OFF SCRIPT EPISODE LIBRARY
Find the conversation you came for.
Browse every Off Script conversation by topic. New seasons can be added without crowding the main landing page.
OFF SCRIPT EPISODE LIBRARY
Browse every Off Script conversation by topic. New seasons can be added without crowding the main landing page.
What does it really take to build a lasting career as a professional touring musician?
In Episode 14 of Off Script with Jarvis, professional drummer, producer, and musical director Joshua “Josh” Foster shares the preparation, versatility, mentorship, and mindset required to succeed in the music industry.
With experience performing alongside artists such as Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Tyler Perry, Chantae Cann, and Reneé Rapp, Josh offers an honest look at what it takes to stay ready for major opportunities. This conversation goes far beyond drumming. Josh opens up about returning home after touring and learning to separate his identity and personal worth from his career. He explains why endorsements should be viewed as genuine partnerships, how musicians can become more valuable through versatility, and why talent without the right mentality can limit career growth.
Jarvis and Josh also discuss the power of mentorship, learning from respected OGs, receiving constructive feedback, and actually applying the guidance you are given. Josh breaks down his approach to preparation, gear and workflow readiness, immersive listening, visualization, rehearsals, and understanding the full musical picture before stepping onstage. The episode also explores working with musical directors, adapting to different leadership styles, navigating industry gatekeepers, protecting your professional reputation, establishing fair pay standards, and creating opportunities beyond one instrument or job title.
Whether you are an aspiring drummer, touring musician, musical director, producer, independent artist, or creative professional, this episode offers practical insight into building a respected and sustainable music career.
Professional drummer Chaun Horton shares how rejection, mentorship, preparation, and musical maturity shaped his journey from Sweden to Los Angeles and a career working with artists like Macy Gray.
Touring Drummer
A conversation about preparation, relationships, consistency, and building a path toward professional drumming.
Playback Engineer · Producer
A practical conversation about playback engineering, production, preparation, and earning trust on major stages.
Tiffany Watson Special Effects · Live Production
A behind-the-scenes look at pyrotechnics, special effects, safety, preparation, and the pressure of live production.
Arnetta Johnson Trumpeter · Artist
A conversation about Berklee, artistry, entrepreneurship, and building a professional career on your own terms.
Big Mike Hart Guitarist · Artist
A conversation about developing an artistic voice, working with Boney James, and evolving beyond the supporting role.
Touring Drummer Patch Mahoney
A conversation about moving to Los Angeles, touring, endorsements, fatherhood, professional preparation, and staying ready.
Drummer Edition: Clemons Poindexter, Tony Taylor jr. Jermaine Poindexter, Quinton Q Robinson, Al Cleveland & Jarvis ‘Jeb’ Barnes
A live roundtable examining the expectations, responsibilities, challenges, and realities facing professional drummers.
Ep. 10 Terry King: Music Director · Show Producer
A grounded conversation about building live shows, serving artists, developing professional confidence, and creating a career that can last beyond one opportunity.