Archive for the ‘Live Bands’ Category

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Some important checks before hiring live function bands

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

Live music is becoming the must-have entertainment feature for weddings and other functions. However, hiring wedding bands and function bands is not without complications.

When hiring a band it is essential, for example, to check that all technical issues are covered. These include the provision of a professional sound system and appropriate lighting. Where function bands are able to provide their own sound and lighting systems it is still important to verify that these are appropriate for the venue chosen and for the size of the guest-list.

It is also vital to check whether a band charges for any travel and transport costs, particularly if the venue is outside the bands local area. These can add considerably to the basic hiring rates.

In addition to these technical and financial considerations, it is also essential that customers are made to feel confident that their expectations and those of their guests will be met. Live bands can sometimes disappoint by inflicting amateur level singing and musicianship on the audience, or by paying too little attention to the mood of the occasion or the reactions of guests. Some have even been known not to turn up at all.

The best bands will be able to provide professional live audio tracks, photographs taken at previous performances and glowing testimonials in order to demonstrate not only their reliability and how well they look and perform, but also how successfully they interact with audiences.

At London Soul we have experience in successfully providing great value complete live music packages at a range of functions across the UK.

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The return of real music at parties and functions

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

After decades in which the disco was king, there is now an increasing vogue in favour of live music; a trend led right from the top where, against a background of cheap, and in some cases free, downloads, some of our most loved and popular bands are increasingly dependent for the bulk of their royalties on live performances.

Parties and functions are now fulfilling this new hunger for live music, by hiring solo artists and live bands. Depending on the nature of the function, this new real music can be anything from the soft ripples of a harp player to the rich, powerful musical tour de force of rock or soul bands. Provided the bands and artists chosen are experienced and perform to professional standards, live music is always guaranteed to go down extremely well at such functions.

When hiring artists and live bands, it is always a good idea to check testimonials as this is often the only means of independent corroboration as to the quality of the musicians. It is also a good idea to try and obtain some idea of the set lists the musicians intend playing, and to check whether they can perform any special requests. Studying photographs of the band in action will give an idea of the presentation standards of the group, as a professional stage look can be as important to an audience as the music.

At London Soul, our experienced 12 piece band can provide all your musical needs, and for any occasion.

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Make the surprise party a genuine surprise with a live band

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010


Surprise parties can sometimes literally be hard to keep a surprise. The subject in question often suspects that something is going on, and the subterfuge can be incredibly difficult to maintain. Many party organisers, however, have found that by adding extra elements into the party mix, the surprise factor can continue to survive intact.

Arranging for old school or college friends to turn up, for example, is likely to surprise and delight even the most canny of surprise party victims.

However, the one item guaranteed to completely wow the subject of the party is the presence of a professional live band.

Professional party bands are more than a music provider; they are a guarantee of a full evenings entertainment. From the point of view of spectacle, there is nothing to beat the sight of a full complement of musicians and singers, putting their all into wowing the crowd.

Furthermore, professional live bands can contribute an interactive element to the proceedings; by, for example, having one of the singers personally serenading the guest of honour with his or her favourite song.

Live bands are also far more likely than conventional discos to keep party-goers up on the dance floor, thus making the evening enjoyable and memorable for both the surprise victim and his or her guests.

The sight of our 12-piece band at London Soul, complete with talented vocalists, a complete brass section, and the powerful performances of classic tracks, is especially guaranteed to take any special party guests breath away.

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The Acoustic Touch

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

When it comes to creating the perfect ambience at your wedding reception, live bands can ensure you get the tone just right and make the day all the more special. You may think about choosing function bands that can play acoustic instruments for this part of the event. A string quartet often focuses on more classical music so if you want a popular music choice then you’ll need to be specific. You can request adaptations of popular soul, pop and jazz numbers. If you are choosing wedding bands that can stay for the whole event and late into the evening you need to ensure they are able to adapt from the low key, acoustic feel of the reception to the party atmosphere of the evening event.

There are some great advantages to choosing live bands who can play acoustic instruments. There is no need to set them up with a power supply and they are able to move around quickly and easily should you be changing location. This may apply if they are playing throughout the wedding ceremony also. If you want wedding bands to play outside they will still require some adequate covering even when the weather is fine.

You needn’t worry about the music being too quiet. Acoustic instruments will make a reasonable level of noise but will be low enough to allow conversation. They will be unobtrusive whilst creating an ambient musical backdrop.

At London Soul we are an experienced live band who specialise in soul, rock and pop music. We have years of expertise in making wedding days memorable and special events.

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Book Your Festive Live Bands In Advance

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

Time moves quickly and when planning festive events it pays to plan ahead. When choosing party bands this is no exception and starting the planning process early can make all the difference. If you are looking to commemorate the Christmas season with some musical entertainment or indeed you have an event later in the year, start your planning as early as possible.

When planning these types of festivities you want it to be fun and frivolous. You can choose to keep things purely festive or choose a specific musical theme. By starting early you can take time selecting function bands and listening to what they have to offer. If you are having a themed party night then live bands need to be able to offer music that can complement it and keep everyone up on the dance floor.

Think about the location of the party. Live bands are loud so you’ll need to choose a function room that is equipped to deal with this type of event. Anticipation will get the excitement going so booking function bands in advance will give everyone something to look forward to. Secure your booking with a deposit to ensure you aren’t disappointed at a later date through lack of choice.

Talk to the band you choose about lighting and sound checks. Good quality function bands will either arrange these things themselves or offer sound advice on how you should handle it.

At London Soul we have years of experience in entertaining at large functions and events, and our live bands are ideal whatever our clients’ specifications.

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