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096: DAVE NATALE/FOH Engineer/The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Motley Crue, Joe Cocker Apr 30, 2018

Show notes

Sledgehammer audio. That's how Emmy award-winning FOH Engineer Dave Natale describes his approach. I take it to mean no frills, no fancy effects, nothing that gets in the way of a pure, clean, and loud mix. Since 1981 Dave has mixed some of the top grossing acts of the last few decades starting with Asia's Heat of the Moment tour. From there, he has gone on to mix for Tina Turner, Motley Crue, Joe Cocker, Fleetwood Mac, Lionel Ritchie, and of course, The Rolling Stones, for whom he has mixed since the A Bigger Bang world tour in 2004. Dave still mixes on an analog console, preferring to remain true to the tools that he is most comfortable with, and the tools that he feels will serve him the best. When he's not on the road he can be found behind the FOH desk at any number of award shows throughout the year. If you need any further information as to just how good Dave is at his job, look no further than page 490 of Keith Richards' autobiography, Life. Today's episode is sponsored by ShoPro Beard Co., & Gig-Gear.com.

095: BYRON ISAACS/Bassist, Singer-songwriter/The Lumineers, Levon Helm Band, Amy Helm Apr 22, 2018

Show notes

I can't believe this is episode 95! Thank you for tuning-in and being with us for the last couple of years. This week's guest is bass player/singer/songwriter Byron Isaacs. A Texas native, and proud former Hoosier, this Brooklyn resident, and Woodstock frequenter, is currently playing with The Lumineers as well as Lost Leaders. He's also just completed a solo album, Disappearing Man, set for release on June 12, 2018 at the City Winery in NYC. Byron Isaacs is a founding member of the Americana band Ollabelle and has played with Levon Helm live at his Midnight Rambles and on both of his Grammy-winning studio albums. He played with Amy Helm and produced her album Didn't It Rain. In the last fifteen years he's also toured and/or recorded with Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams, The Weight Band, Joan Baez and many more. Today's episode is sponsored by ShowPro Beard Co.

094: DANSIR MCCULLOUGH/FOH Engineer/Ted Nugent, Bob Seger, Pattia Labelle, Grand Rapids Symphony Apr 16, 2018

Show notes

It's 1968. You've recently turned 17, you already have one son, and your first marriage is pretty much in the wind. You end up living in a band house and without any prior experience you become their drum tech, and in that instant your fate is sealed. You will go on to lead an incredible life full of chance, travel, respect, challenge, and music. Always music. After fifty years as a working and dedicated FOH engineer, Dansir McCullough still believes in the power of music, and the thrill it gives him night after night to stand at the center of it all, and push the faders up on over a hundred microphones. Dansir's big break came with Ted Nugent, who he would mix for from 1976-1984. Prior to that he had been with Bob Seger, the Rockets, and the Tea. Since 1984 he has mixed for Patti Labelle, Aerosmith, John Waite, Ace Frehly, Alice Cooper, Gladys Knight, Billy Idol, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Opera Grand Rapids, and the Grand Rapids Ballet. For over eleven years he was the president of the Stage Hands Local #26 I.A.T.S.E.

093 CARLY SCOVILL/Wardrobe Assistant/Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 40th Anniversary Tour Apr 09, 2018

Show notes

If I get the chance, I love to interview more than one person from the same touring crew as it gives a great perspective on the whole touring experience, and this week's guest helps me round out a particular story of a special bunch of people. Fresh on the heels of graduating from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise in San Francisco, Carly Scovill found herself under the guidance of longtime stylist Linda Burcher at the start of rehearsals for the 40th anniversary tour of one of the world's most beloved artists, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. As the daughter of Parnelli award-winning Sound Engineer Robert Scovill, Carly knew firsthand what endless possibilities for adventure, growth, and experience life on the road could offer, but she had no way of knowing just how poignant the next four months would be for her. Join Carly and I as she takes me through her first days of rehearsal, to the final shows at the Hollywood Bowl. Today's episode is sponsored by Airturn.com.

092: KEN POOCH VAN DRUTEN/FOH Engineer/Jay-Z, Justin Beiber, Prophets of Rage, Linkin Park Apr 02, 2018

Show notes

Ken "Pooch" Van Druten has built a name for himself as one of the industry's top FOH Engineers. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music, Ken headed to Los Angeles to begin what he initially thought would be a long and lucrative career as a recording engineer. However, this all changed after the invitation to mix one of his artists in a live venue. The band was Warrant, and the venue was none other than the Los Angeles Forum. Since then, He has worked with such artists as Jay-Z, Eminem, Rob Zombie, Whitney Houston, Justin Bieber, Linkin Park, and Prophets of Rage. He is also a two-time recipient of the Parnelli award for FOH Engineer of the year, and an eight-time recipient of the Tourlink Top Dog award. Today's episode is sponsored by gig-gear.com.

