Terry King shares insight from his journey through the music business, covering industry seasonality, international touring, getting in the room, self-awareness, musical growth, and the importance of intentionality. This episode also breaks down what musical directors and artists look for in drummers, bass players, guitarists, and keyboard players — giving aspiring musicians a clear look at what it takes to be prepared, professional, and valuable on a gig.

Jarvis and Terry also discuss how musicians can handle criticism, build rapport in professional rooms, use social media as a modern audition platform, and understand the deeper purpose behind a music career. The conversation closes with an honest discussion about financial literacy, long-term sustainability, and the realities of navigating the music industry.

Whether you’re a drummer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, musical director, touring musician, or someone trying to break into the live music industry, this episode is packed with real insight, practical advice, and career-shaping perspective.

Key Topics Covered:

• Terry King’s background, career journey, and lessons from the road
• How industry seasonality affects musicians and touring opportunities
• Why getting in the room matters in the music industry
• The importance of intentionality, humility, and self-awareness
• What a musical director actually does
• What MDs and artists expect from professional musicians
• Qualities needed from drummers, bass players, guitarists, and keyboardists
• Building rapport and breaking the ice in professional settings
• How to handle criticism, correction, and feedback
• Why social media has become a major audition platform
• How your online presence can affect your career opportunities
• Understanding your purpose as a musician
• Financial literacy and long-term sustainability in the music business

Takeaways:

• Talent matters, but intentionality, preparation, and awareness help musicians stay in the room.
• The role of a musical director requires leadership, communication, trust, and the ability to serve both the artist and the band.
• Every musician has a responsibility to understand their role, their sound, and how they contribute to the bigger picture.
• Social media is no longer just content — it can be an audition, a resume, and a reflection of your professionalism.
• Long-term success in music requires more than playing well; it requires purpose, humility, relationships, and financial awareness.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Industry Seasonality
04:56 Getting in the Room
24:07 Self-Awareness and Musical Ability
48:40 Qualities of Professional Musicians
54:39 Expectations from Guitarists
01:10:37 Building Rapport and Breaking the Ice
01:23:04 Social Media as an Audition Platform
01:33:48 Finding Your Why in Music
01:38:53 Financial Literacy for Musicians
01:46:03 Navigating the Music Industry

In this episode of Off Script with Jarvis, Tim Hibbert breaks down the balance between old school methodology and modern technology in audio engineering. The conversation explores how new tools can expand the creative process when used with purpose, discipline, and strong fundamentals.

Tim and Jarvis discuss the role of technology in live sound, the importance of efficiency, working with music directors, protecting the artist’s vision, and understanding your value in the industry. They also dive into boundaries, communication, social media pressure, budget challenges, mentorship, and the importance of proper training for the next generation of audio engineers.

Follow Tim on Instagram:

Tim Hibbert's Bio:
Timothy A. Hibbert is the founder and owner of Audio Buddy Productions, a live concert production company specializing in audio engineering, production management, and tour support. With over a decade of experience, Tim has worked as a front of house engineer, monitor engineer, and production lead across tours, residencies, festivals, and broadcast environments. His work is rooted in translating the emotion of the record into a powerful live experience while delivering consistency, precision, and leadership at the highest level.

Takeaways

• Adaptation matters, but fundamentals still lead the way.
• New technology should be treated as a tool, not a shortcut.
• Efficiency is key in professional audio environments.
• Strong communication and relationships are essential.
• Setting boundaries is part of knowing your worth.
• Audio engineers play a major role in shaping the artist’s live experience.
• Training, mentorship, and real world experience are critical for long term success.

Chapters

00:00 Adapting to New Technology

19:24 The Role of Technology in Audio Engineering

26:35 Balancing Artistic Vision

37:14 Teaching and Learning

45:00 Setting Boundaries and Knowing Your Worth

54:04 Navigating Social Media and Budget Constraints

01:02:20 Training and Mentorship in Audio Engineering

Q shares pieces of his journey from Miami to Atlanta, the challenges that shaped him, and the lessons that came through pressure, transition, community, and purpose. The conversation moves beyond performance and into the deeper areas that often determine longevity in the music industry.

Jarvis and Q talk through resilience, insecurity, jealousy, ego, self talk, therapy, boundaries, spiritual maturity, and the importance of building intentional relationships. They also unpack the business side of being a musician, including financial discipline, wise counsel, personal responsibility, and the decisions that create freedom over time.

This episode is for musicians, creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone learning how to grow with patience, maturity, and purpose.

