Episode 13 Greg Calbi: Iconic Mastering Engineer

Get ready to listen to Greg share stories of working with the likes of John Lennon, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, and so many others.The art and science of crafting amazing sounding music has grown and evolved over the years. Greg Calbi has been a part of that evolution ever since the 60s and 70s. He started as a musician himself and after deciding against continuing post-graduate work, he found himself presented with the opportunity of a lifetime.  While he wasn’t given the keys to a top office, he was given the opportunity to learn from the best in the business at mastering and mixing. He’s since become a paragon of knowledge regarding the mastering process through the ages.  The breadth of his knowledge about the industry as a whole and what it takes to be an amazing mastering engineer is immense. He walks through the changes in how music is mastered from the late 60s to the present.  It is that history and his seasoned way of looking at and listening to music that makes him a master in his craft. Listen as Greg takes us down memory lane in the music business and shares the work he’s most proud of in recent years.    Show Highlights: [00:10] Listen as Andy introduces Greg Calbi and his huge body of mastering work.  [03:03] What is mastering versus mixing?  [04:39] When did the passion for music hit Greg?  [07:23] Greg shares his experience of hearing the Beatles in New York. [09:43] What was Greg interesting in doing as he took his college courses?  [12:24] How he moved into the music industry rather than finishing his post-graduate degree.  [15:12] Listen as Greg explains how his role expanded and evolved.  [19:17] What did Greg think when he heard Stevie Wonder’s work?  [22:26] Greg shares his experiences with building confidence and skill over time.  [24:40] Hear Greg chat about one of his favorite memories of working with John Lennon. [27:07] What was it like to work on David Bowie’s Young Americans? [29:57] Was Bruce Springsteen more involved in the process?  [34:24] How does Greg feel about the importance of dynamics?  [37:34] What were the highlights of his days working at Sterling in the 70’s and 80’s?  [40:14] How has his work changed as the industry moved into digital and streaming?  [45:45] Greg shares his advice for the musician who is looking to do their mastering on their own.  [48:25] Learn how you can find the right mastering engineer for your project.  [52:20] What is Greg’s favorite tech gear right now?  [53:59] Hear the albums Greg is most proud of in recent years.    LINKS & RESOURCES   Greg Calbi: Sterling SoundSterling Sound on FacebookSterling Sound on Twitter Sterling Sound on Instagram   Follow The Music Makers:  The Music Makers on Instagram   Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment    The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection: Elliot Jefferson, Lamonte Silver, Keith Hammond, Roy Lambert, Joe Herrera, and Craig Alston.   Check out Andy's Other Podcast: The Wedding Biz