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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!

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🔗 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: [email protected]  or Ryan Sandlin our Creative Director 
Contact him at : [email protected] or follow him oh Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ryansandlin 💌

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When the pressure’s on and the show has to run flawlessly, Peyton Chisholm is the one you want behind the scenes. As both the Monitor Engineer and Drum Tech for Wage War, Peyton wears two critical hats—making sure the band hears exactly what they need and keeping the drums locked in and ready for war.

In this exclusive interview, Peyton walks us through what it’s like to live in two worlds at once—dialing in crystal-clear in-ear mixes while also being responsible for the heartbeat of the band. From mid-set troubleshooting to fine-tuning drum tone, Peyton is the calm in the storm that keeps Wage War sounding tight and explosive every night.

This isn’t just a job—it’s a finely tuned balancing act where technical skill, quick thinking, and trust from the band all have to be firing at full speed.

⚙️ What You’ll Learn:
🧠 How Peyton manages monitors and backline under pressure
🎛️ Building rock-solid in-ear mixes for a high-energy metalcore show
🥁 The secrets behind Wage War’s massive drum sound
🛠️ Drum tech tips, road hacks, and wild moments from tour
👂 What makes a great monitor engineer in a live setting

If you’ve ever wanted to know what really happens behind the risers—this is the episode for you.

💬 Drop your questions for Peyton in the comments!

🤳 Social Media & Hangouts
Twitter: https://x.com/thisisdelacruz 🐦
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdelacruz 📸
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz👍
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz 🎉

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Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks!

🌐 More Cool Stuff
Merch: https://4dxm1p-nb.myshopify.com 👕

🔗 Band and Crew
Peyton’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/peyton_chisholm_🌍
Wage War’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagewar📚

🙏 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 
Contact him at : [email protected] or follow him oh Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ryansandlin 💌

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There’s something cinematic, haunting, and undeniably heavy about a The Plot In You show—and behind that immersive wall of sound is Marcus Wickham, the band's master of Front of House.

In this episode, Marcus takes us inside his creative headspace and technical workflow, revealing how he builds a sonic atmosphere that mirrors the band’s emotional weight and raw energy. From textured layers to seismic low-end, he’s not just mixing a show—he’s crafting a world.

What sets Marcus apart isn’t just his control of the faders—it’s his philosophy on sound, how he interprets emotion through EQ and dynamics, and his commitment to making every show feel like the end of the world in the best way possible.

🖤 In This Interview:
🎛️ How Marcus creates a dark, immersive mix that hits hard and feels alive
🎧 His go-to gear, tools, and creative FX choices for The Plot In You
🛠️ Adapting to different venues without sacrificing vibe or impact
🧠 The mental side of mixing music that carries emotional weight
🚐 Life on tour and what keeps him passionate about the craft

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Step into the trenches with Shelby Eisenberg, the powerhouse Front of House Engineer for Wage War as we dive deep into what it takes to bring precision, brutality, and beauty to one of the tightest-sounding metalcore bands on tour today.

Shelby doesn’t just mix audio—he builds a battlefield, crafting a sound that hits hard, stays clean, and moves with the raw emotion of every breakdown and chorus. In this exclusive sit-down, Shelby unpacks his approach to mixing controlled aggression, his relationship with the band, and how he keeps the sonic intensity locked in night after night.

We’re talking massive guitars, thunderous drums, and vocals that cut through like a knife—and Shelby’s at the helm of it all.

🎧 Inside the Episode:
🎛️ Shelby’s unique approach to mixing heavy music with clarity
🔩 The gear, plugins, and systems behind Wage War’s crushing live sound
🧠 How he balances technical precision with emotional impact
🛠️ Real-world problem solving on the road
🤘 What it takes to thrive in the metalcore touring circuit

This isn’t just a tech talk—it’s a look into the craftsmanship behind chaos.

💬 Got questions for Shelby or curious about touring FOH life? Drop them in the comments!

🤳 Social Media & Hangouts
Twitter: https://x.com/thisisdelacruz 🐦
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdelacruz 📸
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:
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Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks!

🌐 More Cool Stuff
Merch: https://4dxm1p-nb.myshopify.com 👕

🔗 Band and Crew
Shelby’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/shelbyeise 🌍
Wage War’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagewar📚

🙏 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 
Contact him at : [email protected] or follow him oh Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ryansandlin 💌

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Ever wondered what it’s like to tour with GWAR—the most insane, blood-soaked, theatrical metal band on the planet? Strap in, because we’re taking you on the road for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at life inside the GWAR machine. 🤘💀🎤

In this episode, we sit down with Bobby Phillips, GWAR’s Tour Manager and Front of House Engineer, to break down the organized chaos of their legendary live shows. From mixing the sonic brutality that fans love to managing the unpredictable madness that is a GWAR production, Bobby shares wild tour stories, tech secrets, and what it takes to survive on the road with the Scumdogs of the Universe.

But that’s not all—expect surprise guests, backstage antics, and an unfiltered look at the road crew who keep the GWAR juggernaut rolling. This is not just another tour vlog—this is GWAR. 🤯

🔥 What’s Inside:
✅ How Bobby mixes GWAR’s face-melting live sound
✅ The biggest challenges of touring with a theatrical metal band
✅ Backstage access with surprise guests from the crew & beyond
✅ Insane road stories—because nothing about GWAR is normal
✅ A deep dive into the gear, blood, and chaos behind the show

💬 Got questions about live sound or the madness of GWAR? Drop them in the comments!

🤳 Social Media & Hangouts
Twitter: https://x.com/thisisdelacruz 🐦
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdelacruz 📸
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz👍
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🤘🏽 Support My Journey
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Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks!

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Bobby Phillips Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobertgrizz 🌍
GWAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwar📚

🙏 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 
Contact him at : [email protected] or follow him oh Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ryansandlin 💌

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What does it take to mix one of the most intense, emotionally charged, and sonically aggressive bands in modern rock? Meet Sean Palmer, the Front of House Engineer behind the massive, immersive sound of Underoath on "They're Only Chasing Safety" tour. 

In this episode, we sit down with Sean to talk about what it means to translate raw emotion into audio—live and loud. From managing screaming vocals and thunderous drums to keeping clarity in the chaos, Sean walks us through how he builds a mix that punches you in the chest and pulls you into the moment.

But this isn't just about gear and settings. Sean gets real about connecting with the band, understanding their vision, and creating a sonic space that feels as personal as it is powerful.

🎤 What You’ll Hear About:
🔥 The art of mixing heavy music live
🎛️ Sean’s approach to controlling dynamics without killing energy
📦 His go-to tools, plugins, and tricks for Underoath’s setup
🎶 How to handle emotional intensity from a FOH perspective
🛣️ Life on the road and what makes the Underoath camp special

If you’ve ever stood in a pit, fists in the air, and wondered how it sounds THAT good—this is your answer.

🤳 Social Media & Hangouts
Twitter: https://x.com/thisisdelacruz 🐦
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdelacruz 📸
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz👍
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz 🎉

🤘🏽 Support My Journey
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Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks!

🌐 More Cool Stuff
Merch: https://4dxm1p-nb.myshopify.com 👕

🔗 Band and Crew
Sean Palmer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seansatfoh 🌍
Underoath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/underoathband📚

🙏 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 
Contact him at : [email protected] or follow him oh Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ryansandlin 💌

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Meet Tony Incitti, the mastermind behind the monitor mix for King + Country one of the most dynamic live acts in the industry. From handling in-ear mixes to managing the ever-evolving demands of a high-energy show, Tony ensures that every note, every drum hit, and every vocal harmony sounds perfect on stage before it ever reaches the audience. 🎶🎛️

In this exclusive interview, Tony breaks down his approach to mixing for an immersive live experience, the challenges of keeping up with an energetic and theatrical performance, and what it takes to be a world-class Monitor Engineer in the modern touring world. Plus, we dive into his must-have gear, problem-solving techniques, and stories from the road.

Whether you’re an audio engineer, musician, or just love the behind-the-scenes magic of live concerts, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. 🔥

🛠️ Topics Covered:
✅ How Tony builds the perfect in-ear mix
✅ The unique challenges of mixing for a high-production show
✅ Essential tools and techniques for monitor engineers
✅ Life on the road with for KING + COUNTRY
✅ Advice for aspiring live sound engineers

💬 Got questions about monitor mixing or live sound? Drop them in the comments!

🤳 Social Media & Hangouts

Twitter: https://x.com/thisisdelacruz 🐦
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdelacruz 📸
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz👍
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz 🎉
🤘🏽 Support My Journey

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Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks!
🌐 More Cool Stuff

Merch: https://4dxm1p-nb.myshopify.com 👕

Tony Incitti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajincitti 🌍
For King + Country Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forkingandcountry📚
🙏 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 
Contact him at : [email protected] or follow him oh Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ryansandlin 💌
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Welcome back to This Is DeLaCruz! In this episode, we have an exclusive interview with Sam Schmitt, the talented monitor engineer behind the unique soundscapes of Sleep Token.

Sam takes us behind the scenes to explore the critical role of a monitor engineer, ensuring that the band hears exactly what they need to deliver their mesmerizing performances. Learn about Sam’s journey into the world of audio engineering, the specific challenges of working with Sleep Token's dynamic and atmospheric sound, and the cutting-edge gear that helps create their unforgettable live shows.

If you're passionate about audio engineering, fascinated by Sleep Token, or simply intrigued by the complexities of live music production, this conversation is a must-watch!

🤳 Social Media & Hangouts

Twitter: https://x.com/thisisdelacruz 🐦
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdelacruz 📸
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz👍
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz 🎉
🤘🏽 Support My Journey

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Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks!
🌐 More Cool Stuff

Merch: https://4dxm1p-nb.myshopify.com 👕

Sam Schmitt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samueljschmitt 🌍
Sleep Token's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleep_token 📚
🙏 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 
Contact him at : [email protected] or follow him oh Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ryansandlin 💌
🔥 Don’t Forget!

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In this episode of Cruz On Crews, host Nick DeLaCruz sits down with two of the most respected names in live sound: Robert Scovill and co-host Burton Ishmael. Scovill, a legendary FOH engineer who's mixed for the likes of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Rush, and Prince, brings decades of wisdom to the table as we dive deep into the evolution of touring audio, the challenges of modern live production, and the lessons he's learned from working with some of the biggest artists in the world.

Burton Ishmael, a powerhouse in the live sound industry, joins as co-host to add his own expert insights, making this a must-listen for audio professionals and live music fans alike. From groundbreaking technology to unforgettable road stories, this episode is packed with knowledge, humor, and the raw realities of life behind the mixing desk.

Whether you're an industry vet or just getting into the world of live sound, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Subscribe now and join us for another deep dive into the crews that make the biggest tours in the world sound incredible!

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Today we sit down with Wesley Davis, the front-of-house engineer for Maverick City Wesley shares his journey in live sound, the challenges of mixing for one of the most dynamic worship collectives in the world, and the techniques he uses to create their powerful and immersive live experience.

From balancing multiple vocalists to managing the unique energy of a Maverick City performance, Wesley breaks down his approach to live mixing, gear choices, and the importance of capturing the heart of worship through sound. Whether you're an audio engineer, a fan of Maverick City, or just curious about what goes into mixing a massive live worship event, this conversation is packed with insights!

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Twitter: https://x.com/thisisdelacruz 🐦
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdelacruz 📸
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz👍
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz 🎉
🤘🏽 Support My Journey

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz 🌟
Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks!
🌐 More Cool Stuff

Merch: https://4dxm1p-nb.myshopify.com 👕

Wesley Davis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewesleydavis 🌍
Maverick City Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maverickcitymusic 📚
🙏 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 
Contact him at : [email protected] or follow him oh Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ryansandlin 💌
🔥 Don’t Forget!

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