The Full Time Function Musician Podcast

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

[email protected]

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk

@infocusrecordingco

In this episode, we tackle a question from listener Buscarella: "It feels like the market is super saturated with singers—how do I stand out?" We dive into the importance of personal branding, authenticity, and finding your niche as a function musician. From refining your image and social media presence to developing a strong USP and embracing what makes you different, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples to help you rise above the noise. Whether you’re indie-folk with a stompbox or a sleek Sinatra-style crooner, the key is being unapologetically you.

Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians

Get Your Free Guide Here -

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide

@thefulltimefunctionmusician

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk

@infocusrecordingco

In this mini episode of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast, we dive into a topic many self-employed musicians tend to overlook—retirement planning. We explore why pensions are so important for freelancers and how to start preparing now, even if money is tight. From Stocks & Shares ISAs to Lifetime ISAs and SIPPs, we share our personal approaches to saving for the future. We also break down simple strategies, recommend useful podcasts and books, and explain how small financial habits can lead to big long-term gains through the power of compound interest. Whether you're in your 20s or 40s, this episode is a must-listen for any musician looking to build lasting financial security.

Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians

Get Your Free Guide Here -

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide

@thefulltimefunctionmusician

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk

@infocusrecordingco

In this first mini episode between seasons two and three, I'm is joined by returning guest and good friend Stuart Hutton (aka One Eyed Man and founder of The Berkshire Artistry). They answer a listener question from Matt Groucott, a newly graduated bassist looking to break into the function scene and session work.

We dive into actionable advice on how to get your first paid gigs, the importance of networking, how to use social media as a portfolio, and the realities of being a full-time, self-employed musician. There’s also chat about time blocking, productivity tips, and surviving giant flying insects during podcast recordings.

Whether you’re fresh out of music uni or just starting to think about function work, this episode is packed with real-world tips to help you get going.

Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians

Get Your Free Guide Here -

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide

@thefulltimefunctionmusician

[email protected]

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk

@infocusrecordingco

In this episode of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast, I sit down with singer-songwriter and guitarist Mikey Rainsford to explore his journey from original bands to becoming a full-time working musician. Mikey shares how he built his business, Blackbird Weddings, combining music, wedding videography, and design. We dive into the struggles of the industry, building a brand from scratch, how Instagram drives his leads, and the power of personality in business. Expect laughs, chaos, and practical advice—from being toppled by a wedding guest to making money writing songs for strangers.

Connect with Mikey

@mikeyrainsford

@blackbirdweddingsuk

www.blackbirdweddingsuk.com

Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians

Get Your Free Guide Here -

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide

@thefulltimefunctionmusician

[email protected]

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk

@infocusrecordingco

In this refreshingly honest episode of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast, I chat with wedding and event pianist Christa Hugo about thriving in the function scene while embracing her introverted nature.

From her early ballet-accompanist gigs at age 12 to leading choirs of hundreds and becoming a sought-after wedding pianist, Krista shares the twists and turns of her career — and how she navigated it all as an introvert.

We dig into:

The difference between introversion and shyness

How to protect your energy in high-output social roles

Finding your niche as a quieter creative

Social media struggles (and alternatives)

The underestimated power of quieter musicians

Whether you're a fellow introvert or just interested in a different perspective on the music industry, this one is packed with wisdom and warmth.

Connect with Christa

@christahugopianist

www.christahugopianist.co.uk

Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians

Get Your Free Guide Here -

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide

Win a £100 Amazon gift voucher! Details on how to enter are located on our Instagram

@thefulltimefunctionmusician

[email protected]

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk

@infocusrecordingco

In this episode of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast, I chat with premier wedding and event pianist Josh Nesbitt and international Jewish singer Serge Fagelman about how they found their way into the Jewish events scene — and how that niche transformed their careers. From high-energy weddings that blend tradition with chaos to the power of carving out a specialist role, they share how musicians can turn one gig into ten, and why mindset, structure, and adaptability are everything. Whether you're in the function world or just curious about what makes these events so unique, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and laughs.

Connect with Josh & Serge...

@joshplaysthepiano

@sergemusicofficial

Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians

Get Your Free Guide Here -

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide

Win a £100 Amazon gift voucher! Details on how to enter are located on our Instagram

@thefulltimefunctionmusician

[email protected]

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk

@infocusrecordingco

On today's episode of The Full-Time Function Musician Podcast, I'm joined by Tim Sentance, musician-turned-entrepreneur and the founder of Boujee Music. Tim shares his inspiring journey from being a freelance jazz musician to becoming a successful business owner. We dive into the do’s and don'ts of making the leap into entrepreneurship, as well as the mindset shifts necessary for the transition. Tim also shares some memorable stories from his gigging days that shaped his path. Whether you’re looking to move from musician to business owner or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

Connect with Tim...

@timsentance

@boujeemusiclive

www.boujeemusic.com

Boost Your Bookings: 7 Essential Marketing Strategies for Function Musicians

Get Your Free Guide Here -

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk/marketingguide

Win a £100 Amazon gift voucher! Details on how to enter are located on our Instagram

@thefulltimefunctionmusician

[email protected]

www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk

@infocusrecordingco