This Is DeLaCruz

Nicholas DeLaCruz
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

Hosted by Nick DeLaCruz, This Is DeLaCruz takes you behind the scenes of live music with both the bands on stage and the unsung heroes who keep the show alive. Each episode features real conversations with artists, engineers, techs, and crew, pulling back the curtain on life on the road. From the chaos of soundcheck to the rush of showtime, they share the triumphs, struggles, and untold stories that make touring unforgettable. Whether you’re a fan, a musician, or just curious about what happens beyond the spotlight, this podcast is your all-access pass to the world of live music.

  1. Oct 12

    Running Sound for Charlie Puth (Mike Schaeffer & Josh Cruz)

    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: nick@thisisdelacruz.com  🔥 Don’t Forget! Like, comment, and subscribe for more awesome content! 👍🔔 Support the show

  2. Oct 9

    Running Sound for Lindsey Stirling (Sage Tichenor)

    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: nick@thisisdelacruz.com  🔥 Don’t Forget! Like, comment, and subscribe for more awesome content! 👍🔔 Support the show

  3. Sep 30

    The Man Behind Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar, Aerosmith & More (Toby Francis)

    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

  4. Sep 24

    Tour Manager for Max McNown

    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

  5. Aug 17

    On the Road with Luke Combs

    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

  6. Aug 3

    Monitor Engineer for Dance Gavin Dance (Christian Giroux)

    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: nick@thisisdelacruz.com  🔥 Don’t Forget! Like, comment, and subscribe for more awesome content! 👍🔔 Support the show

  7. Jul 20

    Running Sound for The Phil Collins Story (Theodor Woolsey)

    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: nick@thisisdelacruz.com  🔥 Don’t Forget! Like, comment, and subscribe for more awesome content! 👍🔔 Support the show

  8. Jul 6

    Running Sound for Mariah The Scientist (Joe Traux)

    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

See All (153)

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Hosted by Nick DeLaCruz, This Is DeLaCruz takes you behind the scenes of live music with both the bands on stage and the unsung heroes who keep the show alive. Each episode features real conversations with artists, engineers, techs, and crew, pulling back the curtain on life on the road. From the chaos of soundcheck to the rush of showtime, they share the triumphs, struggles, and untold stories that make touring unforgettable. Whether you’re a fan, a musician, or just curious about what happens beyond the spotlight, this podcast is your all-access pass to the world of live music.

Information

  • Creator
    Nicholas DeLaCruz
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    153
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 This Is DeLaCruz
  • Show Website
    This Is DeLaCruz

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