The Full Time Function Musician Podcast
The Full Time Function Musician Podcast is here to help grow your function musician business. Get inspired and learn from others who have been doing it successfully for years. Join host Jack Twiner and his guests as they explore all the topics involved with becoming a full time function musician.
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Episodes
35 minutes ago
35 minutes ago
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
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
In this mini episode, we answer another listener question: Is social media actually necessary for function musicians?
We explore whether you can build a successful career without constantly posting on Instagram, and how some musicians manage to stay fully booked with barely any online presence. We talk about using social media as a portfolio, the power of networking, and how to strike the right balance between online content and real-world connections.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by content creation—or wondering if it's even worth it—this episode will help you decide where to put your energy.
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
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
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
Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
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
feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk
www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk
@infocusrecordingco
Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
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
Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
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
feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk
www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk
@infocusrecordingco
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
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
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
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
feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk
www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk
@infocusrecordingco
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
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
feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk
www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk
@infocusrecordingco
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
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
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@thefulltimefunctionmusician
feedback@thefulltimefunctionmusician.co.uk
www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk
@infocusrecordingco