How long do bands need to set-up?

The time it takes for a music group to set-up also varies depending on the amount of musicians involved. A solo violinist can be ready in just a few minutes. Whereas 10-piece party bands, tribute bands, function and wedding bands in Northamptonshire may need an hour to 90 minutes. This is to position all the musicians on the stage, prepare the equipment and conduct a sound-check. In either case, it is best to agree with the bands on the time of arrival which will allow for them to prepare for your event . This should ideally be before your guests or patrons arrive.

I need to cancel or re-arrange a booking, what do I do?

When you hire a wedding band in Northamptonshire and need to cancel this is best done directly with the chosen band as soon as possible. Simply contact the band you selected for the event and explain the reason for the cancellation. Simply changing your mind is not usually a good enough reason to cancel! Please ensure you provide the bands with as much notice as possible. As without it, the band will not be able to schedule another performance on the cancellation date leading to a loss of earnings.

When you discuss the terms and conditions of the engagement with your band please discuss what is to happen if a cancellation occurs. Musicians in these bands are human-beings too. So likely they will understand if you have a genuine reason for the cancellation. If you need to re-arrange an engagement you should contact the band and let them know why and when you would like them to perform. They may need time to check their calendar before they can confirm the re-arrangement.

What if the band cancels?

If a band cancels you will need to find a replacement band as soon as possible. Firstly, you should enter another enquiry form to hire a wedding band in Northamptonshire. So we can help you as we have many party bands, tribute bands, wedding bands available in Northamptonshire at last minute. Secondly you need to decide the impact of the cancellation. If the cancellation has not allowed enough time for a replacement to be found what your losses may be. This should then be checked with your band booking agreement agreed before booking. You can download a live music hire Engagement Agreement document to use here.

Can I see the bands performing live before hiring?

Of course! All of our bands are active musicians and the band selected for your engagement is very likely working in your local area. Many cover bands, tribute bands, function and wedding bands in Northamptonshire have websites which they can direct you to. Which will usually include a list of the dates they are playing and where. Provided it's a public event simply pop along and have a listen. If you like what you hear don't forget to introduce yourselves and let them know you discovered them via the ACE Music Booking agency website. You can also discuss a pre-hire viewing when you discuss your engagement with the bands. As they are keen to secure the booking they will be very happy to let you know when you can see them play and to discuss your engagement.

Is it possible to pick the songs the bands will perform?

Choosing which songs to perform depends a great deal on the type of band you are hiring. Some bands will work very hard on a particular series of songs, sometimes linking a number of songs together into a medley and will have a routine to last the entire evening which they have perfected. In this case it is very difficult for them to change the order of songs to include your choice. But, they may still be able to perform a special song for you, a first dance for example. Other bands will happily play any song or number of songs you request providing you give them enough notice to learn them.

Many international party bands, tribute bands, function and wedding bands to hire in Northamptonshire travel the world with over 300 songs in their repertoire. They will likely know the songs you like already! In both cases, don't be afraid to ask! It is important you get exactly the music you want.

Will the bands learn a song request?

Yes. Or at least they should! In the many years we have been operating as a professional agency we have never come across a music band that will not happily learn a song for your first dance. But, you may need to bear in mind the type of song you have requested and the style of the covers band, tribute or theme band, event band or wedding function band you have chosen. As some bands may not fit the instrumentation and music style, they simply will not be able to accurately represent the song you chose. (For example choosing a hip-hop multi vocal song for a solo cello player!) You may be better served having the band play the official MP3 version through their PA system instead.

How loud will the band be?

The volume the band performs at will depend in the most part on the type of instruments involved. Particularly un-amplified instruments like drums and brass which have a fairly set volume level at which they are played. Amplified instruments will then be required to set their volume levels appropriately to musically blend together. If you have chosen a band that is entirely amplified (a hi-tech band for hire using backing tracks for example) then their volume can be set as quiet as the lowest level at which they can sing without the dry sound (the voice before microphone amplification) being heard.

Will the bands be suitable for sound limiters?

This will depend on the level of the sound limiter and the type of band selected. If your venue has a sound limiter this is something that will need to be discussed when you hire a wedding band in Northamptonshire. If you are unsure then it is best to choose a band which is entirely amplified as the sound produced will be more controllable than a band which has un-amplified instruments, drums for example. Many bands are experienced in working with sound limitations and will be able to tell whether they will have any issue.

Do I need to provide anything for the band for hire?

You will only need to provide a space in which to perform and payment. The space they need will depend on the size of the band you hire and can vary from as little as 2 meters to as much as an orchestra pit! The bands themselves will be experienced in the amount of space the band requires and will be able to advise you in more detail. The payment for the engagement should be issued by prior arrangement. This is usually via a BACS transfer in the week leading up to the event, issued in cash at the end of the performance or payment via cheque.

What if I have a complaint about the hired band?

If you have a complaint this should be raised as soon as possible with the band themselves. The sooner a band knows there is an issue the quicker they can rectify the problem if it is within their power to do so. A great way to avoid complaints is to use the ACE Music Booking agents’ Engagement Agreement form here. This covers many of the areas which can result in a complaint if not agreed before the performance. For example when the band is to arrive, set-up, play, break, finish as well as agreement on cancellations and payments.

