About setting up a party band.
Finding and choosing a live band in Sydney .
Ok so you’re planning a party, a 21st or a 30th, 40th or 50th and you’ve decided you prefer live music over a DJ or a jukebox – wise choice.
People respond much more to a LIVE music act over a DJ. There is talent to be observed right in front of you and the human emotion and energy the person creates and the live energy they bring to the party is clearly felt.
It really makes a difference.
So how to you find a band.
You do not want your party to be a flop.
Word of mouth is always the best – traditionally it is always the best form of advertising.
The next best thing is Seeing a live band that you like.
Then next would be seeing a live clip and chatting to the band and getting a feel over the phone and form any reviews or testimonials.
A positive gut feeling from the tone and manner of the person you’re chatting too is a great start.
Booking agents should be treated the same way – look for a positive vibe on the phone that you’re being looked after and not be given a standard sales pitch or being sold a bill of goods.
Should I book a One man Band – Solo or a Duo or a band?
This depends entirely on 2 things in this order of importance:
Your guest numbers .
Your budget.
Even if you have all the dough in the world – setting up a party band – a 4 or 5 piece band for 10-20 guests may be a little overkill.
Use this as a guide.
Less than 40 guests – book a solo act.
More than 70 – a strong solo or a duo act.
More than 100 guests – a trio or a band.
There’s always exceptions to the rules – a GREAT exceptionally strong Solo act can be BETTER than a 4 PIECE BAND.
This would be obvious if you see them live or perhaps see great clip.
How to book a live party band in Sydney.
Once you’ve seen a few solos or duos or bands that you like then you can begin the booking process.
Always try and plan and book 2-3 month ahead – this way you’ll have way more choice of bands to choose from.
The later the notice – the less choice you have.
Have all these thing sin writing and confirmed by email.
Artist arrival time
Artist soundcheck time
Artist playing time
Total fee
Fee for extra time on the night per 40/60 min sets.
Obviously you’d discuss all the usual things such as…
The band supplies all sound and lighting
Will you provide food and drinks ( the usual is to provide the same as guest are having)
Andy dress standards or dress themes required.
You can expect to pay a 10-30% deposit – ask is this refundable for certain circumstances if either party cancels – just so you know the deal.
Top 5 tips for booking a live function band in Sydney.
- Always book 2-3 months ahead if possible for more choices.
If it’s late notice booking – use a booking agent they can reach more acts much faster than you can. - Never book an act without either a strong WOM recommendation or without seeing them live or minimally without viewing a live clip.
- Always get all terms in writing including cancellation and refund terms.
- Ask for input into song choices – can you choose at least 10 songs form their list.
- Is the band reliable? – can you see past client raves and recommendations – if you can’t find any – be careful.