46 episodes

The point of this podcast is simple. We want to pull back the curtain and bring you backstage, beyond the spotlight, to give you a glimpse into the world of folks like you and me who are working in the trenches of the music, theater, and entertainment industries. They may not be household names, but they are key players in bringing to life the shows we all enjoy. Over the last 41 years, your host Jon Diener has worked as a musician, producer, recording engineer, videographer, editor, motion graphics artist, and photographer. He's spent most of his life around people working hard behind the scenes and wants to learn more about their journeys and share their stories with you.

Beyond the Spotlight Jon Diener

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 11 Ratings

The point of this podcast is simple. We want to pull back the curtain and bring you backstage, beyond the spotlight, to give you a glimpse into the world of folks like you and me who are working in the trenches of the music, theater, and entertainment industries. They may not be household names, but they are key players in bringing to life the shows we all enjoy. Over the last 41 years, your host Jon Diener has worked as a musician, producer, recording engineer, videographer, editor, motion graphics artist, and photographer. He's spent most of his life around people working hard behind the scenes and wants to learn more about their journeys and share their stories with you.

    Update - January 29, 2022

    Update - January 29, 2022

    Hey, everyone! Are you still out there? I've missed you!

    Just a quick episode to update you on some things and let you know I'll be back with new episodes soon, as time permits.

    Feel free to reach out with guest ideas or comments at beyondthespotlightpodcast@gmail.com


    Support the show

    • 6 min
    Ep. 045: Matthew Rifino - Sound Mixer, TODAY Show

    Ep. 045: Matthew Rifino - Sound Mixer, TODAY Show

    When Matthew Rifino picked up an acoustic guitar at 5, a 30 year love affair with music began. 3 years later, he convinced his grandfather to buy him a four-track cassette recorder and Matthew would sit for hours recording and overdubbing. He started recording his first band at their first rehearsal and honed his basic recording chops by trial and error. Matthew and his friends threw themselves into the NJ Hardcore and Punk scene of the mid 90's. Forming an indie label and throwing shows, Matthew wanted to be immersed in the music community. 
    Channel surfing after school, Matthew stumbled upon a show being filmed at a recording studio only one town over from his house! He showed up at their door and told them he wanted to learn how to record. Matthew lucked out and the owner Tee DiMura took him under his wing. It was an old school 16 track analog 70's studio with floor to ceiling shag carpet and the smell of cigarettes in the air. Matthew spent all four years of high school afternoons learning as much as he could about recording and mixing.
    It was Avatar Studios (The Power Station) that gave Matthew his first real taste of what it’s like working with big names in the music industry. At 19-years-old, he scored a 3 month unpaid internship that turned into 4 years on staff at this legendary facility.  Everyday, Matthew was in awe while learning from Grammy winning engineers and producers. Al Schmidt, Jack Joseph Puig, Michael Brauer, Jason Corsaro, Neil Dorfsman, and Rich Costey were some the greats he got to watch perform their craft. The years he spent at Avatar still influenced the rest of his life.
    After 4 years, he wanted to make the move to freelance. Matthew had a couple of indie records lined up and then by a chance meeting he got a gig mixing monitors for the NBC Today Show. He had never mixed anything live before but got thrown right into the fire on his first show mixing Elvis Costello. At the same time with an inherent gravitational pull towards his recording studio roots he signed on as a staff engineer at Granite Alps Studios in NJ and later as Chief Engineer at Fenix Studios in Staten Island, NY. During that time, Matthew worked with Living Colour, James Blood Ulmer, Bernard Purdie (Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, Hall and Oates), Wu Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean plus lots of independent rock and pop artists. While at Fenix, he also had the opportunity to mix jingles for television, radio, as well as tracks that would end up in major motion pictures.
    At just 27, Matthew took on the role of Broadcast Music Mixer for the NBC TODAY SHOW. Mixing the 5.1 Surround Sound on air-mixes that millions watch daily along with millions of streams on the net. During his time at NBC, Matthew has worked with a cornucopia of artists such as Adele, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band, Robert Plant, Fleetwood Mac, Lady Gaga, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Taylor Swift, John Mellencamp, among many others.
    After a few years away from the record business to focus on television, he could not resist the urge to get back into the studio. Having recently completed his personal mix room "Stone House Studios”, Matthew has started mixing records again. His goal is to be able to deliver high quality mixes to all his clients.

    Guest Links:
    https://www.mattrifinomusicmixer.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/rifinomatthew/
    Support the show

    • 39 min
    Ep. 044: Michael Jeffers - Touring Bassist

    Ep. 044: Michael Jeffers - Touring Bassist

    Michael Jeffers is a life long music professional, performer and player. He started out in music performing with his father’s family band, then became a founding member of the critically acclaimed band Pinmonkey and got signed to RCA Records. Michael’s been traveling town to town on tour buses since 1999, loves to golf, and he is a lover of all things real.

    Experience

    Touring Bass player
    Joe Nichols
    Jan 2008 – Present

    Founding member and bass player
    Pinmonkey
    Jan 1999 – Jan 2006

    Doc Jeffers Band

    Education

    Middle Tennessee State University
    Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)
    Field Of Study: Music Business

    Guest Links:
    https://www.instagram.com/michaeljeffers/
    https://joenichols.com/
    Support the show

    • 26 min
    Ep. 043: Mark Clark - Tour Manager / Production Manager / Tour Accountant

    Ep. 043: Mark Clark - Tour Manager / Production Manager / Tour Accountant

    Mark Clark has worked in the touring industry for over 10 years. He got his start in his home state of Alabama, driving artists at music festivals, and is currently based in New Orleans. Mark has managed tours throughout North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Europe. In his day-to-day work, he oversees a 360-degree advanced process, from show advance, to tour accounting, to settlements, visas, production, logistics, press, and all the ins-and-outs of the vital show day process. Some of Mark’s notable previous clients include American Authors, Kayzo, TOKiMONSTA, NGHTMRE, Snails, Savoy, and Boombox. 

    Co Host, Tour Management 101
    Mar 2020 – Present
    Location New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
    Tour Management 101 is an educational resource for anyone learning the ropes in the live events industry. We host a weekly webinar on Zoom, and YouTube with industry pros and provide free material and templates on our website.
     
    Tour Management / Production Management / Tour Accounting
    Mark Clark Touring LLC Self-employed
    Jan 2019 – Present
    Location New Orleans, LA
    Full 360 tour advance, management, and show execution. Domestic and Worldwide.

    Freelance Professional
    Tour Manager Sep 2013 – Present

    Guest Links:
    http://www.markclarktouring.com
    https://www.tourmgmt.org/
    https://www.instagram.com/markclarktm
    https://www.instagram.com/tourmgmt101

    Show Links:
    http://www.beyondthespotlightpodcast.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/BeyondtheSpotlightPodcast
    https://www.instagram.com/BeyondtheSpotlightPodcast
    Support the show

    • 42 min
    Ep. 042: Angelique Mark - Production Coordinator

    Ep. 042: Angelique Mark - Production Coordinator

    Angelique Mark has amassed over two decades' experience traveling the globe, working with a variety of musical acts in rooms ranging from small clubs to stadiums. Her work focuses mainly in: logistics; immigration; accounting; and high-level time management, often under the most stressful of situations. Most recently, Angelique has been working as a mentor through Grammy U and the Well Dunn organization, helping young people learn about the world of live shows and touring.
     
    Production Coordinator
    The 1975
    Jan 2020 – Present
     
    Production Coordinator
    Mumford & Sons - Delta Tour
    Feb 2019 – Mar 2020
     
    Production Coordinator
    Il Divo - Timeless Tour
    Aug 2018 – Dec 2018
     
    Production Coordinator
    Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
    Apr 2017 – Aug 2018
     
    Artist Transportation Manager
    Okeechobee Music Festival
    Feb 2016 – Feb 2017
     
    Production Coordinator
    Il Divo - Amor y Pasion Tour
    Sep 2016 – Nov 2016
     
    Wardrobe Mistress
    Culture Club - Tribes Tour
    Jul 2015 – Jul 2016
    Location US/CA/MX/JP/PH/AU
     
    Staff Transportation Coordinator
    Mysterland Music Festival
    May 2015
     
    Production Coordinator
    Arcade Fire - Reflektor Tour
    Oct 2013 – Aug 2014
    Location US/UK/EU/S America/Australia/New Zealand/Japan
     
    Assistant Tour Manager
    My Morning Jacket - Bob Dylan Americanarama Tour
    Jul 2013 – Aug 2013
    Location North America

    Production Coordinator
    Florence and the Machine - Ceremonials Tour
    Jun 2012 – Dec 2012
    Location US/UK/Europe
     
    Production Coordinator
    The Black Keys - El Camino Tour
    Oct 2012 – Nov 2012
    Location New Zealand/Australia
     
    Wardrobe Mistress
    Erasure - Total Pop! and Tomorrow's World Tours
    Mar 2011 – Oct 2011
    Location US/UK/Europe/S. America
     
    Additional Artists Toured with
    2000 – 2011
    Location US/UK/Europe
    Cirque du Soleil - Kooza (Dresser 1)
    Boy George/Culture Club (Tour Assistant)
    Gavin Rossdale/Institute (Merchandise Manager)
    Paul Oakenfold (Merchandise Manager)
    Jewel (Merchandise Manager)Fuel (Merchandise Manager)
    Cheetah Girls/Miley Cyrus (Merchandise)
    Vanessa Hudgens (Merchandise Manager)
    Corbin Bleu (Merchandise Manager)

    Guest links:
    Angelique on LinkedIn
    Angelique on Instagram
    Support the show

    • 32 min
    Ep. 041: Marty Hom - Tour Manager, Production Coordinator

    Ep. 041: Marty Hom - Tour Manager, Production Coordinator

    TOUR EXPERIENCE

    Present
    ROLLING STONES – Tour Manager

    1997 - Present
    FLEETWOOD MAC – Tour Manager

    1999 – Present
    BARBRA STREISAND – Tour Director

    January 24, 2020
    MUSICARES PERSON OF THE YEAR HONORING DOLLY
    PARTON - Co-Producer

    2010 – Present
    SHAKIRA – Tour Director

    1997 - Present
    STEVIE NICKS - Tour Manager

    Dec ’15 – Nov ‘16
    BEYONCE – Tour Director/Producer Formation Tour

    2012 – Present
    VAN HALEN TOUR 2012 & 2015 – Tour Manager

    Feb '14 – Dec ‘15
    LIONEL RICHIE - Tour Director
    1997 - 2001

    Jan 2013 – Dec 2013
    ALICIA KEYS – Tour Director - World Tour 2010 & 2013

    Aug ’02 – Jan 2010
    BETTE MIDLER – General Manager “The Showgirl Must Go On”
    Las Vegas Residency

    Aug ’05 – May ‘07
    CIRQUE DU SOLEIL DELIRIUM TOUR – Tour Manager

    Dec ’00 – Dec ‘01
    BACKSTREET BOYS – Tour Manager

    Oct ’00 – Nov ’00
    LENNY KRAVITZ – Tour Manager

    Aug ’99 – Dec ‘99
    RICKY MARTIN - Tour Manager

    July '99 - Sept '99
    BONNIE RAITT, JACKSON BROWNE, SHAWN COLVIN, BRUCE HORNSBY - Tour Manager

    May '99 - Sept '99
    BONNIE RAITT - Tour Manager/Accountant

    Sept '98 – Aug ‘99
    LIONEL RICHIE - Tour Manager/Accountant

    April ‘95 - 2015
    BOSTON - Tour Manager

    October 1996
    CHRIS ISAAK - Tour Manager/Accountant

    August 1996
    CELINE DION - Production Manager

    April ‘96 - May ‘96
    SHANIA TWAIN - Tour Manager

    Apr ‘95 - May ‘95
    JIMMY BUFFETT - Tour Accountant

    Jan '93 - Sept '94
    JANET JACKSON - Tour Manager

    June ‘89 - Sept '92
    PAULA ABDUL - Tour Manager

    1985
    BILL WITHERS- Tour Manager / Accountant

    GUEST LINKS:
    Musicares


    NEWS ARTICLES / INTERVIEWS

    ROLLING STONE
    https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/music-in-crisis-marty-horn-tour-manager-rolling-stones-stevie-nicks-995835/

    BILLBOARD
    https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5915668/tour-managers-of-foo-fighters-the-rolling-stones-fleetwood-mac-swap-wild-tales

    POLLSTAR
    https://www.pollstar.com/toptourmanagers/marty-hom-141383

    NEW YORK TIMES
    https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/17/archives/10-months-1-million-and-100-headaches.html



    Support the show

    • 30 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
11 Ratings

11 Ratings

Eddie J Campos ,

GREAT PODCAST!

This podcast is fantastic! Getting such a unique perspective of what creates a concert. The team effort needed to put in a show. And those who don’t get a spotlight but truly deserve it are hero’s to the entertainment industry. Thank you Jon Diener for creating this podcast and do it so well! 5 stars start to finish!

WellsMomma ,

Beyond my expectations! MUST LISTEN!

I should start out by saying this is not my typical podcast genre, I tend to lean towards political podcasts. That being said, I love this podcast. It really makes me appreciate the work that people put into their craft and the true enjoyment they get from it. I love the personal stories and the host asks really insightful and interesting questions to all of his guests! Be sure to check out!

EverydayEd ,

Good show. Can’t wait to hear what’s coming up

Highly recommended! This is a interesting look (listen) at what goes on to make the shows you like tick. If you've ever seen a show that looked and sounded great you can bet there were a lot of people working together "Beyond the Spotlight" to make it all happen.

Top Podcasts In Arts

Fresh Air
NPR
The Moth
The Moth
99% Invisible
Roman Mars
Fashion People
Audacy | Puck
Add to Cart with Kulap Vilaysack & SuChin Pak
Lemonada Media
Fantasy Fangirls
Fantasy Fangirls