Off Script with Jarvis 'Jeb' Barnes

Off Script is the leading podcast on what it really takes to build a career in live entertainment. Hosted by Jarvis “Jeb” Barnes, the show pulls back the curtain on how great performances are built, careers are shaped, and real success in touring and entertainment is earned. Each episode features honest conversations with the professionals who make the stage happen, including musicians, dancers, music directors, creative directors, choreographers, tour managers, playback techs, and other leaders in live performance. This is where the highlight reel ends and the real story begins. Off Script explores how opportunities are earned, how rehearsals really work, how leadership decisions get made, and what separates raw talent from lasting success. From preparation and pressure to relationships, excellence, and professionalism, the show gives listeners a rare inside look at what it truly takes to build a career in music, touring, and live entertainment.

Off Script with Jarvis 'Jeb' Barnes is a music podcast hosted by Jarvis 'Jeb' Barnes, with 18 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Jarvis 'Jeb' Barnes hosts Off Script with Jarvis 'Jeb' Barnes, a music show with 18 episodes published.

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  Episode #18

  Payge Cooper: The Unwritten Rules Every Working Musician Needs | Ep. 18

  Sep 22, 20261h 57m

  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 opportunities What 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/@turnthepayge Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/payge.cooper Website: https://www.turnthepaygepro.com/ CHAPTERS: 00:00 Starting Over and Breaking Into Los Angeles 07:26 Staying Authentic While Evolving 11:27 Navigating the Music Industry 26:25 Rehearsal Preparation and Performing Under Pressure 50:45 Mentorship and the Value of Wise Counsel 56:08 Healthy Relationships and Artist Endorsements 1:11:51 Diversifying Your Artistry and Building a Brand 1:25:06 Social Media vs. Real-World Networking 1:30:05 Restraint, Repetition, and Professional Musicianship 1:39:21 What Every Working Drummer Needs to Understand 1:53:51 Building Relationships That Create Opportunities Off 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

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  Episode #15

  Dre DiMura: Went From Struggling Musician to 100M+ Views I Ep. 15

  Aug 10, 20261h 41m

  What happens when a talented musician stops waiting for the entertainment industry to say yes and starts building an audience on his own terms? In Episode 15 of Off Script with Jarvis, professional guitarist, writer, and content creator Dre DiMura reveals how he transformed uncertainty, rejection, and creative frustration into a successful career reaching millions of people online. Dre breaks down his transition from working as a professional musician to becoming a full-time content creator. He shares how TikTok changed the direction of his career, what he learned from creating viral content, and why understanding market demand does not have to mean abandoning your identity as an artist. This conversation goes beyond algorithms and social media strategy. Dre speaks candidly about living with OCD, managing intrusive thoughts, and recognizing how perfectionism and the need for control can affect the creative process. He and Jarvis discuss embracing imperfection, learning to self-regulate, and developing the courage to move forward without knowing exactly how everything will work out. Dre also explains why so many talented people remain stuck waiting for permission from gatekeepers, companies, audiences, or the entertainment industry. His journey demonstrates how experimentation, adaptability, consistency, and community can help turn a creative hobby into a sustainable profession. The conversation also explores the personal side of success, including building a relationship around a shared vision, communicating through change, supporting one another’s individual growth, and establishing trust within creative collaborations. If you are a musician, artist, content creator, creative entrepreneur, or anyone trying to build a career without a traditional roadmap, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting for permission and start creating opportunities for yourself. Off Script is the leading podcast on what it really takes to build a career in live entertainment. TAKEAWAYS • Waiting for the industry to choose you can prevent you from creating your own opportunities. • Transitioning from musician to content creator requires experimentation, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks. • Dre’s experience with OCD reveals how intrusive thoughts, perfectionism, and uncertainty can influence creative work. • Successful content balances personal expression with an understanding of what the audience wants. • Community, consistency, and the ability to adapt played essential roles in Dre’s growth. • Shared vision, honest communication, and individual growth are critical in relationships and creative partnerships. • Professional collaboration depends on trust, respect, preparation, and attention to detail. CHAPTERS 00:00 Nashville, Zach Finski and Life Today 02:55 From Professional Musician to Content Creator 11:57 Uncertainty, Risk and Creative Reinvention 20:01 OCD, Intrusive Thoughts and the Creative Process 27:25 From Struggling Artist to Successful Creator 30:12 Stop Waiting for Industry Permission 36:45 How Social Media Content Has Changed 49:38 Market Demand, Adaptability and Community 51:08 Creating and Scripting Content That Connects 01:14:06 Relationships, Shared Vision and Support 01:39:29 Trust and Attention to Detail in Collaboration #OffScriptWithJarvis #DreDiMura #ContentCreator

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  Episode #14

  Josh Foster: How to Become the Musician Everyone Wants to Hire I Ep. 14

  Aug 3, 20262 hour

  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. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Your identity and personal worth cannot depend entirely on touring or career success. • Endorsements are professional relationships, not simply opportunities to receive free gear. • Preparation includes knowing the music, understanding your role, and having your gear and workflow ready. • Mentorship becomes valuable when you are willing to receive, process, and apply feedback. • Versatility, professionalism, teamwork, and intentionality create career longevity. • Understanding a musical director’s preferences can make you a more dependable musician. • Diversifying your artistry can create opportunities beyond drumming. Subscribe for more honest conversations about musicianship, touring, music direction, preparation, career development, and the people and processes behind live performance. CHAPTERS 00:00 Life at Home, Touring, and Identity 08:07 Endorsements, Value, and Industry Partnerships 16:23 Versatility, Mentality, and Career Longevity 23:07 Mentorship, OGs, and Applying Feedback 30:15 Preparation and Staying Ready 44:42 Gear, Workflow, and Rehearsal Readiness 49:26 Learning Music Through Listening and Visualization 01:03:33 Teamwork, Musical Integrity, and Professionalism 01:09:32 Working With Different Musical Directors 01:19:13 Gatekeepers, Industry Standards, and Pay 01:36:13 Mentorship, Opportunity, and Growth 01:46:49 Diversifying Your Artistry Beyond Drumming #OffScriptWithJarvis #JoshuaFoster #ProfessionalDrummer

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  Episode #13

  Chris Payton: What it takes to work with the Best I Ep. 13

  Jul 27, 20261h 6m

  What does it take to perform at the highest level while still protecting the relationships and responsibilities that matter most? In Episode 13 of Off Script with Jarvis , Jarvis sits down with session and touring guitarist Chris Payton for an honest conversation about family, preparation, musical adaptability, and stepping into the demanding role of playing guitar for Bruno Mars . Chris opens up about balancing life as a full-time musician with family, the support system that has helped him navigate the demands of the music industry, and how his upbringing influenced the musician and person he became. The conversation also explores the close-knit community of musicians Chris developed alongside and how genuine relationships can create trust, chemistry, and stronger musical collaboration. He explains why adaptability is essential when moving between artists, genres, and musical environments, especially when every opportunity requires a different approach. Chris and Jarvis break down what separates talented musicians from dependable working professionals. Beyond musical ability, success requires preparation, self-awareness, a positive attitude, and the ability to make the people around you feel comfortable. Chris also shares practical insight for guitarists learning how to serve the song, understand their role, and adjust their playing without losing their musical identity. Later, Chris takes listeners inside his transition into one of the most demanding live music opportunities in the industry: performing with Bruno Mars. He discusses the preparation, pressure, discipline, and mental and physical endurance required to execute a show at that level. This episode is essential for guitarists, touring musicians, session players, and anyone working toward a sustainable career in the music industry. In this episode: • Balancing a full-time music career with family life • How upbringing and family support shape career decisions • Building meaningful relationships within the music community • Why personal chemistry improves musical collaboration • Adapting your playing to different artists and environments • Why preparation and personality matter as much as talent • Strategies and challenges facing professional guitarists • The transition into playing guitar for Bruno Mars • Handling the pressure of a high-demand touring opportunity • Developing the endurance required for elite live performance Chapters 00:00 Balancing Music and Family 01:58 Life as a Full-Time Musician 05:06 How Upbringing Shapes Your Career 20:14 Building Lifelong Musical Relationships 33:37 Adapting to Different Musical Environments 45:00 Why Character and Preparation Matter 46:12 Challenges Every Working Guitarist Faces 59:46 Stepping Into the Bruno Mars Gig Subscribe to Off Script with Jarvis for honest conversations about the people, preparation, and unseen work behind the world’s biggest performances. Learn more at DrummingWithJarvis.com . #ChrisPayton #BrunoMars #BrunoMarsGuitarist #ProfessionalGuitarist #TouringMusician #SessionMusician #MusicIndustry #Guitarist #WorkingMusician #OffScriptWithJarvis

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  Episode #11

  DeAndre Hemby: What Actually Keeps You Working in Music | Ep. 12

  Jul 20, 20262h 6m

  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 , DeAndre Hemby shares what it truly takes to build a lasting career as a professional musician. From performing at Coachella and preparing for major tours to navigating ego, social media, endorsements, and industry relationships, this conversation reveals the work that happens long before anyone steps onstage. DeAndre explains why preparation is about more than memorizing songs. A professional musician must understand the artist’s vision, learn the musical language of the show, remain flexible, and be ready to adjust without losing the intention of the music. Jarvis and DeAndre also unpack the meaning of “pocket,” musical vocabulary, dynamics, and the power of space. They discuss how great musicians balance creative freedom with discipline, knowing when to express themselves and when to pull back. Sometimes the most musical decision is choosing not to play. Beyond musicianship, DeAndre breaks down the qualities that create real career longevity: dependability, trust, humility, self-awareness, respect, and a strong work ethic. Talent can open a door, but your character and ability to serve the team often determine whether that door stays open. The conversation also explores the realities of touring that social media rarely shows. Behind every exciting performance are long days, difficult decisions, personal sacrifices, detailed preparation, and an entire team working toward one shared vision. DeAndre offers valuable insight into building relationships, starting with smaller opportunities, advocating for your team, navigating endorsements, and recognizing the different career paths available throughout the music industry. He also explains why musicians must set aside ego and personal pride to support the artist and deliver the best possible show. This episode is essential for touring musicians, drummers, music directors, producers, artists, and anyone who wants to understand the professional mindset required to succeed in the live music industry. Key Takeaways: • Preparation gives musicians the freedom to perform confidently • Pocket is about feel, context, and serving the song • Musical maturity includes knowing when to leave space • Flexibility and vocabulary are essential in live performance • Dependability and trust can matter as much as talent • Serving the artist’s vision requires humility and discipline • Social media rarely reflects the full reality of touring • Strong relationships are built through respect and consistency • Self-awareness helps musicians make better career decisions • Character and work ethic are essential for longevity Chapters: 00:00 Coachella and Life on the Big Stage 03:01 Preparing for Festivals and Tours 11:00 Musical Freedom, Discipline, and Space 23:20 Vocabulary, Flexibility, and Finding the Pocket 30:03 Social Media’s Impact on Musicians 50:10 Dependability, Trust, and Serving the Artist 54:06 Ego, Teamwork, and Professional Relationships 01:16:09 The Truth About Touring 01:36:30 Building a Sustainable Music Career 02:01:37 Upcoming Projects and Community Outreach

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