When it comes to live sound engineering, few know the ins and outs as intimately as Wesley Davis, the front-of-house engineer for the Grammy-nominated artist Crowder. Fresh off the Hits Deeper Tour and currently headlining Winter Jam, Davis has been shaping the auditory experience for concertgoers with a mix of technical expertise and musical sensitivity.
As a technical director at the Word of God Ministries in Shreveport, Davis honed his skills and developed a keen understanding of the intricacies of live sound.
Wesley Davis, front-of-house engineer for the Grammy-nominated artist Crowder.
Growing up in the church, Wesley was inspired by his uncle, an audio engineer for the singing group Truth. This early exposure sparked a passion for live sound that led him to volunteer at his local church and later to work for regional audio companies and as a technical director for churches in the Shreveport, Louisiana area.
As a technical director at the Word of God Ministries in Shreveport, Davis honed his skills and developed a keen understanding of the intricacies of live sound. His transition from church production to touring was marked by a desire for change and a fortuitous connection with CCM artists Love & The Outcome. This leap into the touring world introduced Davis to a community of like-minded professionals and opportunities that would shape his career, while keeping him connected with his roots in the Church.
While Davis's journey into the touring world began with Love & The Outcome, his career has taken him through various genres, including a stint in country music with artists like Chris Lane and Hardy. But he's found a particular synergy with Crowder, blending the eclectic sounds of folk, worship, and electronic elements that characterize Crowder's music.
Crowder's music is known for its depth and variety, and Davis's work as a front-of-house engineer ensures audiences on the "Hits Deeper Tour" and beyond receive the full impact of each performance.
The Hits Deeper Tour, which featured Crowder as direct support for TobyMac, presented its own set of challenges and opportunities. Unlike Winter Jam, where the setup is more festival-style with quick line checks, the Hits Deeper Tour allowed for more consistency in sound, with Davis and his team carrying their own console and relying on Spectrum Sound out of Nashville, TN, to provide the gear. He described it as Crowder providing all his own gear from the stage to the snake. They bring all their own mics and capsules, etc. On their current tour as Winter Jam headliners, they are also using their Digico SD Series Rack and Consoles, which loop through the tour's SD racks. The drums can stay pinned while in transit, making rolling Crowder on stage during the intermission much easier.
The tour's instrumentation is as diverse as Crowder's discography, from drums and bass to fiddle, mandolin, and Dobro. Davis navigates this complex soundscape with a Digico console at the helm, ensuring each instrument finds its place in the mix. Wesley also has an affinity for WAVES plugins and the world of creativity they open up. He even built his own unique servers for the tour.
As for advice to up-and-coming sound engineers, Davis emphasizes the importance of knowing your equipment thoroughly.
Despite the occasional technical hiccup, Davis's philosophy is one of preparedness and understanding. "Muscle memory is always better," he advises. "If you know the ins and outs of your gear, you can troubleshoot without chaos."
As for advice to up-and-coming sound engineers, Davis emphasizes the importance of knowing your equipment thoroughly. This knowledge allows for quick, effective solutions when inevitable issues arise and ensures that the focus remains on delivering an immersive live experience.
Crowder's music is known for its depth and variety, and Davis's work as a front-of-house engineer ensures audiences on the "Hits Deeper Tour" and beyond receive the full impact of each performance. With an ear for detail and a heart attuned to the spiritual resonance of Crowder's music, Wesley Davis continues to be an indispensable part of the live concert experience.
