The people and process behind every performance.

What does it take to perform at the highest level while protecting the relationships and responsibilities that matter most?

In Episode 13 of Off Script with Jarvis, session and touring guitarist Chris Payton shares the preparation, adaptability, character, and discipline required to build a sustainable career in the music industry.

Chris opens up about balancing life as a full-time musician with family, the support system behind his career, and the influence his upbringing has had on the musician and person he has become. He also explores how genuine relationships create trust, chemistry, and stronger musical collaboration.

Jarvis and Chris discuss what separates talented musicians from dependable working professionals. Beyond musical ability, lasting success requires preparation, self-awareness, a positive attitude, and the ability to serve each artist and song without losing your own musical identity.

Chris also takes listeners inside his transition into playing guitar for Bruno Mars, one of the most demanding live performance opportunities in the industry. He reveals the pressure, discipline, preparation, and physical and mental endurance required to perform consistently at an elite level.

This episode is essential listening for guitarists, touring musicians, session players, and anyone working toward a successful and sustainable career in music.

Topics include:

• Balancing a professional music career with family
• Building meaningful relationships in the music industry
• Adapting your playing for different artists and genres
• Why preparation and personality matter as much as talent
• Serving the song without losing your musical identity
• Preparing to play guitar for Bruno Mars
• Managing the pressure of elite live performance
• Developing the endurance required for major touring opportunities

Talent may get you into the room, but what makes people trust you enough to call you back?

In Episode 12 of Off Script with Jarvis, professional touring musician and Teddy Swims drummer DeAndre Hemby reveals what it takes to build a successful and sustainable career in the live music industry.

From performing at Coachella and preparing for major tours to navigating ego, social media, endorsements, and professional relationships, DeAndre shares the work that happens long before a musician steps onstage. He explains why true preparation requires more than memorizing songs. Musicians must understand the artist’s vision, learn the musical language of the show, remain flexible, and be ready to adjust while protecting the intention of the music.

Jarvis and DeAndre also break down pocket, musical vocabulary, dynamics, and the power of space. They explore how great musicians balance creative expression with discipline, knowing when to contribute and when the most musical choice is not to play.

Beyond musicianship, DeAndre explains why dependability, trust, humility, respect, self-awareness, and a strong work ethic are essential for career longevity. Talent can create an opportunity, but character and the ability to serve the entire team often determine whether that opportunity leads to another call.

This episode is essential for drummers, touring musicians, music directors, producers, artists, and anyone who wants to understand the professional mindset behind elite live performance.

Topics include:

• Preparing for festivals, major tours, and Coachella
• Understanding pocket, dynamics, vocabulary, and space
• Balancing musical freedom with discipline
• Why dependability and trust matter as much as talent
• Serving the artist’s vision with humility
• Navigating ego and professional relationships
• The reality of touring beyond social media
• Building strong relationships through respect and consistency
• Endorsements, career opportunities, and team advocacy
• Creating a sustainable career in the music industry

In this episode of Off Script with Jarvis, professional drummer Chaun Horton shares the experiences, relationships, musical influences, and personal lessons that helped shape his career.

Chaun reflects on moving to Sweden with his family, adapting to new cultures, relocating to Nashville, and eventually building a life and career in Los Angeles. He explains how rejection, persistence, and an unexpected full scholarship to the Los Angeles Music Academy changed the direction of his journey.

The conversation explores the importance of mentorship, networking, jam sessions, preparation, and being ready when opportunity arrives. Chaun also discusses his early professional experiences, including working with Macy Gray, and the musical challenges that pushed him to develop greater feel, restraint, confidence, and depth as a drummer.

Jarvis and Chaun break down what it truly means to learn a song, understand your role, and serve the music without overplaying. They discuss gospel, jazz, fusion, groove, influential drummers, musical maturity, and the difference between simply playing the correct notes and understanding the emotional purpose of a song.

Beyond musicianship, Chaun offers an honest perspective on the realities of building a sustainable career in the music industry. He shares lessons about trust, integrity, insecurity, gossip, health, preparation, authenticity, and the character required to succeed professionally without losing yourself personally.

This episode is for drummers, musicians, artists, producers, and creatives who want to strengthen their musicianship, navigate the music business, and build a meaningful, lasting career.