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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.
130 Episodes
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Send a text 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 nuance an...
Send a text 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 and in...
Send a text 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 the ki...
Send a text 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 clari...
Send a text 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, and dy...
Send a text 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 challenges ...
Send a text 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 takes ...
Send a text 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 Confessiona...
Send a text 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 Shinedown’s ...
Send a text 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 without a...
Send a text 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 nostalgia an...
Send a text 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 vocal...
Send a text 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 of c...
Send a text 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 such an ...
Send a text 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 talk ...
Send a text 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 gear a...
Send a text In this episode, I sit down with Zoe Spratling, the creative force behind the chilling visuals and immersive atmosphere of Ice Nine Kills’ live shows. As the band’s Lighting Designer, Zoe transforms each performance into a full-blown horror movie experience, using light, shadow, and timing to elevate every scream, breakdown, and theatrical twist. We talk about how she designs and cues a show that feels more like a haunted attraction than a traditional concert, how she syncs her l...
Send a text Christian Thompson, lead guitarist for Falling In Reverse, opens up about his life, career, and journey with the band in this exclusive interview on This Is DeLaCruz. He shares how he first got started in music, the path that led him to joining Falling In Reverse, and what the experience has been like so far. From chasing the dream to stepping onto some of the biggest stages in the world, Christian reflects on the highs, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. ...
Send a text In this episode of Cruz on Cruz, Nick DeLaCruz sits down with Kyle Gerhart, the front-of-house engineer for the legendary rock band Creed. Kyle shares what it’s like bringing one of the biggest live rock reunions back to life, from crafting Creed’s powerful live mix night after night to the pressure, precision, and passion that go into every show. The two dive deep into Kyle’s journey through the world of live sound, what it takes to translate iconic songs into a massive arena exp...
Send a text In this episode, I sit down with Kane Phillips, the sonic mastermind behind the intense, cinematic live shows of Ice Nine Kills. As their Front of House Engineer, Kane is responsible for making horror-themed chaos sound clean, powerful, and immersive — night after night. We dive into what it takes to mix a band known for its theatrical performances, quick transitions, and genre-blending sound. Kane shares how he approaches dynamics, automation, and special FX, all while keeping t...
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