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
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 TOBYMAC’s Front of House Engineer, Pat is the architect behind a mix that hits hard, moves fast, and still delivers every lyric with clarity and punch. In this episode, we sit down with Pat to talk about what it takes to manage a high-energy, genre-blending production, where every second counts and every transition has to be flawless.
Pat opens up about his creative process, the unique challenges of mixing for an artist with a multi-dimensional live show, and the deep trust he’s built with the entire team to make it all happen night after night.
🎧 Inside the Interview:
🎛️ How Pat balances musicality with energy in TOBYMAC’s set
🔈 Managing multiple genres in one show—and making it seamless
🎚️ Pat’s favorite tools, techniques, and system approach
🧠 Why mixing TOBYMAC is as much about feel as it is about faders
🚛 Touring tales, tech challenges, and the importance of team
If you’re into the art of making faith-filled, high-octane shows sound crystal clear, this episode is packed with insight.
💬 Got questions or love TOBYMAC’s live sound? Drop them in the comments!
🤳 Social Media & Hangouts
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz👍
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz 🎉
🤘🏽 Support My Journey
Join this channel to get access to perks:
YouTube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC87o5nnsjldToX-uP8TlYeA/join
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz 🌟
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🌐 More Cool Stuff
Merch: https://4dxm1p-nb.myshopify.com 👕
🔗 Band and Crew
Pat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haapanenpd 🌍
TOBYMAC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobymac 📚
🙏 Shout Outs & Credits
A huge thanks to everyone who helped make this video possible!
Music by: https://www.epidemicsound.com 🎶
📩 Let’s Connect
Got questions or just want to chat? Email me at: nick@thisisdelacruz.com or Ryan Sandlin our Creative Director
Contact him at : ryan@thisisdelacruz.com or follow him oh Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ryansandlin 💌
🔥 Don’t Forget!
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