TellerCreations.com

17Nov/11Off

The Bandshop Guide to a Hassle Free Gig!

If you perform your music live, there is always the possibility of gremlins creeping in and ruining a fantastic show. A bit of foresight and preparation beforehand can prevent any interruption to your performance and give you and your audience a trouble free and brilliant gig! Here are a few simple things you can take to your gig to avoid any embarrassing interruptions to your performance:

1. Guitar strings - make sure you have a spare set. Even better, have another guitar set up and ready to go, as it will avoid any tense breaks in the show whilst your guitar strings are replaced! Bass players also need to carry spare bass strings, as they can break! I speak from personal experience - I was left playing a 3 string bass after my E string broke. I had neglected to pack a spare set of bass strings!

2. Make sure you have a collection of spare cables and connectors. Work out what leads you use to connect all your backline and PA equipment and make sure you have spares for the essential connections, such as microphone cables or guitar leads. Adapter connectors (XLR-Jack, for example) are also very useful. If you use them, make sure you have plenty of MIDI cables - you'd be surprised at how many times I've been asked to 'lend' a MIDI cable to other bands on the bill!

3. Carry a basic tool kit with you - pliers and screwdrivers are essential, but don't forget a drum key and a string peg puller! Learn how to use a soldering iron and take it with you - it will save your gig one day!

4. Batteries - always carry a healthy stock of all the batteries you use and make sure that each guitar, radio microphone or effects pedal has a battery that will last the gig - you do not want to be fumbling around mid-song to change a flat battery.

5. To alleviate health and safety risks and to give a professional appearance to both the audience and the venue, good quality guitar stands and music stands are a must. Robust and stable guitar stands and music stands will also provide security and protection for your valuable instruments on stage. Hercules Stands have a great range of high quality guitar stands and music stands.

6. If you use backing tracks, bring along backups of all the media files or discs. For the ultimate backup, put your backing tracks onto an mp3 player (or even your mobile phone!) so that you can play them back through the PA if necessary. If you use a click track, record the tracks with the click to one side and the backing track to the other, so that they can be separated on the PA mixing desk. I used to use a minidisc player for this and it got me out of trouble on more than one occasion!

Hopefully, this is all too obvious to you, but a reminder never does any harm! It is easy to forget the basics when you are focussed on other things. But it is the attention to detail that will make it a great performance for you and a fantastic gig for your audience!

Graham Burton has been a performing bass player and singer for over thirty years. Graham also helps run the Bandshop online music accessory store - a fantastic resource for bands, musicians and performing artists. Visit Bandshop today to see a full range of guitar stands, microphone stands and music stands, as well as guitar strings, effects pedals and music accessories.

2Feb/11Off

A Live Band Can Make The Difference

What are you going to for entertainment at your special event? You may be planning a wedding. Maybe there is a milestone anniversary or birthday party. There are many reasons for special events. Perhaps you wish to throw a block party. Whatever you plan, entertainment will be very important. It may make the difference between a successful and mediocre event. A live band can make that difference.

Maybe you want to go with recorded music. This may work with some events. If you want it to be special, it may pose some problems. You will only have so many songs to choose from. Who will take care of the music for the party? Maybe you will hire a disc jockey. That might work. However, the disc jockey will be working with limited music also. He can play and arrange your music for you. There may be the need for more personal interaction. A live band can perform all of the entertainment functions that you may require. Here are benefits to consider.

During a party situation, the moods may shift dramatically. A band can sense mood shifts and react accordingly. During a wedding reception, moods can change rapidly. The music and setting needs to change with it. Maybe a father wants that special dance with the bride. The band can make the announcement and focus the attention where it needs to be. When people are eating, the music will be different than when they want to dance.

You can set the tone of the evening with the right live music. Do you wish to project an air of elegance for a formal wedding? You might consider a string quartet for the proper setting.

People will realize that you went to the trouble and expense for live entertainment. They may be more likely to show up, if they think it is special.

You will have automatic volume adjustment with a band. They will know when to get loud and when to be soft. The band will sense what to do at the right time. They will know if it is time to end one song and begin another. Maybe they may need to stop for a few minutes.

