Career development for musicians, by musicians- both helping you get bigger gigs, and helping the gigs you play feel bigger.
I'm Steve Leggett, and after more than a decade as a professional musician, I'm here to share my insights and experience to level-up your career in music!
Being a musician is darn hard sometimes, but hopefully I can show you some ways to go further, faster!
If you want to take things a step further and would be interested in some 1:1 coaching for yourself or your band, drop me an email at biggigenergy@gmail.com and we'll see about unleashing your own #BIGGIGENERGY
Ep.17: 'Going pro is like passing your driving test- now the real learning begins' -an interview with Dave Butterworth
Dave Butterworth shares his decade-long journey in the music industry, from getting into music to performing in theatre-based tribute shows, and the lessons he's learned along the way.
20 Nov 2024
Ep.16: 'Musicians on Performing and Attending Gigs' -an Interview with Tom Favell (part 2)
Tom Favell shares his insights on performing and attending gigs, and how his teaching career has shaped his approach to music.
13 Nov 2024
Ep.15: 'From the Classroom to the Stage: A Teacher's Perspective' -an interview with Tom Favell (part 1)
Tom Favell, a seasoned music teacher and performer, shares his journey from the classroom to the stage, offering insights into the transformative power of music education.
6 Nov 2024
Ep.14: 'JUST DO IT!' -an interview with Sam Cummings (part 2)
Hardcore function veteran Sam Cummings, a music student, shares war stories and personal struggles, including suicidal ideation, and recommends album recommendations in this raw and unfiltered conversation.
30 Oct 2024
Ep.13: 'JUST DO IT!' -an interview with Sam Cummings (part 1)
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/
23 Oct 2024
Ep.12: 'Linkin Park on sax, and the band as a support network': An interview with Jerome Marcus
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 😂 (https://emojipedia.org/face-with-tears-of-joy)
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
16 Oct 2024
Ep.11: 'What agencies and clients REALLY want': An interview with Joey & Matt from Dirtbag Entertainment
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
9 Mar 2024
Season 2 Trailer
Season 2 of Big Gig Energy coming soon!
instagram.com/biggigenergy/
biggigenergy.co.uk
23 Mar 2023
Ep.10: Steve Leggett Interviewed by Alice Lyons; 'Wellbeing and Mental Health in the Music Industry'
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 (https://tr.ee/Xj8pont5Yt)
Solving Suicide (https://tr.ee/RTZAvb0KW3)
Websites:
Dark Coffee (https://www.darkcoffee.co.uk/)
Content Coaching (https://alicelyonscoach.co/)
LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/alicelyons/)
(Epic ukulele lockdown masterpiece) (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6668462813377245184/)
IG:
Dark Coffee (instagram.com/darkcoffeeco/)
Solving Suicide (instagram.com/solvingsuicide/)
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) (https://open.spotify.com/album/4tuqA7qbVsPukqsYPPrcF7?si=_MMgBJ3XQK61eJDXwbes4A)
Stadium Arcadium (Red Hot Chili Peppers) (https://open.spotify.com/album/7xl50xr9NDkd3i2kBbzsNZ?si=T1-o-ASCQMySzns-lMRrFw)
Book recommendation:
'The Creative Act: A Way of Being' by Rick Rubin (https://www.roughtrade.com/gb/product/rick-rubin/the-creative-act-a-way-of-being)
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.
***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/ (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 (mailto:jo@samaritans.org). Website - www.samaritans.org (http://www.samaritans.org/)
Mind: Support and information for anyone suffering from a mental health problem. 0300 123 3393 Website - Mind.org.uk (http://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.
16 Mar 2023
Ep.9: Contracts (or, 'How NOT to Sell Your Soul')
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
9 Mar 2023
Ep.8: 'Good Vibes are EVERYTHING' -an interview with Matt Chung
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.
2 Mar 2023
Ep.7: Strategy, Goals, Momentum, and 'Changing Gears'
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.
23 Feb 2023
Ep.6: Perfecting Your Promo Pack, and Mastering Your Merch Stand
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 (www.biggigenergy.co.uk)
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 (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BigGigEnergy)' to support my work :)
16 Feb 2023
Ep.5: 'Play every gig like Tony Visconti is in the audience!' -an interview with Cieran Miller
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
15 Feb 2023
Ep.4: 'A Musician's Guide to Branding/Marketing- 7 Essentials You MUST Nail'
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
2 Feb 2023
Ep.3: '6 Ways To Make Your Band's Shows The Perfect Product'
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
26 Jan 2023
Ep.2: 'Talent is a Commodity': Understanding your place in the Music Business
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
19 Jan 2023
Ep.1: An intro to Big Gig Energy
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
27 Dec 2022
Big Gig Energy - Trailer
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!
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
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