The Full Time Function Musician Podcast

In this episode of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast, I’m joined by Australian wedding and event violinist Evangeline Victoria, who has built an international career performing at weddings and events across Europe and beyond. We talk through how she took her business overseas, from launching during lockdown to navigating her first international enquiries, building a recognisable brand, and creating the right kind of content to attract destination couples. Evie breaks down the reality of working abroad as a musician: managing travel, understanding different cultures and expectations, connecting with planners and local suppliers, and structuring pricing when working outside your home country. Whether you’re dreaming of playing in sun-soaked locations or simply want to expand your reach beyond your local market, this episode offers a practical, honest look at how to get started in the destination-wedding world. Connect with Evie www.evangelinevictoriamusic.com.au @evangelinevictoriamusic This episode is brought to you by Acoustic Backs And Tracks, your go-to source for premium acoustic backing tracks that sound and feel like the real deal. Whether you’re performing at weddings, recording content, or just practising at home, it’s like having a professional band right there with you. Their tracks are recorded by top session musicians, with real instruments and real emotion - no lifeless MIDI here! Need something custom? They’ve got you covered. From key changes and mashups to exclusive tracks made just for you. Plus, their customer support is fast, friendly, and actually understands musicians. No task is too big for them! And here’s the best part - listeners of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast get 10% off on their first order. Just head to www.acousticbacksandtracks.com and use the code FUNCTION10 at checkout. @acousticbacksandtracks Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians Get Your Free Guide Here - www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide @thefulltimefunctionmusician feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

In this episode, I sit down with Lily Kerbey, a Yorkshire-based alternative wedding singer and guitarist who’s redefining what live wedding music can be. From performing Slipknot and S Club 7 mashups to running fully booked seasons years in advance, Lily shares how leaning into her niche transformed her career. She opens up about her journey from teaching to becoming a full-time musician, how a simple Instagram ad filled her diary, and why authenticity and community matter more than ever. This conversation is packed with inspiration for any function musician looking to build a thriving business by being unapologetically themselves. Key Takeaways: How to find (and own) your niche as a wedding performer Why branding and consistency matter more than fancy gear How low-cost Instagram ads can outperform expensive wedding fairs The power of community over competition in the wedding industry Balancing boundaries and burnout when success hits fast Connect with Lily @lilykerbeymusic www.lilykerbeymusic.co.uk tiktok.com/@lilykerbeymusic This episode is brought to you by Acoustic Backs And Tracks, your go-to source for premium acoustic backing tracks that sound and feel like the real deal. Whether you’re performing at weddings, recording content, or just practising at home, it’s like having a professional band right there with you. Their tracks are recorded by top session musicians, with real instruments and real emotion - no lifeless MIDI here! Need something custom? They’ve got you covered. From key changes and mashups to exclusive tracks made just for you. Plus, their customer support is fast, friendly, and actually understands musicians. No task is too big for them! And here’s the best part - listeners of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast get 10% off on their first order. Just head to www.acousticbacksandtracks.com and use the code FUNCTION10 at checkout. @acousticbacksandtracks Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians Get Your Free Guide Here - www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide @thefulltimefunctionmusician feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

In this episode, I'm joined once again by Ian Marx from The Fireflies Party Band for a deeper look at what it really means to run your band like a business. Ian shares how he’s built a successful, full-time function band over 11 years, from managing bandmates and keeping communication clear, to creating systems that save time and secure more bookings. They talk about treating your band like a brand, building a professional image with promo and EPKs, and why consistency, organisation, and customer service are just as important as the music itself. Key Takeaways: Create a simple calendar system to manage your band’s availability. Use a professional EPK to showcase your brand, reviews, and visuals. Reply to enquiries quickly — fast responses win bookings. Expansion isn’t always about more bands; it’s about improving your product. Learn to say no to low-value gigs so you can focus on better opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or already gigging regularly, this episode is packed with practical advice on turning your passion into a sustainable business. Connect with Ian @ianmarkx www.ians-tracks.co.uk www.sussexpartyband.co.uk @thefirefliespartyband This episode is brought to you by Acoustic Backs And Tracks, your go-to source for premium acoustic backing tracks that sound and feel like the real deal. Whether you’re performing at weddings, recording content, or just practising at home, it’s like having a professional band right there with you. Their tracks are recorded by top session musicians, with real instruments and real emotion - no lifeless MIDI here! Need something custom? They’ve got you covered. From key changes and mashups to exclusive tracks made just for you. Plus, their customer support is fast, friendly, and actually understands musicians. No task is too big for them! And here’s the best part - listeners of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast get 10% off on their first order. Just head to www.acousticbacksandtracks.com and use the code FUNCTION10 at checkout. @acousticbacksandtracks Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians Get Your Free Guide Here - www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide @thefulltimefunctionmusician feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

