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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.

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