Running Sound For Madonna

Welcome to "This Is DeLaCruz"! In this exclusive episode, we're honored to sit down with Burton Ishmael, the esteemed sound engineer behind the iconic live performances of the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna.
Burton Ishmael is a seasoned professional in the realm of live sound engineering, boasting an impressive career working alongside legendary artists like Madonna. As Madonna's sound engineer, Burton is responsible for delivering pristine audio quality and ensuring that every concert is a mesmerizing sonic experience for fans worldwide.
Join us as we delve into the captivating world of live sound engineering with Burton Ishmael. From discussing the intricacies of mixing for a pop icon like Madonna to sharing insights on stage setup, equipment preferences, and handling the demands of massive stadium tours, Burton offers invaluable knowledge for music enthusiasts and aspiring engineers alike.
This episode is brought to you by Guitar Center Professional, your go-to destination for top-of-the-line audio equipment and professional sound solutions. Whether you're a seasoned sound engineer or a budding musician, visit www.gcpro.com today to explore their extensive selection of gear, expert advice, and industry-leading services.

Пікірлер: 162

  • @jeanpetit462
    @jeanpetit4623 ай бұрын

    Madonna !! The best artist in the entire world , I have had the privilege to see her live in the confessions tour 2005 and Celebration tour 2023 🎉 love it

  • @MSman-ff8fx

    @MSman-ff8fx

    15 күн бұрын

    thats a stretch

  • @mattmattga
    @mattmattga3 ай бұрын

    I was at this show!! I’ve seen tons of bands at phillips/ state farm and the Madonna show was by far the best sound i’ve heard in that venue. The sub pressure was amazing and I never lost the vocals under the track.

  • @gpmcd1044
    @gpmcd10443 ай бұрын

    I saw Madonna’s Who’s That Girl tour, I believe it was 1987 at the Houston Astrodome. I remember when the show was over and my friend and I started leaving, we couldn’t hear each other speak. The music had been so loud. It took a couple of hours to feel normal again. I still remember that today.

  • @loveagainstgods5116
    @loveagainstgods51163 ай бұрын

    I’ve seen every tour she has ever done and the Celebration tour was outstanding but I miss the live musicians

  • @earlusmcdivett
    @earlusmcdivett3 ай бұрын

    I saw her at this show at State Farm Arena. The sound was absolutely the best i have ever heard in my life. I had DJ’d all across the country and i’ve heard a lot of systems but this one was absolutely incredible. The ending of “Nothing Really Matters” vibrates your insides. Now her microphone….. That’s a whole different story.

  • @buddytheelvisofdogs

    @buddytheelvisofdogs

    Ай бұрын

    Of course it sounded great. All you’re doing is make some playback tracks. How hard can it be?

  • @AudioSpaceGeek

    @AudioSpaceGeek

    21 күн бұрын

    @@buddytheelvisofdogsI was highly disappointed when it was announced she wouldn’t have a live band. If MJ could roll with a live band she certainly could have done the same, and the energy would have been far better.

  • @tokenlizard7097
    @tokenlizard70973 ай бұрын

    This interview was so amazing! Thank you Nick And Burton for such an amazing video!

  • @Rricdiculos
    @Rricdiculos3 ай бұрын

    I had no Idea that I needed to hear this interview. Thanks 🙏🏾 for the info shared

  • @alanchang3367
    @alanchang33673 ай бұрын

    One of the best of the best out there! Thanks Nick for showcasing this opportunity

  • @mixhits9306
    @mixhits93062 ай бұрын

    Incredible interview. Best yet. And what ana amazing human he is.

  • @Jimsalos
    @Jimsalos3 ай бұрын

    Excellent interview! I enjoyed hearing the discussions about life, faith, experiences etc even more than the tech stuff

  • @AlexKnightVancouver
    @AlexKnightVancouver3 ай бұрын

    This was so good. Watched all the way to the end.

