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
114 episodes
Ice Nine Kills Lighting Designer
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 mov...
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Season 2
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Episode 50
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26:04
Falling In Reverse: Stories from the Tour Bus (Christian Thompson)
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 h...
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Season 2
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Episode 49
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41:55
Cruz on Crews Episode 5: Kyle Gerhart
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 48
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53:10
Mixing Mayhem: Ice Nine Kills
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 imm...
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Season 2
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Episode 47
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31:58
Lighting the Fire: Lighting Director for Disturbed
Lighting the Fire: Joseph Morris – Lighting Director for DisturbedIn this episode, I sit down with Joseph Morris, the Lighting Director for Disturbed, who brings the band’s explosive energy to life through bold, cinematic lighting design. F...
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Season 2
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Episode 46
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23:14
Inside Soundcheck with Christian Thompson of Falling In Reverse
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 f...
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Season 2
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Episode 45
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19:13
Running Sound for The Weeknd
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....
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Season 2
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Episode 44
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1:15:45
Lights Tour Manager
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 perspectiv...
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Season 2
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Episode 43
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26:41
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