A band provides entertainment on a personal level. Your guests can request certain songs to be played. The band will be able to play those requests. If not, they will have suitable substitutions. You can get a one on one reaction between your guests and the band. No other type of entertainment provides this.

You can have personalized music also. Perhaps you want someone's name mentioned during a particular song. You cannot do this with other types of music. Your band can play a medley of songs for the guests. This is not possible with CD music.

A stereo with CD music does not know what your guests want to hear. Maybe you are having a special party. Perhaps things have changed since you made up a song list. It will be too late to make any changes at the party. A party band will have a large selection of songs. The music can be changed during the party. This can make a big difference.

Summary

If you are planning a special party or event, consider a live band. You can add a personal touch to the music and have experienced professionals at your party. It may make the difference between failure and success.

Leona Newport writes for the live wedding party band hire site at http://www.souldesire.co.uk. Finding out about hiring Live Music will make all the difference to the success of your event. For more information about Band To Hire please visit here.

31Jan/11Off

Finding The Right Bands For Hire

Your function can be remembered as the event of the century, a complete disaster, or even worse: Absolutely forgettable! The entertainment at an event can make or break the success. Bands for hire can be found in your area for whatever event you're hosting, whether it's a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, wedding, birthday party, or corporate event. A well chosen live band can bring your party alive.

Lots of people question whether it might be a better choice to go with a DJ. A DJ can bring a ton of music, takes up little space, is able to play most requests, and can cost a bit less. Having 10,000 songs at the ready is worthless if they're not the right songs at the right moment, and bands usually know what works and when it works to get the mood going right. Live music has much more energy and can really make things more exciting if you've got a lot of guests.

So you've decided, it's going to be a band. First of all, get a budget price in mind before you go shopping, and don't go shopping for a band last. If you've spent all your money on cakes, food, and a hall to hold the party, you'll be trying to get a good band on the cheap, and that is not always a good way to go. This is a profession for the entertainer and they don't work for the joy of performing, they need to make money as well. In this arena, you definitely get what you pay for.

Before you go shopping, think about what kind of band you want. If you're holding a Bar Mitzvah, make sure you look for a group who know all the customs. If you're doing a wedding, work with a band with experience in weddings. You'll be able to select from all kinds of genres of music. There's plenty of bands out there that should know all the big hits of the last 20 years or so.

At this point you'll have a short list of groups to work with. It's unwise to hire a band for such an important day without making sure they're the right choice. Have you seen them perform? At the very least, ask for a video, but see if there's any public performances you can drop by and have a listen. Make sure you meet them, and meet whoever will be the MC. If you don't have a good feeling at your meeting, it's likely you wont have a good feeling the day of your party.

You've chosen your band, so now it's important to "dot the i's and cross the t's". Does the band provide a written contract? If not, get one written up on your own. What happens if the band doesn't show? What if they get sick? It's likely they'll ask for a deposit, so what are the terms of that agreement? Is the deposit refundable? Do you hold a right to cancel? All of this is very important and if sorted out ahead of time will save a lot of heartache in the long run.

Ask your band if they have insurance. Insurance brokers offer entertainers special rates for aggregate policies with fairly good coverage. If something happens to the venue, or someone at your party, who is liable? The contract and insurance will make sure you're protected.

If you follow all of these steps, hopefully you can choose from a short list of bands for hire and make the perfect choice for to make your event truly special.

Leona Newport writes for the live wedding party band hire site at http://www.souldesire.co.uk. Finding out about Live Bands Hire will make all the difference to the success of your event. For more information about Hire Live Music please visit here.

24Dec/10Off

Make Your Wedding Or Birthday Really Special With A Live Band!

If you are keen in making the party you are throwing a memorable event, just don't forget to jot down the contact number from the Live Band Hire signboard when you come across one. A live music band performing in your party, be it a birthday, wedding or any celebration for that matter, is just the thing you need to add that touch of difference to the event.

Live Bands Hire requires considerations of a lot of factors and thus needs to be planned well in advance so that everything can be taken care of before the D Day. The first and foremost important thing is to assess type of music you want , then comes the budget you want to spend for it and lastly whether the venue has arrangements for a live band to play.

