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In this episode, I talk with Santiago Del Valle Garces, the Monitor Engineer for Dashboard Confessional, to talk about the crucial role of crafting the perfect on-stage mix. As the person responsible for what the band hears in their in-ears and wedges, Santiago ensures every performance feels locked-in and full of emotion, giving the band the confidence to deliver songs that have defined a generation.

We discuss his approach to monitor mixing for a band like Dashboard Confessional, where the intimacy of acoustic-driven songs meets the power of full-band anthems. Santiago shares his workflow, the tools and techniques he relies on, and how he manages quick changes and high-pressure moments when everything depends on the artist’s comfort on stage. He also opens up about his journey into live sound and the realities of life on tour.

Whether you’re an aspiring monitor engineer, a touring pro, or a Dashboard Confessional fan who wants to understand how the magic happens on stage, this conversation offers rare behind-the-scenes insight into one of the most important (and stressful) jobs in live music.

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Ever wonder how Shinedown’s live shows sound so massive, clear, and powerful? Their Front of House Engineer breaks it all down — from mixing techniques and stage setup to what really happens before doors open. We talk about the gear, the workflow, and the human side of keeping a high-pressure tour running smoothly.

You’ll also hear a bit of my story and how our paths crossed in the world of live touring audio. This is the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at what makes Shinedown’s sound one of the best in rock today.

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Music by: http://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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Running the Show: Matt Kirby – Guitar Tech & Stage Manager for Ice Nine Kills
In this episode, I sit down with Matt Kirby, the multi-tasking powerhouse who serves as both Guitar Tech and Stage Manager for the horror-metal spectacle that is Ice Nine Kills. From keeping guitars perfectly tuned and show-ready to managing the chaos of theatrical props, costume changes, and stage cues, Matt plays a critical role in making sure the band’s high-intensity performances go off without a hitch.

We talk about what it’s like balancing two demanding jobs on the same tour, the gear and systems he relies on, and how he handles quick turnarounds and problem-solving in real time. Matt also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the road, including the challenges (and fun) of working in one of the most theatrical and fast-paced productions in modern metal.

Whether you’re a tech, a tour manager in the making, or a fan of Ice Nine Kills who wants to see how the horror comes to life, this episode gives you an all-access pass to one of the busiest jobs in the crew.

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A huge thanks to everyone who helped make this video possible! 

Music by: https://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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In this episode, I sit down with Greg Nelson, the Front of House Engineer for Goo Goo Dolls, to talk about what it takes to mix one of the most iconic and enduring rock bands of the last three decades. From the emotional weight of songs like “Iris” and “Name” to the massive live energy of “Slide” and “Broadway”, Greg is responsible for bringing those timeless sounds to life for audiences around the world.

We dive deep into his approach to crafting a mix that balances nostalgia and modern punch, how he manages dynamics for such a musically diverse catalog, and what it’s like working with a band whose songs have soundtracked generations. Greg also shares stories from the road, insight into his gear and workflow, and his philosophy on keeping a mix honest to the artist.

Whether you’re a live sound engineer, a Goo Goo Dolls fan, or simply someone who loves learning how the pros make great music sound even better, this episode gives you a front-row pass to one of the most respected engineers in the business.

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

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I sit down with Hamish Dickinson, the monitor engineer behind the brutal precision and high-octane energy of Ice Nine Kills’ theatrical live shows. From blood-soaked screams to cinematic breakdowns, Hamish is the one making sure every member of the band hears exactly what they need — when they need it — in the chaos of a horror-core performance.

We dive into the unique pressure of mixing monitors for a band with intense stage production, fast-paced transitions, and dramatic vocal shifts. Hamish shares his workflow, the gear he trusts, and how he adapts night after night to keep the in-ear mixes clean, powerful, and locked in. He also talks about the critical trust between artist and monitor engineer — and what happens when things go wrong.

Whether you’re an audio engineer, a fan of Ice Nine Kills, or curious about what it takes to manage sound on stage when every moment counts, this episode is packed with insight from behind the curtain.

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Hamish Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamishdickinson 🌍
Ice Nine Kills Instagram: https://instagram.com/iceninekills📚

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

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

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In this episode, I sit down with Frank Sgambellone, the Front of House Engineer for Luke Bryan, to talk about what it takes to deliver stadium-level mixes for one of country music’s biggest stars. From the intimacy of stripped-down moments to the full-throttle energy of arena anthems, Frank is the one making sure every lyric, guitar riff, and crowd roar comes through with power and clarity.

We dive into his approach to mixing a superstar like Luke Bryan, the gear and workflows he depends on, and how he adapts his mix to different venues, from small rooms to massive stadiums. Frank also shares behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road, his philosophy on live sound, and advice for engineers aspiring to break into the touring world.

Whether you’re a live sound professional, a country music fan, or simply curious about what it takes to run FOH for a global touring act, this episode delivers rare insight into the craft, pressure, and artistry behind one of the biggest shows in country music.

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Luke Bryan’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lukebryan  📚

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

Music by: http://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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Holding Down the Low End: Barrett Stevens – Bass Tech for Disturbed
In this episode, I sit down with Barrett Stevens, the Bass Tech for Disturbed, and the man making sure the low end hits with power, clarity, and consistency every single night. From maintaining bass guitars and amp rigs to handling quick changes and troubleshooting mid-show, Barrett is a key part of the team that keeps the band’s massive sound locked in.

We dive into what it takes to tech for a band with such an intense live presence, the gear and setups he trusts, and how he preps for each show to ensure nothing gets in the way of the groove. Barrett also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the road and the unique challenges of keeping the bass section solid in arenas, festivals, and everything in between.

Whether you’re a bass player, a touring tech, or just curious about the unsung heroes behind the stage, this conversation gives you a front-row look at the precision, preparation, and passion it takes to keep the foundation of Disturbed’s sound rock solid.

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Barrett's Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/barrettsevents

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Music by: https://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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Ever wonder what it takes to make Benson Boone sound flawless every night, without the engineer even being in the room?

In this exclusive conversation, Joey Diehl, Benson Boone’s Front-of-House Engineer, pulls back the curtain on his unique mixing setup where he controls the entire show from a separate room in the back. We talk about his life, career path, and how this cutting-edge workflow changes the way fans experience live music.

We also dive into the emotional side of touring, the balance between technology and intuition, and how both our stories intersect in the pursuit of perfect sound.

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Joey’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/audio.diehl 🌍
Benson Boone’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bensonboone 📚

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

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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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Chris’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriskaplinski  🌍
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  🎶

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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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Zoe Instagram: http://instagram.com/zoespratlingld 🌍
Ice Nine Kills Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iceninekills 📚

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

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

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