The Full Time Function Musician Podcast

• S3E16 - How to Break Into Destination Weddings (with Evangeline Victoria)

  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   [email protected]   www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

  --------  

  1:00:30

  --------

  1:00:30
• S3E15 - Could You Survive Meta Wiping Out Your Business Page?

  In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Ashleigh Stevens, better known as Fearlessly Taylor, one of the UK’s leading Taylor Swift tribute acts who has rocketed from a DIY promo to packed theatres, festival stages, and even Alexandra Palace. Ashleigh shares her journey from graduating drama school during COVID, to discovering the tribute world by accident, to building a brand that now includes dancers, a band, and an entire roster of managed tribute artists. She then opens up about the nightmare that hit this year: her Facebook business page being permanently disabled without warning, wiping out years of followers, enquiries, and paid ads. We break down what happened, why Meta’s system is so broken for performers, what she tried to fix it, and the changes she’s now making to protect her business going forward. We also cover booking theatres, building a fan base, avoiding reputation pitfalls, growing multiple tribute shows at once, staying mentally grounded when the industry feels uncertain, and the surreal moment she stepped onto the stage at Ally Pally. It’s equal parts inspiring, frustrating, eye-opening, and full of genuinely useful takeaways for tribute artists, musicians, and anyone running a small entertainment business.   Connect with Ashleigh www.fearlesslytaylor.com @fearlesslytaylortribute   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   [email protected]   www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

  --------  

  54:32

  --------

  54:32
• S3E14 - The Power of Finding Your Niche: How Lily Filled Her Diary for the Next Two Years

  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   [email protected]   www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

  --------  

  47:33

  --------

  47:33
• S3E13 - How to Build a High-End Tribute Act

  In this episode, I chat with international session singer and tribute artist Calli Malpas, the powerhouse performer behind Pink-ish – one of the UK’s standout Pink tribute shows. Calli shares her journey from pubs and club gigs to building a high-production tribute act with dancers, a live band, and even aerial performances.   We dive into: How Calli turned a long career as a full-time singer into a thriving tribute show The rapid rise of the tribute industry and why it's booming today The business strategy behind launching and scaling a tribute act Managing dancers, band members, and production elements while keeping authenticity at the heart of the show Taking the leap into theatre shows and festival lineups Why community and collaboration (not competition) drives the tribute world If you're a performer looking to carve your own niche, build a premium live product, or explore the tribute scene, this is a must-listen packed with inspiration, laughs, and practical insight.   Connect with Calli @pink_ish_tribute www.callimalpas.rocks/pink-ish www.woodville.co.uk/events/pink-tribute-p-nk-sh/   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   [email protected]   www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

  --------  

  1:03:35

  --------

  1:03:35
• S3E12 - Running Your Band Like a Business (Part 2)

  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   [email protected]   www.infocusrecordingcompany.co.uk @infocusrecordingco

  --------  

  1:06:24

  --------

  1:06:24

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About The Full Time Function Musician Podcast