Big Gig Energy

As both Bassist and Petrolhead, Dave Butterworth summed up going pro perfectly. To paraphrase a little; 'it's like passing your driving test. You get through the test, but then you need to learn how to actually drive on the road!' In this interview episode Dave covers how he got into music, his move into theatre-based tribute shows, and experiences from over a decade in the business. Episode links...

Tom Favell's had a varied career; originals, covers, weddings, cruise ships... but he keeps coming back to teaching. Part one of my interview with him we'll discuss how he got started, and his experience as various forms of music teacher over the years, ranging from studying for a PGCE to peripatetic work, to 1:1 instrumental tuition. Episode links: Tom's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttoth...

Tom Favell's had a varied career; originals, covers, weddings, cruise ships... but he keeps coming back to teaching. Part one of my interview with him we'll discuss how he got started, and his experience as various forms of music teacher over the years, ranging from studying for a PGCE to peripatetic work, to 1:1 instrumental tuition. Episode links: Tom's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttoth...

Here's part two of my interview with hardcore function veteran, Sam Cummings. In this episode we talk about the scenario that lead to Sam's decision to go back to school and study music formally, several war stories, and an attempt is made to call out Jake Paul (whoever that is). TRIGGER WARNING: this episode contains a reference to cornish pasty-induced suicide ideation and discussion of a method...

Here's the first episode in a two-part interview with Manchester-based function band guitarist, Sam Cummings. Sam's been a professional musician for his entire working life and has a whole load of wisdom to share, having started gigging professionally in his teens. He takes a very direct, no-nonsense approach to both gigging and life in general, so there's a whole load to learn from here! Strong l...

Jerome is pretty much the perfect case study for Big Gig Energy- in the time since I started working on season one, he's successfully quit the day job and become a full time musician! In addition to playing sax with various function bands, and working as part of 'Sax + DJ' packages, Jerome's originals band, Good Grief, have been going from strength to strength over the last couple of years, going...

There's a new agency taking the north west's wedding scene by storm- Dirtbag Entertainment. Founders Joey Vanzetti and Matt Ridgway are both musicians, and have combined their experience working for one of the UK's leading function band agencies, with their experience forming and playing in thier own hugely successful function band, The Hustle, to create a new agency that dares to do things differ...

Season 2 of Big Gig Energy coming soon! instagram.com/biggigenergy/ biggigenergy.co.uk

Episode 10 time! Last in season! Woooooo!! This week I'm joined by Alice Lyons ; coach, speaker, podcaster, LinkedIn sensation, and reluctant ukulele/bass player. PLOT TWIST: She'll be interviewing me! We're going to take a bit of a deep dive into my musical career, in particular looking at a point in time when my mental health fell to bits in order to examine how to stay sane in an in...

Since a certain blues guitarist (maybe) did a deal with the Dark One, music and making questionable agreements have been very closely linked. This week we're looking at the different types of contract musicians have to face; -Management contracts -Record Label contracts -Individual Gig contracts -Agency contracts and  -Client contracts. I'll take a quick look at each along with a rough guide...

This week I interview Drummer, Unexpected Classical Trombonist, and all-round Good Egg, Matt Chung. Matt and I discuss his beginnings in the industry, the power of musical redemption, and the overall importance of just being a nice human being to hang out with. Matt was kind enough to invite me to Rock Hard Studios in Blackpool to record this episode- the facilities there are utterly delightful an...

This week we're looking at some bigger picture, macro-level stuff- specifically on getting your planning in order!  We'll look at:  -Strategy  -Goals  -Momentum  and, 'Changing Gears'  to take things to the next level! I'll also go off-piste for a bit and whinge about my time taking a break from music for a couple of months; working as a 'normie' stacking shelves in a well-known UK supermarket... ...

This week we'll be deep diving into the ancient art of the Promo Pack, and the kinds of merch you can consider selling at gigs. If you enjoyed this episode, please do me a massive favour and rate this podcast!  Want to save a load of time, money, and frustration getting your band to the next level?  Consider some of my 1:1 musician-to-musician coaching!  Check out my flashy new website   Follo...

It's time for an interview episode! This week I'm sitting down with Bradford-based singer, guitarist, and bandleader, Cieran Miller, for a conversation about what Big Gig Energy means to him. When I first started working with Cieran in Autumn 2021, I was immediately blown away by how he brings his biggest energy and best self to every single gig, regardless of how many people were there or how muc...

Another list episode, because boy do people and algorithms love lists! Seven tips for you this time to turbocharge your branding and marketing strategy as a musician. Please note; this episode contains some strong language. Just like real life! Tip #1: Get Your Branding Right (The Three R's: Rudimentary, Recognisable, Relevant) Tip #2: Do Social Media- The Right Way Tip #3: Get A Website Tip #4: G...

This week we examine the 'product' -your live shows- and how to make them as good as they can possibly be. Strap in as I talk some more about the business of music (and make disparaging comments about folks that don't loop their guitar cable through their strap...) We'll look at six key areas: -Musicianship -Showmanship -Professionalism -Equipment -Onstage Aesthetics -Setlist choice Curious about...

In episode 2 we look at the core concept of the solo episodes of season 1; that music is an industry, and that you need to unleash your inner businessperson in order to succeed within it. We'll look at the key concepts which will be explored in further depth over the course of the season: -Relationships with bookers and audiences -Nailing the perfect 'product' -Outreach versus Marketing. In other...

Series 1, episode 1 of the Big Gig Energy podcast! It begins here! Kinda like Batman Begins, but without any of the themes, features, or characters found in Batman Begins. In this episode I'll be giving a rough overview of the podcast; my aims, and some of the things I hope to cover during its course.  Intrigued by my stint on kids' TV? Check the episode in question out here:  https://ww...

Coming soon- 'Big Gig Energy'.  A new podcast by musicians, for musicians; giving practical advice on career development with the ultimate goal of attaining the mythical, nirvana-like state of Big Gig Energy- where every single gig feels bigger and better than your last. Transcription: Welcome to Big Gig Energy: a podcast by musicians, for musicians; helping you get bigger gigs no matter what...