Claim OwnershipThis Is DeLaCruz
Subscribed: 2Played: 35
Subscribe
© 2026 This Is DeLaCruz
Description
Hosted by Nick DeLaCruz, This Is DeLaCruz takes you behind the scenes of live music with both the bands on stage and the unsung heroes who keep the show alive. Each episode features real conversations with artists, engineers, techs, and crew, pulling back the curtain on life on the road. From the chaos of soundcheck to the rush of showtime, they share the triumphs, struggles, and untold stories that make touring unforgettable. Whether you’re a fan, a musician, or just curious about what happens beyond the spotlight, this podcast is your all-access pass to the world of live music.
134 Episodes
Reverse
Send us Fan Mail Benson Boone’s performances live and die on emotion, dynamics, and a vocal that has to land perfectly every night. And a huge part of making that possible is what happens on stage, specifically, what the artist and band hear in the moment. In this episode, I sit down with Carter Luckett, the monitor engineer for Benson Boone, to talk about the behind-the-scenes role that most fans never see, but every artist depends on. We get into what it takes to build a monitor world that...
Send a text When you’re mixing a rising artist, every show matters. Every vocal moment. Every dynamic shift. Every crowd reaction. In this episode, I sit down with Loreen Bohannon, the live sound engineer running FOH for Elliot James Reay to talk about what it takes to build a powerful, consistent mix for an artist on the rise. We dive into how she approaches translating Elliot’s sound to a live setting, balancing clarity with energy, and adapting to different venues while keeping the p...
Send us Fan Mail Every tour has a first step — and for some engineers, that first run on the road changes everything. In this episode, I sit down with Harry Collins, who is running sound for Boyce Avenue on his very first tour. We talk about what it’s like stepping into a professional touring environment for the first time, the pressure of delivering a consistent mix night after night, and how preparation meets reality once the doors open. Harry shares what he’s learning in real ...
Send us Fan Mail Lorde’s live show is built on space, dynamics, and emotion, and what she hears on stage plays a huge role in how that performance unfolds. In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Glendenning, the monitor engineer for Lorde, to talk about the art and responsibility of crafting the perfect on-stage mix. Kevin shares what it takes to support an artist whose music lives in nuance, balancing intimacy with impact, subtlety with power. We talk about trust between artist and engineer...
Send us Fan Mail Andrea Bocelli’s voice is one of the most recognizable and emotionally powerful instruments in the world, and capturing it live requires an extraordinary level of care, precision, and trust. In this interview, I sit down with Davide Lombardi, the engineer responsible for running sound for Andrea Bocelli, to explore what it takes to support a performance at this level. Davide shares insight into the philosophy and responsibility behind mixing a voice that carries so much nuan...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Nick Dewer, the Front of House Engineer for The Band Camino, to talk about what it takes to mix one of the most exciting modern pop-rock bands on the road today. Known for their lush vocals, massive choruses, and emotionally charged performances, The Band Camino relies on Nick to translate their studio-perfect sound into an unforgettable live experience every single night. We dig into his approach to crafting a mix that feels both energetic a...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Matt Colwell, the Drum Tech for Killswitch Engage, and the person responsible for making sure the heartbeat of the band’s sound never skips a beat. From drum tuning and hardware setup to quick changeovers and mid-show problem solving, Matt is the steady hand behind the thunder that drives Killswitch’s live shows. We dig into what it takes to tech drums for a band known for its speed, precision, and power. Matt shares his process for keeping t...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Zach Eubanks, the Front of House Engineer for Dashboard Confessional, to talk about what it takes to mix one of the most emotionally charged and iconic bands of the 2000s emo/alt-rock movement. Known for their intimate lyrics and soaring anthems, Dashboard Confessional relies on Zach to bring their deeply personal songs to life in every venue, from clubs to festivals. We dive into his approach to crafting a mix that balances raw emotion with ...
Send us Fan Mail Extended Version👇 YouTube Membership: http://youtube.com/channel/UC87o5nnsjldToX-uP8TlYeA/join Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks! Step behind the console with Alex Markides, the Front of House Engineer for Killswitch Engage, as we dive into what it takes to deliver the band’s massive, high-energy sound night after night. Known for their crushing riffs, soaring vocals, a...
