Boom Lava's Sound System
Boom
Lava has a complete professional sound system that provides each venue who hosts them with over 1900 Watts of pure unadulterated volume. They
use only high quality power modules and accessories, thus ensuring an
eminent sound at each venue.
Boom Lava's Light Show
Boom Lava has an array of high quality Chauvet Par 38 LED Stage Lights, which provides their audiences with a professional display of visual entertainment. They have also created a homegrown lightshow made up of lasers and lava lights.
Boom Lava's Practice Space
Boom Lava maintains a regimented practice routine at their recording studio. They record most of their rehearsals where samples can be heard on this website.
Guitar(s)
Nils Crusberg uses a unique 1982 Gibson Les Paul Studio guitar with a reissue Fender Deluxe amplifier that has been modified with improved tone and volume controls. The Willie Nelson wear hole was made from Nils' real life blood, sweat, and tears. Below that is Nils' Fender Hot Rod Deville with Red Groove Tubes and other Mods along with his Mark DV Jazz 12 which he uses for gigs at smaller venues. He also uses a selection of multi-effects pedals. The Fender Mustang can be used in large stage settings and the Delta Lab is ideal for more cramped environments.
Alto Saxophone
Nils Crusberg has been playing the saxophone since 1997. He has devoted years of his life and countless hours to practicing his instrument, and as a reward for all that hard work and determination, he plays one of the finest instruments on the market. His Yanagisawa instrument has been compared to the classic Selmer Mark IV with a modern edge.... perfect for the deep dark funk and reggae roots music that you hear when listening to Boom Lava!
Hawaii Ukulele
When it's time to bring the Aloha spirit to the party, ukulele is the instrument of choice (aside from an occasional special event where Nils breaks out some slack-key guitar). The tattoo model Luna ukulele is his instrument of choice but even a borrowed instrument will work, just be careful when celebrating with the Pakalolo, that stuff is powerful!
Backup Gear
It never hurts to have a few backup instruments, so here's a few axes that Nils has on hand just to make sure that things stay hot.
The Mega Pedalboard
One way that we lock into our original sounds is with the layered effects that can be found on the mega pedal board. When it's time to really rock out, Nils has been known to use his unique "double" Tube Screamer combination (not pictured below) to really pump up the rock/reggae vibes. Beware though, this one can be LOUD!
Drum Kit
Our kit drummer adds to Boom Lava's light show with his glowing radioactive energy found in the form of high speed drum fills and an occasional practice session exploring the nuances of electronic percussion.
Bass Guitar
The Bassman keeps the subs rolling with an exclusive custom designed Ibanez GTX mixed with 4x12 Ampeg cabinet rated at 300+ watts. His combo makes for the roots reggae tone that keeps the rhythm section pumped. It also allows him to have full control of his dynamics and tone.
DJ Gear
Dubmaster Emceethree has been known to sit in with Boom Lava giving them an electric vibe that brings their hip-hop rhymes an added element of electric urbanism. The contribution of a DJ element also adds to the dancehall reggae vibe that Boom Lava brings to any event.
Recording Gear
Boom Lava records all of their studio practice sessions on a Zoom HD16CD. It is a basic digital recorder with 8 separate inputs. They send those recordings to a computer for post-production edits. All of the recordings on this page were created with no overdubs. That means you are hearing examples of the band as they would sound at any formal event, live music venue, or party. For individual composing and creative inspirations, the iPad has been an invaluable resource.
Live Venues
Boom Lava has performed at a variety of venues. They have hosted events on college campuses, at beachside bars, at formal events (weddings, graduation parties, etc.). Boom Lava has brought their hot vibe to local luaus and outdoor festivals. Here's some shots for the scenes that have surrounded the band before/during/after their performances.