Conversations with Warner Swain and Michael Kalish

MK - When did your passion for audio turn into a career, what signs pointed you in this direction?

WS - My passion with live music and recording began in the late 80's / early 90's when I was traveling around as a kid recording bands like the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers Band. However - my career started in CT where I was selling blank media, recording gear, and producing music festivals (Gathering of the Vibes) .....and everything kind of grew from there. I parlayed that experience into opportunities with major audio and video companies. And of course hooked up with Wilco.

MK - I’ve been personally inspired by your work with Wilco’s live download series - Roadcase. Can you tell us your involvement with the selecting specific shows, and what show or run of Wilco shows stand out as possible future releases?

WS - There are a handful of elements that go into determining which show gets picked to be a Roadcase release. Of course... we want a "killer show that sounds great". But we also take into account the particular locations/venues, setlist variations, guests and special dates. Ultimately .. with the goal of offering a handful of live recordings from each tour that captures - as accurately as possible - the feeling of being in the room on that particular night.

MK - Take us behind the scenes of capturing consistent live audio from venue to venue… what are the biggest challenges and which venues do you love to perform in?

WS - The consistent great sound of Wilco audio lies squarely with the band itself ... in addition you have the genius of Stan Doty, Jared Dottorelli and the rest of the Wil-crew. The Wilco touring crew does an amazing job creating that perfect environment night after night - city after city. Add in the best band in the land and hopefully you hear that same crisp clean sound on the recordings that you do in the venue. There are of course challenges - each venue is unique and offers it's own obstacles. As well - in the summer the weather is always in play. Favorite venues? I think you will have to ask the individual band members and crew .... places I love to see Wilco perform include Red Rocks, The Pageant in St Louis, any venue in Chicago, the Capitol Theater in Port Chester and - of course - Mass Moca.

MK - You’re also a fantastic photographer! Are there others you admire, either in or out of music industry, and can you share a photo or two you’ve taken with us?

WS - Appreciate that! I call it more handy with a camera while at shows, but it is something I definitely enjoy. Way back - I would sneak up to the front row of Dead shows and snap off a couple rolls before heading back to my seat, but never made the jump to digital. And several years ago I decided to jump back in and purchased a DSLR and several lenses. Luckily I know some people ... Most my recent concert photography chops & inspiration has come from the other Wilco photographers that I have become friends with over the years ... Josh Sarner, Zorin Orlic, Charles Harris, Austin Nelson, Richie Wireman, Tim Bugby (all these guys make excellent photos!!!)

Photo credit: Warner Swain/Wilco archive