This Is DeLaCruz

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When you’re mixing a rising artist, every show matters. Every vocal moment. Every dynamic shift. Every crowd reaction.

In this episode, I sit down with Loreen Bohannon, the live sound engineer running FOH for Elliot James Reay to talk about what it takes to build a powerful, consistent mix for an artist on the rise. We dive into how she approaches translating Elliot’s sound to a live setting, balancing clarity with energy, and adapting to different venues while keeping the performance authentic.

Loreen shares her journey into live sound, what it’s like supporting a developing act, and the mindset required to stay sharp in high-pressure environments. We also talk about trust between artist and engineer, preparing for the unexpected, and the unseen work that makes a show feel effortless.

If you’re into live sound, touring life, or just curious how a developing artist’s show is crafted night after night, this episode pulls back the curtain.

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Every tour has a first step — and for some engineers, that first run on the road changes everything.

In this episode, I sit down with Harry Collins, who is running sound for  Boyce Avenue on his very first tour. We talk about what it’s like stepping into a professional touring environment for the first time, the pressure of delivering a consistent mix night after night, and how preparation meets reality once the doors open.

Harry shares what he’s learning in real time, from adapting to different venues and PAs, to managing expectations, to building confidence behind the console. We also talk about growth, mistakes, and the mindset required to survive (and thrive) on your first run out.
If you’ve ever wondered what that jump from local gigs to touring life really looks like, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the early stages of a live sound career.

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Boyce Avenue’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/boyceavenue  📚

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

Music by: http://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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Lorde’s live show is built on space, dynamics, and emotion, and what she hears on stage plays a huge role in how that performance unfolds. In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Glendenning, the monitor engineer for Lorde, to talk about the art and responsibility of crafting the perfect on-stage mix.

Kevin shares what it takes to support an artist whose music lives in nuance, balancing intimacy with impact, subtlety with power. We talk about trust between artist and engineer, adapting to different venues and production scales, and how the monitor world can directly shape a performance in real time.

This conversation goes beyond cables and consoles. It’s about awareness, restraint, and knowing that sometimes the smallest adjustments make the biggest difference.

If you’ve ever wondered what an artist like Lorde actually hears when she steps up to the mic, this is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the invisible role that helps bring those moments to life.

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TSO’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lorde 📚

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

Music by: http://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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Andrea Bocelli’s voice is one of the most recognizable and emotionally powerful instruments in the world, and capturing it live requires an extraordinary level of care, precision, and trust. In this interview, I sit down with Davide Lombardi, the engineer responsible for running sound for Andrea Bocelli, to explore what it takes to support a performance at this level.

Davide shares insight into the philosophy and responsibility behind mixing a voice that carries so much nuance and dynamic range. We talk about balancing power and subtlety, adapting to different venues around the world, and maintaining consistency while preserving the emotion that defines Bocelli’s performances.

This conversation goes beyond equipment and technique. It’s about restraint, musicality, and understanding when not to touch anything, all in service of honoring the artist and the music.

If you’ve ever wondered how a voice like Andrea Bocelli’s is presented so clearly and naturally in a live setting, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at the craft and mindset behind the mix.

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🔗 Band and Crew
Davide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sound_traveller🌍
Andrea's Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/andreabocelliofficial📚

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

Music by: http://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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Got questions or just want to chat? Email me at: [email protected] 

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In this episode, I sit down with Nick Dewer, the Front of House Engineer for The Band Camino, to talk about what it takes to mix one of the most exciting modern pop-rock bands on the road today. Known for their lush vocals, massive choruses, and emotionally charged performances, The Band Camino relies on Nick to translate their studio-perfect sound into an unforgettable live experience every single night.

We dig into his approach to crafting a mix that feels both energetic and intimate, the gear and workflows he trusts, and how he manages to keep the band’s sound consistent across festivals, arenas, and headline tours. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes stories from touring life, how he stays calm under pressure, and his advice for engineers looking to break into the world of live music production.

Whether you’re a live sound engineer, a fan of The Band Camino, or just someone who loves seeing how great shows come together, this conversation gives you a true inside look at the artistry and precision behind the mix.

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Nick’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nickdewar 🌍
The Band Camino’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thebandcamino 📚

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

Music by: http://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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In this episode, I sit down with Matt Colwell, the Drum Tech for Killswitch Engage, and the person responsible for making sure the heartbeat of the band’s sound never skips a beat. From drum tuning and hardware setup to quick changeovers and mid-show problem solving, Matt is the steady hand behind the thunder that drives Killswitch’s live shows.

We dig into what it takes to tech drums for a band known for its speed, precision, and power. Matt shares his process for keeping the kit road-ready, the gear and setups he trusts, and the little details that make a huge difference on stage. He also gives us a glimpse into life on the road, the challenges of touring at this level, and what it’s like working with one of metalcore’s most influential bands.

Whether you’re a drummer, a tech, or just curious about the crew that keeps Killswitch Engage firing on all cylinders, this episode pulls back the curtain on the skill and dedication required to keep the rhythm rock solid.

