Live music adds an energy and atmosphere to a function which is very different from playing a CD or streaming from Spotify. There’s nothing like the personality, spontaneity and reality of a live band, soloist or duo.
Unfortunately in the 21st century most people pass through life without having much contact with live musicians at all. There is no longer a resident 7 piece band in every club, a singer-guitarist in every coffee house or a string quartet in every five star hotel foyer. For this reason many people just don’t know where to start when they’re stuck with the task of hiring musicians for their corporate function, wedding, anniversary or special birthday.
I’ve been a professional musician for over 25 years working in many different spheres and hope this article will give you a few tips and insights.
Where does music fit into my event?
Of the many ways live entertainment can enhance your event there are three broad categories. Often one musical act can fulfill more than one category. Its essential that you have a clear understanding of your needs before you begin the process of sourcing musicians. Make sure to communicate your needs to your musicians prior to the event to ensure they can do the best job for you.
1. Background music – the most important quality of background music is that your guests are able to comfortably talk over the music. Instrumental music (music without any singing such as a string quartet or jazz combo) is often a good choice here, although a controlled professional singer is definitely not out of the question!
2. Dance music – music for dancing. Usually louder and with a solid drum beat. Many smaller acts use backing tracks to provide the drum beat rather than a live drummer.
3. Feature act – feature acts perform for a short time – 30 to 40 minutes max – with the intention that people will sit and watch their show. They will generally want a stage with some basic stage lighting to help focus attention. Feature acts can be musicians (such as an Elvis impersonator or comedy-instrumental act) or other entertainers such as magicians or stand-up comedians.
How do I source my musicians?
There are three basic ways or sourcing your musicians, each with their pros and cons:
1. Personal experience or recommendation – You see a band playing at your friend’s wedding and then ask them to play at your wedding. If you’re lucky enough to have had personal experience with musicians or have a recommendation from a trusted friend this is the way to go! Personally I would guess at least 80% of bookings I’ve had over my career have been through this route.
Pros: nothing beats personal experience. Cons: you have to be lucky to have had recent experience with the type of musical act you want to hire
2. Google – these days every musical act has their own Facebook page, Website and Youtube channel! Its easy to find millions of acts who appear to fit your needs, but on the other hand, can you believe what you read? And is that singer really good or did they fix the demo with auto-tune?
If you’re using the internet to source your musicians, try and make the opportunity to meet them in person and preferably hear what they have to offer with your own ears.
Pros: limitless choice, armchair research, plenty of resources Cons: you don’t really know what you’re getting without further legwork
3. Agents – agents are in the business of connecting musicians with clients. You can be pretty sure that if an agent has had problems with a musical act they won’t be recommending them – its bad for business!
Pros: agents are professionals at finding the right musical act for each event
Cons: agents need to make a living, so booking an act through an agent means you will pay more than if you book the act direct, in some cases agents can inhibit the communication process between the musician and the client
I hope you’ve found this article useful. Don’t hesitate to email me with any further questions on info@stringfever.com.au or to join our mailing list, click this link
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