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: Dave's Instagram: @davebbass Dave's Album Recommendation: Through The Night, by Design Rewind (2019) https://open.spotify.com/album/5UvkHhXfk7FTDDMcmBGScO

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/ttothefaz/ https://www.instagram.com/tomfavellmusic/ Tom's Album Recommendations: Dutch Uncles- Out Of Touch In The Wild (2013) https://open.spotify.com/album/4DRbDuBgLdcY5XC6wrBH6G?si=eYx0CzCDQZuM35TA349m7Q Tom's new EP, 'Strangers, At Best' is out November 22nd, 2024: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0PnqBqT2AG9V09xY3IxcgH?si=1SttThl5SdWswnU1zpsh-A

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/ttothefaz/ https://www.instagram.com/tomfavellmusic/ Tom's new EP, 'Strangers, At Best' is out November 22nd, 2024: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0PnqBqT2AG9V09xY3IxcgH?si=1SttThl5SdWswnU1zpsh-A

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. Please do not listen if you're not in a safe headspace to do so- skip this one for now and come back when you feel safe to do so. Episode links: Sam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsamthatplaysguitar/ The Funtime Frankies' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuntimefrankies/ Sam's Album Recommendations: Let It Lie (The Bros. Landreth, 2013) https://open.spotify.com/album/0buMKnyiBGlfNVvbpvYUXp?si=qfcbq_0NRXC0fsAsKeH3lA 'Four' & More (Miles Davis, 1966) https://open.spotify.com/album/1oIZBAdJ2QojYwnNCzGDNW?si=xvfjzqy6TdOBb6mtiIMmHA

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 language from the very start. Episode links: Sam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsamthatplaysguitar/ The Funtime Frankies' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuntimefrankies/

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 from a de-facto 'rehearsals only' band, to one in hot demand on the north west's jazz circuit. I caught up with Jerome at Jack's Instrument Services in Manchester back in March 2024 to record this interview. Apologies for the audio quality on this one- I tried out some new microphones for the in-person interview this season, and, as it happens, I was using them totally wrong 😂 Episode links: Jerome's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerome__marcus/ Good Grief Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodgoodgriefofficial/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5OQYGjlauc7Px9Wea8jo0z?si=LODYpPifRxeoKKRQkmpeUg Latest music video, 'Nice Goin'': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vaSv1pn40w Jerome's Album Recommendation: Infinite Falling Ground (Ivy Lab, 2022) https://open.spotify.com/album/1R5MzTlRprJJWOYlzV93UY?si=atoabZe1RLW96XPEdhGZxQ

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 differently. We met over Zoom back in March of 2024, as Dirtbag was really starting to pick up the pace... SHOW LINKS: Dirtbag Entertainment Website: https://www.dirtbag-entertainment.com/ The Hustle Website: https://thehustleband.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehustlebanduk Showreel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Naw5ZeS1wu0 Joey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyvanzetti/ Joey's Album Recommendation: The Impossible Kid (Aesop Rock, 2016) https://open.spotify.com/album/6D6v19wYlLDsYkkfebOY3g?si=aJ_NwUOFQdGewZ6IsygeHA Matt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gringomatt/ Matt's Album Recommendation: You're a Woman, I'm a Machine (Death From Above 1979) https://open.spotify.com/album/5AGKxoQIJ6MKDOiITKwH9z?si=0QLexdeWTHmWCY97F2oekg

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 industry seemingly designed to destroy the mental health of those working within it. It's deeply personal and I lay bare both my greatest successes and my darkest moments, offering advice I learned the hard way- in the hope that you won't have to. ...We'll then take a light-hearted look at my usual Big Gig Energy interview questions and I'll continue to fanboi over my old band and Stadium Arcadium! This features strong language, and there are points where I briefly mention my own experiences with suicidality which some may find triggering. Please only listen to this episode if you feel in a safe headspace to do so. Safeguarding links to charities and resources such as the Samaritans are linked at the bottom of this page. Alice's socials and links- Podcasts: Mind Over Grind Solving Suicide Websites: Dark Coffee Content Coaching LinkedIn (Epic ukulele lockdown masterpiece) IG: Dark Coffee Solving Suicide My socials and links to check out- Curious about my 1:1 musician-to-musician coaching?  Check out my flashy new website www.biggigenergy.co.uk  Follow me on Instagram:  @biggigenergy  @steve.leggett91  Album recommendations: Omnium Gatherum (King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard) Stadium Arcadium (Red Hot Chili Peppers) Book recommendation: 'The Creative Act: A Way of Being' by Rick Rubin If you've enjoyed this podcast, but have no need for my professional services, please consider 'buying me a coffee' to support my work :) Or, even just rating this on your provider of choice would be a massive help to me if you can spare a few clicks. ***SAFEGUARDING*** Alice has recommended the below resources for those affected by adverse mental health, or keen to learn more. INTERNATIONAL SUICIDE SUPPORT HELPLINES:⁠https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/⁠ SUICIDE SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS (UK) Samaritans: Confidential suicide discussion and support. Free helpline available round the clock. Text - 116123. Call - 08457 909090 Email - ⁠jo@samaritans.org⁠. Website - ⁠www.samaritans.org⁠ Mind: Support and information for anyone suffering from a mental health problem. 0300 123 3393 Website - ⁠Mind.org.uk⁠ Saneline: Practical information, crisis care and emotional support to people affected by mental health concerns. Helpline: 0845 767 8000, open daily from 6pm – 11pm.

