The Top 7 Skills Every Playback Engineer Must Master

Imagine it's the first night of a an international tour. You're hired as tech to help with playback and drums, and suddenly the MD and keys player gets sick. You've got to step up and run playback and play keys. COULD YOU DO IT? That's exactly what my student David Dombrowski had to do. You'll hear how it went, and why he had the confidence he could make it happen.David is a touring drummer, playback tech, and all around great guy. He was one of the first people to go through my coaching cohorts, and I could not think of a better person to share as a success story. You'll hear why David pivoted from only being a drummer, to learning playback as well, and exactly HOW he made it happen.Want access to the same content David has? Become an All-Access student today! 👇https://fromstudiotostage.com/subscribeWant to get in touch with David? Reach out on Instagram  👇https://instagram.com/dave_dombrowski ★ Support this podcast ★

Get Access to my weekly group coaching calls 👇https://fromstudiotostage.com/subscribeIn this episode of "Behind the Space Bar," Will shares tips and tricks for successfully upgrading the operating system (OS) on a computer used for live performances. He emphasizes the importance of waiting for bugs to be fixed and being intentional about the timing of the upgrade.Key Takeaways:-Wait for bugs to be fixed and choose the right timing for the OS upgrade.-Back up files and the entire computer system before upgrading.-Audit apps, plugins, and helper apps to determine what needs to be reinstalled.-Start from scratch with a clean install for a fresh and efficient system.-Conduct a burn-in test on a backup computer to ensure everything is working properly.--- ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of "Behind the Spacebar," Will discusses the essential skills needed to become a successful playback engineer. He emphasizes the importance of service, the ability to say "yes" instead of "no," effective file management, quick edits, working quickly, handling multiple tasks, and staying calm under pressure.Key Takeaways:Playback engineering is all about service and making the artist or band feel comfortable.Saying "yes" instead of "no" is crucial for success as a playback engineer.Effective file management is essential for quick access to files and backups.The ability to make quick edits and work quickly is important in a live performance setting.Playback engineers must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.Staying calm under pressure is crucial for troubleshooting and maintaining professionalism. ★ Support this podcast ★

Building a Playback rig? Don't make this mistake that I see all too often in new Playback Techs.The Playback and Playback Tech community is a wonderful community.I love the trend of sharing rig builds and learning what others are doing.Seeing the gear others rely on, and what they use to craft their sound is inspiring.But...I'm noticing an alarming trend with theseBeautiful, Instagram worthy rigs...I share my thoughts in todays episode of Behind the Space Bar.#uglyrigsarebeautiful ★ Support this podcast ★

If you're just starting out with Ableton or using tracks, you're not a burden-we're glad you're here! Every month, I hold a call just for From Studio to Stage students. [Want access? Join me here:https://fromstudiotostage.com/subscribe ]This past month, I noticed an alarming trend.There were multiple people asking questions, and apologizing for how "basic" they were. They were apologizing for "being in the way" because they're just starting out. I quickly let them know:-you don't need to apologize and-you're not in our way. You're welcome here...and we're glad YOU'RE here. Don't miss the gift of beginning. We've all been there before. We're all beginners at something.Glad you're here! ★ Support this podcast ★

I’m no swifty… but T-Swift got it right… I’m the problem.. it’s me.Do you believe that the next piece of gear will unlock your potential? We'll debunk the myth of external factors and shed light on the internal drive that genuinely propels us forward. 🚀Understanding the difference between internal vs. external motivators.Personal experiences from years of coaching students on stage performance with Ableton Live.Three invaluable tips to help you make real progress in your musical journey.Whether you're a seasoned musician, a playback tech, or someone new to using Ableton Live on stage, this episode promises insights that can reshape your perspective and accelerate your growth. 🌟If you're new here, welcome to "Behind the Space Bar"! And to our returning listeners, thank you for your continued support and kind words. Let's keep the conversation going! 🎹Make sure to subscribe, like, and share if you found this content valuable. Let's make music together!#BehindTheSpaceBar #MusicianGrowth #AbletonLive--00:00 - Introduction to the episode and the topic of internal struggles02:01 - Example of a playback tech's preferences hindering progress05:28 - Stop letting preferences get in the way of progress06:25 - Three tips to stop preferences from hindering progress07:04 - Free Tracks template offer08:15 - First tip: Audit current systems09:37 - Second tip: Test assumptions11:40 - Third tip: Try new things14:12 - Importance of trying new things and testing assumptions19:31 - Conclusion and call to action ★ Support this podcast ★

Are you trying to convince your band to use tracks? Here’s a difference approach you can take.I get it. You’ve seen the light. You want your band to use tracks. It’s going to improve your sound, make it easier to perform on stage, but you can’t get the rest of your band on board.I’ve been there. I’ve coached students that are there (or have been there). We can address every objection your bandmates may have…but sometimes you’ve got to take a different approach.In today’s episode of Behind the Space Bar I share what that approach is, and when it’s the right time to take it!Want to run tracks like a pro? Download my free tracks template 👇https://fromstudiotostage.com/template ★ Support this podcast ★

Sure — anybody can learn how to use Ableton as a software program. But the ones who master using Ableton on stage don’t think of it like that.What’s the difference between knowing how to use Ableton and using it on stage to put on a killer performance? It’s pretty simple, really. It’s your mindset in how you approach it.If you only view Ableton as just software, you limit it to being utilitarian. It’s just there to do a job. But I’m going to teach you a different way to approach it — one you’re likely already very familiar with — that will help you level up on stage. ★ Support this podcast ★

Martin Roberts has had a successful career bringing artists’ records to life on stage (including Shawn Mendes, M83, and others). He’s a playback engineer, music director, system designer, and just an all-around pro.Watch the interview to hear Martin’s thoughts on live performance, playback, gear & music tech, and what it was like working with Shawn Mendes. ★ Support this podcast ★

The bands that use backing tracks the best are the ones that do it without anyone noticing. But how do they do it?Context is everything. EDM, cover bands, acoustic bands — all different types of bands use tracks. But they don’t all put the same stuff in the tracks because, well, it would be ludicrous for an 808 drop to happen in an acoustic set (or would it be awesome, actually?).Watch for some tips to think through your context and examples of potential types of sounds to put in your tracks. ★ Support this podcast ★