Follow and book Quinton "Q" Robinson Here

Key Topics

1. Quinton “Q” Robinson’s journey in the music industry
2. Moving from Miami to Atlanta
3. Resilience through challenges and career pressure
4. Technical difficulties and staying prepared
5. Insecurity versus jealousy
6. The impact of self talk
7. Ego, identity, and self worth
8. Therapy, boundaries, and emotional maturity
9. Networking without social pressure
10. Building intentional relationships
11. Practice, communication, and consistency
12. Personal responsibility as a musician
13. Financial discipline in the music business
14. Seeking wise counsel
15. Creating freedom through better decisions

Takeaways

1. Resilience is built through pressure, patience, and personal responsibility.
2. Insecurity and jealousy are different, and knowing the difference helps you move with more clarity.
3. The way you speak to yourself shapes your confidence, your decisions, and your growth.
4. Therapy and boundaries are tools for maturity, not signs of weakness.
5. Real networking is not about forcing connections. It is about being genuine, prepared, and intentional.
6. Practice is not just repetition. It requires focus, awareness, and purpose.
7. Musicians have to understand the business side of their careers.
8. Financial discipline creates options, peace, and long term freedom.
9. Wise counsel can protect you from making emotional decisions.
10. Personal responsibility is one of the clearest signs of growth.

Chapters

Chapters

00:00 New Beginnings and Technical Difficulties

05:09 Success, Competition, and Broadway Shows

10:20 Atlanta Snowstorms and Unexpected Challenges

19:25 Struggles, Growth, and Success in the Music Industry

25:38 Navigating Music, Pressure, and Personal Battles

32:35 The Icarus Movement and Spiritual Maturity

41:04 Therapy, Boundaries, and Self Worth

53:21 Practice, Communication, and Intentionality

01:18:22 Knowing When Relationships Have Reached Their End

01:24:00 Making Decisions as a Small Business Owner

01:29:27 Wise Counsel and the Power of Seeking Advice

01:37:07 Financial Discipline, Responsibility, and Freedom

The panel discusses professionalism, endorsements, relationships, relocation, self worth, negotiation, criticism, preparation, and the mindset needed to create longevity in the industry. This episode offers honest perspective on sacrifice, resilience, humility, and what it truly means to serve the music at a high level.

A must listen for drummers, musicians, creatives, and anyone committed to excellence.

Episode Overview

In this live drummer panel, Jarvis “Jeb” Barnes leads a candid and insightful conversation with Al Cleveland III, Tony Taylor Jr, Clemons Poindexter IV, Jermaine Poindexter, and Quinton Robinson about the realities of life in the music industry.

The discussion explores professionalism, authenticity, endorsements, relationships, career transitions, relocation, supplemental work, struggle, preparation, education, negotiation, handling notes, and maintaining humility. Throughout the conversation, the panelists share hard earned lessons on what it takes to build a sustainable career and remain respected in a highly competitive field.

Takeaways

• Professionalism, discipline, and consistency are foundational to lasting success
• Clout chasing can distract from real growth and meaningful career building
• Endorsements should come from authentic alignment, not ego or free gear
• Genuine relationships are one of the most valuable assets in the music industry
• Relocating for opportunity requires strategy, sacrifice, and self awareness
• Many musicians work other jobs before music becomes sustainable full time
• Preparation begins with listening, understanding, and serving the music
• Both formal education and real world experience offer value when applied wisely
• Knowing your worth matters, but so does the ability to communicate it professionally
• Humility, respect, and the ability to receive notes are essential for longevity

Chapters

00:00 Clout Chasing and Artificial Validation
16:09 Navigating Endorsements and Structuring Deals
21:46 Professionalism and Authenticity in the Industry
36:18 The Power of Relationships
41:32 Moving to a Major City for Opportunity
52:47 Prior Jobs and Supplemental Income
59:24 Overcoming Struggles and Homelessness
1:11:33 Approach to Music and the Preparation Process
1:18:20 The Importance of Listening and Understanding
1:30:14 Setting Rates and Negotiating Your Worth
1:46:33 Handling Criticism and Receiving Notes
1:51:31 Maintaining Professionalism and Respect

Patch Mahoney is a Los Angeles based touring/session drummer. Working primarily in the pop world, Patch has recently worked with artists including Bebe Rexha, j-hope, KATSEYE, Surfaces, Eric Nam, and is currently on the road with Hilary Duff for the lucky me tour! 

Patch opens up about his life in Phoenix, his move to Los Angeles, and the challenges of balancing family, work, and creative ambition. The conversation explores how he navigated the LA music scene, created opportunities for himself, and stayed intentional about the kind of career and life he wanted to build.

They also dive into social media strategy for musicians, creating content with purpose, how endorsements and brand partnerships really work, and what artists need to understand about turning visibility into opportunity. Patch shares honest insight on touring, finding gigs, sub work, filling in at a high level, and why character, preparation, and intentionality matter just as much as talent.

This episode is packed with practical insight for musicians, drummers, creatives, and anyone trying to build a serious career in live entertainment, touring, and the modern music industry.

FOLLOW PATCH: HERE

Topics covered in this episode:

• Fatherhood and balancing work with family life
• Moving from Phoenix to Los Angeles
• Navigating the LA music scene
• Social media strategy for musicians
• Creating content with intention
• How endorsements and partnerships develop
• Navigating the endorsement process
• Touring opportunities and career growth
• The value of sub work and filling in well
• Why character and professionalism matter in music

Refined chapter titles:

00:00 Life in Phoenix and the Joy of Fatherhood
06:31 Early Background and the Move to Los Angeles
15:40 Starting Over and Building a Career in LA
23:22 Navigating the LA Music Scene
30:18 Using Social Media with Intention
38:09 Endorsements, Partnerships, and Brand Relationships
46:25 How the Endorsement Process Really Works
51:29 Touring Opportunities and Career Growth
01:18:38 Why Character Matters in the Music Industry

In this episode, Big Mike Hart joins the conversation to talk about his journey from Sacramento to Los Angeles, the leap from sideman to artist, and the creative process behind his album Modern Classic. He opens up about the sacrifices it takes to build a real career in music, what it means to create work with substance, and how his collaboration with Boney James helped push the record onto the Billboard charts.

The conversation also dives into live performance, musicianship, production, and songwriting, with a strong focus on why understanding the history of music matters. Big Mike shares why storytelling is essential in great songs, what separates strong musicians from average ones in live settings, and why professionalism still opens doors in every room.

This episode is also a powerful reminder that talent alone is not enough. Big Mike speaks on punctuality, discipline, consistency, health, and fitness, and why those habits can directly impact longevity in the music industry. For musicians, producers, artists, and anyone serious about building a lasting career, this episode is full of insight.

In This Episode

• Big Mike Hart’s move from Sacramento to LA
• The shift from sideman to artist
• The story behind Modern Classic
• Working with Boney James and Billboard success
• Why musical history matters
• The role of storytelling in songwriting
• What artists look for in live musicians
• Punctuality, discipline, and professionalism
• Why health and fitness matter on the road

FOLLOW BIG MIKE HART HERE

Chapters

00:00 Success and the creation of Modern Classic
32:18 Why old school music still moves crowds
38:33 Building an album with timeless feel
47:03 Collaboration, musicianship, and chemistry
53:27 Influences, storytelling, and songwriting

Jarvis and Arnetta dive into music industry networking, using social media for musicians, the power of mentorship, and how consistency can open doors over time. They also talk through adversity, protecting your personal time, creating opportunities for others through her music camp, and what it looks like to navigate touring as an introvert while still showing up at a high level.

This episode is packed with insight for musicians, creatives, music students, touring professionals, and anyone trying to build a career with intention, discipline, and resilience.

Arnetta's Short Bio:
Arnetta Johnson is a trumpet player from Camden,NJ. Graduating from Berklee College of Music she went on to perform with major acts from jazz greats such as Terri Lyne Carrington all the way to Beyonce. With her own album “If You Hear A Trumpet It’s Me”, Arnetta has created her own sound called Disruptive Jazz. Recently she has launched her nonprofit called The BOP Foundation and has a free music camp for young musicians called Arnetta’s Band Camp. 

The BOP Foundation donation link!

Topics covered:
music industry advice, social media for musicians, networking in music, Berklee College of Music, mentorship, overcoming adversity, touring as an introvert, time management, consistency, career growt

Tiffany opens up about the responsibility that comes with firing effects during live performances, the preparation required behind the scenes, and the level of trust needed between every department on a show. She also talks about leadership, earning respect in a male dominated field, and how communication, accountability, and composure can make or break a team on the road.

This conversation is a must listen for anyone interested in touring, concert production, live events, pyrotechnics, stage management, crew leadership, and the entertainment industry.

TIFFANY WATSON BIO:

Tiffany Watson is a pyrotechnician who has toured with artists such as Blink 182, Tate McRae, and Kendrick Lamar. She also worked in production for television and film for 5 years before switching over to touring and the music industry. Right now, Tiffany spends most of her time living on a tour bus but is currently working towards managing artist accounts and getting more involved with the creative process from the beginning, meaning less time sleeping on a bus and more time in her own bed.

