WCA #564 with Steve Dierkens – Career Path Shift, Joy in Work, Financial Balance, Global Collaborations, and Redefining Success
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer, Producer, Mixer Steve Dierkens. In this conversation, Steve shares his journey from as a succesful enginer working in film in California to a professional audio engineer and producer living in Canada. He discusses his early influences, the transition to a professional career, and the lifestyle changes that came with moving to Canada. Steve reflects on the challenges of building a studio, the importance of family, and the reevaluation of his career goals. He emphasizes the need for joy in music production and offers insights into financial perspectives in the audio profession. The conversation also touches on remote collaborations, social media challenges, and the definition of success and happiness in the industry.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Career path shift
Family-driven choices
Moved to Canada
Studio-building challenges
Joy in work
Financial balance
Valued client relationships
Global collaborations
Social media pressure
Redefining success
Links and Show Notes:
Steve and Chris Selim's Podcast
Matt's Rant: More on Streaming vs Physical Media
Credits:
Guest: Steve Dierkens
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith
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1:06:39
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1:06:39
WCA #563 with Jon Rezin– Working Remotely in Ohio, Mixing, Saving Time, Skills and Network
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy winning Mixer, Producer, & Mastering Engineer Jon Rezin who has worked with Natalia Jimenez, One Direction, Andy Grammer, BoA, and Santana.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Working Remotely in Ohio
Mixing
Saving Time
Skills
Network
Building Relationships
The Masked Singer
American Idol
Links and Show Notes:
Jon's Site
Jon on Instagram
Matt's Rant: Streaming vs Physical Media
Credits:
Guest: Jon Rezin
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith
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1:13:34
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1:13:34
WCA #562 – STEVE GENEWICK talks SPINAL TAP
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Recording and Mixing Engineer Steve Genewick. Steve gives us the full behind the scenes look into the making of the new Spinal Tap record “The End Continues”. From the initial phone call to the release of the record and movie we get into the details.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Initial Phone Call
Where to Record
Setup
Mics, Preamps, etc..
Mixing
Mixing in ATMOS
WIG Day!
In The Box
Cracking Up
Links and Show Notes:
The time code software
Download the Input List!
Steve’s site
Link to the record on Apple Music
WCA #070 with Al Schmitt & Steve Genewick
WCA #324 with Steve Genewick
WCA Live from NAMM 2024
Matt’s Rant: Perfection
Credits:
Guest: Steve Genewick
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith
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1:12:15
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1:12:15
WCA #561 with Jordan Lonn – FOH, Paying Dues, Failing Kidney's, Home Town Gig, and Sustained Energy
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Jordan Lonn, Head Audio Engineer at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, California. The venue hosts a wide range of performances, including musical acts such as Joss Stone, Joan Osborne, and the Count Basie Orchestra, as well as musical theater and stand-up comedy.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Guitar Center
Dropping Out Of College
Paying Dues
Sustained Energy
Failing Kidney's
Health Epiphany
Home Town Gig
FOH
Gallo Center
Links and Show Notes:
Gallo Center for The Arts
Matt's Rant: Acting Territorial
Credits:
Guest: Jordan Lonn
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith
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54:57
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54:57
WCA #560 The Backup Episode – 3-2-1 System, Nevada City Fire Scare, Altadena Fire Experience, and Best Practices & Considerations
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Nominated producer, engineer, and mixer Travis Ference as well as multi-instrumentalist, sound designer and audio engineer Kerry Rose to talk all about backing up and archiving audio.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
3-2-1 System
Best Practices & Considerations
Insurance & Liability
Personal Experiences
Travis's Altadena Fire Experience
Kerry's Nevada City Fire Scare
Scorched Earth
Remote/Cloud Storage
Challenges with Cloud
Offsite NAS
Methodology Over Tools
Links and Show Notes:
Watch Duty App
GMRS Radios
Documentary on Paradise
Backblaze
Sync.com
Neofinder
Synology NAS
OWC
Travis online
Matt's Rant: The Many Hats We Wear
Credits:
Guest: Travis Ference and Kerry Rose
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith
The Working Class Audio Podcast pulls back the curtain on the professional recording world. Host and audio engineer Matt Boudreau talks with guests from music, film, games, restoration, and beyond—diving into their real-world journeys. No fluff, just honest conversations about the wins, losses, money, collaboration, and survival strategies that define a career in audio. It's recording life from a working class perspective.