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Send us Fan Mail This one was too good for a single episode. In this two-part interview, I sit down with Mike Schaeffer, FOH Engineer for Charlie Puth, and Josh Cruz, Monitor Engineer for Charlie Puth, to break down what it takes to build and mix a show at this level from both sides of the console. We get into the completely different worlds of front of house and monitors, how Mike and Josh work together, the communication required between departments, and how they approach a show where musicianship, detail, and musical precision are such a huge part of the artist’s identity. Across both parts, we talk about their paths into the industry, the gear and workflows behind the show, how they handle the challenges that come with touring at this level, and some of the decisions happening during a performance that the audience will probably never realize are being made. What I really enjoyed about this conversation is getting both perspectives in the same interview. Mike is responsible for what thousands of people hear every night, while Josh is responsible for creating the environment Charlie and the band need onstage to perform at their best. Those two jobs are very different, but they have to work together seamlessly. There is a ton packed into this conversation, which is exactly why we split it into two parts. If you work in live audio, want to work in touring, or have ever wondered what goes into making a Charlie Puth show happen behind the scenes, you’re going to enjoy this one. Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks! Band and Crew Mike's Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/brownhempshoes Josh's Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/spacebearaudio Charlie’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/charlieputh This Is DeLaCruz Social Media & Hangouts Instagram: http://instagram.com/thisisdelacruz  Facebook: http://facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz  Rumble: http://rumble.com/user/ThisIsDeLaCruz Twitter: http://x.com/thisisdelacruz  Download the app:  Apple- http://apps.apple.com/us/app/this-is-delacruz/id6746411351 Goggle Play- http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=branded.md827dad89e764e9bb7c2ec182c428055.delacruz 🤘🏽 Support My Journey Join this channel to get access to perks: YouTube Membership: http://youtube.com/channel/UC87o5nnsjldToX-uP8TlYeA/join  Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz 🌟 Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks! Website: http://www.thisisdelacruz.com  🙏 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]  🔥 Don’t Forget! Like, comment, and subscribe for more awesome content! 👍🔔 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what it takes to make a Lindsey Stirling show sound as massive, detailed, and dynamic as it looks? In this episode of This Is DeLaCruz, I sit down with Sage Tichenor, the front of house engineer behind Lindsey Stirling’s live show. We get into Sage’s path through the live music industry, his approach to mixing a show that moves between huge cinematic moments and incredibly delicate musical details, and what it takes to keep everything consistent night after night while working with a production as unique as Lindsey’s. We also dig into the gear, the workflow, the challenges of mixing violin in a massive live production, and the decisions happening at front of house that most people in the audience will never know are being made. One of my favorite things about these conversations is getting beyond the equipment and talking about the person behind the console. Sage has built an incredible career, and there is a lot to learn from the way he approaches both the technical side of the job and the responsibility of helping deliver an artist’s vision every night. If you’ve ever wanted to know what goes into mixing a Lindsey Stirling show from front of house, this one is for you. This Is DeLaCruz is your backstage pass to the people, technology, and stories behind live music. Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks! Band and Crew Sage’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/srtichenor Christian’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lindseystirling This Is DeLaCruz Social Media & Hangouts Instagram: http://instagram.com/thisisdelacruz  Facebook: http://facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz  Rumble: http://rumble.com/user/ThisIsDeLaCruz Twitter: http://x.com/thisisdelacruz  Download the app:  Apple- http://apps.apple.com/us/app/this-is-delacruz/id6746411351 Goggle Play- http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=branded.md827dad89e764e9bb7c2ec182c428055.delacruz 🤘🏽 Support My Journey Join this channel to get access to perks: YouTube Membership: http://youtube.com/channel/UC87o5nnsjldToX-uP8TlYeA/join  Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz 🌟 Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks! Website: http://www.thisisdelacruz.com  🙏 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]  🔥 Don’t Forget! Like, comment, and subscribe for more awesome content! 👍🔔 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Toby Francis has mixed some of the biggest artists and most iconic live shows in music history. In this sit-down interview, Toby shares stories and lessons from a legendary career running sound for artists including Ariana Grande, Aerosmith, Katy Perry, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Bieber, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kanye West, ZZ Top, SZA, and many more. We talk about how he built his career, what it takes to mix artists at the highest level, how touring and live audio have changed over the years, and the experience, preparation, and instincts required when the pressure is at its highest. This is more than a conversation about gear or mixing techniques. It is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the most respected and accomplished live sound engineers in the business. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes conversations with the people who make live music happen. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Extended Versions 👇 YouTube Membership: http://youtube.com/channel/UC87o5nnsjldToX-uP8TlYeA/join   Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz  Running a tour is already a full-time job. Mixing monitors is another. Managing production is another. Owning a business on top of all of it? That’s a different level entirely. In this episode, I sit down with Luke Reynolds, who serves as Tour Manager, Production Manager, Monitor Engineer, and Tour Director for Max McNown, while also running his own business outside of touring. We talk about what it takes to balance multiple high-pressure roles on the road, how he manages communication and problem-solving across every part of the production, and the mindset required to keep a tour moving forward night after night. Luke shares insight into the realities of modern touring, the pressure that comes with wearing multiple hats, and how he’s built a career around adaptability and trust. This conversation goes beyond one job title, it’s about leadership, responsibility, and the unseen work that keeps a live show running smoothly. If you’ve ever wondered how tours actually function behind the scenes, and what happens when one person becomes the backbone of the operation, this is a rare inside look. Band and Crew Max’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/maxmcnown Luke’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/goodforshowproductions This Is DeLaCruz Social Media & Hangouts Instagram: http://instagram.com/thisisdelacruz  Facebook: http://facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz  Rumble: http://rumble.com/user/ThisIsDeLaCruz Twitter: http://x.com/thisisdelacruz Support the show

Send us Fan Mail This episode of This Is DeLaCruz is sponsored by Shure Huge thank you to Shure for supporting the channel and helping us continue telling the stories of the unsung heroes behind live music. Give them a follow! http://www.instagram.com/shure In this episode, I got to spend the day with the crew behind Luke Combs and get a real look at what it takes to bring one of the biggest shows in country music to life night after night. From production, audio, lighting, video, backline, and the countless moving pieces happening behind the scenes, this crew shows what it really takes to make a massive tour feel effortless from the crowd’s perspective. Huge thank you to the Luke Combs crew for letting me hang out, ask questions, and share a small piece of their world. And yes, as I mentioned in the video, please click the like button below. It helps the channel more than you know and lets YouTube know that people actually care about the crew side of the music industry. Wild concept, I know. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories from the people who make live shows happen. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Go behind the scenes with Christian Giroux, monitor engineer for Dance Gavin Dance, and learn what it takes to keep one of the most dynamic live bands sounding dialed in onstage every night. In this interview, Christian walks us through his journey into touring audio, his role as a monitor engineer, the challenges of mixing for Dance Gavin Dance, and the communication and preparation required to deliver consistent in-ear mixes in a high-energy live environment. We also get a closer look at his workflow, equipment, approach to building mixes, and the lessons he has learned throughout his career in live sound. Whether you are an aspiring monitor engineer, a touring professional, a Dance Gavin Dance fan, or simply interested in what happens behind the scenes of a major tour, this conversation offers a real-world look at the people and technology that make live music possible. Subscribe for more interviews, rig rundowns, tour stories, and behind-the-scenes content featuring the professionals who make live music happen. Band and Crew DGD Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dancegavindance Christian’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/christiangirouxaudio This Is DeLaCruz Social Media & Hangouts Instagram: http://instagram.com/thisisdelacruz  Facebook: http://facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz  Rumble: http://rumble.com/user/ThisIsDeLaCruz Twitter: http://x.com/thisisdelacruz  Download the app:  Apple- http://apps.apple.com/us/app/this-is-delacruz/id6746411351 Goggle Play- http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=branded.md827dad89e764e9bb7c2ec182c428055.delacruz 🤘🏽 Support My Journey Join this channel to get access to perks: YouTube Membership: http://youtube.com/channel/UC87o5nnsjldToX-uP8TlYeA/join  Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz 🌟 Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks! Website: http://www.thisisdelacruz.com  🙏 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]  🔥 Don’t Forget! Like, comment, and subscribe for more awesome content! 👍🔔 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Extended Versions 👇 YouTube Membership: http://youtube.com/channel/UC87o5nnsjldToX-uP8TlYeA/join   Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz  In this episode of This Is DeLaCruz, I sit down with Theodor Woolsey, the sound engineer behind The Phil Collins Story. We talk about what it takes to mix a show that celebrates the music, energy, and legacy of Phil Collins, while still making it feel alive night after night. Theodore shares his approach to live sound, the challenges of mixing a tribute-style production, and what goes into making sure the audience feels connected to every song. From FOH decisions to managing consistency on tour, this conversation gives a behind-the-scenes look at the world of live production and the people who help bring these shows to life. If you love live music, touring, audio engineering, or just want to better understand what happens behind the console, this one is for you. Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks! Band and Crew Ted’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/consoleted Band’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/philcollinsstory This Is DeLaCruz Social Media & Hangouts Instagram: http://instagram.com/thisisdelacruz  Facebook: http://facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz  Rumble: http://rumble.com/user/ThisIsDeLaCruz Twitter: http://x.com/thisisdelacruz  Download the app:  Apple- http://apps.apple.com/us/app/this-is-delacruz/id6746411351 Goggle Play- http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=branded.md827dad89e764e9bb7c2ec182c428055.delacruz 🤘🏽 Support My Journey Join this channel to get access to perks: YouTube Membership: http://youtube.com/channel/UC87o5nnsjldToX-uP8TlYeA/join  Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz 🌟 Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks! Website: http://www.thisisdelacruz.com  🙏 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]  🔥 Don’t Forget! Like, comment, and subscribe for more awesome content! 👍🔔 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Running sound for an artist is about far more than pushing faders—it's about translating their music into an unforgettable live experience. In this episode, I sit down with Joe Traux, the Front of House engineer for Mariah The Scientist, to talk about what it takes to mix a live show that connects with audiences night after night. Joe shares his approach to balancing vocals, instruments, and the emotion of a performance while adapting to different venues and audiences on tour. We dive into the realities of life behind the console, the pressure of delivering a consistent mix, and the preparation that happens long before the first note is played. This conversation goes beyond equipment and technology. It's about trust, musicality, and the countless decisions made in real time that shape what thousands of fans hear every night. If you've ever wondered what goes into creating a great live concert experience, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of live sound. Band and Crew Mariah's Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mariahthescientist Joe’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joetrauxx This Is DeLaCruz Social Media & Hangouts Instagram: http://instagram.com/thisisdelacruz  Facebook: http://facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz  Rumble: http://rumble.com/user/ThisIsDeLaCruz Twitter: http://x.com/thisisdelacruz  Download the app:  Apple- http://apps.apple.com/us/app/this-is-delacruz/id6746411351 Goggle Play- http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=branded.md827dad89e764e9bb7c2ec182c428055.delacruz Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The audience hears the front-of-house mix. The artist hears something completely different. In this episode, I sit down with Brent Washburn, the Monitor Engineer for Josh Ross, to talk about one of the most important jobs in live music: making sure the artist hears exactly what they need to perform at their best. We dive into the world of monitor mixing, the trust that develops between an artist and their engineer, and the challenges of delivering a consistent experience night after night on tour. Brent shares what happens behind the scenes, how he approaches building mixes for the stage, and why the smallest adjustments can have a huge impact on a live performance. Whether you're an audio professional, a country music fan, or just curious about what happens behind the curtain, this conversation offers a rare look at the side of live sound most audiences never get to hear. Band and Crew Brent’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/betterfearthebeard Josh's Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joshrossmusic This Is DeLaCruz Social Media & Hangouts Instagram: http://instagram.com/thisisdelacruz  Facebook: http://facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz  Rumble: http://rumble.com/user/ThisIsDeLaCruz Twitter: http://x.com/thisisdelacruz  Download the app:  Apple- http://apps.apple.com/us/app/this-is-delacruz/id6746411351 Goggle Play- http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=branded.md827dad89e764e9bb7c2ec182c428055.delacruz Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Every great live show has someone behind the console making thousands of decisions in real time. In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Waller, the Front of House engineer for Josh Ross, to talk about what it takes to deliver a powerful and consistent mix night after night on tour. We dive into the challenges of balancing vocals, instruments, crowd energy, and venue acoustics while creating an experience that feels natural and exciting for the audience. Jordan shares his approach to mixing live country music, adapting to different rooms, and the realities of life behind the console on a busy tour schedule. This conversation goes beyond faders and speakers. It's about trust, preparation, and the responsibility of shaping what every fan hears from the moment the lights go down until the last song ends. If you've ever wondered what it takes to make a live show sound great, this is a look behind the mix. Band and Crew Jordan’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jordanwaller_ Josh’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joshrossmusic This Is DeLaCruz Social Media & Hangouts Instagram: http://instagram.com/thisisdelacruz  Facebook: http://facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz  Rumble: http://rumble.com/user/ThisIsDeLaCruz Twitter: http://x.com/thisisdelacruz  Download the app:  Apple- http://apps.apple.com/us/app/this-is-delacruz/id6746411351 Goggle Play- http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=branded.md827dad89e764e9bb7c2ec182c428055.delacruz Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Bruno Mars’ live show is known for its precision, energy, and a sound that feels almost perfect every single night. Behind that experience is a level of detail and discipline most people never see. In this episode, I sit down with Sean Sully, the audio engineer for Bruno Mars, to talk about what it really takes to deliver a show at this level. We dive into how a mix like this is built, how consistency is maintained across different venues, and the pressure of supporting one of the most polished live performances in the world. From balancing a full band to making sure every vocal moment cuts through exactly the way it should, this conversation explores the mindset, preparation, and decision-making behind a world-class live mix. This isn’t just about gear or technique, it’s about execution, trust, and the responsibility that comes with being behind the sound of a global superstar. If you’ve ever wondered how a show like this sounds so clean, so tight, and so powerful night after night, this is a rare look behind the console. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What actually happens before the doors open? In this episode, we go on the road with Couch for a full behind-the-scenes look at show day, following the crew from load-in all the way to doors. This is a real-time countdown to the moment fans walk in, and everything that has to happen before that clock hits zero. Along the way, I spend time with Chris DiCorpo, the band’s audio engineer, and BT Odoy, the lighting director, as they walk us through their roles and what it takes to get a show up and running. From setting up the system and dialing in sound to building the visual atmosphere, you’ll see how each piece comes together under time pressure. This isn’t just an interview, it’s a look at the pace, the problem-solving, and the coordination that happens behind the scenes to make a live show feel effortless. If you’ve ever wondered what a real show day looks like from the crew’s perspective, this is it. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Hunter Hayes doesn’t just show up and play the show, he is deeply involved in building the entire experience. In this episode, I sit down with Hunter Hayes to talk through his current tour, the creative process behind it, and everything he helped shape behind the scenes. From the overall concept and production choices to the details that make the show feel personal, Hunter breaks down how an idea turns into a full live experience. We also talk with his audio engineer, Chad Byrd, to get the technical side of what it takes to bring Hunter’s vision to life every night. This one is about creativity, ownership, and the amount of work fans never see before the first note is ever played. Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks! Download the app:  Apple- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/this-is-delacruz/id6746411351 Goggle Play- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=branded.md827dad89e764e9bb7c2ec182c428055.delacruz Website: http://www.thisisdelacruz.com  🤳 Social Media & Hangouts Instagram: http://instagram.com/thisisdelacruz 📸 Rumble: http://rumble.com/user/ThisIsDeLaCruz Facebook: http://facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz👍 TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz 🎉 Twitter: http://x.com/thisisdelacruz 🐦 🤘🏽 Support My Journey Join this channel to get access to perks: YouTube Membership: http://youtube.com/channel/UC87o5nnsjldToX-uP8TlYeA/join  Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz 🌟 Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks! 🔗 Band and Crew Hunter's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterhayes  🌍 Chad's Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/byrdlikebird  📚 🙏 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]  🔥 Don’t Forget! Like, comment, and subscribe for more awesome content! 👍🔔 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Burna Boy’s live show is built on energy, rhythm, and a sound that has to translate across cultures, countries, and massive crowds. In this episode, I sit down with Temiday Qladehin, the Front of House engineer for Burna Boy, to talk about what it takes to bring that global sound to life every single night. We dive into how he approaches mixing a show that blends Afro-fusion, live instrumentation, and powerful vocals, while keeping everything tight and impactful in a wide range of venues. Temiday shares insight into consistency on tour, adapting to different environments, and the responsibility of delivering a sound that connects with audiences around the world. This conversation goes beyond just mixing, it’s about feel, musicality, and understanding how to support an artist whose sound moves people on a global scale. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to make a show like this hit as hard live as it does on record, this is a look behind the console. Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks! Download the app:  Apple- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/this-is-delacruz/id6746411351 Goggle Play- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=branded.md827dad89e764e9bb7c2ec182c428055.delacruz Website: http://www.thisisdelacruz.com  🤳 Social Media & Hangouts Instagram: http://instagram.com/thisisdelacruz 📸 Rumble: http://rumble.com/user/ThisIsDeLaCruz Facebook: http://facebook.com/Nicholas.DeLaCruz👍 TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@this.is.delacruz 🎉 Twitter: http://x.com/thisisdelacruz 🐦 🤘🏽 Support My Journey Join this channel to get access to perks: YouTube Membership: http://youtube.com/channel/UC87o5nnsjldToX-uP8TlYeA/join  Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz 🌟 Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks! 🔗 Band and Crew Temidayo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toladehin  🌍 Burna Boy's Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/burnaboygram  📚 🙏 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]  🔥 Don’t Forget! Like, comment, and subscribe for more awesome content! 👍🔔 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Kaden Creamer isn’t just setting the stage — he’s making sure the entire show runs like a well-oiled machine. As backline tech for Riley Green, Kaden is responsible for every piece of gear behind the performance, from guitars and amps to drum kits and quick-change setups. In this episode, we dive into the day-to-day grind of life on tour, how Kaden preps for each show, and what it takes to stay calm when the unexpected hits. He shares the behind-the-scenes realities of touring life, the importance of trust within the crew, and the moments that make it all worth it. If you’ve ever wanted to know what goes into keeping a live show running flawlessly — this is the episode you need to see. Support the show