Loud stage sound is a known challenge for live sound engineers, and the goal of this study was to investigate stage sound's role in live rock music performed in small venues. Stage sound is known to be prominent in small rooms as the total sound energy produced tends to contain a large proportion of stage sound. It commonly addressed that if the PA is overpowered by direct sound from instruments on stage, the mixing engineer may lose control over musical balance and overall sound level. To understand how engineers handle this, 6 professional engineers were interviewed by using semi-structured interviews. Additionally, 14 shorter interviews were conducted with musicians to gain further insight in what attributes of stage sound are desirable for performers and how they are affected by engineers' decisions. Results were interpreted through thematic analysis. 8 main themes were identified, some of which contained several subthemes. These themes were 1) Managing instruments' stage sound, 2) Monitor systems, 3) PA systems - what sources need reinforcement?, 4) Strategies for even coverage, 5) Sound level management, 6) Limitations of small venues 7) What is "good sound"? and 8) Communication regarding stage sound levels.