
#322 - The Efficient Hustle
06/25/24 • 51 min
The audience is in their seats. The lights dim, and the artist takes the stage. For the next 90 minutes or more, the show goes on without a hitch. But in order to get there, production for the show began to take shape, weeks, if not months earlier. But how does this happen, and who’s in charge? Enter the Production Manager. This individual is in charge of everything from ensuring that the stage, sound, and lights are set up properly for the concert, to the numerous emails and phone calls to guarantee that there are no problems (or mistakes). In many ways, managing a tour is similar to running a business. There are employees and budgets to look after. The workload and responsibilities are extraordinary. And the demands can be overwhelming. Without efficient work practices in place, the stress and lack of sleep make it impossible to thrive in the world of tour and production management.
Production Manager and author of the book “The Efficient Hustle”, Lucas Meek shares stories from the road, explaining the inner workings of the touring business, what it takes to be a successful Production or Tour Manager, and everything needed to ensure that the show goes on without a hitch.
- Creator and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella
- Showrunner and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender
- Management Representation: Chuck Thompson for Thompson Entertainment Group, LLC
- Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella
- Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle
- Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment
- All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas
- Recorded inside what could be an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what’s left of Music Row in Nashville TN (Man we sure do miss Noshville, and the Longhorn Steakhouse)
- Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN
- Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY
- Production Sound Design: Keith Stark
- Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson
Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy.
If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to:
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we’ll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at [email protected]
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this show provided by the guest(s), are those of the guest(s) own, and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the host or producers of this podcast. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Business Side of Music’s name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner (Lotta Dogs Productions LLC), and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.
Copyright © 2024 Lotta Dogs Productions, LLC, All rights reserved.
The audience is in their seats. The lights dim, and the artist takes the stage. For the next 90 minutes or more, the show goes on without a hitch. But in order to get there, production for the show began to take shape, weeks, if not months earlier. But how does this happen, and who’s in charge? Enter the Production Manager. This individual is in charge of everything from ensuring that the stage, sound, and lights are set up properly for the concert, to the numerous emails and phone calls to guarantee that there are no problems (or mistakes). In many ways, managing a tour is similar to running a business. There are employees and budgets to look after. The workload and responsibilities are extraordinary. And the demands can be overwhelming. Without efficient work practices in place, the stress and lack of sleep make it impossible to thrive in the world of tour and production management.
Production Manager and author of the book “The Efficient Hustle”, Lucas Meek shares stories from the road, explaining the inner workings of the touring business, what it takes to be a successful Production or Tour Manager, and everything needed to ensure that the show goes on without a hitch.
- Creator and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella
- Showrunner and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender
- Management Representation: Chuck Thompson for Thompson Entertainment Group, LLC
- Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella
- Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle
- Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment
- All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas
- Recorded inside what could be an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what’s left of Music Row in Nashville TN (Man we sure do miss Noshville, and the Longhorn Steakhouse)
- Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN
- Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY
- Production Sound Design: Keith Stark
- Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson
Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy.
If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to:
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we’ll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at [email protected]
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this show provided by the guest(s), are those of the guest(s) own, and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the host or producers of this podcast. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Business Side of Music’s name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner (Lotta Dogs Productions LLC), and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.
Copyright © 2024 Lotta Dogs Productions, LLC, All rights reserved.
Previous Episode

#321 - Is Your Music Resonating
Upwards of 200,000 songs or more are uploaded daily to many digital providing streaming services. It becomes a crowded field rather quickly, and in many instances, your music can get lost in all of what is often called “white noise”. As streaming catalogs continue to grow in size and depth of music, DSP’s (digital service providers) are beginning to remove music that has had zero impact on listeners. In another words, they want music that will resonate with their audience.
As we continue our annual “Music Biz 2024” Conference Series, in the studio with us today is Gitte Bendzulla, who is the C.O.O. of the music platform, Deezer. Deezer is a French founded, French headquartered digital streaming service providing music for the European, African, and South American markets. France (especially Paris) is considered the entrance to the European music market, and Deezer is at the head of the streaming services providing an opening for new music for the rest of Europe, and beyond.
- Creator and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella
- Showrunner and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender
- Management Representation: Chuck Thompson for Thompson Entertainment Group, LLC
- Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella
- Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle
- Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment
- All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas
- Recorded inside what could be an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what’s left of Music Row in Nashville TN (Man we sure do miss Noshville, and the Longhorn Steakhouse)
- Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN
- Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY
- Production Sound Design: Keith Stark
- Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson
Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy.
If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to:
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we’ll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at [email protected]
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this show provided by the guest(s), are those of the guest(s) own, and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the host or producers of this podcast. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Business Side of Music’s name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner (Lotta Dogs Productions LLC), and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.
Copyright © 2024 Lotta Dogs Productions, LLC, All rights reserved.
Next Episode

#323 - Is Your Artistry Protected?
In an ever evolving world in the music industry, how does an artist go about protecting themselves and their artistry? Especially in a new age of technology, music delivery platforms, and artificial intelligence? This is where legal counsel can help save the day... and possibly your career from the perils and pitfalls.
In the studio today are Brianna Schwartz and Alexis Schreiber, who are attorneys with the law firm Schwartz and Schreiber, based out of Miami Florida. We discuss different legal aspects of the music business, what an artist needs to be aware of, and when is a good time to hire legal representation.
- Creator and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella
- Showrunner and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender
- Management Representation: Chuck Thompson for Thompson Entertainment Group, LLC
- Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella
- Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle
- Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment
- All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas
- Recorded inside what could be an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what’s left of Music Row in Nashville TN (Man we sure do miss Noshville, and the Longhorn Steakhouse)
- Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN
- Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY
- Production Sound Design: Keith Stark
- Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson
Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy.
If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to:
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we’ll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at [email protected]
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this show provided by the guest(s), are those of the guest(s) own, and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the host or producers of this podcast. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Business Side of Music’s name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner (Lotta Dogs Productions LLC), and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.
Copyright © 2024 Lotta Dogs Productions, LLC, All rights reserved.
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