Off Script with Jarvis 'Jeb' Barnes

Drummer Greg Clark Jr. breaks down how to price yourself, earn trust, work with MDs and artists, and land endorsements, without a viral clip.SummaryDrummer Greg Clark Jr. joins Jarvis “Jeb” Barnes for a straight conversation about what it takes to get hired, and stay hired, in the music industry. Greg moved from Washington, DC to Los Angeles in January 2020 after about a decade of traveling out for shows. He explains why even an established player has to start from scratch in a new city.From there, he and Jeb trace how church music and the DC/Maryland/Virginia drum scene shaped him. They get into what social media drummers can miss, how to set a fair rate, and what a musical director actually carries. Greg also walks through how he learns a full show and how he built his endorsements.Key takeawaysMoving cities means rebuilding trust. Greg says it takes about two and a half to three years in LA for people to decide whether you’re reliable, so lead with humility.Relationships beat followers. Online views don’t tell an MD whether you show up on time, handle a rider, or stay easy to be around.Ask before you quote a rate. Call a trusted peer, don’t guess, and be wary if management says yes fast.Know your role. Greg’s rule is “we are of service”: the MD makes the musical calls, and the player brings concerns to them, not around them.Be direct and accountable. Greg calls people to say why a gig isn’t working out, so nobody is left guessing.Listen, don’t just mimic. Studying a song with your ears builds your own sound. Copying clips doesn’t.Show up knowing the music. Greg breaks down sounds, choices, patterns, and arrangement, then keeps color-coded notes he can read in real time.Find your sound before you chase endorsements. Try different gear, and be ready to explain why you want a partnership beyond free gear.CHAPTERS00:00 Hook: “If management says yes fast, you messed up”00:13 From DC to LA: Starting Over in a New City07:20 Growing Up in Church and the DC Drum Scene20:45 Humility, Triggers, and the Drummers Who Reshaped Modern Drumming26:21 Social Media vs. Working Musicians: Why Relationships Get You the Call38:54 What a Musical Director Really Does (and Knowing Your Role)52:40 How to Set Your Rate (and Why a Fast Yes Is a Red Flag)01:07:39 Reputation, Direct Communication, and Self-Accountability01:14:39 Becoming a Go-To Drummer in Every Genre01:26:09 How Greg Learns a Full Show01:33:09 Greg’s Endorsement Journey01:41:15 How to Approach Brands and What Artist Relations Look For01:50:10 What’s Next: UK Drum Show, Running a Clinic, and Closing Thoughts

American Idol drummer RJ Kelly joins Jarvis to talk about what it really takes to become a first-call musician in LA. RJ shares how getting fired from two jobs pushed him out of Kansas City, why he skipped music school (and what he'd tell young players now), and the mindset that's kept him working at the highest level for 15+ years.We get into treating every gig like an audition, Andy Ward's potluck analogy for serving the song, how to network without being awkward, what happens when an MD changes the music five seconds before air, staying calm with 60+ songs on deck, why he's stayed loyal to Tama and Meinl, and the big one: how do you know what to charge when nobody posts the rates?Real talk for drummers, session players, and anyone building a career in the music business.CHAPTERS0:00 Cold open1:00 From Kansas City to LA8:31 Skipping music school: does RJ regret it?20:52 Treat every gig like an audition32:59 Serve the song36:34 How to network in the music industry44:34 Audition and gig prep advice54:03 Inside the American Idol band1:15:31 Drum endorsements1:26:45 What should musicians charge?CONNECT WITH RJ KELLYInstagram: @rjkellymusicCONNECT WITH JARVISWebsite: drummingwithjarvis.comInstagram: @jarvisjebTikTok: @offscriptwithjarvis

What does it really take to go from chasing opportunities to performing on some of the biggest stages in the world?In Episode 18 of Off Script, Jarvis “Jeb” Barnes sits down with Grammy-nominated producer, drummer, musical director, and creative Payge Cooper, better known as TurnThePAYGE.From leaving Atlanta and rebuilding his career in Los Angeles to touring with SZA and working alongside artists including Brandy, Eric Benét, Musiq Soulchild, Nipsey Hussle, and more, Payge’s journey is a lesson in preparation, patience, identity, and professional growth.But this conversation isn’t a highlight reel.Payge speaks honestly about adapting to the Los Angeles music scene, navigating pressure, preparing for rehearsals, finding the right mentors, and learning how to remain authentic while evolving into the musician each opportunity required.He and Jarvis also unpack the skills that rarely receive enough attention: restraint, repetition, character, self-awareness, healthy relationships, and knowing how to serve the music instead of your ego.Payge explains when endorsements actually become valuable, why musicians should develop an identity beyond one instrument, and how to balance social media visibility with genuine relationships in the real world.This episode is for every drummer, musician, and creative who wants more than a viral moment. It’s about building the preparation, reputation, and relationships required for a career that lasts.IN THIS EPISODE:• Starting over in a completely new music scene• Staying authentic while adapting professionally• Preparing for rehearsals and high-pressure opportunities• Why preparation matters more than appearing confident• Finding mentors who will tell you the truth• Building healthy professional relationships• When artist endorsements actually matter• Developing a brand beyond your instrument• Balancing social media with real-world networking• Why restraint and repetition make better drummers• The skills and ethics every working musician needs• Building relationships that create lasting opportunitiesWhat do you believe keeps musicians working: talent, preparation, character, or relationships? Join the conversation below.FOLLOW PAYGE COOPER:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnthepaygepro/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@turnthepaygeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/payge.cooperWebsite: https://www.turnthepaygepro.com/CHAPTERS:00:00 Starting Over and Breaking Into Los Angeles07:26 Staying Authentic While Evolving11:27 Navigating the Music Industry26:25 Rehearsal Preparation and Performing Under Pressure50:45 Mentorship and the Value of Wise Counsel56:08 Healthy Relationships and Artist Endorsements1:11:51 Diversifying Your Artistry and Building a Brand1:25:06 Social Media vs. Real-World Networking1:30:05 Restraint, Repetition, and Professional Musicianship1:39:21 What Every Working Drummer Needs to Understand1:53:51 Building Relationships That Create OpportunitiesOff Script goes beyond the performance to reveal what it really takes to build a career in live entertainment.Subscribe for honest conversations with the musicians, creatives, and professionals responsible for bringing the world’s biggest shows to life.#PaygeCooper #SZA #OffScriptPodcast

What does it take to become one of the most trusted and sought-after drummers in the music industry?In Episode 17 of Off Script, Jarvis sits down with legendary drummer, musical director, entrepreneur, and educator Brian Frasier-Moore for an honest conversation about longevity, preparation, relationships, money, endorsements, and the business behind a world-class music career.Brian’s unmistakable feel, versatility, and professionalism have placed him behind some of the biggest artists and productions in the world. His remarkable résumé includes Justin Timberlake, Madonna, P!NK, Janet Jackson, Usher, Christina Aguilera, Aaliyah, Babyface, Toni Braxton, Jill Scott, Patti LaBelle, the Backstreet Boys, Eros Ramazzotti, the BET Awards, the Grammy Awards, multiple Super Bowl halftime performances, and many more.Brian shares what it truly takes to become a vital asset, successfully cross musical genres, prepare for high-pressure performances, and sustain a career as the music industry continues to evolve. He and Jarvis also unpack the business of endorsements, negotiating your value, financial education, social media, and why talent alone is not enough to create longevity.Brian also opens up about balancing an extraordinary career with a healthy marriage and personal life, building the right support system, and expanding his impact through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and motivational speaking.This episode is essential viewing for musicians, creatives, touring professionals, and anyone determined to build a sustainable career in entertainment.CONNECT WITH BRIAN FRASIER-MOORE🌎 BFM World: https://www.bfmworld.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bfm22▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCks_vXF48sdG6a7b9mqjzmgVisit BFM World to explore Brian’s private consultations, one-on-one lessons, session recordings, drum loops, clinics, masterclasses, signature gear, #BFMThoughts book, and additional resources for musicians and creatives.CHAPTERS00:00 Life, Love and Managing a Busy Career04:11 Becoming a Vital Asset21:56 Crossing Musical Genres27:45 The Business of Endorsements37:36 Negotiating Your Value53:31 Developing a Business Mindset59:22 The Music Business Today1:04:01 Adapting and Creating Longevity1:15:27 Preparing for Performances1:24:14 Motivational SpeakingABOUT OFF SCRIPTOff Script with Jarvis explores what it truly takes to build and sustain a career in live entertainment. Through honest conversations with the musicians, creatives, executives, and professionals behind the world’s biggest performances, Jarvis uncovers the preparation, decisions, relationships, and business lessons audiences rarely get to hear.Subscribe for a new episode every other Monday.CONNECT WITH OFF SCRIPT & JARVIS🌎 Drumming With Jarvis: https://www.drummingwithjarvis.com🛒 Resources and consultations: https://www.drummingwithjarvis.com/storeComment with your biggest takeaway, share the episode with another creative, and subscribe for more conversations from behind the world of live entertainment.#BrianFrasierMoore #OffScriptWithJarvis #BFMWorld #ProfessionalDrummer #MusicBusiness

In Episode 16 of Off Script with Jarvis, touring drum tech, drummer and stage manager Steven “Steve” Muncaster reveals what it really takes to build a successful career behind the scenes in live music.Drawing from his experience working on major tours with artists including Tate McRae and Dermot Kennedy, Steve breaks down the responsibilities of a professional drum tech, from tuning drums and managing backline to understanding an artist’s preferences, communication style and performance needs.Jarvis and Steve discuss the transition from drummer to drum tech, the importance of building relationships before joining a tour, and why most touring opportunities still come through trust, reputation and word of mouth. They also explore how social media affects gig opportunities, what drum techs immediately notice about drummers, and why online talent does not always translate into professional readiness.Steve also shares valuable insight into drum tuning, drumhead resonance, substitute and dep drummers, making decisions under pressure, and navigating the personalities and challenges that come with life on the road.Whether you are an aspiring drum tech, touring drummer, backline technician, stage manager or musician trying to break into the live entertainment industry, this conversation provides an honest look at the professionalism, adaptability and attention to detail required to sustain a career on tour.Subscribe to Off Script with Jarvis for more honest conversations with the musicians, crew members and creative professionals responsible for bringing live entertainment to life.Follow Steve Muncaster: @stevemuncasterTAKEAWAYSSuccessful drum teching begins with clear communication before the tour starts.Understanding the artist and drummer is just as important as understanding the equipment.Attention to detail can determine whether a live performance runs smoothly.Touring opportunities are often built through relationships, trust and word of mouth.Social media can create opportunities, but professionalism determines whether you keep them.Drum techs notice preparation, consistency and habits that other people may overlook.Substitute and dep drummers must understand and protect the identity of the original gig.Great drum tuning requires knowledge, experience and a willingness to experiment.Adaptability and calm decision-making are essential when problems happen onstage.Career longevity requires self-awareness, healthy boundaries and work-life balance.CHAPTERS00:00 Life on the Road as a Drum Tech03:04 From Drummer to Professional Drum Tech09:57 Why Attention to Detail Matters18:59 Understanding the Artist and Their Preferences20:43 Building Relationships Before Going on Tour27:16 Breaking Into the Drum-Tech and Backline Industry34:01 Social Media Versus Real-World Gig Applications39:00 What Drum Techs Notice About Drummers42:30 Making Decisions Under Pressure43:45 Approaching the Job With Nuance45:10 Professionalism and Touring Work Ethic46:28 The Art of Tuning Drums for Live Performance54:53 Understanding Drumhead Resonance57:10 Relationships, Reputation and Professionalism01:00:08 Navigating the Challenges of Touring01:03:12 Personal and Professional Growth01:05:06 Leading With Understanding and Compassion01:06:34 The Realities of Life on Tour01:07:36 Balancing Personality and Job Performance01:08:53 Finding Your Lane in the Music Industry01:11:24 Touring and Work-Life Balance01:13:18 Self-Awareness, Boundaries and Well-Being01:14:28 Staying Authentic in a Professional Environment01:16:24 Commitment, Distance and Separation01:18:28 The Touring Lifestyle01:21:32 Steve’s Upcoming Projects