Off Script with Jarvis 'Jeb' Barnes

Jarvis 'Jeb' Barnes

Off Script is a long form podcast that pulls back the curtain on live entertainment, touring, and the music industry to reveal how real careers are built behind the show. Hosted by Jarvis Jeb Barnes, each episode features honest, in depth conversations with the professionals who make the stage happen, including musicians, dancers, music directors, creative directors, choreographers, tour managers, and other leaders in live performance. This is where the highlight reel ends and the real story begins. Off Script explores how artists get their first call, how they stay booked, how rehearsals actually work, how leadership decisions are made, and what separates talent from true longevity. From preparation and pressure to relationships, excellence, and professionalism, this podcast gives listeners a rare look inside the world of concert touring, live shows, and entertainment careers. Whether you are trying to break into live entertainment, grow a career in music and touring, or simply understand what it really takes to build a lasting name in the industry, Off Script delivers real stories, real lessons, and real world insight straight from the source.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    Pyrotechnics on Tour: What It Really Takes | Tiffany Watson | Ep. 3

    In this episode of Off Script, Tiffany Watson shares how she went from college to becoming a pyrotechnician and tour operator in the live entertainment industry. She's worked with Artist such as Blink 182, Tate McRae, and Kendrick Lamar. She breaks down what it really takes to run pyrotechnics on tour, from strict safety protocols and high pressure decision making to managing a team in one of the most intense environments in live production. Tiffany opens up about the responsibility that comes with firing effects during live performances, the preparation required behind the scenes, and the level of trust needed between every department on a show. She also talks about leadership, earning respect in a male dominated field, and how communication, accountability, and composure can make or break a team on the road. This conversation is a must listen for anyone interested in touring, concert production, live events, pyrotechnics, stage management, crew leadership, and the entertainment industry. TIFFANY WATSON BIO: Tiffany Watson is a pyrotechnician who has toured with artists such as Blink 182, Tate McRae, and Kendrick Lamar. She also worked in production for television and film for 5 years before switching over to touring and the music industry. Right now, Tiffany spends most of her time living on a tour bus but is currently working towards managing artist accounts and getting more involved with the creative process from the beginning, meaning less time sleeping on a bus and more time in her own bed. FOLLOW TIFFANY ON IG In this episode, we cover: • How Tiffany became a pyrotechnics operator on tour • The safety protocols behind live pyro effects • What makes live event production so high pressure • Leadership and team dynamics in touring environments • Earning trust and respect in a male dominated industry • The qualities of a great crew member in live production • Problem solving in real time during live shows • Where the live entertainment industry is headed next

    1h 13m
  2. MAR 9

    How TJ Rodriguez Built a Career in Playback Engineering and Music Production Ep.2

    TJ Rodriguez joins Off Script with Jarvis to talk about playback engineering, live performance, music production, and the transition from touring into studio work. He breaks down the real responsibilities of a playback engineer, the pressure of making musical decisions in real time, and why preparation, confidence, and communication are essential at the highest level. TJ also shares lessons on moving to Los Angeles, adapting after COVID, trusting faith, and building a career with real support, real friendships, and real conviction. In this episode, TJ Rodriguez sits down with Jarvis for an honest conversation about building a modern music career across live performance, playback engineering, songwriting, and production. TJ shares what it looks like to transition from the road into studio work, how COVID shifted the industry, and why lifestyle, family, and long term vision shape major career decisions. They break down the role of a playback engineer from a real world perspective, including musical responsibility, problem solving under pressure, communication during live shows, and the preparation it takes to handle last minute changes with confidence. The episode also explores networking, moving to Los Angeles, stepping into songwriting and production, and the importance of trusting your abilities when entering a new season. This conversation is full of practical insight for drummers, musicians, producers, playback engineers, and anyone serious about building a career in live entertainment and music production. Takeaways • Transitioning from live performance into studio production requires a new mindset, new routines, and a willingness to adapt COVID changed the music industry and forced many professionals to rethink how they work and growMoving to Los Angeles opened new opportunities, relationships, and creative pathwaysNetworking can happen in unexpected spaces, including gaming and online communitiesPlayback engineers are a vital musical part of the live show, not just technical supportGreat playback work requires confidence, awareness, communication, and real time problem solvingPreparation and research build the confidence needed to handle pressure and last minute changesMusical knowledge matters because playback engineers often have to make musical decisions on the flyOver communication is one of the most valuable skills in live performance and productionSongwriting and production growth often begin with taking risks and trusting your instinctsReal support systems and genuine friendships matter deeply in both personal and professional growthFaith, preparation, and self belief often go hand in hand when stepping into a new lane Get In Touch With TJ Rodriguez Chapters 00:00 Introduction to TJ Rodriguez 03:42 From Live Performance to Studio Production 10:18 How COVID Changed the Music Industry 15:20 Moving to Los Angeles and Starting Fresh 22:11 Networking, Gaming, and Unexpected Opportunities 29:35 New Standards, New Challenges, New Growth 34:37 Confidence, Preparation, and Problem Solving 43:00 What a Playback Engineer Really Does 51:01 How to Get Started in Playback Engineering 01:01:40 Awareness and Communication During a Live Show 01:08:03 Transitioning into Songwriting and Production 01:14:15 Taking Leaps of Faith and Trusting Your Ability 01:19:40 Real Support, Real Friendships, Real Growth

    1h 29m
  3. MAR 2

    How Izzy Lamberti Turned Drum Covers Into a Real Music Career I Ep. 1

    How Izzy Lamberti Turned Drum Covers Into a Real Music Career | Off Script with Jarvis In this episode of Off Script with Jarvis, I sit down with Izzy Lamberti for a real conversation about drum covers, content creation, touring, branding, and what it actually takes to build a lasting career in the music industry. Izzy shares her journey from posting drum cover videos to creating real opportunities as a working musician. We talk about her move to Los Angeles, balancing school and touring, building momentum through social media, and learning how to navigate the modern music business as both a drummer and a creator. We also get into the behind the scenes reality of filming content, adapting to different environments during video shoots, building trust with an audience, and staying authentic when it comes to brand partnerships and product endorsements. This episode is a deep look at how drummers, musicians, and content creators can turn online visibility into real world opportunities. Izzy also breaks down the importance of live arrangements, performance, musicality, image, and branding, and why alignment matters when building a name in today’s entertainment space. From touring musician life to social media strategy for drummers, this conversation is packed with insight for anyone serious about growing in music. Whether you are a drummer, musician, music student, touring artist, or content creator, this episode offers real perspective on building a music career, growing your brand, and creating content that actually opens doors. In this episode, we cover: • Izzy Lamberti interview • Drum covers and music career growth • Touring and balancing school • Moving to Los Angeles as a musician • Social media strategy for musicians • Content creation for drummers • Music industry networking • Authenticity in endorsements • Live arrangements and performance • Branding and image in the music industry Connect with Izzy Lamberti: Website: https://www.izzylamberti.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izzy.lamberti/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@izzylamberti?lang=en Chapters 00:00 Life in L.A. and Hiking Adventures12:58 Transition to L.A. and Music Career22:55 Content Creation and Social Media Strategy30:30 Adapting to Different Environments36:12 Authenticity in Endorsements57:52 Incorporating Live Arrangements01:09:03 Approach to Drumming and Arrangements01:22:47 Considerations for Branding and Image

    1h 28m

About

Off Script is a long form podcast that pulls back the curtain on live entertainment, touring, and the music industry to reveal how real careers are built behind the show. Hosted by Jarvis Jeb Barnes, each episode features honest, in depth conversations with the professionals who make the stage happen, including musicians, dancers, music directors, creative directors, choreographers, tour managers, and other leaders in live performance. This is where the highlight reel ends and the real story begins. Off Script explores how artists get their first call, how they stay booked, how rehearsals actually work, how leadership decisions are made, and what separates talent from true longevity. From preparation and pressure to relationships, excellence, and professionalism, this podcast gives listeners a rare look inside the world of concert touring, live shows, and entertainment careers. Whether you are trying to break into live entertainment, grow a career in music and touring, or simply understand what it really takes to build a lasting name in the industry, Off Script delivers real stories, real lessons, and real world insight straight from the source.