In Episode 16 of Off Script with Jarvis, touring drum tech, drummer and stage manager Steven “Steve” Muncaster reveals what it really takes to build a successful career behind the scenes in live music.
Drawing from his experience working on major tours with artists including Tate McRae and Dermot Kennedy, Steve breaks down the responsibilities of a professional drum tech, from tuning drums and managing backline to understanding an artist’s preferences, communication style and performance needs.
Jarvis and Steve discuss the transition from drummer to drum tech, the importance of building relationships before joining a tour, and why most touring opportunities still come through trust, reputation and word of mouth. They also explore how social media affects gig opportunities, what drum techs immediately notice about drummers, and why online talent does not always translate into professional readiness.
Steve also shares valuable insight into drum tuning, drumhead resonance, substitute and dep drummers, making decisions under pressure, and navigating the personalities and challenges that come with life on the road.
Whether you are an aspiring drum tech, touring drummer, backline technician, stage manager or musician trying to break into the live entertainment industry, this conversation provides an honest look at the professionalism, adaptability and attention to detail required to sustain a career on tour.
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Follow Steve Muncaster: @stevemuncaster
TAKEAWAYS
- Successful drum teching begins with clear communication before the tour starts.
- Understanding the artist and drummer is just as important as understanding the equipment.
- Attention to detail can determine whether a live performance runs smoothly.
- Touring opportunities are often built through relationships, trust and word of mouth.
- Social media can create opportunities, but professionalism determines whether you keep them.
- Drum techs notice preparation, consistency and habits that other people may overlook.
- Substitute and dep drummers must understand and protect the identity of the original gig.
- Great drum tuning requires knowledge, experience and a willingness to experiment.
- Adaptability and calm decision-making are essential when problems happen onstage.
- Career longevity requires self-awareness, healthy boundaries and work-life balance.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Life on the Road as a Drum Tech
03:04 From Drummer to Professional Drum Tech
09:57 Why Attention to Detail Matters
18:59 Understanding the Artist and Their Preferences
20:43 Building Relationships Before Going on Tour
27:16 Breaking Into the Drum-Tech and Backline Industry
34:01 Social Media Versus Real-World Gig Applications
39:00 What Drum Techs Notice About Drummers
42:30 Making Decisions Under Pressure
43:45 Approaching the Job With Nuance
45:10 Professionalism and Touring Work Ethic
46:28 The Art of Tuning Drums for Live Performance
54:53 Understanding Drumhead Resonance
57:10 Relationships, Reputation and Professionalism
01:00:08 Navigating the Challenges of Touring
01:03:12 Personal and Professional Growth
01:05:06 Leading With Understanding and Compassion
01:06:34 The Realities of Life on Tour
01:07:36 Balancing Personality and Job Performance
01:08:53 Finding Your Lane in the Music Industry
01:11:24 Touring and Work-Life Balance
01:13:18 Self-Awareness, Boundaries and Well-Being
01:14:28 Staying Authentic in a Professional Environment
01:16:24 Commitment, Distance and Separation
01:18:28 The Touring Lifestyle
01:21:32 Steve’s Upcoming Projects