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🔗 Band and Crew
Matts Instagram https://www.instagram.com/music.handyman 🌍
Killswitch Engaged Instagram:http://www.instagram.com/killswitchengage  📚

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

Music by: http://epidemicsound.com  🎶

📩 Let’s Connect
Got questions or just want to chat? Email me at: [email protected] 

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In this episode, I sit down with Zach Eubanks, the Front of House Engineer for Dashboard Confessional, to talk about what it takes to mix one of the most emotionally charged and iconic bands of the 2000s emo/alt-rock movement. Known for their intimate lyrics and soaring anthems, Dashboard Confessional relies on Zach to bring their deeply personal songs to life in every venue, from clubs to festivals.

We dive into his approach to crafting a mix that balances raw emotion with clarity, the gear and techniques he uses to keep vocals and acoustic elements front and center, and how he adapts to the different atmospheres of Dashboard’s shows. Zach also shares his journey into live sound, life on the road, and what it’s like helping deliver a show that means so much to so many fans.

Whether you’re an audio engineer, a touring professional, or simply a Dashboard Confessional fan who wants to peek behind the curtain, this conversation gives you an inside look at the artistry, pressure, and passion of running sound for a band whose music defined a generation.

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Zach's Instagram http://www.instagram.com/eubiez 🌍
Dashboard Confessional's Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dashboardconfessional  📚

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

Music by: http://epidemicsound.com  🎶

📩 Let’s Connect
Got questions or just want to chat? Email me at: [email protected] 

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Extended Version👇
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Step behind the console with Alex Markides, the Front of House Engineer for Killswitch Engage, as we dive into what it takes to deliver the band’s massive, high-energy sound night after night. Known for their crushing riffs, soaring vocals, and dynamic live shows, Killswitch relies on Alex to keep the mix powerful, balanced, and clear in every venue.

In this interview, Alex shares his approach to mixing heavy music, the challenges of keeping clarity in such a dense sonic landscape, and the gear and workflows he trusts on tour. We also dig into his journey as a live sound engineer, what it’s like working with one of metalcore’s most influential bands, and the moments on the road that stand out the most.

Whether you’re an aspiring FOH engineer, a touring audio pro, or just a fan of Killswitch Engage who wants to know what it takes to make the show sound massive from front to back, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of the most vital roles in live music.

Download the app: http://apps.apple.com/us/app/this-is-delacruz/id6746411351

Website: http://www.thisisdelacruz.com 

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🔗 Band and Crew
Alex Instagram http://www.instagram.com/darkides 🌍
Killswitch Engaged Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/killswitchengage  📚

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

Music by: http://epidemicsound.com  🎶

📩 Let’s Connect
Got questions or just want to chat? Email me at: [email protected] 

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Today we talk with Afton Gerring, the Lighting Designer for Dashboard Confessional, to explore how she brings atmosphere, mood, and emotion to life through lighting design. From intimate acoustic moments to soaring full-band anthems, Afton uses light as a storytelling tool, shaping the audience’s experience with every cue.

We dive into her creative process, how she designs a show that complements the band’s emotional music, the gear and consoles she relies on, and the challenges of touring with a band whose songs span quiet ballads to explosive rock tracks. Afton also shares her journey into live production, what inspires her designs, and the behind-the-scenes realities of being a lighting designer on tour.

Whether you’re a lighting professional, a touring crew member, or a Dashboard Confessional fan who wants to see how their shows transform into unforgettable experiences, this conversation shines a light (literally) on one of the most creative roles in live music.

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Afton's Instagram http://www.instagram.com/aftonalmighty 🌍
Dashboard Confessional Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dashboardconfessional 📚

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In this episode, I sit down with Josh Mihlek, the Guitar Tech for Killswitch Engage, and the man responsible for keeping the band’s crushing riffs and iconic tones ready to go every night. From string changes and pedalboard setups to troubleshooting mid-show and keeping the gear battle-ready, Josh plays a vital role in making sure Killswitch delivers their massive live sound show after show.

We dive into the life of a touring guitar tech, the gear he maintains, the prep it takes to keep things running smoothly, and the behind-the-scenes stories that fans rarely get to hear. Josh also shares his personal journey into the world of live music, what it’s like supporting one of metalcore’s most influential bands, and the challenges of keeping up with such an intense touring schedule.

If you’re a guitarist, gear head, or just curious about what it takes to keep Killswitch Engage’s sound alive on the road, this episode gives you a rare look at the precision, skill, and hustle that happens backstage.

Download the app: http://apps.apple.com/us/app/this-is-delacruz/id6746411351

Website: http://www.thisisdelacruz.com 

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

🔗 Band and Crew
Josh Instagram http://www.instagram.com/the_josh 🌍
Killswitch Engaged Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/killswitchengage  📚

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

Music by: http://epidemicsound.com  🎶

📩 Let’s Connect
Got questions or just want to chat? Email me at: [email protected] 

Support the show