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

Catherine's SiteCatherine 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