An honest look at what it takes to be a keyboardist on a stadium tour from programming the rig and dealing with unexpected mistakes, to connecting with the crowd and understanding the value of both emotional and technical preparation.
I remember the silence right before the first chord, when the lights go down and the crowd holds its breath. That moment carries a unique energy a mix of tense calm and anticipation ready to explode.
Playing on an arena tour isn’t just about knowing the songs. Every night, in front of thousands of people, there’s a complex technical system running with precision. Behind that system are the musicians not just performing, but breathing life into the music with every movement.
In this article, I want to share my experience as the keyboardist on TobyMac’s tour, focusing not just on the musical side, but also on the technical responsibility of maintaining a reliable rig, communicating with the team, and performing each show with precision and intention.
1. My Tour Setup: Blending Classic and Modern
My rig is designed to give me fluidity, versatility, and confidence. All my sounds (patches) are programmed directly on the hardware keyboards no external software like MainStage or Ableton. Each patch is clearly labeled with the name of the corresponding song.
🎹 Roland Juno-X — Main Synth
Placed to my right, on top of the Hammond C3, it’s the command center. I use it for most of the synth sounds and make the most patch changes here. Each song has its own customized patch, clearly named for easy access during the show. The Juno’s stability and tactile interface are key to reacting quickly and confidently.
🎚 Hammond C3 — The Voice of Soul
Modified by Goff Professional, this organ is a special piece in my setup. Nothing replaces the soul of a real Hammond. Changing drawbars live becomes an expressive act, not just a technical one, especially with gospel and soul — the genres that shaped me.
🎹 Nord Stage 4 — Harmonic and Emotional Foundation
Positioned just below the Moog, it holds the emotional core of many songs. I use it mainly for acoustic and textured piano sounds, like the Mellotron strings in “Made to Love.” Nord is my go-to brand for its warm, expressive piano tones.
🎻 Moog Sub 37 — Analog Bass with Soul
This synth handles all the bass lines with just one patch used throughout the night. Its powerful, defined low-end adds weight and analog depth to the music.
🎹 Roland AX Synth (Keytar) — The Unexpected Moment
I only use it in one song: “Everything.” This is when I step away from my rig and connect face-to-face with the audience a short but powerful moment of surprise and connection.
2. Pre-Tour Programming and Prep
When I joined TobyMac’s band, the challenge wasn’t just learning the show it was understanding everything that already existed and figuring out how I fit into that sound. I was given live recordings and multitrack stems, which were essential for dissecting every detail.
I was replacing the long-time keyboardist and music director, someone who held that position for over 15 years. So, my approach was to honor the legacy while gradually introducing my own musical identity in the right places.
I programmed everything directly into the keyboards. It took me about a day to build the patches, organized in setlist order with clear labels. That structure allows me to stay focused on performance instead of menu-diving.
I learned the hard way when the Juno suddenly lost all its patches due to a mysterious glitch. Since then, I always carry USB backups and hard drives. Technical prep isn’t just about avoiding disasters it gives you emotional freedom on stage.
3. Tech Communication and Pre-Show Routine
Flawless execution relies heavily on communication. My monitor engineer is one of my biggest allies. I use a footswitch to toggle my vocal mic into a talkback channel for quick, discreet adjustments mid-show.
My keyboards are connected in stereo to a Radial PROD8 DI, which ensures a full, rich sound. The Hammond C3 connects to a Leslie 122 XB cabinet backstage, adding that signature rotating depth.
During the day, while the crew sets up, I often work from my mobile studio, rehearse sections, fine-tune sounds, or jam with the band. Just before showtime, I put on headphones and listen to music that inspires me something different each night to ground and focus me. And we always pray as a band before stepping on stage. That moment reminds us of our purpose and unity.
4. Key Moments and Lessons Learned
On tour, technical issues are inevitable. One of the most intense moments was right before the keytar solo in “Everything.” I stepped out front, ready to play, and nothing. The wireless system failed. Still, I gave it my all, pretending to play the most epic silent solo of my life. I put into practice a lesson years of experience have taught me: a good attitude can save any show.
Another powerful moment came when someone from the audience told me how much it meant to see a Latino musician on stage at this level. It reminded me that we represent something bigger than ourselves.
Over the years, I’ve come to understand how crucial ergonomic setups are and touring constantly confirms it. A few thoughtful adjustments can radically improve performance. Moving naturally makes all the difference between a tense show and a fully connected one.
5. Practical Advice for Aspiring Touring Keyboardists
- Listen actively to the music and the people: Pay attention not just to notes, but to the unspoken emotional cues of your bandmates. That’s where true connection happens.
- Avoid overplaying; serve the song, not your ego: Every note should have purpose. A great musician knows when to lead and when to lay back.
- Be a good hang: Respect personal space, stay adaptable, and bring positive energy. Touring is close quarters for long stretches character matters.
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Stay humble: Be open to feedback and collaboration. Humility opens more doors than any flashy solo.
Extra Pro Tips for Real-Life Scenarios:
- Keep multiple backups ready and updated: I use USB drives, external hard disks, and cloud storage.
- Have an emergency plan for gear failure: Practice how to quickly reassign patches across keyboards in case of malfunction.
- Take care of your body and mind: Stretch regularly and build in small routines that help you decompress.
- Communicate clearly and kindly with the tech team: Specific, respectful, and concise communication builds trust.
- Maximize every soundcheck: Check cables, volumes, connectors, and simulate emergencies when possible.
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Label patches with song names: It sounds like a cliché, but naming patches after songs helps you internalize the emotional and musical intent of each track. It boosts flow and confidence under pressure.
To my fellow Latin-rooted musicians: this is for you
Don’t think you’re too far. Distance isn’t measured in miles it’s measured in preparation. Every small step you take brings you closer to that dream stage. Talent opens doors, but attitude keeps them open.
Stay true to your story, your roots, and your way of feeling music. But also be willing to grow and serve something bigger than yourself.
Touring isn’t just about playing it’s about connecting, serving, and pouring your heart into every note. I hope this story encourages you to prepare emotionally, spiritually, and technically so you’re ready when the spotlight hits.
Did you enjoy this article?
If you’d like to keep exploring the behind-the-scenes of touring life, learn more about my gear, or read other musical experiences, I’d love to connect with you on:
📸 Instagram: @davidalastre
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🌐 Official website: www.davidalastremusic.com
Thanks for reading all the way through.
See you from the stage!