WCA #581 with Sanford Parker – Chicago Music Scene, Independent Artists, Managing Overhead, and Getting out of Florida.
Tue Feb 03 2026
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
Sanford opened his studio in March 2020, just before the pandemic.He prefers working with independent artists and punk music.Chicago's music scene is affordable compared to other major cities.Managing overhead is crucial for running a successful studio.Sanford transitioned to mixing in the box for efficiency.He values genuine relationships with artists over bureaucracy.The pandemic shifted his work focus back to mixing.The flexibility of working remotely with clients.Learning to navigate financial discussions with bands.Independent music often allows for quicker decision-making.
Links and Show Notes:Sanford's Site
Matt's Rant: Your JourneyCredits:Guest: Sanford ParkerHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith
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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 Sanford opened his studio in March 2020, just before the pandemic.He prefers working with independent artists and punk music.Chicago's music scene is affordable compared to other major cities.Managing overhead is crucial for running a successful studio.Sanford transitioned to mixing in the box for efficiency.He values genuine relationships with artists over bureaucracy.The pandemic shifted his work focus back to mixing.The flexibility of working remotely with clients.Learning to navigate financial discussions with bands.Independent music often allows for quicker decision-making. Links and Show Notes:Sanford's Site Matt's Rant: Your JourneyCredits:Guest: Sanford ParkerHost/Engineer/Producer: Matt BoudreauWCA Theme Music: Cliff TruesdellThe Voice: Chuck Smith