June 22nd, 2010
For those planning an important function or party, there is no question that the spectacle of a live band will be more exciting than a DJ.
However, some function organisers worry that whilst a DJ will always be able to play something for everyone, the repertoire of a live band may prove too limited to keep the vast majority of guests entertained. This concern is not only unfounded, but misconstrues the ways in which guests respond to musical entertainment.
Professional party bands on todays circuit have a vast range of material with which to entertain guests. Those with a rich multi-instrumental structure and strong multi-vocal talents, will be particularly adept at crossing over into different musical styles. The best soul bands, for example, can perform popular ballads and driving dance music with equal flair and panache.
Also, guests at a function will always tend to be genuinely appreciative of a live band, provided the music is popular, recognisable and played to a sufficiently high standard. Indeed, live bands that focus on say, an eighties theme, are more likely to create a happy atmosphere and maintain a consistent dance-floor presence, than a DJ who flits haphazardly between musical styles.
Another point is that any band with a strong track record in performing at functions, and can provide testimonials, is virtually guaranteed to go down a storm, whatever the occasion.
By hiring our experienced and popular 12-piece band, London Soul, you can relax and enjoy the party, knowing that your evenings musical entertainment is in capable hands.
Tags: Function Bands, Live Bands, live event music, live party music, Party Bands
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June 16th, 2010
When planning a corporate or social function, which includes music and dancing, it is generally agreed that hiring a professional live band will often transform a good party into a truly great one. There are many function bands available for hire these days, but how does one go about deciding which to use?
Most function organisers agree that the main criterion for choosing a band should be based on music genre. It is generally considered that unless the attendees are known to share a passion for a particular artist, band, or music type, the safest genre to choose will be well-known, chart-based pop.
Furthermore, to encourage dancing, most organisers agree that the pop music chosen should be both catchy and highly rhythmic. These qualities are most often found in the soul music classics, which have graced the music scene over the past few decades. Hiring a professional soul band will therefore be high on most organisers agenda.
To meet the expectations of todays musically sophisticated public, the best professional bands should be capable of generating a full, rich sound, using talented singers and real instruments. Again, the most successful soul bands are renowned for combining versatile and powerful vocalists, driving rhythm sections, and confident brass ensembles; so will easily be able to meet these demanding expectations.
Our versatile and popular 12-piece soul band, London Soul, has a wealth of experience in playing for a wide range of functions across the county. We look forward to making your function a night to remember.
Tags: Function Bands, Live Bands, live music, Party Bands, Soul Bands
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June 10th, 2010
When planning a function, many organisers are increasingly coming to realise the unique attraction of live music, over the traditional DJ or playback of stock tracks. Whether this has been encouraged by the welcome sight of a live band playing regularly on TV dance shows, the greater emphasis on performance by famous pop bands, or simply a deep-seated yearning for live music after years of soulless karaoke backing tracks, there is no doubt that live music is definitely back in fashion.
In a digital age, in which we are accustomed to hearing quality, flawless musical output via a range of electronic media, audiences for live music, function guests will usually demand high calibre, sophisticated performances from artists. Function bands that can meet these exacting demands will not only have a great deal of experience in performing together, but will also be able to generate a full, rich sound through the use of multi-instrumentation, harmonised vocals, and technically superlative amplification.
Sourcing function bands might seem easy at first, but the difficulty is in finding those that are guaranteed to meet the exacting criteria of function guests. Not only is general performance quality a crucial requirement, there is also the need to ensure that the live band can cater for the particular musical tastes and expectations of the function attendees; a school prom, for example, will probably need a more intensely up-to-date repertoire than a 50th birthday party.
The good news is that our professional 12-piece band, London Soul, can meet all your function requirements.
Tags: choosing function bands, Function Bands, Live Bands, Party Bands
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June 2nd, 2010
The wedding’s evening function is when the happy couple and their guests can celebrate and relax, as well as being an opportunity to welcome friends and acquaintances, for whom there may simply not have been enough space at the earlier wedding breakfast. Quality live music is guaranteed to make this evening function a fitting, and enjoyable, climax to the big day.
The benefits of live music over a disco, or other ways of amplifying pre-recorded tracks, are immeasurable. Not only will live bands provide a stunning visual focus for guests enjoyment, but there is no better way of encouraging people on to the dance floor than the presence of quality singers and real instrumentation on a main stage.
Live bands that are best received at weddings manage to home in on truly well known and exciting sounds. Classic pop, rock and soul, as well as credible and catchy contemporary songs, always strike a chord with the widest cross section of ages and musical tastes. The best wedding bands will also make guests feel a part of the show, through the use of friendly interaction.
The recommended method of choosing a band for a wedding is to look up testimonials and endorsements. It will quickly be seen that there is nothing better than a live band to help turn a wedding night into an event that will live long in people
Tags: Function Bands, Wedding Bands, wedding evening bands, wedding party band
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May 28th, 2010
When booking wedding bands for the evening event you want function bands that can get your guests up off their feet and dancing. Most live bands can do this for you. The big question is what type of music do you want them to play? You need to think about the genre of music you love, what type of music will appeal to guests of all ages and what will fit in with the theme of the wedding day.
The most popular choice is that of pop and rock stretching from the sixties through to the here and now. Whether live bands play The Beatles or other popular songs from pop history, they are guaranteed to be a hit as most people will be familiar with them and they are great dance floor fillers. Function bands will normally have as a minimum of rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass guitar and of course drums.
The next top choice is funk and soul. You’ll find these live bands are bigger than the standard party bands and will have keyboards and possibly brass and sax. There will be a mix of female and male vocals and you will be guaranteed to get your wedding party off to a flying start.
However you may want to mix up the music genres so talk to your function bands at length to ensure they have that flexibility.
At London Soul we are a larger party band with a wide repertoire of music to offer and experienced at all types of events from wedding to corporate functions.
Tags: Live Bands, live wedding music, Wedding Bands, wedding evening bands, wedding party bands
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