Working Class Audio

For episode 603, Matt talks with Lorenzo Wolff — a Grammy-winning engineer, producer, musician, and owner of Restoration Sound in Brooklyn. Lorenzo joins on a Saturday from New York to trace a path from a hip-hop-obsessed kid in Nyack, chasing the basslines on Fugees and Wyclef records, to a session bassist, to interning under engineer Scott Lehrer at Second Story Sound, to building one of Brookly...

For episode 602, Matt talks with London mix engineer Luke Burgoyne, who joins from his room at Pony Studios in East London. Luke grew up in Winchester with two violinist parents, fell for the studio side of music at sixteen, and studied performance and recording at the University of West London before spending the last seven years assisting one of the UK's busiest mixers, Dan Grech-Marguerat (Lana...

For episode 601, Matt sits down with Belgian musician, mastering engineer, and sociologist of music Gert Keunen — recommended to the show by past guest John Greenham. Gert has spent 35 years saying yes to nearly everything music: seven albums of his own, the nu-jazz project Briskey, a PhD in the sociology of music, four books on pop history, stints as a record-label staffer and newspaper critic, t...

Matt celebrates episode 600 of Working Class Audio with a guest who's been there since the beginning — mixer and producer Andrew Scheps, who first appeared back on episodes 009 300 & 477. Andrew joins from his home in rural England to talk about winning MPG Atmos Mixer of the Year for his work on Low Roar, how he approaches Dolby Atmos delivery and client approval, why he switched from Sony he...

Matt welcomes producer, engineer, and mixer Alex Newport for his first appearance on Working Class Audio. Alex grew up in the UK Midlands with few music resources, and found his way into production after his band got signed to a UK label with an upstream deal to Columbia, and ended up recording at Sawmills, a legendary residential studio on a tidal island at the tip of Cornwall. Working there with...

In this return visit to Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Dante Fumo — freelance sound designer, writer, and the creator behind Harmonic Content, a screen-printed audio zine now in its seventh issue. Dante talks about building a sustainable freelance life that spans independent film post-production, writing for Vintage King and Pro Sound Effects, and self-publishing a physical zine inspired...

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes a panel of four guests united by a common cause: Tinnitus Quest, a patient-driven nonprofit pushing to fund and accelerate tinnitus research. Tchad Blake — 7-time Grammy Award-winning producer, mixer, and engineer with credits including Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, and Pearl Jam — opens up about living with tinnitus since age eigh...

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, mixer, and engineer Will Kennedy . Will shares an update on his journey since his last appearance, focusing on his partnership with Matt Wallace and their deep dive into immersive and Dolby Atmos mixing from their Los Angeles studio. They discuss the strategic decision to sell off their traditional recording gear, the evolution o...

In this episode, Matt welcomes mastering engineer Steve Kitch . Steve shares his journey from early music programming on home keyboards and classical piano training to building a worldwide mastering practice from his studio in Devon, UK. They discuss the transition from transferring DAT tapes to CDs, being an early adopter of online file delivery, and the evolution of a professional audio career t...

In this episode, Matt welcomes mastering engineer and artist Amar Lal of Oakland’s Macro Sound. Amar shares his journey from the New York DIY scene and touring with Big Ups to a corporate role at Sennheiser and his eventual return to independent studio ownership. They discuss the benefits of an all-digital mastering workflow, the "Active Listening Club" philosophy, and how Amar maintains career lo...

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist Katie Marie for a deep dive into her 30-year career journey, moving from a rural UK trailer to world-class studios. They discuss the transition from solo artistry to a supportive production role, the philosophy of professional growth, and maintaining a healthy mindset around the business of music. I...

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, mixer Ronan Chris Murphy (King Crimson, Steve Morse, Terry Bozzio, Tony Levin) to talk about being a pro audio nomad, falling trees, and and anchor points. In This Episode, We Discuss: World Travel Falling Trees Language Being a Respectful Human Anchor POints Debt Links and Show Notes: Ronan's Site Matt's Rant: Passion...

