The Giggs Podcast: #38 Vinnie Ferra & Jonny Stiegler | From Zero to SNL: How The Beehive Develops Artists

Welcome to The Giggs Podcast! Giggs is the career platform for live event professionals. We're starting this podcast because there's not nearly enough content out there about what it really takes to be on the road. Whether you're an aspiring tour manager, a seasoned backline tech, or just getting started in the business, this podcast is for you. We're taking you behind the scenes to explore the highs and the lows of life gigging on the Giggs Podcast. 

The duo behind one of the tour collective: The Beehive. Founded in 2016 by Vinnie Ferra and Jonny Stiegler, The Beehive was built to make the touring experience better—for artists, yes—but more importantly, for the crew. What started as two friends backing each other’s clients has become a full-service operation combining tour management, musical direction, custom arrangements, and crew development. They’ve helped shape the live sound and stage for artists like Gracie Abrams, Halsey, Masego, T-Pain, Gryffin, and Madison Beer, with a focus on long-term partnership and crew growth.

Listen to the whole episode now! Click here to listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube!

From Accidental Collaboration to Full-Scale Operation

Back in 2016, Vinnie was already deep into music direction without even knowing it had a name, and Johnny had jumped on the road straight out of college, learning production and tour management on the fly. They met by chance, quickly realized they shared a relentless work ethic, and began backing each other’s clients. Before long, they were moving crews, gear, and buses between tours—saving their clients time and money—without realizing they’d built a full-fledged business.

By 2017, their informal network had grown into a community. They opened storage and rehearsal spaces in Nashville, creating a hub where artists could prepare for tours and crews could work seamlessly across projects. What started as “just helping out” became The Beehive.

Music Direction Meets Tour Management

Part of what makes Vinnie and Johnny’s partnership so effective is their complementary skill sets. Vinnie handles the creative side—arranging music, hiring and leading bands, and ensuring the live show delivers on an artist’s vision. Johnny focuses on logistics—budgets, routing, and making sure the entire operation runs smoothly.

Unlike the traditional separation between music direction and tour management, they integrate both from the start. Decisions about band configuration, for example, aren’t just creative—they directly impact staffing, gear needs, and transportation costs. That collaboration saves artists money and headaches.

Crew Culture Comes First

The Beehive is as much about people as it is about production. Vinnie and Johnny hand-select crews not only for their skills but also for their “tour vibe.” A top-notch audio tech who’s miserable to hang out with can throw off the energy for everyone. For them, attitude and collaboration are just as important as technical ability.

They also make a point to be transparent—whether it’s warning about a rough travel day or explaining why certain gear choices make sense. That honesty keeps morale high and helps prevent the burnout and negativity that can spread like wildfire on the road.

Navigating Budgets Without Killing the Show

One of their biggest challenges is helping artists, especially newer ones, make the most of their budgets. Startup costs—gear, in-ears, rehearsals—can be steep, so they look for ways to amortize those expenses across multiple tours. Sometimes that means suggesting a smaller band, a more efficient travel setup, or creative ways to deliver a big-feeling show without overspending.

They never dictate terms; instead, they present options, explain the trade-offs, and let the artist decide. This approach keeps artists in control while ensuring they understand the financial reality behind their vision.

Adapting Through a Pandemic

When COVID-19 shut down touring in 2020, The Beehive pivoted fast. Within days, they were producing live-streamed concerts from their Nashville space, bringing in artists like Yungblud for high-quality online shows. Throughout lockdown, they kept crews working by producing virtual performances for late-night TV, music videos, and even ticketed “Zoom concerts.”

That adaptability not only kept their business afloat—it cemented their reputation as problem-solvers who could deliver in any situation.

Developing Artists for the Long Game

Working with artists like Gracie Abrams and Gryffin, Vinnie and Johnny focus on building careers, not just shows. That means everything from designing first-time rehearsal experiences to structuring tours that help artists grow comfortably into bigger venues. For Gracie, they started with small, controlled environments and built up to major moments like SNL—surrounding her with a trusted team from day one.

The Takeaway

In an industry often obsessed with the spotlight, The Beehive puts equal focus on the people behind it. By blending creative vision with airtight logistics, prioritizing crew well-being, and making smart, sustainable choices, Vinnie and Johnny are proving that great tours aren’t just about putting on a show—they’re about building a culture.