How do you find the right course of action? We’ve provided some important factors to consider before making a final decision and ordering a band or DJ for your event.
Live music can really set a show apart from others, especially if the music is carefully chosen for your audience and the tempo you want. The right band or DJ can help make the event something people will talk about for years to come. Live music can be the soundtrack for the event, or it can take center stage. But how do you find the right course of action? How do you know your guests will be entertained from the moment they arrive?
We’ve put together a few key factors to consider before making a final decision and ordering a band or DJ for your event.
THE EVENT WAS OWN
Different types of events require different styles of music. If you are hiring for a themed event, you have to choose the appropriate music which creates the right atmosphere. If you want multiple styles of music for this event, you can hire more than one musician. Maybe you need a band to dance to at night but something quieter as a backdrop during the day? If so, some of the bigger bands are happy to get into a smaller act to provide different music for the day then rejoin together for a more upbeat performance at night.
Whichever you choose — pianist, string quartet, or rock band — be sure to think about the appropriate style of music before engaging in musical talent.
Audience
Age is of course something that makes a difference in terms of musical tastes as the audience has to be able to relate to music. If your audience is a certain age group then ordering actions is easier, but if you’re expecting an age mix, you should find something that has broad appeal across the expected age range of your guests.
VENUE SIZE
Another factor to consider is how many people you expect to attend, as this will have an immediate effect on the type of band or DJ you want. As a general rule, bigger crowds require bigger bands which will require a larger sound setting. Make sure the place can accommodate the needs of both the audience and the musicians. You need to avoid overcrowding and also ensure that you don’t overwhelm a small crowd in a large venue.
Budget
Once you’ve narrowed down the number of bands or DJs that fit your criteria, you can start talking about costs. Think about the price of talent in terms of the quality you need. The bigger or better known the band or musician is, the more they will charge.
If you’re on a budget, just try talking to the band and see if they’re willing to negotiate. Sometimes bands will reduce their costs to fill gaps in their schedule or last minute cancellations. For example, an up-and-coming band might be prepared to charge less in exchange for some extra promotion from you. So always be open to your options when negotiating final fees.
REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
If you use the internet to find potential acts, be sure to read reviews from audience members on the band’s previous performances. Online reviews tend to be honest and very important if you are completely unfamiliar with the bands and their work. Industry colleagues and peers can also provide valuable feedback on bands and musicians they have personally enjoyed at previous events.
ALWAYS AUDITING
You must not hire bands or individuals that you have never seen or heard of. Most musicians love to show off their musical prowess and will be happy to send you links to their music and videos from their previous shows. You’ll want to make sure they have enough music in their repertoire to fill your timing requirements without repetition.
If possible, the best way to find out if a band is a good fit for your event is to go and see them live. The way they see and interact with their audience is just as important as their music.
TALK WITH YOUR AV TEAM
AV professionals know the industry. They understand how to work with different types of musicians, and often have experience with leading local bands. Most importantly, your AV team tends to know who is easy (and not so easy) to work with. They also know if you might, by their referral, be able to negotiate a little about the fees.
If you want to find the perfect music for your next show, contact Audio Channel! We can set you up on the right course, so that You choose a band that makes your show one to remember.