This Is DeLaCruz
Hosted by Nick DeLaCruz, This Is DeLaCruz takes you behind the scenes of live music. Each episode shares real conversations with the unsung heroes of touring: the techs, engineers, and crew members who make the show happen night after night. From building massive stage rigs to solving problems under pressure, they reveal the magic, mishaps, and hard work behind every show. Whether you’re a live music fan or just curious about the world beyond the stage, this podcast is your all-access pass.
This Is DeLaCruz
Cruz on Crews Episode 1: with Ken ‘Pooch’ Van Druten & Co-Host Burton Ishmael
Episode 1: Mastering Live Sound with Ken ‘Pooch’ Van Druten & Co-Host Burton Ishmael
In the debut episode of Cruz on Crews, host Nick DeLaCruz and co-host Burton Ishmael sit down with legendary FOH engineer Ken ‘Pooch’ Van Druten to dive deep into the world of live sound. With a career spanning some of the biggest names in music—Jay-Z, Travis Scott, Justin Bieber, Iron Maiden, KISS, Guns N’ Roses, and Linkin Park—Pooch shares his journey from Berklee College of Music to becoming one of the most respected and awarded engineers in the industry.
We’ll discuss the evolution of live production, the challenges of mixing for massive stadium tours, and the mindset needed to craft flawless mixes for some of the world's biggest artists. Whether you're an audio pro, a touring tech, or just someone fascinated by the behind-the-scenes magic of live concerts, this episode is packed with expert insights and road stories you won’t want to miss.
Tune in to Cruz on Crews—where we bring you the real stories from the unsung heroes of the touring world.
