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