Choosing the right live band for your event

Last time we spoke about some of the differences between a live ban.... While a DJ offers great versatility at a lower cost than a live band, live bands offer excitement, entertainment and more energy than a DJ.

But every band is different, and discovering the kind and size of band that works best for you takes some knowledge, and time.

The 'we do everything' band

Some bands offer the ability to do it all. From AC/DC to Katy Perry to Stevie Wonder to Elvis etc. They have great versatility like a DJ, and can probably accept numerous requests. The music will sound good, but usually these bands need to take liberties on interpreting music. They need to tweak a lot of songs to fit all these musical styles within their given instrumentation - leaving a slightly less authentic sound and a more watered down approach.

The 'experienced' band

The band that has lots of experience offers calm stability. They've seen it all after hundreds and hundreds of events over many years of playing. Experience is valuable in high-pressure and potentially high-stress events. However, experience can also mean band members who are much older than your wedding guests. You want your band to listen to you and carefully execute their jobs and you also want a band that 'gets' your tastes in music.

The 'niche' band

Polished sound and repertoire. This band will certainly have a smaller and less diverse repertoire list, however the songs will be cohesive, the band will have developed a distinct, tight and authentic sound. Funk/Soul/Motown bands are a good way to go as these genres are very popular, dance-friendly and have a multi-generational appeal.

Some extra things to consider/look for when auditioning a live band

Is the band reading music on stage?

If they are reading music on stage - particularly the rhythm section (Keys, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocalists) - this is something to consider. Sight reading music in a live setting is the sign of a great musician, however it is also the sign of a disengaged, unrehearsed band. If musicians are face-down buried in sheet music, how can they engage with the other musicians on stage and 'gel'? AND most importantly, how can they engage with their audience?

Horn sections (2 or more horns - sax, trumpet, or trombone) can be an exception to this as there are many, many notes and keeping a horn section tight often requires keeping well arranged horn charts. If the bands have been asked to learn a song for a specific event, there may also be a need for sheet music as newer material may not have been memorized.

Is the band having fun?

Playing music is fun. If the band is not having fun on stage is a sign that the musicians are not into the music/repertoire they are playing in that band, or perhaps they feel that playing weddings is beneath them. Some music is more challenging and fun to play than others. Some musicians feel that playing cover songs at weddings and events is a burn for themselves. You definitely want a band that is having fun on stage - fun is contagious AND entertaining.

There is no substitute for seeing and hearing your potential weddin... Use a band's website or reputation to help you narrow down your options and then try to see those bands perform live. In the end you'll be much closer to making your decision from just one live performance.

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