Working Class Audio

Like so many professionals in music, Steve Silverstein got his start creating music — his electronic group Christmas Decorations has released an album on kranky and been played on the BBC. He’s written articles and reviews for Tape Op, and assistant edited a collection of Aaron Copland’s writings. He’s excited to have finally moved his studio from his apartment in 2013, into a shared commercial space. Steve shares his approach to his workflow and how he takes care of his clients. Additionally Jules Standen from Gearslutz.com calls in for a short chat and to share some wisdom from his recording past. Oh yea…..Happy New Year!photo by John C. MortonLinks from the show. http://www.kranky.net/  https://www.gearslutz.com

Vance Powell, who has worked with Jack White, Red Fang, and Buddy Guy to name just a few is featured on Session #007. Vance is outspoken and takes a no-bullshit approach to not only his work but this interview. We talk technique including specifics of his analog workflow, business, including managers plus a bit of criticism of the old guard of the music industry. I love talking with Vance. I always learn something new from him and am proud to call him my friend. Enjoy!Vance on Twitter: https://twitter.com/vancalotVance’s studio with engineer Mitch Dane: http://www.sputniksound.com/index.html

Robert L. Smith is an Oscar winning, Grammy and Emmy nominated Producer/Engineer/Mixer based in New York City. After 25+ years of working with the biggest names in music, his résumé reads like a who’s who of modern pop music. Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, David Byrne and U2 are just a tiny list of those on his discography. Robert is passionate and focused about what he does and opens up to us about his thoughts and practices on the business end of what we do. Check out Robert’s web site at www.defyrecordings.com

My guest is producer/ engineer /mastering engineer John Cuniberti, based in the Bay Area. John has worked with Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar, The Dead Kennedys, and Chicken Foot. John is known for bringing the concept and name ReAmping into the mainstream of recording with his ReAmp box, which he created and sold on his own for many years, but eventually sold the name and circuit patent to Radial Engineering. John added mastering to his list of skills many years ago while working at The Plant in Sausalito, California, and currently mixes and masters from his home for artists worldwide.   In this episode, we discussCoast RecordersStruggling to Sell Studio TimeHome Studio EmergenceSF Bay Area Studio StruggleBand ManagersHustling WorkBuilding a CareerArt ProjectsFollowing the MoneyMaking MistakesSaying YesStudio ManagementRecording EconomicsThe New ThingRaising the RoofTiny TelephoneLinks and Show NotesJohn's SiteCreditsGuest: John CunibertiHost: Matt BoudreauEngineer: Matt BoudreauProducer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith 

David Wheeler is a recording engineer based in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Las Cruces is located north of El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. David talks about the pros and cons of being one of very few recording people in Las Cruces who do it on a pro level and also talks about how the changes to the environment and business world affect the world of recording in the southern part of New Mexico. On a personal note, David and I went to High School together as did our moms! Before David got into recording he used to play in a band called Obsidian with our High School friend and pro audio superstar Colin McDowell of McDSP plug ins. Our discussion delves into location sound towards the end. I have included an Amazon link to the book on the topic by Ric Viers called the “Location Sound Bible”. We mentioned it in the conversation but for timing reasons I edited that part of the conversation out. The link is below. Enjoy!Links mentioned in the show: http://staffmeup.com/ http://www.productionhub.com/ Studio 603 (David’s studio in Las Cruces)

Happy to present WCA session #003 with New York recording engineer Hillary Johnson. Check Hillary's site out at www.hillaryjohnson.comHillary has worked with The Prids, Bell Hollow, Michael Gira (Swans, Angels Of Light), The Secret History, Jeff Buckley, The Misfits, Jennifer Kimball, Rufus Wainwright, The Ramones, Bishop Allen, Project Jenny, Project Jan, Nile Rodgers, Vernon Reid, Stereojax, D Generation/Jesse Malin and Umbrella Brigade. She has also worked with producers such as Lenny Kaye, Henry Rollins, Genya Ravan, and Daniel Rey.I met Hillary through the original Tape Op conference which of course is now the amazing Pot Luck Audio conference. of which we both have been panelists and as a result, friends and peers to one another.

Laura Dean works in San Francisco at various studios including Tiny Telephone and Women’s Audio Mission. Laura talks recording schools, internships, knowing your role, tech work, music for dance, audio books, voice overs etc….

I am very happy to announce the Working Class Audio Podcast Session #001.WCA #001 is an introduction to Working Class Audio with host Matt Boudreau. Get the low down on what to expect in upcoming sessions. Includes intro/outro music by our friend Cliff Truesdell and voice intro by our friend Chuck J Smith. I have started to schedule interviews with engineers working in the freelance trenches including Laura Dean and Hillary Johnson (http://www.hillaryjohnson.com/2014/home/). Be sure to subscribe to stay informed about upcoming sessions. Enjoy!