Involvement in something like Live Bands Hire needs you to first be sure about the kind of music you want. That is, your primary duty is to decide upon the type or genre of music you would like the band to play for you in the party. Are you looking for a particular genre or more of a fusion? Now based on this, start thinking about the band which is very good in this field.

After you know the kind of music you want, you are ready to hire a band and hence you need sources to choose them from You will get the contacts of different bands in the internet or yellow pages. Friends and acquaintances can also guide you on this aspect. The event management companies can also play a part in getting you to the live music band of your choice.

When some of the bands of your choice are on your table then surf the net and see which of these have official websites or are actively into social networking sites with fan following and performance reviews. This is a good way to understand who amongst them are professional and are good at what they do. A brief idea about the performance level or their goodwill in the market can also be analyzed from the various reviews about them on the net or otherwise.

When you have short listed a few, meet them one by one to sit and discuss issues like the kind of music they play and their plans for your kind of a party, how much they will charge, so on and so forth. This will give you a pretty good idea regarding who amongst them would cater to your specific needs the best.

After you have zeroed in on your choice, hire the band and discuss the nitty-gritty's such as the kind of party you are having, the profile of the guests, the total time for which they will perform, jointly decide on the play list and their requirements like amount of stage space, power supply and other logistical details.

The final 'live bands hire' step would include seeing to all the required logistical requirements such as electrical points, creation of a stage or a space for the band, the size of the dance floor if any, allotment of space in the parking lot for easy offloading of their musical instruments, noise limits or time constraints of the venue, etc. A well planned event will surely consummate in a grand party made extra special with the presence of a live band which all your guests would remember for days to come.

Leona Newport writes for the live wedding party band hire site at http://www.souldesire.co.uk. Getting Live Bands For Wedding will make all the difference to the success of your event. For more information about how to Hire A Live Band please visit here.

24Nov/10Off

Should You Hire A Band Or DJ For Your Birthday Party Or Wedding?

Event managers often face the common question of how to hire bands by the party hosts. Rather the question is what exactly needs to be considered before hiring a band?. The answers to these questions are quite a few. Some may suggest to hire bands which are within your budget or choose one according to the music you want to play. One may also hire bands that specializes in this kind of a party and can play music at par with the theme of the same.

The two best methods to hire bands are going by the kind of music and the kind of party or occasion they have to cater to. Remember that if you think of your budget as the deciding factor, then the entire thing will fall flat on the face. In case your budget is less, then the best strategy is to hire bands based on either of the two approaches mentioned above and then maybe reduce the no. of usicians in it in order to make it less expensive.

Hence, it is always preferable to choose a music band depending upon the genre of music you want to play at your party. You may hire bands to play slow numbers just to give a background score to the party and set the party mood for the guests accompanied with delicious platter. Again, one may hire bands to play the fast dance numbers and the chartbusters to make the crowd burn the dance floor with beats of the drums and the strumming in the guitar.

So, the basic idea here is to hire bands that can play the right kind of music for you and that specializes in different categories of music like jazz, hip hop, metal, hard rock, classical, slow romantic numbers, pop, rap, etc.

The second consideration factor on the other hand is the type of party one is organizing. Today there are party bands that specialize in playing at particular kind of parties. They advertise themselves posing to be specialists on playing at particular events like wedding bands, party bangs, corporate bands etc.

Wedding is an occasion which is attended by different kinds of people including people of all age groups with variety of tastes and preferences music. So the wedding band that is hired should have the ability to play all kinds of music for all the people from all age group. There should be something for everybody in their performance. Moreover the band should also be able to make the party special and emotional by playing romantic numbers or specifically chosen music pieces for those special moments during the wedding.

Again, taking a birthday party as an example, hire bands who can create a happy and fun filled atmosphere playing dance numbers, interacting with the crowd, and making everyone shake their legs to the groovy numbers so that everyone has a gala time on the dance floor.

Thus it can be concluded that if you want to play a particular genre of music you should hire the bands in the first category. Otherwise, if you are planning to throw a party, and you want to play only the best music for the party, and not spend sleepless night over trying to choose the right mix of songs, you should better hire bands who specializes in that particular party segment having the capability to make your party a grand event.

