Bigtime are one of our most popular bands so it seems fitting that they should be part of our first ever blog post! We thought it would be great to give you the chance to get to know them better, whether you are thinking of hiring them for your wedding or event or just want to know what makes veterans like theses guys tick, then read on…
What’s the name of your band and why did you call it that?
Bigtime – Just liked the name and it helps us to be near the top of alphabetical listings!
Please list the names and respective instrument of each band member…
Dave Dudgeon – Lead Vocal/Rhythm guitar
Cam Nisbet – Lead guitar/backing vocals
Steve McMahon – Bass
Martin Smith – Drums
Guest fiddlers, female vocals, keys brass
What genre of music do you consider your act to play?
Bigtime play a mixture of genres and styles from an extensive repertoire, tailored to suit the clients tastes and requirements, covering rock, pop, soul, funk and ceilidh.
When did you form your band? How did you meet and what inspired you to play music together?
I joined a band called Sugarhouse who were active on the Pub circuit around 5 years ago. At the time I was also playing in a number of other function bands. When I launched Bigtime 2 years ago I invited the members of Sugarhouse to join me.
Who’s the boss?
I am but it is a benevolent dictatorship!
Tell us about your best ever gig…
I have many memories of great gigs over more years than I care to mention but a charity gig at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens with The Usual Suspects, on a glorious summers day in front of literally thousands of people, where we we went down a treat, sticks in the memory.
Tell us about your WORST ever gig...
There haven’t been many (touch wood)! But a few gigs with a band I will decline to name, who use various musicians, where you turn up and don’t know any of the others and some of them don’t know the material have been a challenge!
Which songs do you perform most frequently? Give us the top 5…
Loch Lomond
Valerie
Superstition
Sweet home Alabama
Sex on fire
at the moment
What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
The biggest challenge for our business is to manage and meet our clients expectations. I suspect we do this better than most through regular dialogue with the client and listening to them.
Having the right information and building a relationship with the client before the event has meant a smooth delivery of our services and a client list who are as happy as a monkey on a trampoline!
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
I wouldn’t presume to give anyone advice but someone has to lead and everyone has to do their job for the good of the band. Nobody goes to a gig to see individuals.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Obviously my wife who has been behind me all the way and supported my decision to be a full time musician and the remaining members of Sugarhouse who have done everything I have asked of them including learning and playing some very odd client requests!
What would your ideal miniaturised height be?
Action man sized! (When I was a boy I once received an empty box for Christmas with the words Action Man – Deserter on the side)
Any last words?
I hope not!
A big thanks to Bigtime for taking the time to do this interview. If you would like to find out more about Bigtime and of course hear their music then you can visit there profile here.
