WCA #500 with Catherine Marks - From Architect to Producer, Fearlessness, Supportive Mentors, Managing Creative Conflicts, and Capturing the Immediacy of a Moment

Working Class Audio

My guest today is Grammy-winning London-based producer and mixer Catherine Marks, who has worked on projects for boygenius, Wolf Alice, and The Mysterines.

In this episode, we discuss

• Upbringing in Australia
• Early exposure to music through parents' record collection
• Participation in a Yamaha piano course at an all-girls school
• Development of interest in songwriting and record production
• Studying architecture at the University of Melbourne
• Taking a year out to work in Dublin
• Introduction to Dublin's music
• Immersion in live music and DJ nights in Dublin
• Discovery of interest in music production and reverb
• Transition from architecture degree to music production career
• Learning about music production while working for Flood
• Recording a song with Elastica, gaining Flood's attention
• Fearlessness and willingness to take opportunities
• Early advice from her father and
• Support from the Dublin community
• Early experiences in the studio,
• Multitasking in various roles
• Learning via observing, asking questions, and reading manuals
• Development of skills and studio efficiency
• Mentorship from Alan Moulder
• Working with producers like Dmitry Tikovoy, Ben Hillier, and Flood
• Importance of capturing the immediacy of a moment over technical perfection
• Discipline to let go of awareness and move forward in projects
• Managing creative conflicts and rising from unknown engineer to sought-after producer
• Establishing connections with key individuals in the music industry
• Importance of mutual understanding and communication in the recording process
• Working with Alan Moulder and Flood, enhancing her career
• Mutual respect and high expectations foster professional growth
• Importance of enjoying projects and respecting colleagues
• Prioritizing a balanced lifestyle over immediate success
• Pressure to maintain career momentum and need for self-care to prevent burnout
• Consistent commitment and passion for work
• Experiences and reflections on winning a Grammy award
• Highs and lows of industry recognition
• Challenges of being away for extended periods during album work
• Anticipation for future projects and collaborations

Matt's Rant: 500 Episodes and Pressing On

Links and Show Notes

• Catherine's Site
• Catherine on Instagram

Credits

• Guest: Catherine Marks
• Host: Matt Boudreau
• Engineer: Matt Boudreau
• Producer: Matt Boudreau
• Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
• WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
• Announcer: Chuck Smith