  • @KGEntertainment365
    @KGEntertainment3653 ай бұрын

    @ Nick DeLaCruz I really appreciate your transparency brother !..Great Interview!

  • @DuncanUnderwood1
    @DuncanUnderwood13 ай бұрын

    Wow! the thought behind it all is on another level. so good!

  • @duncanbrode381
    @duncanbrode3813 ай бұрын

    This is one of the most deep & meaningful interviews of the guest AND the host I have ever witnessed. It is such a breath of fresh air to hear folks in the industry be able to relate like this and share on this level. FANTASTIC! I have subscribed!

  • @lucasbegley1392
    @lucasbegley13923 ай бұрын

    This is probably my favorite of these videos I’ve seen, what an amazing dude

  • @sergiolams
    @sergiolams3 ай бұрын

    Brilliant! so straight forward and down to earth.guy.congrats Ishmael.

  • @texvanburen4566
    @texvanburen45663 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much Burton. Keep on doing what you do because you are great in it. And I'm not only talking about your mixing skills. You inspire a huge amount of people to be better in their life! The industry needs people like you. As a drumtech I wish I could work with you one day. All the best from Germany.

  • @optimusbraun2060
    @optimusbraun20603 ай бұрын

    Very refreshing attitude, what a nice and humble guy! Loved this!

  • @CampbellDownie
    @CampbellDownie3 ай бұрын

    wow thanks for an awesome interview with a fantastic lovely guy, learned so much, more about just being a great person than anything else, respect to you both.

  • @kensmith895
    @kensmith8953 ай бұрын

    Such a well balanced person. I really appreciate this video. Its so much deeper that getting a sound system to make a noise.

  • @TheMrjmooregmail
    @TheMrjmooregmail3 ай бұрын

    Great interview! This gentleman is a true professional, kind and very humble. We all should strive to be this kind a human being

  • @thevalkyrie8

    @thevalkyrie8

    3 ай бұрын

    Erm… do you know his shadow side?

  • @triaHmar
    @triaHmar3 ай бұрын

    Man....this is the best content ever...so much to learn from different experience er. .....

  • @bencolemanjr
    @bencolemanjr3 ай бұрын

    Such a blessing to hear Mr. Ishmael's heart and passion for this art. Hearing his about his church upbringing, and 2 defining moments, resonates with me as a person and engineer. I see so many of these about the tech, it is refreshing to hear about the art side of this role!

  • @_wolfsparkle2721
    @_wolfsparkle27213 ай бұрын

    This one is amazing , thankful just to listen

  • @pj1333
    @pj13332 ай бұрын

    As others have said, what a FANTASTIC interview! True inspiration to listen to Burton Ishmael discuss life, mixing, and Madonna! This should be REQUIRED VIEWING for all young aspiring mix engineers! GREAT JOB!

  • @miguelpozoblock4223
    @miguelpozoblock42233 ай бұрын

    Amazing interview,what a great person this guy is.

  • @TrevorPalmatiershow
    @TrevorPalmatiershow3 ай бұрын

    Fascinating. I saw the tour. So great seeing how much goes into the show, and Madonna only surrounds herself and hires the very very best so this man must be amazing. Thanks for speaking a foreign language to me here! lol. But was great to try and follow along.

  • @LannieLord

    @LannieLord

    3 ай бұрын

    Karaoke . No live band.

  • @jasefosTV
    @jasefosTV3 ай бұрын

    Sincerely, these are some of the best truth bombs I've experienced, particularly from the perspective of attitude alignment for longevity in the industry. Thank you!

  • @evancormier1681
    @evancormier16813 ай бұрын

    Great interview, what an engineer!!

  • @chinomaidenproduciendo8878
    @chinomaidenproduciendo88783 ай бұрын

    Nick im a touring engineer and i watch every episode! i learn a lot from those greate engineers i aspire to one day be one of them and get interviewed 😅 I work with a reggaeton artist but currently on tour in the US! (we play for latin audience)

  • @sdx2r
    @sdx2r3 ай бұрын

    Every words he said is like a gold 🎉❤ thanks for great mind set Sir!