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 to not getting done over :) Party on dudes! Curious about my 1:1 musician-to-musician coaching? Check out my flashy new website: www.biggigenergy.co.uk Follow me on Instagram: @biggigenergy @steve.leggett91 If you've enjoyed this podcast, but have no need for my professional services, please consider 'buying me a coffee' to support my work :) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BigGigEnergy Or, even just rating this on your provider of choice would be a massive help to me if you can spare a few clicks

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 and Matt himself is a very welcoming host and ambassador for the business  https://www.rhmg.co.uk/  (IG https://www.instagram.com/rhmgltd/) Collar Matt on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mattchungdrums/ The Funtime Frankies:  https://www.instagram.com/thefuntimefrankies/ Curious about my 1:1 musician-to-musician coaching?  Check out my flashy new website: www.biggigenergy.co.uk  Follow me on Instagram:  @biggigenergy  @steve.leggett91  If you've enjoyed this podcast, but have no need for my professional services, please consider 'buying me a coffee' to support my work :) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BigGigEnergy Or, even just rating this on your provider of choice would be a massive help to me if you can spare a few clicks.

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...  Curious about my 1:1 musician-to-musician coaching? Check out my flashy new website: www.biggigenergy.co.uk Follow me on Instagram: @biggigenergy @steve.leggett91 If you've enjoyed this podcast, but have no need for my professional services, please consider 'buying me a coffee' to support my work :) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BigGigEnergy Or, even just rating this on your provider of choice would be a massive help to me if you can spare a few clicks.

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   Follow me on Instagram:  @biggigenergy  @steve.leggett91 If you've been enjoying this podcast, but have no need for my professional services, please consider 'buying me a coffee' to support my work :)

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 much it paid. To me, these were classic indicators of B.G.E, and I was keen to have him on the podcast as my first guest interview! Amongst other things, we'll discuss the importance of treating every gig as a Big Gig, highlights from his career so far, the approach he takes to performing and songwriting, and the jangly joy of playing 12-string guitars.  Also, I play an ocarina solo to avoid being sued. Check Cieran and his projects out here: -Cieran's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millertimedma/ -Northern Groove Collective showreel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3d3hfiCTZI&ab_channel=NorthernGrooveCollective -Northern Groove Collective's IG: https://www.instagram.com/northerngroovecollective/ -Isolation Club's IG: https://www.instagram.com/isolationclubca/ -Isolation Club on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0eXlXO7bzX1w0P52CeRAO5?si=khwyS4KHSieowETQphg71Q -DMA on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dmabanduk -Prospect Studios, Bradford: https://www.prospectstudios.co.uk/ Bonus- Cieran's album recommendation: Marshall Crenshaw, by Marshall Crenshaw [1982] https://open.spotify.com/album/50xdDU6Fw8VC8JRfoMefmB?si=492tqUr7QDOCNa47QpTjCg 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: www.biggigenergy.co.uk Follow me on Instagram: @biggigenergy @steve.leggett91 If you've enjoyed this podcast, but have no need for my professional services, please consider 'buying me a coffee' to support my work :) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BigGigEnergy

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: Get Some Photos Done. Good Photos. Tip #5: Sort Out Your Showreel+Videos Tip #6: Recordings- Quality Over Quantity, and Get On Spotify! Tip #7: Spend Time On Your Bio I mention coming across the band Cannons during this episode as an example of the power of Spotify... here's a YouTube link to their song, 'Hurricane' which I'm linking to here, simply because I think it's a bit of a banger. Also, selfishly, I'm really hoping they do a vinyl run of their album and the more people that come across them, the sooner that'll happen... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ2kSbSrDLs&ab_channel=CannonsVEVO 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: www.biggigenergy.co.uk Follow me on Instagram: @biggigenergy @steve.leggett91 If you've enjoyed this podcast, but have no need for my professional services, please consider 'buying me a coffee' to support my work :) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BigGigEnergy

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 my 1:1 musician-to-musician coaching? Check out my flashy new website: www.biggigenergy.co.uk Follow me on Instagram: @biggigenergy @steve.leggett91 If you've enjoyed this podcast, but have no need for my professional services, please consider 'buying me a coffee' to support my work :) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BigGigEnergy

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 words, advertising- the right way, to the right people -Finances. Because whether we're in it just for the money or not, most other people you deal with will be. -Strategy/Goals. You got to know where you're aiming, and you got to know how you're getting there. -Momentum- what to do when it all comes together... and how to respond when that isn't enough anymore. -And finally, how to apply all of this! Curious about my 1:1 musician-to-musician coaching? Check out my flashy new website: www.biggigenergy.co.uk Follow me on Instagram: @biggigenergy @steve.leggett91 If you've enjoyed this podcast, but have no need for my professional services, please consider 'buying me a coffee' to support my work :) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BigGigEnergy

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://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06j7f19/show-me-show-me-series-6-10-ukeleles-and-holidays  Curious about my 1:1 musician-to-musician coaching?  Check out my flashy new website: www.biggigenergy.co.uk Follow me on Instagram: @biggigenergy @steve.leggett91 If you've enjoyed this podcast, but have no need for my professional services, please consider 'buying me a coffee' to support my work :) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BigGigEnergy

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

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 level you're at. I'm your host Steve Leggett, and with 10 years experience as a professional musician; doing everything from pubs and functions, to travelling the world in a ukulele boyband, I understand that being a musician is rarely the glamorous experience people make it out to be, and that building your career up to the point where you get to know pro can be the most challenging professional leap of faith there is.  But, I'm going to use my experience and insight, and maybe a guest or two, to help you activate your own Big Gig Energy to take things to the next level, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. So, let's get to it!