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixing and mastering engineer Tyrone "Cross Bone T" Harris who shares his journey from a young music enthusiast in London to a professional mixing and mastering engineer. In This Episode, We Discuss: Musical Roots and Early Influences The Journey into Music Production Curiosity and Learning in Music Early Experiences with Technology First Steps...

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer/engineer/mixer and archivist, Phillip Broussard who has worked with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Slipknot, System of a Down, and many more In This Episode, We Discuss: Texas upbringing Jobs in Gulf Coast refineries First studio internships in Austin Houston and Austin Kingsway Studio in New Orleans Prioritizing vibe over gear Relocating...

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcome musician/songwriter/producer/engineer Mitch Easter known for his work on the early R.E.M. records as well as his work with the db's, Game Theory, and Marshal Crenshaw as well as his own band Let's Active. In This Episode, We Discuss: Background and Upbringing Early Interest in Recording Drive-In Studio Fidelatorium Recordings Balancing Multiple...

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes engineer/mixer Joe Costa who has worked with Ben Folds. Sara Bareilles, William Shatner and many more. In This Episode, We Discuss: Ordering Lunch with William (Bill) Shatner Working with Ben Folds Mixing from Home Moving to Nashville Berklee School of Music Reading the Room Links and Show Notes: Joe On Instagram @costa71 Watch the Interview on...

Producer, engineer, artist, and professor Willie Green returns to WCA to chat with Matt about about his new studio adventure and much more! Willie has worked with renowned artists such as Armand Hammer, The Roots, The Alchemist, and Wiz Khalifa. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Green House Expands! Physical Media Marketing Strategies for Creative Spaces Daily Patterns and Balancing Responsibilitie...

This is part 2 of a discussion Matt had with multi-platinum mixer and engineer Richard Chycki whose clients include such rock royalty as Rush, Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Skillet, Mick Jagger, Alice Cooper, Pink and many more. In This Episode, We Discuss: Management Networking: Building Relationships for Success Cultural Transition: From Canada to the U.S. Music Scene The Rush Connection: Networking...

In this episode of Working Class Audio , Matt welcomes mixing engineer, producer and composerJade Alysse Berry, whose path to mixing was sparked by a life‑changing health event and a deep love for music. Jade shares practical insights on creativity, collaboration, and setting clear boundaries with clients. In This Episode, We Discuss: How a health crisis redirected Jade’s career toward audio engin...

Matt is joined by grammy winning engineer Tom Camuso who has worked with Lenny Kravitz, Blondie, Steve Earl as well as a number of commercial, television and film projects. Tom is also the Chief Engineer at The Les Paul Recording Studio in Holly wood. In This Episode, We Discuss: Preserving Les Paul's Legacy Los Angeles vs. New York Cracking the Preservation Code Weather Education Library of Congr...

Matt is joined by multi-platinum mixer and engineer Richard Chycki whose clients include such rock royalty as Rush, Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Skillet, Mick Jagger, Alice Cooper, Pink and many more. In This Episode, We Discuss: NAMM Experience Current State of Immersive Audio Moving to Nashville: Reasons and Plans Early Musical Journey and Transition to Engineering The Shift from Musician to Engine...

Matt welcomes Grammy Nominated producer /engineer/mixer Joel Weldon Willis. In This Episode, We Discuss: Building a Home Studio Early Experiences in Music Production Transitioning to Freelance and Indie Music Scene Creative Approaches to Music Production Navigating Financial Challenges in the Studio Recording Techniques and Live Sessions Lessons Learned in the Studio Freelancing and Renting Studio...

Matt welcomes Producer /engineer/mixer and film composer Sanford Parker. As an artist he’s performed and released albums with extreme heavy and industrial bands like Black Cross Hotel, Corrections House, Mirrors for Psychic Warfare and Minsk. Throughout the years he’s collaborated with members of Sonic Youth, Ministry, Napalm Death and Neurosis as well as producing and mixing albums for Darkthrone...

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. In This Episode, We Discuss: Mic placement and monitoring. The bleed Band dynamics Food and energy levels Expectations Crea...

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. In This Episode, We Discuss: Studio Ownership Herbie Hancock Early Digital Recording Divorce Covid Getting Sued Stress...