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This Is DeLaCruz

This Is DeLaCruz
Author: Nicholas DeLaCruz
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© 2025 This Is DeLaCruz
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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.
109 Episodes
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Send us a text Step backstage with Christian Thompson, guitarist for Falling In Reverse, as he takes us through his full soundcheck process. From dialing in tone to running guitars through the rig, Christian shows exactly what it takes to get the band ready for the stage. This isn’t just another jam session, it’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at the gear, workflow, and attention to detail that powers one of rock’s most explosive live shows. 👉 Whether you’re a guitarist, a fan of Falling In ...
Send us a text Few live shows are as massive, cinematic, and sonically demanding as The Weeknd’s. At the center of it all is Derek Brener, the Front of House Engineer trusted with bringing Abel’s voice and sound to life for sold-out stadiums around the world. In this interview, Derek shares what it’s like to mix one of the most recognizable voices in modern music, the challenges of translating The Weeknd’s studio perfection to a live setting, and the techniques he uses to keep the show consi...
Send us a text In this interview, I sit down with Erin Roblin, Tour Manager for Lights, to talk about what life on the road really looks like behind the scenes. From handling daily logistics to supporting the artist and crew, Erin shares a grounded perspective on the challenges and responsibilities that come with the role. We talk about how she got started in tour management, what it’s like coordinating with venues and teams, and how she stays organized and adaptable while on the road. Erin ...
Send us a text I sit down with Jeremy Jayson, the Guitar Tech for Disturbed, and the man responsible for keeping the band’s crushing tone tight and dialed in night after night. From string changes and pedalboard setups to mid-show fixes and backstage prep, Jeremy plays a vital role in making sure every riff hits with power and precision. We talk about what it takes to tech for one of the biggest rock bands in the world — including gear choices, how he preps for each show, and what goes into ...
Send us a text Go behind the scenes with Christian Thompson, lead guitarist and vocalist for Falling In Reverse, as he takes us through his guitar collection and touring rig. In this exclusive This Is DeLaCruz episode, Christian breaks down the guitars he relies on, shares stories behind his favorite instruments, and talks about how his gear shapes the signature Falling In Reverse sound. From guitar tones and tunings to what makes his setup work on stage every night, this is a must-watch for...
Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with Tracy Robar, the man behind the thunder, serving as bass tech for Linkin Park. Tracy walks us through what it takes to keep the low end locked in for a band known for its massive, genre-defining sound. From maintaining gear under pressure to syncing up with the rhythm section every night, Tracy’s role is critical to the band's powerful live presence. We talk about his day-to-day routines on tour, the evolution of Linkin Park’s bass rigs, and wh...
Send us a text Sphere Part 2 In this unforgettable special edition episode, we take you inside the revolutionary Sphere in Las Vegas for a rare, all-access look at what it takes to mix a stadium-sized show in one of the world’s most advanced live venues. At the helm is Robert Scovill, iconic Front of House engineer for Kenny Chesney, who walks us through the technology, strategy, and pressure behind delivering a flawless mix in an immersive 360° environment. We don’t just talk sound, we wal...
Send us a text Part 1 In this unforgettable special edition episode, we take you inside the revolutionary Sphere in Las Vegas for a rare, all-access look at what it takes to mix a stadium-sized show in one of the world’s most advanced live venues. At the helm is Robert Scovill, iconic Front of House engineer for Kenny Chesney, who walks us through the technology, strategy, and pressure behind delivering a flawless mix in an immersive 360° environment. We don’t just talk sound, we walk the s...
Send us a text Dialing in Disturbed: Scott Jarecki, System Engineer for One of Rock’s Biggest Tours In this episode, I sit down with Scott Jarecki, the System Engineer for Disturbed, who plays a critical role in making sure every note, scream, and explosion of energy hits with precision — no matter the venue. From massive arenas to outdoor festivals, Scott is the one responsible for designing, deploying, and tuning the PA system that powers the band’s legendary live shows. We dive into the t...
Send us a text In the Ears of the Artist: Andrew “Slipper” Brown – Monitor Engineer for Lights In this episode, I sit down with Andrew “Slipper” Brown, the monitor engineer responsible for keeping Lights locked in and performing at her best night after night. From crafting the perfect in-ear mix to managing on-stage communication and last-minute curveballs, Slipper gives us an inside look at the world of monitor engineering where precision, speed, and trust are everything. We dive into how ...
Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with Ben Young, the guitar tech behind the iconic tones of Linkin Park. From the chaos of world tours to the quiet precision of string changes and pedalboard builds, Ben gives us an inside look at what it takes to keep the guitars stage-ready for one of the most sonically complex bands in modern rock. Ben shares stories from the road, how he preps for high-pressure shows, and the evolution of Linkin Park’s guitar rigs over the years. We talk tone, t...
Send us a text A year after our first conversation, I sit down once again with Brad Divens, the legendary Front of House engineer for Disturbed, to see how things have evolved. From new gear choices and stage configurations to the lessons learned over another intense year of global touring, Brad brings fresh insights and hard-earned wisdom to the table. We talk about what’s changed in his mix since last year, how he handles the pressure of mixing one of rock’s heaviest hitters, and why stayi...
Send us a text I sit down with Allen Dukes, the guitar tech making sure every note hits just right on tour with country star Riley Green. From dialing in tones to keeping gear show-ready night after night, Allen gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to support a fast-rising artist in the world of modern country music. We talk about life on the road, the challenges of quick turnarounds and live tuning, and the details that go into creating a flawless performance. Allen also share...
Send us a text In this episode of This Is DeLaCruz, we sit down with Dave Nester, the powerhouse drum tech behind the explosive live shows of Disturbed. From setting up Mike Wengren’s massive kit to maintaining sonic consistency night after night, Dave takes us deep into the world of touring drum techs and what it takes to keep one of rock’s most iconic drummers sounding flawless on stage. Dave shares his journey into the industry, the lessons learned from the road, and the often-overlooked ...
Send us a text Silverstein’s live shows are a powerful mix of aggression and melody blending post-hardcore intensity with deeply emotional storytelling. At the core of translating that dynamic sound to the stage is Jake Katz, Front of House Engineer, who brings both precision and intuition to every performance. With a sharp ear for contrast, Jake shapes each set to hit hard while keeping the emotional moments crisp and clear. Balancing screamed vocals, layered guitars, and ambient text...
Send us a text In this exclusive interview, I sit down with legendary front-of-house engineer Jim Ebdon, known for his work with some of the biggest names in music, including Linkin Park. We dive deep into the art and pressure of mixing one of the most dynamic and emotionally charged live acts of the 2000s. Jim shares his journey with the band, what it took to bring their powerful sound to life in stadiums and arenas around the world, and how he handled the balance between raw aggression and...
Send us a text In this episode of Cruz on Crews, Nick DeLaCruz is joined by Randy Nichols, a behind-the-scenes expert with firsthand insight into the shadowy world of ticket reselling. What starts as a conversation about bots and resale platforms quickly unravels into a deeper look at how a multi-billion-dollar scalping industry is exploiting fans, bypassing laws, and manipulating the system from the inside out. From deceptive tech tools to powerful lobbying groups, Randy walks us through how...
Send us a text Riley Green’s live performances are built on authenticity — a blend of Southern roots, modern country swagger, and crowd-shaking energy. Behind the scenes, Seth Hewson, Front of House Engineer, is the driving force shaping that sound for every audience. With a deep understanding of both the genre and the artist, Seth balances rugged instrumentation with Riley’s signature vocal grit to deliver a mix that feels both timeless and fresh. From honky-tonk anthems to heartfelt ballad...
Send us a text In this special presentation, I sit down with the legendary front-of-house engineer Chris Rabold for an exclusive interview marking his return to the stage and the world of live audio. After an unexpected break to prioritize his health, Chris wanted to share his personal journey of recovery and reflection in his own words. We go deep into what he’s learned during this time away, how it’s reshaped his perspective on life, and what excites him most about returning to the craft h...
Send us a text In Episode 2 of On The Road with Disturbed, we dive into the heartbeat of the tour’s day-to-day hustle — the merch table and the main stage. Meet Nick Engle, the stage manager who ensures every pyro hit, riser cue, and stage change happens with precision. From pre-show chaos to post-show teardown, Nick’s the one keeping the engine running behind the scenes. Then there’s Bubba Geurts, the merch mastermind and unsung road warrior. While fans line up for shirts, vinyl, and hoodi...