Send us Fan Mail Today we talk with Afton Gerring, the Lighting Designer for Dashboard Confessional, to explore how she brings atmosphere, mood, and emotion to life through lighting design. From intimate acoustic moments to soaring full-band anthems, Afton uses light as a storytelling tool, shaping the audience’s experience with every cue. We dive into her creative process, how she designs a show that complements the band’s emotional music, the gear and consoles she relies on, and the challe...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Josh Mihlek, the Guitar Tech for Killswitch Engage, and the man responsible for keeping the band’s crushing riffs and iconic tones ready to go every night. From string changes and pedalboard setups to troubleshooting mid-show and keeping the gear battle-ready, Josh plays a vital role in making sure Killswitch delivers their massive live sound show after show. We dive into the life of a touring guitar tech, the gear he maintains, the prep it t...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I talk with Santiago Del Valle Garces, the Monitor Engineer for Dashboard Confessional, to talk about the crucial role of crafting the perfect on-stage mix. As the person responsible for what the band hears in their in-ears and wedges, Santiago ensures every performance feels locked-in and full of emotion, giving the band the confidence to deliver songs that have defined a generation. We discuss his approach to monitor mixing for a band like Dashboard Confes...
Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how Shinedown’s live shows sound so massive, clear, and powerful? Their Front of House Engineer breaks it all down — from mixing techniques and stage setup to what really happens before doors open. We talk about the gear, the workflow, and the human side of keeping a high-pressure tour running smoothly. You’ll also hear a bit of my story and how our paths crossed in the world of live touring audio. This is the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at what makes Shinedo...
Send us Fan Mail Running the Show: Matt Kirby – Guitar Tech & Stage Manager for Ice Nine Kills In this episode, I sit down with Matt Kirby, the multi-tasking powerhouse who serves as both Guitar Tech and Stage Manager for the horror-metal spectacle that is Ice Nine Kills. From keeping guitars perfectly tuned and show-ready to managing the chaos of theatrical props, costume changes, and stage cues, Matt plays a critical role in making sure the band’s high-intensity performances go off with...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Greg Nelson, the Front of House Engineer for Goo Goo Dolls, to talk about what it takes to mix one of the most iconic and enduring rock bands of the last three decades. From the emotional weight of songs like “Iris” and “Name” to the massive live energy of “Slide” and “Broadway”, Greg is responsible for bringing those timeless sounds to life for audiences around the world. We dive deep into his approach to crafting a mix that balances nostalg...
Send us Fan Mail I sit down with Hamish Dickinson, the monitor engineer behind the brutal precision and high-octane energy of Ice Nine Kills’ theatrical live shows. From blood-soaked screams to cinematic breakdowns, Hamish is the one making sure every member of the band hears exactly what they need — when they need it — in the chaos of a horror-core performance. We dive into the unique pressure of mixing monitors for a band with intense stage production, fast-paced transitions, and dramatic ...
Send us Fan Mail Extended Versions 👇 YouTube Membership: http://youtube.com/channel/UC87o5nnsjldToX-uP8TlYeA/join Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks! Download the app: http://apps.apple.com/us/app/this-is-delacruz/id6746411351 In this episode, I sit down with Frank Sgambellone, the Front of House Engineer for Luke Bryan, to talk about what it takes to deliver stadium-level mixes for one...
Send us Fan Mail Holding Down the Low End: Barrett Stevens – Bass Tech for Disturbed In this episode, I sit down with Barrett Stevens, the Bass Tech for Disturbed, and the man making sure the low end hits with power, clarity, and consistency every single night. From maintaining bass guitars and amp rigs to handling quick changes and troubleshooting mid-show, Barrett is a key part of the team that keeps the band’s massive sound locked in. We dive into what it takes to tech for a band with suc...
Send us Fan Mail Extended Versions 👇 YouTube Membership: http://youtube.com/channel/UC87o5nnsjldToX-uP8TlYeA/join Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz Ever wonder what it takes to make Benson Boone sound flawless every night, without the engineer even being in the room? In this exclusive conversation, Joey Diehl, Benson Boone’s Front-of-House Engineer, pulls back the curtain on his unique mixing setup where he controls the entire show from a separate room in the back. We ...
Send us Fan Mail I sit down with Chris Kaplinski, the Front of House Engineer for Lights, to talk about what it takes to deliver a flawless live mix every night for one of pop’s most dynamic and sonically rich artists. From dialing in vocals and synths to managing unpredictable venues and tight timelines, Chris walks us through the challenges and triumphs of mixing a modern pop show. We get into his approach to live sound design, how he translates Lights’ studio sound to the stage, and the g...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States