Useful Tips for Hiring the Right Live Band
There is no doubt that music can turn a dull event into a dancing fiesta, especially if it is played by a professional live band. When you are planning for an event, whether it is a wedding or a celebration of some sort, you need to think about which live band you will get that will be the perfect fit for your event. Hiring the first group of musicians you find can be a bad decision as they might not be up to standards or, even worse, they play the wrong kind of music. The following tips will help you pick the right live band for your event.
Ask for their Portfolio
Every live band worth its salt has a portfolio of the gigs they had. If you contacted a band that doesn’t have a portfolio, it is better to not hire them. The portfolio will show what clients they performed for, the venues they attended, and the type of music they usually play. Keep in consideration that the bigger the portfolio, the more expensive it is to hire them, so if you are on a tight budget, you might settle for a group of musicians with a small experience.
Check their Digital Presence
Nowadays, everyone has some kind of digital presence, whether it is a website or a social media page. Professional live bands will have both, and it is a good idea to check their digital presence to know more about them. The website will give you the “good” reviews and samples of their performances, while the social media pages will give you a hint about how many followers they have and the more honest feedback from their past clients.
Match the Band with the Event
It wouldn’t be a good idea if you hired a rock band for a country-themed event, right? If you have a themed event, you need to find a live band that can perform the specific genre you want. However, if it is a wedding, you should find a band that is versatile enough to play songs that will keep the guests engaged all the time.
Plan Ahead and Book Early
Everyone wants their wedding or event to be perfect, and they won’t settle for anything less than their first-choice live band. However, many of the best live bands will be booked out well in advance. By booking your first-choice live band early, according to the members of Metro Music Club, you don’t only guarantee their availability, but you also hire them for a good rate. The more their schedule is condensed, especially during prime months such as spring weddings, summer events, and winter holidays, the higher the rate they will accept. That’s why it is essential to start planning for your event early to save money and bring the best live band available.
Consider the Size of the Band
Having a 10-person live band for a small event might give it an awkward vibe. For example, big weddings require a big group of musicians to energize the guests. Moreover, the venue may be limited in space, so if you bring in a big band, the place will feel crowded and stuffy. Some big bands can send a couple of their members to an event, so ask the band you want if they can do the same.
Know their Equipment
The quality of the live band’s equipment can affect the event drastically. Speakers with awful sound quality will make your guests plugged out from your event. A louder sound doesn’t mean it’s better, on the contrary, the best sound volume is to keep your guests entertained while the volume is relatively low. Make sure the live band is using sound equipment from reputable brands, you might even research their equipment to see how good they are.
Give them Some Freedom
Usually, the event planners will give the live band a list of songs to play during the event. While they ensure that the music played will keep the guests entertained, you should leave room for the band’s creativity. Experienced live bands will read the atmosphere of the event and play some music you didn’t think about and make the event even more enjoyable.
The quality of the live band can make or break your event, so make sure that you have done your research before signing a contract with one. Their experience and the reviews of past clients will determine their quality and their price as well. Hire a live band that matches the theme of your event, and make sure they are using high-end equipment to listen to high-quality music.
