In this interview, host Corwin CJ Moneyway Johnson talks with musician and industry veteran Juan G. about his unique upbringing in a Tampa theater family, his early immersion in stage management, and his rebellious turn to rock music. Juan recounts buying his first guitar while bagging groceries, progressing to backline work in clubs, and landing his first world tour at 21, which launched a 22‑year on‑the‑road career. He also describes running a recording studio, producing records for himself and touring bands, and eventually retiring from touring at 44 after becoming a father. Since then, Juan has returned to his theatrical roots, now working full‑time as a technician at a concert venue that hosts acts like metal virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen. The conversation touches on the multiple hats he has worn—musician, producer, tour manager, technician—and sets up a question about which role he enjoys most.
Chapters
Oh man, that was a good one. So why, man, to kick things off, man, tell us a little bit about yourself, about your background, and how did you get started in the music industry?
Okay, so, so I was born in Tampa, Florida. My family were theater people. My mom and dad had a theater company. My dad was a director, my mom did a lot of the acting in the shows, and we would produce shows every year, like 4 major productions. And then, uh, side concerts, etc. And sometimes we would tour with those shows. So I grew up with that. By age 12, I started— I was acting at age 3, did a bunch of shows, musicals, and then, uh, got involved in the backstage end of it and the learning of it, or the, the technical aspects of it. So, so by age 12, I was already stage managing the shows. And the only way you can rebel in a house like that is decide that you want to play rock and roll. So, you know, I was like, well, yeah, I know you guys are into this musical theater thing, but I think I'm going to play rock and roll instead. So I bought a guitar at a job bagging groceries, and I bought a guitar and started playing and playing in bands, the usual thing. By age 20, I was already— I had been working in clubs for a couple of years just doing backline and setting gear up. And by age 21, I was on my first, like, world tour. I just happened to do a good enough job. Somebody picked me up, saw me and said, hey, let's take you out. And that was it. And I basically stayed on the road for 22 years off and on. I had a studio business where I would record not only my own music, but music for people that, you know, for others, you know, I opened it for clients. I started with a former bandmate and I produced a bunch of records over those 22 years for myself and others. Uh, some of my, some of my clients were bands that I toured with as well. And, and, uh, retired from the touring game at 44 when I had my first child. Yeah. And since then I still do a lot of, uh, studio work, but I'm a full-time technician in the theater.
Okay. Oh, so you did go back to the theater, huh?
Uh, back to the theater, but we're primarily a concert venue. Like, for example, like, uh, last night we had, uh, Yngwie Malmsteen. And, and if you don't know who that is, Yngwie Malmsteen is, uh, well, he's the maestro. He's a, he's a legendary virtuoso guitarist and, uh, shredder. Like, that's heavy metal classical music is the best way to describe it. Okay.
Yeah, you know, when I think of rock and roll, you know, they got so many people going into the, uh, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame now. Uh, it's back in the day, it was a song, I love rock and roll. Sure. I, I can't think of the chorus. With the good time, baby. So, uh, that's who that is.
Yeah.
Okay. Yeah, that's, that's, that's not my lane, man. I'm more R&B and rap and things of that nature, man. So, you know, I did. So, um, so why, man, you wear a lot of hats in this industry— musician, producer, tour manager, and more. Which role do you enjoy the most and why?
Oh man, every— everything is rewarding in its own way. I mean, I love making my own music, but obviously it doesn't It doesn't make as enough money, as much money as, uh, working for existing artists, established artists, and, and utilizing the whatever, you know, musical talents I have to help to make their job better or their, their shows better or whatever.