In this episode of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast, I chat with Danny Bigland — guitarist, bandleader, and founder of the Musicians Community / DepsApp, a UK-wide network that connects musicians to paid work opportunities through WhatsApp. What started as a simple solution for finding dep musicians for his own band has grown into a nationwide community of over 1,000 players, helping musicians collectively earn more than £250,000 in paid gigs all without ads, commissions, or outside funding. Danny shares how he built everything organically through SEO, word-of-mouth, and genuine connection, turning a personal project into a purpose-driven movement. He opens up about balancing his creative ventures with a full-time job, hiring a team to support the community, and keeping the focus on helping others first — not profit. We dive deep into: How DepsApp became one of the UK’s largest musician networks Using SEO and social proof to grow a business without spending on ads The importance of authenticity and slow, steady growth Why giving back to your peers builds trust, loyalty, and good karma How helping others can open unexpected doors for your own success This episode is a reminder that good things happen when you focus on value over money, community over competition, and the belief that what you give will come back to you. Whether you’re a working musician, a creative freelancer, or building your own project from scratch, this is a powerful conversation about purpose, generosity, and sustainable growth in the modern music world. Connect with Danny @db16lnd @depsapp www.depsapp.com @peakspeakerhireltd www.peakspeakerhire.co.uk This episode is brought to you by Acoustic Backs And Tracks, your go-to source for premium acoustic backing tracks that sound and feel like the real deal. Whether you’re performing at weddings, recording content, or just practising at home, it’s like having a professional band right there with you. Their tracks are recorded by top session musicians, with real instruments and real emotion - no lifeless MIDI here! Need something custom? They’ve got you covered. From key changes and mashups to exclusive tracks made just for you. Plus, their customer support is fast, friendly, and actually understands musicians. No task is too big for them! And here’s the best part - listeners of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast get 10% off on their first order. Just head to www.acousticbacksandtracks.com and use the code FUNCTION10 at checkout. @acousticbacksandtracks Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians Get Your Free Guide Here - www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide @thefulltimefunctionmusician feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

In this episode of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast, I'm joined by 50's swing and rock & roll singer Simon Lane. At 60 years old, Simon brings decades of experience from pubs, weddings, vintage festivals, and even busking on the streets. He shares candid insights about what it’s like to navigate the modern music industry as an older performer. We discuss how self-awareness, smart positioning, and finding the right niche can help older musicians stay relevant, book the right gigs, and continue to thrive in the industry. Whether it’s pacing yourself physically, choosing the right events, or embracing modern marketing in a way that works for you, this conversation is packed with practical insights for any musician who feels they might be “too late” to the party. Connect with Simon www.simonlanemusic.co.uk @simonlanemusic www.facebook.com/simonlanemusicpage www.tiktok.com@swampvox This episode is brought to you by Acoustic Backs And Tracks, your go-to source for premium acoustic backing tracks that sound and feel like the real deal. Whether you’re performing at weddings, recording content, or just practising at home, it’s like having a professional band right there with you. Their tracks are recorded by top session musicians, with real instruments and real emotion - no lifeless MIDI here! Need something custom? They’ve got you covered. From key changes and mashups to exclusive tracks made just for you. Plus, their customer support is fast, friendly, and actually understands musicians. No task is too big for them! And here’s the best part - listeners of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast get 10% off on their first order. Just head to www.acousticbacksandtracks.com and use the code FUNCTION10 at checkout. @acousticbacksandtracks Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians Get Your Free Guide Here - www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide @thefulltimefunctionmusician feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

In this week’s episode of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast, I’m joined by vocalist, arranger, producer and musical director Joe Ringer — founder and MD of Juke (formerly The Joe Ringer Band). Joe shares his journey from starting out in pub gigs to building a successful luxury showband that’s now over a decade strong. We dig into: The decision to rebrand from a personal name to Juke — and how to do it without losing clients Why his background in graphic design gave him an edge in marketing the band How Juke balances being musically exciting while still delivering what clients want The steps he’s taking to turn the band into a sustainable long-term business If you’ve ever thought about rebranding your act, or you want to learn how to balance the creative and business sides of being a function musician, this is a must-listen. Connect with Joe @joeringermusic @jukeshowband www.jukeband.co.uk This episode is brought to you by Acoustic Backs And Tracks, your go-to source for premium acoustic backing tracks that sound and feel like the real deal. Whether you’re performing at weddings, recording content, or just practising at home, it’s like having a professional band right there with you. Their tracks are recorded by top session musicians, with real instruments and real emotion - no lifeless MIDI here! Need something custom? They’ve got you covered. From key changes and mashups to exclusive tracks made just for you. Plus, their customer support is fast, friendly, and actually understands musicians. No task is too big for them! And here’s the best part - listeners of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast get 10% off on their first order. Just head to www.acousticbacksandtracks.com and use the code FUNCTION10 at checkout. @acousticbacksandtracks Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians Get Your Free Guide Here - www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide @thefulltimefunctionmusician feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

