This Is DeLaCruz
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.
Episodes
106 episodes
Behind the Riffs: Guitar Tech for Disturbed
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, Je...
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Season 2
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Episode 42
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42:35
Falling In Reverse: Christian Thompson
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 rel...
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Season 2
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Episode 41
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30:37
Linkin Park Bass Tech (Tracy Robar)
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 main...
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Season 2
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Episode 40
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14:28
Part 2: Kenny Chesney Live at the Sphere
Sphere Part 2In 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 venue...
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Season 2
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Episode 39
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26:45
Part 1: Kenny Chesney Live at the Sphere
Part 1In 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 t...
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Season 2
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Episode 38
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1:00:26
Dialing in Disturbed: System Engineer for One of Rock’s Biggest Tours (Scott Jarecki)
Dialing in Disturbed: Scott Jarecki, System Engineer for One of Rock’s Biggest ToursIn 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 explosio...
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Season 2
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Episode 37
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23:30
Monitor Engineer for Lights (Andrew “Slipper” Brown)
In the Ears of the Artist: Andrew “Slipper” Brown – Monitor Engineer for LightsIn 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...
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Season 2
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Episode 36
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30:14
Linkin Park Guitar Tech (Ben Young)
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 ke...
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Season 2
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Episode 35
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23:16
Mixing Disturbed on the Road Again - One Year Later
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 34
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18:12
Riley Green Guitar Tech (Allen Dukes)
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 ta...
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Season 2
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Episode 33
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26:21
Disturbed Drum Tech (Dave Nester)
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 32
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18:12
Running Sound for Silverstein (Jake Katz)
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, wh...
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Season 2
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Episode 31
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28:48
Running Sound for Linkin Park (Jim Ebdon)
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 dynami...
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Season 2
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Episode 30
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44:08
Cruz on Crews Episode 4: Ticket Scalping (Randy Nichols)
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 platfor...
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Season 2
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Episode 29
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1:11:11
Running Sound for Riley Green (Seth Hewson)
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 28
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35:43
The Chris Rabold Interview: A New Chapter Begins
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 w...
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Season 2
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Episode 27
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1:30:52
On The Road wit Disturbed Episode 2 - Merch Hustles & Stage Muscle
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 happe...
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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36:20
Running Sound for Pearl Jam (Greg Nelson)
In this episode, we go behind the board with Greg Nelson, the legendary Front of House engineer for Pearl Jam. From sold-out stadiums to intimate venues, Greg has been the sonic architect behind one of the most iconic live bands of our time.
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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1:12:35
On the Road with Disturbed: Episode 1 – The Women Behind the Tour
Welcome to the first episode of On the Road with Disturbed — a new behind-the-scenes series that takes you inside the touring world of one of rock’s biggest bands.In this episode, we’re highlighting four incredible women who play a vita...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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1:10:50
Running Sound for AWOLNATION (Brian Hardaswick)
AWOLNATION’s live shows swing from explosive anthems to atmospheric waves—and behind that controlled chaos is Brian Hardaswick, the Front of House Engineer shaping every moment you hear and feel.In this exclusive interview, Brian breaks...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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33:45
Cruz on Crews Episode 3: with Eddie Mapp
In this episode of Cruz on Crews, we sit down with the legendary Eddie Mapp—Front of House engineer for Pantera, Paramore, Evanescence, and more. Eddie shares his journey from small clubs to massive arenas, his approach to building powerful mix...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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59:18
Inside the Movement: Lead Dancer & Choreographer for In This Moment
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Erin Bridges, the Lead Dancer and Choreographer for In This Moment, to explore the artistry, intensity, and storytelling behind their live performances. From her journey into the world of dance to c...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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52:04
Running Sound TOBYMAC (Pat Haapanen)
When you’re mixing for an artist like TOBYMAC, the show isn’t just loud—it’s alive. Blending pop, hip-hop, gospel, rock, and pure adrenaline, it takes a seasoned pro to keep it all glued together. That’s where Pat Haapanen comes in.As T...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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29:15
Monitor Engineer for Wage War (Peyton Chisholm)
When the pressure’s on and the show has to run flawlessly, Peyton Chisholm is the one you want behind the scenes. As both the Monitor Engineer and Drum Tech for Wage War, Peyton wears two critical hats—making sure the band hears exactly what th...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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24:18
Running Sound for The Plot In You (Marcus Wickham)
There’s something cinematic, haunting, and undeniably heavy about a The Plot In You show—and behind that immersive wall of sound is Marcus Wickham, the band's master of Front of House.In this episode, Marcus takes us inside his creative...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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1:01:36