FOLLOW TIFFANY ON IG

In this episode, we cover:

• How Tiffany became a pyrotechnics operator on tour
• The safety protocols behind live pyro effects
• What makes live event production so high pressure
• Leadership and team dynamics in touring environments
• Earning trust and respect in a male dominated industry
• The qualities of a great crew member in live production
• Problem solving in real time during live shows
• Where the live entertainment industry is headed next

In this episode, TJ Rodriguez sits down with Jarvis for an honest conversation about building a modern music career across live performance, playback engineering, songwriting, and production. TJ shares what it looks like to transition from the road into studio work, how COVID shifted the industry, and why lifestyle, family, and long term vision shape major career decisions.

They break down the role of a playback engineer from a real world perspective, including musical responsibility, problem solving under pressure, communication during live shows, and the preparation it takes to handle last minute changes with confidence. The episode also explores networking, moving to Los Angeles, stepping into songwriting and production, and the importance of trusting your abilities when entering a new season.

This conversation is full of practical insight for drummers, musicians, producers, playback engineers, and anyone serious about building a career in live entertainment and music production.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from live performance into studio production requires a new mindset, new routines, and a willingness to adapt

• COVID changed the music industry and forced many professionals to rethink how they work and grow
• Moving to Los Angeles opened new opportunities, relationships, and creative pathways
• Networking can happen in unexpected spaces, including gaming and online communities
• Playback engineers are a vital musical part of the live show, not just technical support
• Great playback work requires confidence, awareness, communication, and real time problem solving
• Preparation and research build the confidence needed to handle pressure and last minute changes
• Musical knowledge matters because playback engineers often have to make musical decisions on the fly
• Over communication is one of the most valuable skills in live performance and production
• Songwriting and production growth often begin with taking risks and trusting your instincts
• Real support systems and genuine friendships matter deeply in both personal and professional growth
• Faith, preparation, and self belief often go hand in hand when stepping into a new lane

Get In Touch With TJ Rodriguez

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to TJ Rodriguez
03:42 From Live Performance to Studio Production
10:18 How COVID Changed the Music Industry
15:20 Moving to Los Angeles and Starting Fresh
22:11 Networking, Gaming, and Unexpected Opportunities
29:35 New Standards, New Challenges, New Growth
34:37 Confidence, Preparation, and Problem Solving
43:00 What a Playback Engineer Really Does
51:01 How to Get Started in Playback Engineering
01:01:40 Awareness and Communication During a Live Show
01:08:03 Transitioning into Songwriting and Production
01:14:15 Taking Leaps of Faith and Trusting Your Ability
01:19:40 Real Support, Real Friendships, Real Growth

In this episode of Off Script with Jarvis, I sit down with Izzy Lamberti for a real conversation about drum covers, content creation, touring, branding, and what it actually takes to build a lasting career in the music industry.

Izzy shares her journey from posting drum cover videos to creating real opportunities as a working musician. We talk about her move to Los Angeles, balancing school and touring, building momentum through social media, and learning how to navigate the modern music business as both a drummer and a creator.

We also get into the behind the scenes reality of filming content, adapting to different environments during video shoots, building trust with an audience, and staying authentic when it comes to brand partnerships and product endorsements. This episode is a deep look at how drummers, musicians, and content creators can turn online visibility into real world opportunities.

Izzy also breaks down the importance of live arrangements, performance, musicality, image, and branding, and why alignment matters when building a name in today’s entertainment space. From touring musician life to social media strategy for drummers, this conversation is packed with insight for anyone serious about growing in music.

Whether you are a drummer, musician, music student, touring artist, or content creator, this episode offers real perspective on building a music career, growing your brand, and creating content that actually opens doors.

In this episode, we cover:
• Izzy Lamberti interview
• Drum covers and music career growth
• Touring and balancing school
• Moving to Los Angeles as a musician
• Social media strategy for musicians
• Content creation for drummers
• Music industry networking
• Authenticity in endorsements
• Live arrangements and performance
• Branding and image in the music industry

Connect with Izzy Lamberti:
Website: https://www.izzylamberti.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izzy.lamberti/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@izzylamberti?lang=en

Chapters

• 00:00 Life in L.A. and Hiking Adventures
• 12:58 Transition to L.A. and Music Career
• 22:55 Content Creation and Social Media Strategy
• 30:30 Adapting to Different Environments
• 36:12 Authenticity in Endorsements
• 57:52 Incorporating Live Arrangements
• 01:09:03 Approach to Drumming and Arrangements
• 01:22:47 Considerations for Branding and Image