Many musicians blame being undercut, bad venues, or unmotivated bandmates for why they’re not progressing, but is that really the issue? In this episode of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast, I’m joined by drummer and content creator Johnny Fiacconi to dig into the mindset and habits that actually move the needle in your career. We talk about why extreme ownership is a game-changer, how regular band check-ins can prevent frustration and burnout, and why niching down (and sometimes even going ultra niche) helps you stand out in a crowded market. You’ll also hear practical tips on building a consistent social media presence that feels authentic, and how personal branding can open doors for your band as a byproduct. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or frustrated with your progress, this episode will give you a fresh perspective — plus clear, actionable ideas to help you take control, stay consistent, and grow your music career. Connect with Johnny @johnnyfiacconi www.johnnyfiacconi.com @thedreamboats www.thedreamboatsband.com This episode is brought to you by Acoustic Backs And Tracks, your go-to source for premium acoustic backing tracks that sound and feel like the real deal. Whether you’re performing at weddings, recording content, or just practising at home, it’s like having a professional band right there with you. Their tracks are recorded by top session musicians, with real instruments and real emotion - no lifeless MIDI here! Need something custom? They’ve got you covered. From key changes and mashups to exclusive tracks made just for you. Plus, their customer support is fast, friendly, and actually understands musicians. No task is too big for them! And here’s the best part - listeners of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast get 10% off on their first order. Just head to www.acousticbacksandtracks.com and use the code FUNCTION10 at checkout. @acousticbacksandtracks Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians Get Your Free Guide Here - www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide @thefulltimefunctionmusician feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

In this episode of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast, I sit down with singer, songwriter, and author Leo Ihenacho to talk about the principles behind building a career in music that lasts. Drawing on the lessons from his book, Leo shares why talent alone isn’t enough, the habits and values that separate professionals from amateurs, and how function musicians can create stability in an unpredictable industry. We dive into the importance of professionalism, humility, and preparation, why your reputation will always open more doors than a one-off performance, and how to balance creativity with treating your music as a business. Packed with practical advice and honest reflections, this episode is a blueprint for any musician who wants to build not just gigs, but a career. Connect with Leo @leotheliongram www.highpaidsinger.com This episode is brought to you by Acoustic Backs And Tracks, your go-to source for premium acoustic backing tracks that sound and feel like the real deal. Whether you’re performing at weddings, recording content, or just practising at home, it’s like having a professional band right there with you. Their tracks are recorded by top session musicians, with real instruments and real emotion - no lifeless MIDI here! Need something custom? They’ve got you covered. From key changes and mashups to exclusive tracks made just for you. Plus, their customer support is fast, friendly, and actually understands musicians. No task is too big for them! And here’s the best part - listeners of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast get 10% off on their first order. Just head to www.acousticbacksandtracks.com and use the code FUNCTION10 at checkout. @acousticbacksandtracks Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians Get Your Free Guide Here - www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide @thefulltimefunctionmusician feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

In this final episode of our mini-series, Stu and I answer a couple of rapid-fire listener questions to wrap things up. We chat about how to prepare for gigs both physically and mentally — from nailing your songs to managing those pre-show nerves — and dive into what skills beyond music every function musician should build, like marketing, budgeting, and investing in your own learning. Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians Get Your Free Guide Here - www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide @thefulltimefunctionmusician feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

In this mini episode, Stu and I answer another listener question: What advice would you give to someone about to go full-time as a function musician? Stu recently made the leap himself, so we dig into what that transition really looks like—from gigging at open mics and busking in the streets to building confidence and getting those first paid bookings. We also talk about the financial side: how to prepare, why a part-time job can actually be a smart move, and what it means to "cut your teeth" as a performer. If you’re thinking about going full-time, or you’re right on the edge, this one’s for you. Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians Get Your Free Guide Here - www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide @thefulltimefunctionmusician feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

In this episode, We answer another great listener question about low fees and whether agencies are driving down standards in the function music world. I share my own experience working with agencies and explain why I still think they’re a valuable part of the ecosystem—especially when you’re just getting started. We talk about how to strike the right balance between agency gigs and direct bookings, why it's important to be confident in your rate, and how to use the time saved by agencies to invest in building your brand. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should rely on agents or go fully independent, this one’s for you. Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians Get Your Free Guide Here - www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide @thefulltimefunctionmusician feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

In this episode, we tackle two key questions from the podcast community: How do you successfully collect Google reviews? How do you deal with clients ghosting you after inquiring? We share practical, real-world tips on how to ask for reviews in a way that feels natural and effective – whether it’s using QR codes at gigs, follow-up emails, or laminated table cards. We also dive deep into handling client ghosting, discussing follow-up email strategies, how long to wait before chasing, and how to protect your time with things like deposit policies, quote expiry dates, and lead qualification tactics. If you've ever struggled with getting testimonials or felt frustrated when potential clients disappear, this episode is full of actionable advice you can start using right away. Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians Get Your Free Guide Here - www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide @thefulltimefunctionmusician feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

In this mini episode, we answer another listener question and dig into one of the biggest struggles function musicians face: finding time to actually work on your business, not just in it. If you’re constantly busy with gigs, teaching, or day jobs, and feel like the growth side of your music career is always on the back burner, this conversation is for you. We share mindset shifts, real-life examples, and practical strategies for reclaiming your time — so you can start building the systems, marketing, and offers that will move your business forward. Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians Get Your Free Guide Here - www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide @thefulltimefunctionmusician feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco