Working Class Audio

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 eight or nine, the result of childhood exposure to rifle fire, and how he has mixed some of the most acclaimed records of the past four decades with significant hearing loss in one ear. Neuroscientist and consultant neurologist Dr. Will Sedley of Newcastle University breaks down what the brain is actually doing when tinnitus occurs, from central gain theory to predictive coding, gating mechanisms, and why the brain's compensation strategies can misfire. Hazel Goedhart, co-founder and Executive Board Member at Tinnitus Quest, shares her own tinnitus journey and how it led her to leave a career in financial services and fundraise her own salary to work for the cause full-time. And Jack Rubinacci, musician, songwriter, and Head of PR at Tinnitus Quest, explains how the organization is working to change the narrative around tinnitus the same way the mental health conversation shifted over the past generation — because that narrative shift is what unlocks funding, and funding is what drives research. In This Episode, We Discuss: Matt's RANT!: Hearing Protection Links and Show Notes: Tinnitus QuestWCA #334 with Jack RubinacciWCA #200 with Tchad BlakeBella Bathurst – Sound: Stories of Hearing Lost and Found Newcastle University – Translational and Clinical Research Institute Credits:

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 of the immersive audio market, and the amusing discovery of a hidden Starbucks inside a Jaguar dealership. The conversation also explores the unique, ongoing challenges of adapting rock and roll production techniques for the Atmos format. In This Episode, We Discuss: Matt's RANT!: Think Bigger Links and Show Notes: WCA #388 with Will KennedyMatt Wallace on WCABrad Wood on WCA Credits: Video Interview

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 through self-taught exploration and technical curiosity. In This Episode, We Discuss: Matt's RANT!: The Small Things Links and Show Notes: AudiomasterWCA #593 with Katie Marie Richards Credits:

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 longevity through work-life balance and photography. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Macro SoundBig UpsSennheiserActive Listening Club Matt's RANT: Doing Try Outs Credits:

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. In This Episode, We Discuss: Producer And Multi-instrumentalist BackgroundLeaving School At FifteenSelf-taught Musical FoundationsEarly Four-track Recording ExperimentsTransitioning From Solo ArtistManaging Performance AnxietyRelocating From Devon To AustinMentorship At Blue Rock StudioSharing Process Via Live StreamsTransitioning To North CarolinaMorning And Afternoon Life StagesGrowing Wider Rather Than TallerCollaborating With Christie LenéeOvercoming A Poverty MindsetCharging Based On ValueSelling The Human ExperiencePrioritizing Songs Over GearAdapting To New Environments Links and Show Notes: Katie Marie’s SiteBlue Rock StudioBook Reference: You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero Matt's Rant: What IS possible Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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: Links and Show Notes: Ronan's Site Matt's Rant: Passion for Audio Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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: Links and Show Notes: CBT's Site Matt's Rant: Sonic Citizens Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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 upbringingJobs in Gulf Coast refineriesFirst studio internships in AustinHouston and AustinKingsway Studio in New OrleansPrioritizing vibe over gearRelocating to Los AngelesManaging Teatro in OxnardCollaboration with Rick RubinHandling limited recording budgetsSkills in reading the roomBalancing career and family lifeNegotiating rates and invoicingAudio archiving and session restorationNetworking to find new music Links and Show Notes: Phillip's SiteTrina Shoemaker on WCADave Schiffman on WCA Matt's Rant: Inspiration and Imagination Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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: Links and Show Notes: YouTube versionMitch's Site Matt's Rant: Creating Opportunity Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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: Links and Show Notes: @costa71Watch the Interview on YouTube Matt's Rant: Know Your Value Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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: Links and Show Notes: Willie Green’s Website Matt's Rant: Which music industry do you work in? Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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: Links and Show Notes: Part 1 InterviewRich's Site Matt's Rant: Auto Pilot Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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: Links and Show Notes: Jade on Instagram Matt's Rant: The Home Studio Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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: Links and Show Notes: Tom's SiteLes Paul Studio Matt's Rant: Economic Reevaluation Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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 Links and Show Notes: Rich's Site Matt's Rant: The Expenses Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:Editing:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

Matt welcomes Grammy Nominated producer /engineer/mixer Joel Weldon Willis. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Joel's Site Matt's Rant: Inspiration Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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, Voivod, Brutal Truth, Pelican, YOB, Hide, Youth Code, Wovenhand, Rwake, Local H and many others. Takeaways Links and Show Notes: Sanford's Site Matt's Rant: Your Journey Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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: Links and Show Notes: Steve on WCA #245Steve on WCA #487Steve's Site Matt's Rant: The People Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:Editing:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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: Links and Show Notes: Fran's Site Matt's Rant: Client Communication Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice:

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. In This Episode, We Discuss: Links and Show Notes: Joe's SiteJoe on WCA #329 Matt's Rant: Credits: Guest:Host/Engineer/Producer:WCA Theme Music:The Voice: