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
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