EPISODE · Dec 5, 2025 · 54 MIN
#6 Thrive as a Full-Time Gigging Musician (feat. Adam in the Hat)
from Curious Vocalists · host Grace Hancock Music
Charismatic function band frontman, Adam Moran (aka Adam in the Hat), shares his journey as a full-time musician, discussing the challenges and rewards of gigging, the importance of building a personal brand, and the balance between performing cover songs and creating original music. With his infectious, comedic energy, Adam emphasises the importance of letting go of worries and ego to grow as a performer and maintain healthy creative relationships. Full of funny stories and anecdotes, hear about the weirdest gig he's ever done, how you can totally misread a crowd and laugh along with him as he shamelessly recounts his most embarrassing moment on stage involving a dodgy stomach and a high note... Key Takeaways Full-time musicianship can be eased into safely and is not always a ‘risk takers’ game He averages between 130 and 150 gigs a year. Building a personal brand is essential for success and longevity in the music industry. How you perceive audience reactions can be very wrong. Mindset plays a crucial role in performance quality and creative fulfilment Proactive collaboration and live performance is the best form of marketing Finding fulfilment in music often requires balancing cover songs with original work. It's just one gig; don't overthink it. Feeling the least accomplished in your band is good. It’s the best way to grow. Leaving a band can be done gracefully. The worst moments on stage make the funniest stories. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of a Full-Time Musician 02:22 Designing a Full-Time Musician Life 05:51 Building a Personal Brand 08:40 Overnight Success 11:05 How to be in Many Places at Once 13:30 Fulfilment and Creativity Through Gigging 19:47 Don't Believe Everything You Think 26:29 The Mindset for Musical Success 31:23 How to Get Started on Your Musical Journey 34:46 The Best Advice He's Had for Healthy Musical Relations 37:21 The Ego and the Creative Space 41:20 Navigating Today's Live Music Industry 46:27 What Makes a Good Singer? 48:35 Quickfire Questions 49:19 Uptown Funky Smell: Adam's Most Explosive Performance 52:22 Where to Hear Adam Sing 53:57 Outro Resources & Mentions Artigianos Espresso and Wine Bar, London & Exeter - https://artigiano.uk.com/ Richard James- https://richardjamesofficial.com/#home Adam in the Hat’s Guest List (Feat. Joss Stone) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5mwuINlj3Y Marvin Moneuke - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/marvin-muoneke/904719956 Bill Ding & The Sky Scrapers - https://www.bdsmusic.uk/ The Drat Pack - https://thedratpack.co.uk/ Rob Maxwell - https://www.robmaxwell.co.uk/ Leigh Coleman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xpvY-dee6Q Club Brothers Spotify - Heart You Hold - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16mS3JdZpJI Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection. Contact Method [email protected] www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
What this episode covers
Charismatic function band frontman, Adam Moran (aka Adam in the Hat), shares his journey as a full-time musician, discussing the challenges and rewards of gigging, the importance of building a personal brand, and the balance between performing cover songs and creating original music. With his infectious, comedic energy, Adam emphasises the importance of letting go of worries and ego to grow as a performer and maintain healthy creative relationships. Full of funny stories and anecdotes, hear about the weirdest gig he's ever done, how you can totally misread a crowd and laugh along with him as he shamelessly recounts his most embarrassing moment on stage involving a dodgy stomach and a high note... Key Takeaways Full-time musicianship can be eased into safely and is not always a ‘risk takers’ game He averages between 130 and 150 gigs a year. Building a personal brand is essential for success and longevity in the music industry. How you perceive audience reactions can be very wrong. Mindset plays a crucial role in performance quality and creative fulfilment Proactive collaboration and live performance is the best form of marketing Finding fulfilment in music often requires balancing cover songs with original work. It's just one gig; don't overthink it. Feeling the least accomplished in your band is good. It’s the best way to grow. Leaving a band can be done gracefully. The worst moments on stage make the funniest stories. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of a Full-Time Musician 02:22 Designing a Full-Time Musician Life 05:51 Building a Personal Brand 08:40 Overnight Success 11:05 How to be in Many Places at Once 13:30 Fulfilment and Creativity Through Gigging 19:47 Don't Believe Everything You Think 26:29 The Mindset for Musical Success 31:23 How to Get Started on Your Musical Journey 34:46 The Best Advice He's Had for Healthy Musical Relations 37:21 The Ego and the Creative Space 41:20 Navigating Today's Live Music Industry 46:27 What Makes a Good Singer? 48:35 Quickfire Questions 49:19 Uptown Funky Smell: Adam's Most Explosive Performance 52:22 Where to Hear Adam Sing 53:57 Outro Resources & Mentions Artigianos Espresso and Wine Bar, London & Exeter - https://artigiano.uk.com/ Richard James- https://richardjamesofficial.com/#home Adam in the Hat’s Guest List (Feat. Joss Stone) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5mwuINlj3Y Marvin Moneuke - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/marvin-muoneke/904719956 Bill Ding & The Sky Scrapers - https://www.bdsmusic.uk/ The Drat Pack - https://thedratpack.co.uk/ Rob Maxwell - https://www.robmaxwell.co.uk/ Leigh Coleman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xpvY-dee6Q Club Brothers Spotify - Heart You Hold - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16mS3JdZpJI Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection. Contact Method [email protected] www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
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#6 Thrive as a Full-Time Gigging Musician (feat. Adam in the Hat)
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