Leona Newport writes for the live wedding party band hire site at http://www.souldesire.co.uk. Getting Live Bands For Wedding will make all the difference to the success of your event. For more information about how to Hire A Live Band please visit here.

1Sep/10Off

What You Should Consider About Wedding Bands

It can be a wise choice to have entertainment before or after a wedding or reception. This will ensure that your guests will stay entertained throughout the ceremony. You may consider that making the choice to have a live band can really improve your ability to have your wedding be even more memorable than you might expect. If you haven't previously considered wedding bands, you may want to consider some of the following.

Sometimes the reason that people decide they don't want to hire a wedding band is because there is such a popularity for people to use prerecorded music at their events. This can be a wise choice for certain types of events. However, in other cases, it may not be as effective as having a live band would be. Choosing a live wedding band will be able to make your event easily remembered and enjoyable.

If you are looking to get your guests to interact with each other, then live bands can be great for this. Music can be used to help people interact via dancing and song dedications can even be made. If you choose an interactive band, then they will be able to entertain your guests and interact with them from the stage. This option would be good if you have any shy individuals that are afraid to dance at your event.

Generally, presentation is a very big factor when it comes to weddings. People are going to remember a wedding that was presented well, with a live band and other entertainment. They are more likely to remember the band that played at the wedding than any sort of prerecorded music. You will find that people who have attended your wedding will remember the situation happily as they recall how much fun they had.

If you have a specific genre of music that you would prefer to be played at your wedding, then a band can also assist you with this. There are many different genres of bands which can play various types of music at your event. When you are considering bands to perform, you may want to think of this before you make your decision. This can also help you choose which bands should be considered.

Pricing is always an aspect that should be considered as well. You might want to compare the cost of hiring a live band to the cost of having music played over the speakers. Generally, the cost will be somewhat the same. However, in some cases, you may notice a difference. You are more likely to get the most bargain and value out of a band that will play anything you want. You should also consider if they take requests or if they will play a set list for you.

It is generally a good idea to listen to the bands play before you make the decision to hire them. This will allow you to see what their style is like and how well they can play. You might want to ask how long their set list is. Another aspect to consider is how interactive they were when they were performing. They will be more likely to be even more interactive at the event.

Making these considerations may lead you to want to try out some wedding bands for your event. The process is very simple in consideration of finding a band and hiring them, especially if you already know exactly what you want. You should take the chance and enjoy the experience. You might never want to have prerecorded music played at an event afterward.

Please visit the live music, wedding and party band site at http://www.souldesire.co.uk. Find out how to Hire Wedding Band to make sure your day goes really well. Also find out more information about Essex Bands from this site.

27Aug/10Off

The Right Choice For Your Event – A Live Function Band

In recent times one sees live bands playing in birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, private parties, corporate functions or any other such programmes or functions. These live bands are called function bands. These function bands are to be selected carefully keeping in mind the nature of the function and the genre of the music you want them play. If all the pre-arrangements are taken care of, you can look forward to a grand party.

There are some logistical issues you should take care of before hiring a function band. For instance, you have to check up with the venue of the party regarding whether they possess the proper music license to allow a band to perform at their premises. And if so, is there any time limit or sound limits for the same? Coming up at the last minutes, these commonly forgotten important details can ruin all your arrangements and so it is always better to be sure than be sorry at the last minute.

The question is where to get function bands for hire. There are sources like internet or yellow pages. You can call up an event management agency to get the details too. Your friends and relatives can also refer you some band they have heard playing elsewhere. When you finally select a function band, either you let them suggest or decide together the kind of music you want to be played which will be apt to your party. If you are confident about the genre of music you want to play in your party, then hire a function band that specializes in that genre.

Remember that referrals and word of mouth are always safer since going by only internet source, you might end up with a wrong band altogether. Even if you do shortlist from the net, make sure you check their official website or social networking fan page and do a bit of research from their songs and video clippings, fan reviews, etc.

If money is not a problem, then you can hire an event management agency and give them the total responsibility of hiring the function band. In this way, it is much safer to have the party without ant hitches or troubles as the agency will take care of every minute details of the arrangements.