  • @AmbientShores
    @AmbientShores3 ай бұрын

    Great interview.

  • @EvanVincent.
    @EvanVincent.3 ай бұрын

    I learned a ton from this interview! Thanks!

  • @Mikeys2Much
    @Mikeys2Much3 ай бұрын

    NICK WTF... You killed this interview. Awesome job keep up the good work. Wepa.

  • @lmnprty
    @lmnprty3 ай бұрын

    What a class act! Such a humble pro

  • @matthewstevens7486
    @matthewstevens74863 ай бұрын

    we saw Madonna live in Dec 23 at the o2 Arena London, If Ishmael was working the foh then, he had his work cut out due to the acoustics there, The bass hit you hard which was cool. With regards to this interview, i feel like i have just had a life lesson more than a sound one.........Great job. Kudos to you both.

  • @Mekhanaized
    @Mekhanaized3 ай бұрын

    i came here for audio/mixing advice, we get great life advice --hats of off

  • @hezekiahcharles6754
    @hezekiahcharles67543 ай бұрын

    Loaded with Life Gems....🎉

  • @patrickgarrity5529
    @patrickgarrity55293 ай бұрын

    Dude for u to address ur substance abuse is very respectable. Same happened to me. I took a break and came back even stronger. God bless 🙏

  • @christianboddum8783
    @christianboddum87833 ай бұрын

    Amazing that he can be this cool in a high stress environment!

  • @adamgreene8407
    @adamgreene84073 ай бұрын

    i love this video !

  • @GP-Music.
    @GP-Music.3 ай бұрын

    Damn bro, an hour and a half! Gonna have to watch half now and save the rest for tonight lol.

  • @mumble72
    @mumble723 ай бұрын

    I am completely fascinated by this great person

  • @sirex02
    @sirex023 ай бұрын

    Madison Square Garden show was Epic! Even with the intense crowds roaring, the sound came through Cleary especially the bass!

  • @Gauseltown
    @Gauseltown3 ай бұрын

    Wow. Such a nice person and so many good thoughts and ideas. The part with the blind person coming to a show really got me thinking. That's a very good way to think about our work. Thank you @NickDeLaCruz for that awesome interview.

  • @cw5631
    @cw56313 ай бұрын

    Unbelievable! Wow I learned so much Thank you man

  • @fbryce1ify
    @fbryce1ify3 ай бұрын

    the sound at all of her concerts are like none other

  • @o.9428

    @o.9428

    3 ай бұрын

    The sound on the Celebration Tour has generally been a disaster.

  • @LannieLord

    @LannieLord

    3 ай бұрын

    No live music; Pure Milli Vanilli ! @@o.9428

  • @Claypaky1

    @Claypaky1

    3 ай бұрын

    ⁠@@o.9428problem is that if you want a great sound the stage and the audience must be apart. If you want to be close to her and get the fancy stage designs that expand in the audience you get shitty audio. Otherwise the mics screech of feedback like crazy.

  • @immersiveaudionft2203
    @immersiveaudionft22033 ай бұрын

    To be real the first 45 min I was going this dude is really vague and did he really mix the show. But after that it is so smart and the best advice ever. I guess when you are at the top of the game you don't have to come out of the gate with everything. Thank you for this. I don't do live mixing but there is so much to learn from you Bad Asses. Thank You. my advice is watch KZread videos to the end because there is so much to learn and maybe it doesn't happen on your time line.

  • @FRANKRICECOLD209
    @FRANKRICECOLD2093 ай бұрын

    Great Stuff

  • @kokolucero7424
    @kokolucero74243 ай бұрын

    knowledge should be the nickname of this mister. Woooow!!

  • @Ki113dbysw0rd
    @Ki113dbysw0rd3 ай бұрын

    this guy is SO good with analogies. He gets it.

