderlands, Forza Motorsport, Brothers In Arms, Tony Hawk and Project Gotham Racing. For the last seven years he has served as one of the Audio Directors for the Call of Duty series, collaborating with teams of sound designers around the world on various projects including Modern Warfare 3, Advanced Warfare, Black Ops 1-3, Exo Zombies, Call of Duty Online and Modern Warfare Remastered. After he and his wife had twins in 2015, he setup a home studio and continues to contribute to the Call of Duty series as a Principal Audio Designer. He lives in Madison, WI with his wife, three kids, two dogs and too much snow. Mark flew to San Francisco for the Game Developers Conference recently and met Matt at a Starbucks to talk about Mark's world in game sound.Mark's list of credits include , Call of Duty 2017 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered (PS4/XB1/PC) Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (PS4/XB1/PC) Call of Duty: Exo Zombies (PS4/XB1/PC) Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (PS4/XB1/PC) - Nominated for BAFTA, AIAS awards for sound - Winner, GANG Sound Design and Audio of the Year awards Call of Duty: Ghosts (PS4/XB1/PC) Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (360/PS3/PC) Call of Duty Online (PC) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (360/PS3/PC/WII) - Nominated for BAFTA, AIAS, GANG and MPSE awards for sound Call of Duty: Black Ops (360/PS3/PC/WII) Singularity (360/PS3/PC) Forza Motorsport 3 (360) Dr. Awesome Microsurgeon MD (iPhone) Borderlands (360/PS3/PC) Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway (360/PS3/PC) Samba De Amigo (Wii) Project Gotham Racing 4 (360) The Club (360/PS3/PC) Boom Boom Rocket (XBLA) Tony Hawk's Project 8 (360/PS3) Bionicle Heroes (NDS)

Kurt Ballou is a musician and producer, best known as the guitarist from Massachusetts-based band Converge. Aside from his role in Converge, Ballou is a prolific producer, recording and producing out of his own GodCity Studio.  Kurt has worked with numerous bands over the last 25 years in a producing/ recording role including High on Fire, Nails, Russian Circles and Code Orange. Kurt and Matt talk over Skype discussing health, retirement, drugs, family, money and Asperger's syndrome. Enjoy!

Monte Vallier grew up in the Bay Area and launched his musical career by dropping out of high school and moving to London with his band Half Church who he played bass with. After making a record and playing tons of gigs with bands such as The Fall, Echo and the Bunnymen, and PIL, the band called it quits in 1986. After interning at The music annex and Coast Recorders (Bay Area) Monte built his own studio with engineer Gibbs Chapman that was destroyed in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake . It was that same year that Monte started working with the band Swell as a bass player. They Made 5 albums and toured extensively in the 90’s and eventually signed to Rick Rubin’s Def American label in 1993. They made all their our own records starting with a Tascam 38 but then took all the recording advances and bought more gear. They built studios in LA and NYC and in various places in SF to make the records. Monte says he truly learned how to a make a proper record while working with Swell. After Monte left Swell he got busy by producing other people partnered  with Marc Capelle to pursue commercial composition, film scoring, and corporate music and audio post , formed Jet Black Crayon with Tommy Guerrero and toured a bit, making 3 albums then working on 9 solo records for Tommy. Eventually Monte partnered with Jamie Kahn and Nathan Harlow to create a recording space in San Francisco in 2006.Monte has worked with many bands and solo artists including,Tommy Guerrero, Wax Idols, Mark Eitzel, Sean Hayes, Oxbow, Chuck Dukowski and Blackface, Weekend, Mall Walk, Houses of Heaven, Never Young, Wild Moth, Hariguem Zaboy, Terry Malts, The Mattson 2, Young Prisms, Wax Idols, Jet Black Crayon, The Mumlers. The Soft Moon, BLKTOP Project, Vetiver, Rova Saxophone Quartet (OrchestraRova-Larry Ochs), [the] caseworker, Beautiful Machines, Tomorrow’s Tulips, Peggy Honeywell, GoJoGo, Kelley Stoltz, Money Mark, Swell, The Japanese Motors, Erik Arnaud, My Diet Pill, Warbler, Kurt Nilsen, Ice Sun, Xiu Xiu, TODD, Bunuel, LiXi, Seventeen Evergreen, Rupa and the April Fishes, Ghost in the City, Trust.Check Monte out at:www.ruminatoraudio.com and www.momentamusic.com