You can find various types of function bands available in the party scene today. They are diversified with their category of performances. While some specializes in wedding functions, other may play best in private parties or anniversaries. The function bands need to be the jack of all trades because whatever parties they play at, each has a different theme. For instance, a wedding function is different from a private party or a birthday party and the mood that needs to be generated is also different in each case. So the function band needs to play a diverse range of music starting from golden oldies of the 60s to latest chart toppers.

Again, a function band can also be categorized in depending on the genre of music they play. A function band can specialize in any type of music, from the golden oldies to rock & roll, from acid rock to punk rock, from psychedelic rock to heavy metal, from jazz to pop or from country to rhythm & blues. If you have already decided up on the genre of music you want to have in your party, just choose the band that excels in that genre and hire it.

Now that all nitty gritty related to function bands have been discussed, decide the band. Sit with them and discuss the theme of the party and songs you want them to play. Discuss the bands requirements at the venue and check if the venue can accommodate those requirements. When all is settled hire the band and have a great party.

Planning an event? Please visit http://www.souldesire.co.uk, the popular live music, wedding and party band hire site. Hire an Essex Band Party will make all the difference to the success of your event. Get more information about Soul Bands Hire from this site.

27Aug/10Off

There Are Bands For Hire For Every Occasion

Having a party? There are bands for hire in any part of the country. Find bands for hire and they'll come to your function and provide the entertainment.

By hiring a live band, you'll give your event an added edge. There's nothing more fun and memorable than seeing your guests enjoy themselves dancing to the music. You'll find that people not known to dance can't help but get up and dance at least one when there is a live band.

With a live band, the mood of the moment can be changed as appropriate. When the crowd begins to get a bit exhuberant the band can play a few mellow tunes to cool it down a bit. If there's a dull moment here and there, they can play something to supercharge the action and get it going again. With a band on stage, they can decide moment by moment whether they need to change their sets to match or change the mood.

Musicians of all different abilities are available. The better and more professional bands are usually more expensive. You can hire a band with a bit less ability but with a good show for less money. This will depend on the budget you have set for your entertainment.

Although weddings and bar mitzvahs are most common for live band gigs, there are many other possibilities. Consider hiring live for a class reunion or a family reunion picnic. What could be more memorable than to see Great Aunt Martha dancing hip hop with your little cousin Jacob.

In the case of a class reunion party, ask the potential band if they play 70's music if the class graduation occurred in the 70's. Ethnic and religious ceremonies and special events have some specific songs that are considered a tradition and will be very much part of the celebration. When hiring your entertainment, be sure to ask the band if they can play those songs for you. A techno band is lots of fun, but if your wedding guests expect to dance the Chicken Dance you don't want to disappoint them.

Book the more popular bands in plenty of advance time. Their schedules fill up fast, some as much as a year in advance or more. If you simply must have that band, you can consider being flexible with the date of your event in order to accommodate the band's schedule. Where the date isn't movable, go with a lesser known, but still professional band.

When your hall has been booked with a no refund deposit and the invites are sent, you'll have less options for which band you'd like to hire. Not to worry, though. There are new bands being formed often and some of them are quite good and very professional. You may just be one of the first to hire the latest and greatest discovery in event bands.

Search the internet and phone books for booking agencies or book the band direct. By booking direct you can save the agency commission, but by using an agency you'll get help in choosing from many bands for hire and they can help you to choose the right one for your special day.

Leona Newport writes for the live wedding party band hire site at http://www.souldesire.co.uk. Finding out about Live Bands Hire will make all the difference to the success of your event. For more information about Hire Live Music please visit here.

categories: wedding bands,party bands,wedding band,bands to hire,bands for hire,live music

21Aug/10Off

Is A Wedding Band Right For You?

One of the most important occasions in any young man or woman's life is their wedding day. Even though this is one of the most joyous occasions in a young persons life, it is also the source of a lot of stressful planning and preparation. One of the most difficult choices for anyone's wedding is if a wedding band will be the type of entertainment that they will hire for their reception.

When you are considering hiring entertainment for your wedding, the best decision that you could make is to hire a wedding band. Hiring a band might seem like it is an added expense but when you consider the many benefits, it is well worth your money.

