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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  🎶

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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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Website: htts://www.thisisdelacruz.com 

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🔗 Band and Crew
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 

🤳 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
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Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThisIsDeLaCruz 🌟
Join our little family for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes fun, and cool perks!

🔗 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] 

🔥 Don’t Forget!
Like, comment, and subscribe for more awesome content! 👍🔔
Support the show

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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.

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

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
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 

🤳 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
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