Mike Wells has spent the last 15 plus years mastering, complimented by a lifetime in music as a musician, music theory graduate, recording artist, and recording/mixing engineer. From San Francisco to Los Angeles, Mike has had one hell of a  journey to get to the point of working with artists such as Green Day, PARRI$, Prince, and Gridlock. While we all have career ups and downs of which Mike is no stranger, Mike also spent many years trying to decipher a medical condition that developed later in his life that was eventually diagnosed as  Epilepsy.  Not to be deterred by his diagnosis and the seizures that come, as a result, Mike developed his mastering business which is known for his incredible attention to detail and going the extra mile for his clients.  After many challenges that would stop most people, Mike persevered and is now at a point where he is no longer facing the daily threat of seizures with the help of 21st-century medicine. The biggest takeaway from this interview is that Mike doesn't have a "poor me" attitude. He is upbeat and forward-thinking and that's inspiring.  Mike joins us from his studio in Los Angeles.Mike Wells passed away on Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Although Frank Wolf’s background was in music, he found myself drawn to “the other side of the glass” and changed his studies to Physics and Electrical Engineering. While in college, Frank also built and ran a small studio with an old ½” Scully at it’s heart. (ahh analog!) During those years, he met the folks at The Village Recorder, and when he graduated, he was immediately hired as a tech. While there, the staff was given permission to use the studios any time they were open so Frank was able to hone his craft with many, many hours of studio time! One of the bands he worked with got a record deal, Frank left his employ, recorded their album and has been independent ever since. Frank worked almost exclusively on records for many years, but eventually got and took the opportunity to start in both TV and Feature Films. For the next several years, he worked on many of Disney’s and Pixar’s animated films while also meeting and developing working relationships with many other composers and film studios.Frank talks to Matt from his home in Los Angles about his background, tech talk about his home mixing setup and the templates he uses to mix music for major motion pictures as well as finances.Show Notes:John Cuniberti’s ONEMIC series as mentioned in the monologue.

Nathan Harlow grew up in San Francisco, played in bands and eventually found his way into the world of live sound. 20 years later, his experience touring, mixing, recording and doing system design has allowed him the opportunity to work with artists such as Prince, Rob Zombie, Sonic Youth, Bebel Gilberto, Medeski, Martin and Wood and Primus. His skills are also in demand at the Fox Theater in Oakland, California, the Warfield Theater and Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco, California. On top of his live sound skills doing monitors or front of house Nathan is also trained in systems management and room acoustics. He states that his intention is to use his unique set of skills to assist in the creation of beauty and inspiration with elegance and grace.Matt heads into San Francisco to chat with Nathan in person in his studio South of Market.

I took a trip from NORCAL to SOCAL to hit NAMM 2017. As I arrived I decided to put together a show based on “Power Chats/Talks”. 20 minute or so quick chats with friends about certain topics. Ben Lindell from Puremix, Sean McLaughlin, Andy Freeman, Gary Boss of Audio-Technica and Vance Powell joined me. Enjoy!

Justin Pizzoferrato is a recording engineer based out of western Massachusetts. He owns and runs Sonelab with Mark Alan Miller and also freelances from time to time.Justin has worked with such bands as Dinosaur Jr, Sonic Youth, Speedy Ortiz, Elder, and many more in the rock genre. He got his start freelancing around Boston. After moving to western Mass, he noted the lack of studios and decided to open up his own facility. When he’s not in the studio, he’s hanging out with his wife and son, biking, or buying too many records!Justin chats with Matt over Skype about Sonelab, recording life before kids, freelancing and work ethic.Justin’s studio: Sonelab