Entertainment

An Expert’s Top Tips To Finding The Perfect Music For Your Next Event

With these tips from the pros, your next event should be a musical experience like no other that may even get Bob from Accounting up shaking his groove thang.

We’ve all been to that event. You know the one: where they think some snacks on a plastic tray and a few free drinks equals a good time. Anyone who’s thrown a successful wedding, special celebration or corporate event though knows that creating the right “vibe” is high on your priority list, and we would say that music is a huge part of creating that atmosphere.
So when you need some insider knowledge, where do you go? The experts, right; and Michelle Pearson is one of them. A SA-grown all-rounder, Michelle is not only a singer, but an event manager and the mastermind behind the award-winning show Comfort Food Cabaret. We had a chat with her about her top tips on choosing the right music for your event.

Check the references

You wouldn’t buy a vacuum cleaner without doing some research so you shouldn’t hire a musician without checking their reviews. Reviews are important because they give you a snapshot of what other people thought of their performance and work ethic. You’ll quickly be able to figure out whether they are professional, reliable and whether their previous clients have had an enjoyable experience with them.

Arrange a meeting before the day

If you’re planning a wedding, try to arrange a meeting with your potential DJ or band leader before the big day. You can usually figure out whether they love what they do and how much experience they have by having a casual chat over a cuppa. If you don’t want to meet before you hire, definitely find some time to discuss song choices and style because these choices are important in making an event successful. 

Plan your song choice in advance

Keen on featuring some Top 40 hits in your wedding or event and want them performed by your live musicians? Make sure that you tell your musicians in advance because a lot of new music is heavily produced and it’s very difficult for an acoustic duo or a trio to replicate the song exactly. If they know this in advance they can tell you what they can do to help you. Or if you really want your favourite version of an Ed Sheeran song played during your first dance then why not play it through an Ipod or arrange it with your DJ. There’s nothing wrong with featuring a mixture of live music and pre-recorded music throughout your wedding. 

Get that confirmation

When you’re ready to choose your music supplier for your special event make sure you get a written confirmation and pay a deposit (make sure you have sighted the terms and conditions and that you understand them). This is an important step in the planning process because it protects both the client and the supplier.
Michelle has been called up so many times to fill in last minute or put a band together because a music supplier has pulled out. Most suppliers are amazing and will move mountains to make sure they deliver for your special event but sometimes this is not the case. Protect yourself with a deposit and contract, just as you would if you were booking accommodation or making a big purchase.

Think about the volume levels

You don’t want to be known as that event where no one could talk because the music was too loud. Ask the performer how they control their volume and take close notice as to how flexible they are on this point. This is important!
We all love music, but if it is too loud it can make everyone feel uncomfortable and totally kill the vibe. If you’re planning a wedding make sure you don’t seat the oldies right next to the band and if you’re planning an event think about the kind of musical outfit you are choosing to entertain your guests. For example, don’t hire a big band or rock band if you’re looking for cruisy background tunes. Musicians can only do so much to reduce their volume but they are there to create a good energy for your event and they want their music to be enjoyable.

There’s no such thing as too much information

Musicians and DJs are there to make your event whatever you want it to be. The more information you give them, the more likely they are to get it right. Don’t like modern pop? Love the smooth tunes of Stevie Wonder? Let them know, and they’ll try to make it work.

Feed and water them

Suppliers (especially musicians and DJs) love being fed and watered. Not only does this create some goodwill with your suppliers but it is practical. Sometimes it is difficult for the players to leave the event venue and get a quick feed. Sometimes running sheets change within minutes and if they are on site they can quite easily go on stage early or work around your changing requirements. If they have to leave to get food though, things can get a bit tricky. If feeding them isn’t an option let them know and they’ll organise something in advance. 

Don’t touch their gear

You don’t want people to rummage through your personal belongings, so please don’t play with the band’s instruments or the DJs deck. Most of them have spent thousands of dollars of hard-earned cash on drum kits, PA systems, guitars, amps, keyboards and more, so it’s not great when a drunk wedding guest decides to play a drum solo or have a game of Guitar Hero. It’s also an insurance issue and those expensive instruments are often someone’s livelihood. 
Now that you’ve got these tips from the pros, your next event should be a smash hit!
If you’re looking for live music for a corporate event, special celebration, wedding ceremony or reception, Michelle is a singer and performer with extensive event management experience.
For corporate events, parties, engagements, wedding ceremonies and receptions she offers live music (duo, trio or full band) personalised to your taste and style. Playing with some of Adelaide’s best musicians and offering a range of music styles, she has a wealth of experience to make your celebration completely unforgettable.
Christmas and wedding bookings are filling up so get in touch to find out more.

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