Bruce Reiter, Live Sound Engineer (Five Finger Death Punch, Megadeath, Slayer)

04/29/24 • 50 min

1 Listener

The Jay Franze Show: Music News | Reviews | Interviews

Step behind the curtain of the live music scene with Jay Franze and the legendary sound mixer Bruce Reiter from Five Finger Death Punch. In a rare conversation, Bruce unveils his sonic journey, detailing his rise from modest beginnings to orchestrating the thunderous soundscapes for arena rock giants. He credits early mentors like Dave Natale for honing his craft, and offers an intimate look at the dynamics within the band, from Zoltan Bathory's strategic vision to Ivan Moody's heartfelt fan connections. It's a foray into the often-unseen emotional labor of sound engineering, revealing how Bruce's meticulous touch amplifies the raw exchange between artists and audiences.
When the stage lights blaze and the crowd roars, the unsung heroes at the sound console ensure every chord strikes true. This episode pulls back the festival curtain, highlighting the symphony of challenges and triumphs that sound engineers like Bruce Reitr face. From the seamless orchestration of the setup to the magic of virtual soundchecks, step into the collaborative world that transforms musical chaos into harmony. Learn how the subtlest variables, such as audience attire or the warmth they radiate, can sway the soundscape. Bruce's narrative underscores the vital, yet often invisible, camaraderie among the touring crew, who together, bring the concert experience to life night after night.
Join us as Bruce Reiter shares a masterclass in live sound mixing, from the comfort of his home studio to the electric energy of stadium shows. Discover the meticulous preparation that defines a touring sound engineer's life and the technological tools, like Smaart RTA, that ensure performances resonate with unfailing clarity. Bruce serves up an array of sound mixing techniques and tips for music connoisseurs and aspiring mixers alike, emphasizing the craft's blend of art and science. His commitment to continuous learning and mentorship shines through, offering valuable insights into an industry where precision meets passion, and every live show is an opportunity to reach sonic perfection.

Links

Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com

Support the show

Send us a text

Links

Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com

Support the show

Previous Episode

Garrett Landers, Musician (Britney's Lipstick, IP Sixx)

1 Recommendations

Send us a text

Strap in for a rollercoaster ride with the electrifying Garrett Landers, whose guitar riffs are as epic as his stories. We kick off with a laugh or two as Garrett spills the beans on his unexpected musical voyage, ignited by a mistaken upright bass and the legendary Sting. From his self-taught riffs to the thrill of his first band, it's a tale of rock ambition met with the rhythmic heartbeats of family encouragement and the quirky twists of fate that catapulted him onto the stage.
Take a seat at the edge of your seat while Garrett takes you on a wild ride through his most memorable gigs. From battling the sweltering heat with chapstick-as-sunscreen to taking cues from a lone audience member on treble settings, these are the moments that musicians live for. But it's not all about the notes; Garrett's anecdotes reveal the magical connection between performer and crowd, inspired by icons like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eddie Van Halen, and how that shared energy transforms a gig into something you just can't forget.
Finally, get the insider scoop on the high-octane world of corporate bands and their battles that rival any rockstar's dream. You'll be hanging on every word as I recount our ascent to the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame stage—complete with tales of rehearsal drama, stage fright, and the blood, sweat, and tears it took to get there. And because the devil is in the details, we'll top off with a nod to the unsung heroes of live music—the sound people—whose magic fingers turn chaos into concert hall clarity. Join us for a symphony of stories that'll have you feeling like you're right there in the mosh pit with us.

Links

Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
Britney's Lipstick: https://www.britneyslipstick.com/

Support the show

Next Episode

Keldamuzik (The Hodges)

Send us a text

Step into the kaleidoscopic world of music with Keldamuzik, hip-hop artist turned EDM dynamo, as she shares her journey on shifting soundscapes in our latest podcast episode. The conversation with Kelda is an illuminating ride through the realms of creativity, as she spills the secrets behind her artistic evolution and the deep influences that propel her forward. From her homage to Michael Jackson to the fluidity of blending rap with spoken word, Kelda's narrative is a testament to the power of genre fusion and its impact on the creative soul.
Join us in the intimate corners of the recording studio, where Kelda opens up about the rituals and mindset that guide her in laying down tracks with precision and passion. She swears by the calming effects of kava tea—a little-known studio companion—and the spontaneity of perfecting ad-libs in a single take. As we peek behind the curtain, Kelda gives us a front-row seat to the artist-engineer synergy, the stringent mix and mastering process, and how she ensures her music emerges with a professional sheen, ready to hit the airwaves.
We round out our session with a dive into the maze of social media marketing and personal branding, where Kelda leads by example with her hands-on approach to fan interactions. From acknowledging birthday wishes to handling the whirlwind of messages, her online presence is as dynamic as her music. We even explore her latest entrepreneurial leap into fashion, launching her exclusive beret line, and her adventures on the set of "The Hodges." Kelda's story is a mosaic of creativity, with each tile—a song, a fashion statement, an on-screen role—revealing a larger portrait of an artist in constant motion.

Links