Plus your guests are more likely to stay until the end of the night if they are enjoying their time with a band. Some people consider a band to be a luxury for your wedding but there are many reasons that this is not the case. Can you really afford to throw away your money on some lesser form of entertainment?

When it comes to your special day, you want everyone to remember it as being a good time. By hiring a wedding band that expresses your unique musical tastes and those of your friends you will guarantee that your wedding is the one that will be talked about for years to come.

The band is essentially the best value when it comes to entertainment as the bands that specialize in weddings are able to play music from a variety of different types of genres. Remember if you choose to go with another less expensive form of entertainment that you might actually find that your guests are not enjoying themselves or leaving the party early. Do you really want to spend all of that money on your special day to just have guests leaving early because they were not enjoying themselves?

There are many reasons that you should consider to hire a wedding band including the main one which is that your friends and family will have the best time possible. Remember that one of the best features of a wedding band is that they are able to play a variety of music to suite the musical tastes of your guests. Since these people play a variety of music they can appease the majority of your guests with ease.

If you hire a band you do not have to worry about your friends, coworker or elderly relatives enjoying themselves as everyone is sure to have a good time. Since you will want to make sure that everyone enjoys your special day hiring a band is a great place to start. Plus you can actually rest assured that no one will feel left out or unhappy.

In the end you will have the decision left to make about what type of entertainment you will have at your wedding. By choosing to hire a wedding band you are going to be able to rest assured that you can have the best time possible with your friends and family and that everyone will go home with your night stuck in their memory.

Planning an event? Please visit http://www.souldesire.co.uk, the popular live music, wedding and party band hire site. Finding great Function Band Hire will ensure you have a great day. Get more information about Live Bands Hire from this site.

21Aug/10Off

Why You Should Have A Covers Band At Your Party

If you want your next event to be special, and are looking for entertainment, look no further than live entertainment. Live music is the best option to make your guests feel special, and to create a personal and memorable experience. Hire a covers band to play yours and your guests favorite songs. Cover bands only play the popular songs of famous bands or singers. If looking for the best entertainment experience, you cannot beat a live band. Whether you are a lover of pop, disco, country, or swing, you can find the band of your dreams.

The first place to find a live band is through referrals. If you were recently at an event and liked the music, ask the person who had the party about the band. Also ask your family, friends, coworkers to see if they have any recommendations. Always ask if the band was on time, professional, courteous, and if they were reasonably priced.

You can always try to call your local bars and restaurants that have live musicians. A manager should be able to give you the contact details for the band, or someone else who can help you in your search. If you are still unable to find a band, you could contact a professional event planning agency or event planner. They could potentially be a fantastic resource for finding your perfect band, but will most likely ask for payment for these services.

Live entertainment is surprisingly affordable. You will be able to find the kind of band you want at the price you can pay. A DJ is not always cheaper than a live band.

Think about the kind of event you are hosting. Whether it is a birthday party, wedding, or other event, pair your event with matching entertainment. When hiring any kind entertainment, the price will depend on the size of the band, the location of the event, and the length of time you want them to perform. Most will be willing to negotiate, but always be fair.

Regardless of the type of event, you will have a mixed crowd, varying in age, ethnicity, background, and music taste. Your guests will be divided into two basic groups, those who are outgoing and those who are reserved. Guests who want to dance will dance. But not all of your guests will dance, what about them? If you have live entertainment, you are providing a positive experience for everyone at your event. The people who dance will probably spend their time on the dance floor and those who do not will see a great live concert. A live band is for both participating and watching guests.

Live music is loved by everyone. If you hire a DJ, you will lose the power and energy present in a live performance. People will be willing to jam themselves into a bar for a good band, drive great distance, and pay high ticket prices for outdoor music festivals and large concerts.

During the planning stages of your event, seriously consider a live covers band. These bands will willingly take requests and energize any room. Your guests will be completely entertained. Support your local musicians, create a memorable event: hire a live band.

Please visit the live music, wedding and party band site at http://www.souldesire.co.uk. Finding great Soul Bands For Hire will make all the difference to the success of your event. Also find out more information about Party Band Essex from this site.

Partners