An Interview with Zach Snyder for Performance & Backstage Systems
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Transcript Details
Full Transcript Below
Mike Dias:
Ever wonder what makes a band decide to go on in-ears? Is it the band, the manager, the engineer — or production? I caught up with Zach Snyder, monitor engineer and production manager for Hot Chelle Rae, to talk about decision-making and double-duty roles.
Zach — thanks for taking the time. You’re wearing two hats, right? Production manager and monitor engineer?
Zach Snyder:
Yes — full-time production manager and monitors for Hot Chelle Rae. Occasionally I even handle drums.
Mike Dias:
For those unfamiliar, what does a production manager handle?
Zach Snyder:
I advance all production — stage, sound, lighting. I manage crew, load-ins, venue coordination, security — everything day-of-show related.
Mike Dias:
How many hours per day does that take?
Zach Snyder:
Usually about 11am to midnight — around 13 hours.
Mike Dias:
And desk time?
Zach Snyder:
Monitor desk is roughly 1.5 hours. Another five hours in office coordination. The rest is running nonstop.
Mike Dias:
Why combine both roles instead of hiring separately?
Zach Snyder:
Eventually we’ll split roles, but right now it works. The band prefers continuity and I enjoy staying busy.
Mike Dias:
Who decides when a band adopts in-ears?
Zach Snyder:
Ultimately the band. Engineers and PMs guide them, but it’s their call.
Mike Dias:
How does the process start?
Zach Snyder:
For us, heavy fly dates created a need for consistency. Using molds ensures identical monitoring every show.
Mike Dias:
Who resists the switch?
Zach Snyder:
Usually the bass player — they want to feel the low end.
Mike Dias:
Production advantages?
Zach Snyder:
No wedges speeds setup and cleans up the stage visually.
Mike Dias:
Cost savings?
Zach Snyder:
Expenses balance out — it’s more about workflow than cost.
Mike Dias:
Does reducing gear help?
Zach Snyder:
Everyone adapts. Problems aren’t created or solved — responsibilities shift.
Mike Dias:
What’s next?
Zach Snyder:
Busy global touring ahead — sticking with HCR indefinitely.
Mike Dias:
Thanks Zach — see you on the road.
END OF TRANSCRIPT
Why This Page Exists & How to Contextualize this Transcript
(A Note for the Intrepid Human)
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