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In the Ears of the Artist: Andrew “Slipper” Brown – Monitor Engineer for Lights

In 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 night. From crafting the perfect in-ear mix to managing on-stage communication and last-minute curveballs, Slipper gives us an inside look at the world of monitor engineering where precision, speed, and trust are everything.

We dive into how he builds an environment where the artist can thrive, how he handles high-pressure situations in real time, and the relationship between artist and monitor engineer that’s crucial for a flawless performance. Slipper also shares his personal journey into touring, what it’s like working in pop music, and the tech and techniques he leans on to get the job done.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into keeping the artist comfortable and confident on stage this conversation is a masterclass in what happens behind the curtain.

Extended Version 👇
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🔗 Band and Crew
Andrew’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/slipper_brown  🌍
Lights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lights📚

🙏 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: [email protected]  or Ryan Sandlin our Creative Director 
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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 keep the guitars stage-ready for one of the most sonically complex bands in modern rock.

Ben shares stories from the road, how he preps for high-pressure shows, and the evolution of Linkin Park’s guitar rigs over the years. We talk tone, tech, and the teamwork it takes to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

If you’ve ever wondered who’s making sure those crushing riffs and delicate clean tones hit perfectly night after night, this is the episode for you.

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🔗 Band and Crew
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Linkin Parks Instagram: https://instagram.com/linkinpark 📚

🙏 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: [email protected]  or Ryan Sandlin our Creative Director 
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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 intense year of global touring, Brad brings fresh insights and hard-earned wisdom to the table.

We talk about what’s changed in his mix since last year, how he handles the pressure of mixing one of rock’s heaviest hitters, and why staying adaptable is the key to surviving and thriving on the road. He even shares a few unexpected stories from this year’s tour stops.

If you’re a fan of Disturbed, live sound, or just want to learn from one of the best in the business — this one’s not to be missed.

🎧 Catch our first interview here: https://youtu.be/2P0mZe3C8gU

🔗 Band and Crew
Ladders to Leaders: https://www.ladderstoleaders.org/
Brad's Instagram: https://instagram.com/braddivens
fixintogetmixin Instagram: https://instagram.com/fixintogetmixin
fixintogetmixin website: http://fixintogetmixin.com
fixintogetmixin Facebook: https://facebook.com/fixintogetmixin
fixintogetmixin YouTube:  @fixintogetmixin  
Disturbed’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/disturbed


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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 takes to support a fast-rising artist in the world of modern country music.

We talk about life on the road, the challenges of quick turnarounds and live tuning, and the details that go into creating a flawless performance. Allen also shares some great stories from the tour the moments that fans never get to see, but that make all the difference on stage.

Whether you're into country music, tech life, or just want a deeper look into what makes a great live show tick, this conversation hits all the right note

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🔗 Band and Crew
Allen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dukesallen 🌍
Riley Green’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileyduckman 📚

🙏 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: [email protected]  or Ryan Sandlin our Creative Director 
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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 us deep into the world of touring drum techs and what it takes to keep one of rock’s most iconic drummers sounding flawless on stage.

Dave shares his journey into the industry, the lessons learned from the road, and the often-overlooked role of the drum tech in shaping the energy and precision of a live performance. Whether you're an aspiring tech, a touring vet, or just a fan of what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the rhythm behind the roar.

Hit play and get an all-access look at the heartbeat of Disturbed’s live show.

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David’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidnesterdrums 🌍
Disturbed’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disturbed 📚

🙏 Shout Outs & Credits
A huge thanks to everyone who helped make this video possible! 

📩 Let’s Connect
Got questions or just want to chat? Email me at: [email protected]  or Ryan Sandlin our Creative Director 
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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, who brings both precision and intuition to every performance. With a sharp ear for contrast, Jake shapes each set to hit hard while keeping the emotional moments crisp and clear.

Balancing screamed vocals, layered guitars, and ambient textures with punchy rhythms and clean transitions, Jake delivers a mix that lets the chaos breathe without losing control. This behind-the-scenes look showcases the focus, feel, and technical excellence Jake brings to Silverstein’s shows  giving fans the full weight of the music in its most powerful, live form.

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Silversteins’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/silverstein 📚

🙏 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: [email protected]  or Ryan Sandlin our Creative Director 
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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 dynamic and emotionally charged live acts of the 2000s.

Jim shares his journey with the band, what it took to bring their powerful sound to life in stadiums and arenas around the world, and how he handled the balance between raw aggression and polished clarity. From technical setups to memorable tour moments, this conversation goes beyond gear, it's about the people, the passion, and the performance.

Whether you're an audio professional, a Linkin Park fan, or just curious about what it takes to run FOH for a global phenomenon, this episode offers a rare glimpse behind the board.

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🔗 Band and Crew
Jim’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebdonmusic 🌍
Linkin Parks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linkinpark 📚

🙏 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: [email protected]  or Ryan Sandlin our Creative Director 
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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 platforms quickly unravels into a deeper look at how a multi-billion-dollar scalping industry is exploiting fans, bypassing laws, and manipulating the system from the inside out. From deceptive tech tools to powerful lobbying groups, Randy walks us through how it all works and why it's so hard to stop.

We cover:

• The hidden tools and browser bots scalpers use to scoop up tickets
• How private equity and tech firms turned scalping into big business
• Why many consumer protection groups are being misled or bought out
• Real solutions artists, promoters, and fans can push for now

If you’ve ever wondered why tickets vanish in seconds or why resale prices are so outrageous, this episode pulls back the curtain on the system that made it that way.

Randy's links-

https://www.linkedin.com/in/randynicholsny/

https://www.instagram.com/randynichols 

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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 audience. With a deep understanding of both the genre and the artist, Seth balances rugged instrumentation with Riley’s signature vocal grit to deliver a mix that feels both timeless and fresh.

From honky-tonk anthems to heartfelt ballads, Seth ensures every nuance cuts through with clarity and power, bringing stadium-level impact to every venue. This behind-the-scenes look highlights the precision, intuition, and road-tested experience that Seth brings to the board — capturing the spirit of Riley Green’s music while giving fans a live experience they’ll never forget.

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🔗 Band and Crew
Seth’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundwith_seth 🌍
Riley Green Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileyduckman📚

🙏 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: [email protected]  or Ryan Sandlin our Creative Director 
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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 wanted to share his personal journey of recovery and reflection in his own words.

We go deep into what he’s learned during this time away, how it’s reshaped his perspective on life, and what excites him most about returning to the craft he loves. This isn’t your typical interview—it’s a raw, honest conversation that captures both the passion and the humanity behind one of live music’s most respected figures.

Join us as Chris opens up about the challenges he’s faced, the joy of getting back behind the console, and what’s next for him on this new chapter.

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Chris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_rabold 🌍

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