Anthony Bonnette sits down with Neil McDonald, a seasoned live sound engineer with a career spanning decades and collaborations with music legends like Lorrie Morgan and Steve Earle. If you’ve ever wondered about the magic behind live performances or the technical expertise needed to bring music to life on stage, this episode is for you.
The Art of Live Sound: Behind the Board with Neil McDonald
Neil McDonald takes us on a journey through his career in live sound engineering and music production. From his early days working with studio musicians, DJ-ing, to touring with iconic artists, Neil shares the ins and outs of the industry. His experiences include everything from DJ-ing for Steve Earle, monitor engineering for Lorrie Morgan, to mastering the use of in-ear monitors versus wedges. Whether you’re a musician, sound engineer, or music enthusiast, Neil’s insights provide a rare glimpse behind the curtain of live performances.
Highlights from the Episode
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the key moments from the interview:
Monitor Engineering for Legends:Â Neil shares stories of working with Lorrie Morgan and the importance of a strong relationship between artists and their monitor engineers.
In-Ear Monitors vs. Wedges:Â Gain an expert perspective on the pros and cons of these tools for live performances.
Touring Life with Steve Earle:Â Neil reflects on life on the road, from unforgettable moments to the challenges of bringing music to life night after night.
DJing and Sound Design: Explore how Neil’s diverse skill set has helped him adapt to different roles in the music industry.
Advice for Musicians:Â Neil offers practical tips for artists on how to collaborate effectively with sound engineers and create unforgettable live experiences.
Episode Chapters
Use these timestamps to jump to your favorite moments:
00:00 - Intro
03:00 - Behind the Scenes with Studio Musicians
05:20 - Why DJing Is a Young Man’s Game
23:01 - Life on Tour: Stories from the Road
26:36 - Touring with Steve Earle: A Look Back
33:17 - The Shift from Analog to Digital Sound
40:02 - The Evolution of In-Ear Monitors
46:00 - Working the Monitor Board for Lorrie Morgan
54:59 - Winning a "Dove Award"
58:46 - Touring with Thompson Square
01:01:35 - What's Next?: Nursing Homes or Skating Rinks
Why You’ll Love This Episode
Neil McDonald’s stories from the road and sound knowledge and experience provide unique insights into the music industry, with plenty of practical takeaways for musicians and aspiring sound engineers.
Whether you’re a fan of country legends, interested in the behind-the-scenes world of live sound, or looking for expert advice, this episode delivers an informative and entertaining experience.
Plus Neil is just a great dude and really fun to talk to.
Listen and Watch
Tune in to the full episode now on your favorite platform:
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Click here to listen to the audio version
📺 Watch on YouTube: Head over to our YouTube channel for the full video interview.
About Neil McDonald: Live Sound Engineer
Neil McDonald is a live sound engineer with decades of experience working with some of the biggest names in country and rock music. From DJing to monitor engineering for artists like Lorrie Morgan and Steve Earle, Neil has honed his craft to deliver exceptional sound for every performance.
Join the Conversation
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