091: LISA BOLAND/Ticket Manager/Dave Matthews Band, DMB Caravan Festival, Tortuga Music Festival Mar 26, 2018

Show notes

This week's guest is Lisa Boland, Ticket Manager for the Dave Matthews Band. While she's not necessarily on the front lines of the music, she's certainly an integral part of making sure every single show in every city goes as smoothly as possible, for both artist and concert goer. Originally a South Florida native, Lisa has been with DMB since 2005, and relishes the fact that in an industry usually governed by a lack of job security, she's able to work for a band she loves year-round, doing something she loves. When she does have downtime from DMB she can usually be found working freelance on a variety of gigs. Today's episode is sponsored by gig-gear.com.

090: PETER SHAPIRO/Promoter, Publisher/Relix Mag, Fare Thee Well, Brooklyn Bowl, The Capitol Theater Mar 19, 2018

Show notes

Welcome to episode #90, today's guest has been on my radar for quite some time and it brings me great pleasure to share our interview with all of you. It's almost impossible to be a fan of music and not know the name Peter Shapiro. Chances are you've heard of places like Wetlands Preserve, The Capitol Theater, and Brooklyn Bowl. You may even be familiar with Relix Magazine, originally launched in 1974, which focuses on live music, festivals, artist interviews, etc. If the aforementioned still doesn't ring a bell, I'm sure you know the names Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir. Peter Shapiro is at the center of all of those things and many more. He is also a master at creating the right "vibes" for the right moment. Thanks for tuning-in, Peace ya'all. Today's episode is sponsored by Telefunken Elektroakustic, and Airturn.

089: KEVIN DUGIE DUGAN/Bass Tech/Van Halen, Michael Anthony, Chickenfoot, Weezer, The Cult Mar 12, 2018

Show notes

It's the late 1970's, you've stopped drumming in your local band because you realized you could be more effective behind the scenes, you cut your teeth in every major bar or club for the last few years after starting out in Cleveland, and as the 80's fast approach you wonder where life on the road with rock bands will lead you. Then the phone rings. It's a band that's on the verge of dominating the world several times over, but no one knows that yet. They need a Bass tech. You say yes, having never done the job. You are Kevin Dugie Dugan, and the band is Van Halen. You and the bass player, Michael Anthony start a friendship and a bond that will take you to places you never could have imagined. Foreign countries, platinum records, and women. Plenty of women. And a whole lot of Rock n' Roll. You've seen most everything there is to see on the road. You've worked for some of the world's top artists. But most importantly, you are a Roadie For Life.

088: NORMAN HARRIS/Owner/Norman's Rare Guitars Mar 04, 2018

Show notes

For over forty years Norman Harris has been the go-to guy for vintage guitar enthusiasts the world over. His store in Tarzana, CA consistently has the greatest collection of player-friendly stringed instruments, while his dedicated and loyal staff cater to a wide range of guitar enthusiasts and players day after day. After realizing that his passion and curiosity for vintage guitars far outweighed his own musical abilities, Norman dove headfirst into the wild world of used instruments and quickly established a name for himself. Soon after, a who's who list of celebrities sought him out. Everyone from Tom Petty to George Harrison, Joe Bonamassa, Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson, and John 5 have spent precious time mining through Norman's extensive collection. Stay tuned for the official launch of Norman Harris's newest venture, The All Guitar Network, coming soon. Today's episode is sponsored by Airturn.com and Gig-gear.com.

087: MARY BROADBENT/TM, PM, Backline Tech, Merch/Betty Who, Chris Isak, The Staves, The Mowglis Feb 26, 2018

Show notes

Mary Broadbent's path into the music industry started much like it does for most of us: on stage, and in a band. After moving around for much of her childhood, Mary finally ended up attending Emerson University in Boston. After graduation she followed a few classmates to the West Coast where her real education as a live touring professional would ultimately begin. Tour Manager, Stage Manager, Backline Tech, Production Manager. These are just a few of the many hats Mary has already worn for many artists including Chris Isaak, The Staves, The Mowglis, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Fitz and the Tantrums. Mary recently wrapped-up another successful run with Girl School LA can currently be found on tour with Betty Who.

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