Top tips for getting gigs with Debbie Knox-Hewson
Debbie Knox-Hewson is a professional drummer, educator, and clinician whose career has taken her all over the globe. A graduate of BIMM Music Institute Brighton, she moved swiftly into high-profile performance, touring with Charli XCX and the English rock band James, whilst performing at major festivals including Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, and Reading & Leeds.
Alongside her live work, Debbie is active in songwriting and production, collaborating with artists such as Nasty Cherry and Honeyblood, and serves as a drum educator and clinician for leading music brands.
As an online tutor for BIMM Berlin, she shares her first-hand industry insight with students offering not just theoretical knowledge, but the lived experience of an international touring and session musician.
Here are Debbie’s go-to tips for getting more gigs as a musician:
Treat yourself like a professional
“Make a CV and just keep updating it with the coolest stuff you’ve got going on, even if it’s just your own band.”
Treat your music experience like any other professional career. A simple, well-organised CV makes it easy for others to see what you’ve done and what you’re about. Keep it current, and don’t underestimate smaller projects; every experience shows initiative and growth.
Use your network
“Reach out to professional musicians in your area, or people doing something you like or aspire to. Say to them, ‘If you hear of anything you think I might be suitable for, please let me know.’”
Networking doesn’t have to feel forced; it’s about building genuine connections. Debbie did this herself as a student at BIMM and landed some of her best auditions, including her breakthrough with Charli XCX.
Gigs create gigs
“Gig as much as you can. In my experience, gigs kind of create gigs.”
Every live show is a chance to meet new people, sharpen your skills, and show others what you can do. Momentum builds when you’re active. The more you play, the more people notice, and the more opportunities appear.
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Visit us at an Open Day to chat with lecturers, meet current students, and experience BIMM Berlin firsthand.
