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I sit down with Chris Kaplinski, the Front of House Engineer for Lights, to talk about what it takes to deliver a flawless live mix every night for one of pop’s most dynamic and sonically rich artists. From dialing in vocals and synths to managing unpredictable venues and tight timelines, Chris walks us through the challenges and triumphs of mixing a modern pop show.

We get into his approach to live sound design, how he translates Lights’ studio sound to the stage, and the gear and techniques he relies on to make each performance hit just right. Chris also shares how he got started, what keeps him inspired, and his advice for aspiring FOH engineers looking to break into touring.

Whether you’re a fan of Lights, an audio engineer, or just curious about what it takes to make a show sound incredible from the front row to the back wall — this one’s packed with valuable insights and behind-the-scenes stories.

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Music by: https://www.epidemicsound.com  🎶

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In this episode, I sit down with Zoe Spratling, the creative force behind the chilling visuals and immersive atmosphere of Ice Nine Kills’ live shows. As the band’s Lighting Designer, Zoe transforms each performance into a full-blown horror movie experience, using light, shadow, and timing to elevate every scream, breakdown, and theatrical twist.

We talk about how she designs and cues a show that feels more like a haunted attraction than a traditional concert, how she syncs her lighting with the band’s intense theatrical elements, and what it takes to run a flawless visual experience night after night. Zoe also shares her journey into lighting, how she approaches storytelling through light, and the unique challenges of working in such a high-impact, fast-paced production environment.

Whether you're a lighting designer, a horror fan, or just curious about what goes into building the terrifyingly epic world of Ice Nine Kills, this episode is a masterclass in creative control and live production.

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Christian Thompson, lead guitarist for Falling In Reverse, opens up about his life, career, and journey with the band in this exclusive interview on This Is DeLaCruz. 

He shares how he first got started in music, the path that led him to joining Falling In Reverse, and what the experience has been like so far. From chasing the dream to stepping onto some of the biggest stages in the world, Christian reflects on the highs, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. 

This is a personal look into the story behind the musician and what it truly means to be part of one of today’s biggest rock bands.

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Music by: http://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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In this episode of Cruz on Cruz, Nick DeLaCruz sits down with Kyle Gerhart, the front-of-house engineer for the legendary rock band Creed. Kyle shares what it’s like bringing one of the biggest live rock reunions back to life, from crafting Creed’s powerful live mix night after night to the pressure, precision, and passion that go into every show.

The two dive deep into Kyle’s journey through the world of live sound, what it takes to translate iconic songs into a massive arena experience, and the technical and emotional challenges of mixing a band with such a loyal fan base.

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In this episode, I sit down with Kane Phillips, the sonic mastermind behind the intense, cinematic live shows of Ice Nine Kills. As their Front of House Engineer, Kane is responsible for making horror-themed chaos sound clean, powerful, and immersive — night after night.

We dive into what it takes to mix a band known for its theatrical performances, quick transitions, and genre-blending sound. Kane shares how he approaches dynamics, automation, and special FX, all while keeping things locked in for both die-hard fans and first-time listeners. From pre-show prep to troubleshooting under pressure, Kane gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the technical and creative work that powers one of metal’s most theatrical live acts.

If you’re into live sound, metal production, or just want to learn what it takes to mix a band like Ice Nine Kills, this episode delivers nonstop insight and inspiration.

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🙏 Shout Outs & Credits
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Music by: https://www.epidemicsound.com  🎶

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Lighting the Fire: Joseph Morris – Lighting Director for Disturbed
In this episode, I sit down with Joseph Morris, the Lighting Director for Disturbed, who brings the band’s explosive energy to life through bold, cinematic lighting design. From fire-red strobes to eerie mood shifts that match every scream and breakdown, Joseph is the visual architect behind one of the most intense live shows in modern rock.

We explore how he programs and executes a lighting show that matches Disturbed’s aggressive sound and theatrical moments, what tools and consoles he uses, and how he keeps things running smoothly night after night across massive venues. Joseph also shares his creative process, how he collaborates with the band and production team, and what it's like designing for a show where every light cue needs to hit like a punch to the chest.

Whether you're a lighting tech, a rock production enthusiast, or just want a peek behind the curtain of one of the most powerful touring shows out there, this episode is a must-watch.

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Music by: https://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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Step backstage with Christian Thompson, guitarist for Falling In Reverse, as he takes us through his full soundcheck process. From dialing in tone to running guitars through the rig, Christian shows exactly what it takes to get the band ready for the stage.

This isn’t just another jam session, it’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at the gear, workflow, and attention to detail that powers one of rock’s most explosive live shows.

👉 Whether you’re a guitarist, a fan of Falling In Reverse, or just curious about what really happens before the lights go up, this video puts you right in the middle of the action.

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🙏 Shout Outs & Credits
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Music by: http://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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Few live shows are as massive, cinematic, and sonically demanding as The Weeknd’s. At the center of it all is Derek Brener, the Front of House Engineer trusted with bringing Abel’s voice and sound to life for sold-out stadiums around the world.

In this interview, Derek shares what it’s like to mix one of the most recognizable voices in modern music, the challenges of translating The Weeknd’s studio perfection to a live setting, and the techniques he uses to keep the show consistent no matter the venue. We also talk about his journey in the music industry, what it’s like mixing at a stadium scale, and the pressure (and reward) of running sound for an artist of this caliber.

Whether you’re a sound engineer, a fan of The Weeknd, or just curious about how the biggest tours in the world sound flawless night after night, Derek’s perspective pulls back the curtain on one of live music’s most important roles.

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Music by: http://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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In this interview, I sit down with Erin Roblin, Tour Manager for Lights, to talk about what life on the road really looks like behind the scenes. From handling daily logistics to supporting the artist and crew, Erin shares a grounded perspective on the challenges and responsibilities that come with the role.

We talk about how she got started in tour management, what it’s like coordinating with venues and teams, and how she stays organized and adaptable while on the road. Erin also touches on the importance of clear communication, the balance between personal and professional boundaries, and how tour management often overlaps with elements of artist management, especially when it comes to advocating for the artist, maintaining consistency, and helping keep things on track both on and off stage.

Whether you’re curious about the touring world, considering a career in tour or artist management, or just a fan of Lights, this episode offers an honest and relatable glimpse into the behind-the-scenes side of live music.

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Music by: https://www.epidemicsound.com  🎶

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I sit down with Jeremy Jayson, the Guitar Tech for Disturbed, and the man responsible for keeping the band’s crushing tone tight and dialed in night after night. From string changes and pedalboard setups to mid-show fixes and backstage prep, Jeremy plays a vital role in making sure every riff hits with power and precision.

We talk about what it takes to tech for one of the biggest rock bands in the world — including gear choices, how he preps for each show, and what goes into maintaining guitars under the pressure of touring. Jeremy shares stories from the road, insight into his daily routine, and the level of attention it takes to support the signature sound of a band like Disturbed.

Whether you’re a guitarist, a tech, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes crew that keeps the show running, this interview gives you a firsthand look at the unsung hero holding down the string section.

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🙏 Shout Outs & Credits
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Music by: https://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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