Behind the Scrim

Waterloo Records is more than a record store—it’s an Austin institution. Ever since opening its doors on April 1st, 1982, Waterloo has claimed the Austin Chronicle’s "Best Record Store" title for 40 consecutive years! Its iconic stage has hosted global superstars, local legends, and unforgettable SXSW activations, serving as the "Musical Town Square" for The Live Music Capital of the World. In thi...

Ever been to the immersive world of Tiki Tatsu-ya? If you’ve grabbed a bite at this Austin Chronicle award-winner, you’ve felt the atmosphere designed by Natalie George of Natalie George Productions. We’re pulling back the scrim to discuss the scale of building interactive lighting that shifts the vibe of a whole room instantly. We discuss the magic that happens when owners trust their creatives t...

The production industry is rarely a straight line; it’s a labyrinth of hidden doors and hard-won opportunities waiting for those bold enough to knock. If you’ve ever dreamed of a career behind the scenes, this conversation with Wade Allen Ratliff is your masterclass in navigating that path. We’re peeling back the scrim to shine a high-intensity spotlight on the journey of one of Austin’s most resp...

Imagine stepping out into a stadium packed with tens of thousands of screaming fans, about to open for the legendary Garth Brooks at Albertsons Stadium “Blue Turf” in Boise, Indiana . Talk about an absolute moment! 🔥 In this episode of Behind the Scrim , Drew Dunavan sits down with audio engineer, producer, and Spectra Studios engineer Will Harrison to unpack his incredible journey through the mu...

Ever wondered how you actually pull off a massive concert while a world-class race is happening just feet away? In this episode of Behind The Scrim Episode 6: Glynn Wedgewood , Drew Dunavan chats with Glynn Wedgewood, the Senior Vice President of music and entertainment at Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Glynn has a wild history in the industry—from booking the Arctic Monkeys based on a random dem...

Since 1974, KUT/X Studio 1A in Austin has been a legendary institution, hosting a long list of national touring artists and local music legends. Beyond its role as a launchpad for incredible talent, the studio’s success is also defined by its prestigious lead audio engineer role. This coveted position—responsible for running over 300 annual sessions and overseeing the studio's audio broadcast oper...

When you experience an artist's installation, what truly captures your imagination? How close do we actually come to missing out on life-changing art? Design and fabrication demand patience, but sometimes, intense outside forces shatter timelines and ignite creation. Pressure doesn't just create diamonds—it forges experiences like Mesmerize. This powerhouse duo, Clayton Lillard and Mateo Gutierrez...

Ever been to a festival or event and been completely wowed by a brand experience? That seamless, effortlessly enjoyable interaction? It's much harder to pull off than it looks, requiring a thrilling blend of cutting-edge technology, precise fabrication, and flawless execution—all while keeping on budget and hitting an un-movable deadline. Because in live events, when it's showtime, it's showtime ....

When you’re in the crowd getting your face melted by a massive stage production, it’s easy to get lost in the spectacle. But have you ever wondered how those towering walls of tech and pyro appear and disappear in a matter of hours? While advancements in materials and technology have changed the game, it still takes a master conductor to coordinate the evolving symphony of logistics required to bu...

When you walk into a legendary venue and the sound hits you just right, you aren't just hearing music—you’re hearing years of meticulous engineering and local history. It takes a specific kind of veteran to bridge the gap between world tours and community pillars, and Jamie Wellwarth is a master of that craft. Currently at Nomad Sound, Jamie’s career has taken him from Binghamton, NY, to stages ac...