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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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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.

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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  🎶

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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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Dashboard Confessional Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dashboardconfessional 📚
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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.

Extended Versions 👇
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🔗 Band and Crew
Andy’s Instagram http://www.instagram.com/foh1212? 🌍
Shinedown’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shinedown  📚

🙏 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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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.

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

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🔗 Band and Crew
Matt’s https://www.instagram.com/insta.kirb 🌍
Ice Nine Kills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iceninekills📚

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

Music by: https://epidemicsound.com  🎶

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

🔥 Don’t Forget!
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