NIck Dewar - FOH/Monitor Engineer
What brought you to sound engineering? You work as FOH/monitor engineer. What do you prefer and what is the bigger challenge for you?
Nick: I was raised with music. My mom was a music teacher. I started playing in 4th grade. I learned engineering to try to record my own songs. And just kept growing from there. I only started doing it to make money while I worked on my own music. But I just kept getting hired. I love both ends of the snake but prefer FOH. FOH because the whole show is riding on your shoulders. And if anything goes wrong, everyone looks at you. MONs because you have so much more to deal with, (multiple mixes, general stage chaos, etc.). But it’s the challenges and chaos that keep it exciting!
Nick: I was raised with music. My mom was a music teacher. I started playing in 4th grade. I learned engineering to try to record my own songs. And just kept growing from there. I only started doing it to make money while I worked on my own music. But I just kept getting hired. I love both ends of the snake but prefer FOH. FOH because the whole show is riding on your shoulders. And if anything goes wrong, everyone looks at you. MONs because you have so much more to deal with, (multiple mixes, general stage chaos, etc.). But it’s the challenges and chaos that keep it exciting!
How do you deal with difficult clients? Does anything still upset you on tour or has working at the desk become routine for you in the meantime?
Nick: I’ve been very lucky to not have many bad clients. Everyone has bad days, we’re all human. But I’ve been truly blessed to work with the people I have. When bad days happen, though, I try to be calm and validating to fix any issues that may arise. Now, it’s a lot of routine, but I do still get upset. Lack of sleep on all sides, unknown variables, and just general wear and tear on our bodies, leaves room for everyone to get beaten down one time or another. But we all have the shows best interest at heart and that keeps us all going. It’s still a job, but one of the most amazing jobs anyone could ever have!
What rules or philosophies do you follow when working at the mixing desk?
Nick: I would say, from a mixing perspective: work my hardest to make the show sound like the record but add in the energy and the live vibe. In all other ways, remember the audience. This may be their only show of the tour or even year. So, give them the best show we possibly can. From sound to energy to smiles and general kindness. Life is hard sometimes, but concerts are where we can all come together, to experience this one magnetic, amazing night together. The smiles, joy, tears, and every emotion was because of us and this music. That makes is all worth it
Release date: 1st of March, 2026
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/nickdewar/
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/nickdewar/
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