Justin Scheidling takes us inside a day in the life of a touring tech, supporting the bands of Stephen Kramer Glickman and Katelyn Tarver on the Big Time Rush tour, from load-in to bus call. From labeling every cable and packing “JustInCase” bags to handling the curveballs of show days, you get the raw look at how a pro keeps the gig rolling. You’ll hear how gear obsession became the gateway to teching, what it’s like to set up drums straight off the truck, and why even a $3,000 gig has the same headaches as a $300 one. And yes, rain still finds its way to the PA. Through it all, Justin proves that the secret to surviving the road is simple: Always Be Performing. But this isn’t just about tech work! It’s about career lessons you can steal borrow for your own gigs. You’ll learn why making yourself known by being helpful pays off, how meeting everyone opens doors, and how DJ percussion gigs and Blue Man Group tricks turned into a show-stopping side hustle. From backstage at Meadowbrook’s rock-star pool party to 3am bus calls, Justin makes it clear that every step of the grind adds to the craft. No matter the role—tech, player, or bandleader—you’re building skills that take you further on stage and off. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 502 – Monday, October 6th , 2025 October 6th: National Mad Hatter Day Guest co-hosts: Justin Scheidling 00:02:50 First time nationwide drum tech! Gear Acquisition Syndrome is real… and it helps set you up to become a drum tech! Buddy Gibbons says.. “So… I need a tech!” The job expands: Can you also work on guitars…and pianos? 00:05:40 Remembering the view of an outsider Player first…but I run my own bands 00:07:53 What’s in your “JustInCase” Labeling is important! MakeItStay Bag MakeItMove Bag 00:11:21 I want everyone on this tour to know who I am. Do that by being helpful 00:13:00 Are my toolboxes going to make it on the plane? 00:14:33 Gig Anxiety Fueled by experiences Don’t plug the PA in with the refrigerator A little bit extra…with Justin! 00:18:38 SPONSOR: GigSalad . Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today! (and check out Gig Gab 482 with Mark Steiner from May, 2025, too!) 00:20:00 Show day as a drum tech Walk the stage Drums are still in “the attic” The day could go one of two ways: If room at the venue, we could set up the drums behind the stage and roll them out (and back) Otherwise we’d have to build on stage “We wanna help break down!” 00:27:50 “No matter what your gig is, every gig has bullshit.” — Syndee Winters A $300 gig has its level of BS A $3000 gig has its level of BS The multi-million-dollar production of Hamilton ALSO has it’s multi-million dollar production of Bullshit. A new Gig Gab adage: When there’s rain…the water always hits the PA. Beware water and power…they don’t mix! 00:33:52 No matter what the gig is, learn everything you can learn What can I apply to my show at home? How can I further my career? What redundancies can I learn to apply to my gigs? 00:34:44 Advice to Justin from Trevor Lawrence, Jr., Drummer with Herbie Hancock “Talk to everyone!” “Find your favorite musicians and talk to them.” Justin immediately reached out to: Kenny Aronoff & Buddy Giggons 00:41:57 You never know who you’re gonna meet And make sure you meet everyone. 00:43:03 Back to the day of touring… Soundcheck happens and it’s tweaking and troubleshooting time Then mealbreak 00:48:13 Meadowbrook in Gilford, NH, the Ultimate Venue Gilford is the backstage party that people think it is. Couches and TVs, heated pool, open bar, and video monitors to watch Pedal bikes and merch! “I would vacation there every day if I could!” Recover kits with Advil and Liquid IV LAUNDRY! RJ & Bridget Harding really have created a wonderful thing 00:51:29 Ten minutes to showtime Last-minute checks 00:54:32 Teardown This needs to happen fast “If I think I have some time, it’s never gonna make it.” Changing drumheads post-show 00:57:50 Then bus call… at 3am On the road by 4am Bunks on the bus 00:59:59 Downtime is Unpredictable Deadtime 01:01:59 Justin’s Gigging Schedule Go Rogue is Justin’s new band The Current is Justin’s backing band that he created to backup other Justin does DJ Percussion (formerly “Party Percussion”) DJs are also musician “Herbie Hancock invented hip hop with scratching” — Justin Scheidling 01:06:23 Learning to be a Party/DJ Percussionist Adapted Blue Man Group stuff, stick twirls, standing drums, percussion…all making the show! 01:08:53 It’s always a show! Every little thing comes from a lesson learned! I have the best job ever! 01:11:30 Gig Gab 502 Outtro Follow Justin Scheidling JustinScheidling.com @JustinScheidling on IG Follow and Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
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