  • @tonygardner4077
    @tonygardner40773 ай бұрын

    Nice one guys ... liked and subbed from NewZealand .... chur

  • @siphiwedhlamini6588
    @siphiwedhlamini65883 ай бұрын

    Variety is the spice of life, the more genres the better...

  • @dexriv1606
    @dexriv16062 ай бұрын

    Madonna is so incredibly creative and she has that Star factor, it’s crucial to possess in the industry, and of course having a disciplined team behind her as she is! Saw her in Miami … unforgettable!

  • @Mmmmonster
    @Mmmmonster3 ай бұрын

    I was here for the ATL show!!!

  • @heyoletsgo9
    @heyoletsgo93 ай бұрын

    well-done fellas

  • @Madonnism
    @Madonnism2 ай бұрын

    That’s it! The engineer said it: Madonna sings live 100% and Madonna has a unique voice tone, “a unique tone” he said!!! What an amazing interview!!!! This is just one part of Madonna’s experience!!

  • @hswift8429
    @hswift84293 ай бұрын

    I was at the Atlanta celebration tour show🥰

  • @kjplaysdrums2
    @kjplaysdrums23 ай бұрын

    Burton is the nicest guy, I love him. He is a wealth of wisdom

  • @sephoraMbungu
    @sephoraMbungu3 ай бұрын

    Enjoy listening to the interview. 🔊🔊🔊

  • @Madonnism
    @Madonnism2 ай бұрын

    This is why the Madonna’s show experience is overwhelming (in the best way possible) If you missed the lyrics (if you don’t speak English), if you were distracted and didn’t watch backdrops or whatever, you have the sound of her music, the beats meaning is powerful as well!!! Madonna is the best! I felt her message!!

  • @NaturalizedAlienResident
    @NaturalizedAlienResident3 ай бұрын

    can you creat the video where you review the venews that are suited for music events best and the worst venew as well.thank you!

  • @donzpressplay
    @donzpressplay3 ай бұрын

    This was RICH!

  • @napasmith5689
    @napasmith56893 ай бұрын

    Really enjoyed the interview. Still trying to wrap my mind around "all that" with one musician and one singer. Asking an innocent question here, but wouldn't tracks be mixed through processing once and then played back?

  • @kylefolger
    @kylefolger3 ай бұрын

    Great interview. What is the device in the left rack above the Rupert Neve unit? Summing was being mentioned, but I didn’t recognize the hardware.

  • @peterkadelbach7010
    @peterkadelbach70103 ай бұрын

    That’s a lot of gear for a karaoke show! Love Burton’s approach regarding attitude and listening. He seems like a top gent. Everything on track apart from one musician and her vocal live…. When it’s a good night… ouch! Why bother? It’s not a concert it’s an appearance. Of course he’s running soothe. That’s a game changer. Tame it to rebuild it definitely works as an approach. I use that one too regarding soothe on vox especially. He certainly has a lot of wisdom regarding approach to the craft and working with artists. Bravo. Hopefully he will get back to mixing some live music soon.

  • @mikeysmusic
    @mikeysmusic3 ай бұрын

    This awesome interview doesn't reflect my actual Celebration Tour experience in 2nd row /7th row front floor. Slight tears of frustration from Tampa. Hoping for Atmos audio

  • @therobertruben
    @therobertruben18 күн бұрын

    I once had a dream where I had to mix FOH (I'm predominantly a monitor engineer) on an S6L (which is my go to console); loaded my file and all the screens started showing Digico graphics. So Burtons idea has happened at least once 😄

  • @emb2302
    @emb23023 ай бұрын

    Respectfully, I’m not a Madonna fan anymore but I would buy a ticket just to hear this man’s engineering skills because of this interview. Such inspirational words. “The Material Girl” should give this man a huge raise or a massive end of tour bonus check.

  • @VegasDominic
    @VegasDominic2 ай бұрын

    Would be nice to know the process on the decision making in choosing L-Acoustics, over let’s say Meyer Sound, d&B, VTx rig… that’s very interesting to know 😀👌

  • @christdub1241
    @christdub12413 ай бұрын

    💯💯💯💯

  • @MilestonesGlobal
    @MilestonesGlobal3 ай бұрын

    Can anyone name all these units in the rack it would be great if camera capchers a better view

  • @MarceloBermudezFOH
    @MarceloBermudezFOH3 ай бұрын

    Had the pleasure of shadowing Burton at a Post Malone show a few years back. Love seeing him on here!!!

  • @kaiulrich6185
    @kaiulrich61853 ай бұрын

    If you wanna know the difference between a good and a great engineer in terms of success in the business, it is very much down to knowing the political game just as much as how to make a great sound, in many cases the political game is even more important. I have a feeling, this guy is terrific at it.

  • @johnmcquay82
    @johnmcquay823 ай бұрын

    Burton Ishmael; what a guy.

  • @Madonnism
    @Madonnism2 ай бұрын

    I love him saying Madonna changed his life!!!!!

  • @scottgc633
    @scottgc6333 ай бұрын

    Fascinating interview!!! I'm curious about his comment that there's only one live musician, because Madonna herself plays guitar (live, as evidenced by her stopping a performance of "Burning Up" when she realised straight away that her amp wasn't turned on), her son, David, plays guitar (most notably during "Mother and Father"), her daughter, Mercy, plays piano, and there's a cellist playing on the main stage. Mercy's piano teacher was very vocal online when there were rumours early on that she wasn't actually playing (he confirmed that she absolutely was). Madonna is clearly playing the guitar. That's two live instruments already....

  • @FOHBurton

    @FOHBurton

    3 ай бұрын

    Sorry for the confusion.. not a typical full band.. but one musician that plays live all set.. Keys and yes all other that do their part as you clearly pointed out!! Thanks for sharing

  • @scottgc633

    @scottgc633

    3 ай бұрын

    @@FOHBurton Thank you for your response and for answering my query!! That's really clear and makes perfect sense! Congrats on your amazing work!!! The interview was fascinating and I loved the show itself - thank you for the role you played!!!

  • @impopquiz
    @impopquiz3 ай бұрын

    His advices are for every person who is working. 😅 M might not know every technical know how but she knows how to convey n inspire people to do/be better.

  • @jerryjaguar3239
    @jerryjaguar32393 ай бұрын

    please do janet jackson's together again tour

  • @AnthonyDunstan
    @AnthonyDunstan3 ай бұрын

    Finally, someone who understands and appreciates the hidden reality of life and attributes rightful grateful to God, not his ego, not luck, not "the universe", etc. I think this is video 20 I have watched on this excellent channel. May God bless you Nick, Mr Ishmael and you all.

  • @MrMajorduck

    @MrMajorduck

    3 ай бұрын

    Yeah God sure sucks 99.9999% of the time but when hes on your side for once it's all good. Hang on why should we be worshiping something which shits on us most of the time, some people most of the time, again?

  • @a_vry_
    @a_vry_Ай бұрын

    Pure GOAT

  • @DbiPro
    @DbiPro3 ай бұрын

    Amén I still do. 3 band man lol

  • @Duchovnymusic
    @Duchovnymusic3 ай бұрын

    Wow, what an incredible man!

  • @tiagomazzotti9640
    @tiagomazzotti96403 ай бұрын

    I was shocked by the poor audio quality of her latest celebration tour at Kia forum. I was on the 3rd floor row and couldn’t wrap my mind around the poor quality. Beyoncé’s floor sound at Sofi blew mind off. It was perfection

  • @zachmillerdrums
    @zachmillerdrums3 ай бұрын

    pulling the ear during the question about whether or not she’s really singing 😅

  • @patrickgarrity5529
    @patrickgarrity55293 ай бұрын

    Wow.. so he’s more of a studio mixing engineer because he mixes the playback.. I would lovvvveee this gig

  • @mothanb
    @mothanb3 ай бұрын

    Great interview! Not sure I understand what he is saying about “protecting the artist” around 1:02:00. Is the implication that her vocal isn’t 100% live depending on how the night’s performance is going?

  • @scottgc633

    @scottgc633

    3 ай бұрын

    He emphasised that she was singing live the whole time (i.e. she's not lipsynching). However, he might have been inferring that how high up in the mix her live vocal is might change if she's having an off night (the backing vocals are all pre-recorded, so maybe he bumps them up a bit if necessary). He made it absolutely clear, though, that she was singing live the whole time and that rumours to the contrary were completely unfair (and wrong). Fascinating stuff!

  • @massapower
    @massapower3 ай бұрын

    EDDIE TRUNK will enjoy hearing the part that she actually sings LIVE on the question asked at the 1:01:20 mark 😝👊

  • @midimovie
    @midimovie2 ай бұрын

    ela usa pen diver ?

  • @sebastiansaenzz
    @sebastiansaenzz3 ай бұрын

    So why is the floor sound so bad? 😢

  • @DigitalPictures1998
    @DigitalPictures19983 ай бұрын

    The music is pre-recorded for this show - no live band. As for a Madonna's vocal, she occasionally sings along to a pre-recorded vocal and her 'live' vocal is heavily manipulated

  • @scottgc633

    @scottgc633

    3 ай бұрын

    As he said, she's singing completely live ("occasionally sings along to a pre-recorded vocal" is completely untrue and unfair). What are you trying to achieve here? Essentially, you're calling Burton Ishmael a liar and bringing Nick DeLaCruz's integrity into question.

  • @DigitalPictures1998

    @DigitalPictures1998

    3 ай бұрын

    Watch the live stream from Rio, words come out when she's not moving her lips lol

  • @kitmateyawa7829
    @kitmateyawa78293 ай бұрын

    Any realtime pitch correction?

  • @FOHBurton

    @FOHBurton

    3 ай бұрын

    Yes

  • @Legslarsen.
    @Legslarsen.3 ай бұрын

    Yes. I believe if you’re on stage doing something, you should be actually doing it. No Synth Monkeys. Also Burton is saying you should know your own ears, so get them tested first with an audiologist. See where your ear curve is first, then mix. Without knowing your own ears’ response curve, you have no idea what you’re doing.

  • @NaturalizedAlienResident
    @NaturalizedAlienResident3 ай бұрын

    the shows at KIA FORUM in LA was horrible btw. such a bumer

  • @yesmarioo
    @yesmarioo3 ай бұрын

    The sound for the recent concert in Copenhagen was terrible. Lots of people putting their hands over their ears as it was wayyy too loud. Base doesn’t = good music ffs.

  • @Sound68
    @Sound683 ай бұрын

    The person is good but his talking and setup is over complicated

  • @susanwangcfa3685
    @susanwangcfa36853 ай бұрын

    He honestly seems like a nice, knowledgeable guy, but the sound at Barclays in NYC was horrible, at least in the center floor. It seemed terribly muffled and almost deliberately obscured. This could have been due to poor-quality speakers, which could be outside of his responsibilities, for all I know, but still.

  • @Sensidreadband
    @Sensidreadband3 ай бұрын

    Dirty Loops!

  • @yomommacalled_
    @yomommacalled_3 ай бұрын

    bro farted at 9:41

  • @hudsonm2010

    @hudsonm2010

    2 ай бұрын

    Kkkkkk

  • @RubyDimasStudio
    @RubyDimasStudio3 ай бұрын

    So the music is recorded, only live vocals..seam less dificult to make sound

  • @fbryce1ify

    @fbryce1ify

    3 ай бұрын

    it’s recorded as they are using the masters

  • @scottgc633

    @scottgc633

    3 ай бұрын

    @@fbryce1ify Yes - Stuart Price oversaw the whole process. They used the original master tracks for each song.