The Art of Gigging

About the Book

As explained throughout the book, having the talent is one thing, but amassing the knowledge, resources, equipment, etc, and then getting yourself into a position where you can entertain people with a view to earning some money is another.

Like any trade, the entertainment industry is not something you can just jump into. You have to learn the basics and learn about the industry you are getting involved in. There has to be some kind of an 'apprenticeship' of sorts.

If you are even considering starting up as a 'gigging' musician ( going on the road ), spend a couple of weeks or even months with a working act or band, preferably the latter.

Travel with them from the moment they leave for the gig. Don't just meet them at the gig, that's cheating. Jump in from the start. You should get an idea how long it can take to pick up band members and equipment with the added bonus of travelling in the back of a cramped van!

It's very surprising how much you learn from attending 'coal face' gigs from start to finish. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you need to; they had to start somewhere themselves!

About the Author

Born within a mile of Liverpool city centre into a musical family, it's not hard to see why Mark started entertaining people from the tender age of nine.

With a love affair for the mechanics of the music and entertainment industry, Mark, ever the consummate professional. has gone on to teach and mentor hundreds of up and coming musicians of every genre in his role as a music industry consultant (music careers advisor) and peripatetic instrumental/guitar teacher.

A musician ( guitar, keys, banjo, bass, vocals) for the last 30 years Mark has been involved in some 3000 gigs in some capacity - whether that be a 'one off session', as a member of a band, as a roadie, a mentor or manager.

Mark has also played in many well known Liverpool bands, most notably Afraid of Mice (1984-87), and his own band Now Hear This (1988-95) also playing sessions in the early 80s with many 60s & 70s hit bands.

Mark has also helped design, write and construct practical educational provisions that have helped guide countless musicians to move into the industry, excerpts from The Art of Gigging can be found in the UK Government's Music Open Learning Provision (MOLP) Workbooks 1 - 8.

Mark has also contributed and worked with 'London Weekend Television' talent shows, appeared on the Jonathan Ross show, Granada TV and also worked with Channel 4s video production team and has also performed on countless radio sessions. Currently NW coast Regional Manager for the Music Industry Consultancy service provision for a company called Access to Music and working in conjunction with the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts ( LIPA ) provides the NDFM government initiative, specifically designed to move musicians into work within the music & entertainments industry.

From sticky-carpet back-street 'dives' to sell out theatre gigs, Mark has touched both worlds of what is the life of a journeyman musician.