How will the bands plan my event's performance?

Exactly what you want them to as agreed! This usually takes the form of their arrival before the event to set-up and sound-check. Once done they will likely make themselves scarce or get changed into their performance clothing or costume. Once the music begins the covers band, tribute band, or wedding function band you have chosen will perform the type of music you heard from the examples they provided. They will play for the agreed amount of time, usually taking small break in-between sets. At the end they will pack up their equipment and depending on what you agreed with them in the terms and conditions, accept payment and leave.

What equipment will the band provide?

The band will supply all the equipment they need to perform at your venue. If you have any particular equipment requests (laser lights for example!) then please discuss these with the band hired beforehand. Likely the band will provide a lighting system suitable to the venue, a PA system capable of supporting their amplification needs and enough great songs to get everyone in attendance dancing and singing along all night long!

Will the bands need a lot of space?

The amount of space the bands will need to set-up varies greatly depending on whether you're looking for a 2-piece band or larger bands. Smaller bands will only need a couple of square metres and a plug socket to perform. Whereas a 10 piece band will be best suited to a stage area which is usually much larger and elevated. These bands may also require extra plug sockets for the increased amount of musical equipment they will supply to your event. When you hire a wedding band in Northamptonshire please discuss the space your band requires before the engagement.

How long is the band's performance?

As long as you need it to be! Generally bands perform in sections of 45 minutes to an hour with a small break in-between usually lasting around 15 to 20 minutes. So if you need your band to perform across a 3 hour time it is quite likely the band will play for 45 minutes 3 times. Some bands performing across a 2 hour time like to play for 45 minutes, take a 15 minute break then play for the whole last hour. There's also bands that when asked to perform across 3 hours will do just that without a break! Just remember to discuss and agree exactly how long you want your band to perform, what length their sets of music will be and how long their breaks will be.

Can I customise my band’s performance?

That will depend on how exactly you want to customise the band’s show! Many bands are happy to discuss any ways in which they can perfectly fit your event. For example to wear themed clothing or to perform a particular genre of songs. You may also want particular songs performed at particular times or announcements to be made. Just let the band know exactly what you would like to customise. Especially if you plan to have them swinging from the chandeliers!

How much will it cost to hire a wedding band in Northamptonshire?

This will obviously depend on the bands in the area and what your budget may be. It also matters for how long you want the band to perform at your event and if there are any extra requirements. You can stipulate these on your band booking enquiry form. A local solo musician can be available from as little as sixty pounds. Whereas a world class 10 piece wedding band in Northamptonshire can command thousands. ACE Music Booking Agency will find bands which fit your budget. If you entered your budget you can rest assured you will be able to afford the musicians we find.

What happens if a band I hire member is ill?

Illness is something all bands should be prepared for. Usually this means another musician (a deputy also known as a 'dep') stepping into the band. The deputy musician will be well versed in the music that the band performs. You will be unlikely to hear any difference, although they may appear different. If the band hasn't prepared a deputy in case of illness or the deputy is not available then they may have to either cancel the performance or perform without the ill musician. You will need to agree with the band what happens in-case of illness before confirming the hire.

What size of band should I hire?

The size of band you want! You should bear in mind your event and the space at your venue when you hire a wedding band in Northamptonshire. If you are having a party for friends in a small garden then a smaller band would be a good choice. But, if you've hired a large hall with a big stage area then large ultimate wedding bands in Northamptonshire or covers bands would be a better choice to fill the hall with sound.

Just let us know on the hire form the size of band you prefer and we'll find it for you. If you're not sure or have no preference on the band size then leave the field blank and we'll supply you with the best bands of many different sizes to choose from.

Do all wedding bands in Northamptonshire perform live?

The musicians in the bands will perform live but not all shows are completely live. Although many bands are fully live, some bands will use musical backing tracks to perform with a larger sound than the number of band members involved, for example a soloist may use a backing track accompaniment. If you have a preference then please discuss this with the band as they would rather perform to their greatest potential. Even world famous music artists use backing tracks!

Can bands play different styles of music?

Some bands can perform music across many genres and decades whereas other prefer to focus their band on a particular genre. To our experience, party bands, tribute bands, wedding music bands or party bands that can play multiple styles of music are perfect choices at events where there is a mixed age of audience, for example at a birthday party. If you want your band to perform different styles then simply the genre information on the enquiry form.

What are the power requirements for the band for hire?

For some bands no power at all is needed. A string quartet does not need any power and are a great choice for venues where there are not any power outlets. Small bands will usually only need one or two power sockets depending on the type of instruments they play or equipment they use, whereas larger bands can need many power options to set-up in their correct configuration. When you hire a wedding band in Northamptonshire please ensure you discuss the power requirements and availability.

Are the music bands PAT tested with adequate public liability insurance (PLI)?

Yes and yes! Every party band, tribute band, function band, wedding band for hire in Northamptonshire on the ACE Music Booking agency network needs to follow portable appliance testing (also known as PAT testing) requirements and will also need to have public liability insurance (also known as PLI). This ensures that the band you choose to hire will be legally able to perform at your venue without issue. Although the musicians on our network cannot join without confirming both of these points you still need to check with them that their certifications are still valid for the date of performance.

How do I make a booking?