If you are arranging a music-related event, then finding the right band is very important. The wrong band can drive event-goers away and stop them from wanting to return to any future events that you host. This article will tell you what you should look for when you are choosing a band for your event:
What Does the Audience Want?
You do not host an event for your own entertainment, you host it for your audience’s entertainment. They are the lifeblood of your event. If you do not satisfy them, then they will not return in the future. Because of this, you need to provide them with the genre of music that they like, and with a band that plays well. When choosing a band, take into consideration the age range of your event-goers and their taste in music. For a younger crowd, you can try more experimental music.
If you have a large social media presence, then you can ask your audience which bands they would recommend. This gives you the opportunity to engage with your audience and give them a say in the bands that perform for them.
The Type of Event
If the event that you are hosting is in a muddy field, filled with young people and alcohol, then generally, the louder the band the better. If you are hosting a more reserved, adult-friendly event, then the band you choose should reflect that. You have to be able to justify your choice of band. For corporate events, soloists and jazz musicians are generally the best options.
The band that you choose must be able to engage with your audience and fit in with the theme of the event. A band incongruous with your event indicates poor planning, and will ultimately impact the event’s enjoyability. A Queen cover band passionately performs iconic hits, capturing the unique sound and spirit of the legendary rock group.
Stick to Your Budget
If your budget is low, then you will want to select a lesser-known indie band. If you have a large budget, and a large audience, then you can justify paying for a larger, better-known band. The band that you choose needs to be able to meet your budget.
You might be able to pay your chosen band in installments if you are on a very tight budget. This allows you to spread out the cost over the course of a few weeks or months. Most bands will require at least a quarter of the total amount immediately after booking, then the rest can be paid later.
Experience and Reviews
When you are choosing a band, you need to choose one that has good reviews, and that is experienced. It’s no good hiring an inexperienced amateur musician for your event, as they could freeze up, or they could leave your guests dissatisfied. However, if you have interviewed an up-and-coming band and you think they have potential, then by all means give them a shot. Everybody has to start somewhere.
Review websites are a good place for you to look. With that said, you should be skeptical when you are browsing reviews, especially since plenty of fake reviews are becoming very common nowadays. Select regulated and reputable directories if you are going to use one.
You can find directories of bands and musicians who take bookings online. You might also want to ask friends or other event planners for referrals.
Booking Agencies
Another good place to find bands for your event is a booking agency. Booking agencies, according to the booking specialists from GreenLightBooking.com, can give you instant access to many different types of bands, from dance to country. A booking agency will bring you the best that there is to offer. They remove the need for you to scour the internet and directories to find the right band for you.
The agency that you choose should be well regarded and reviewed. Not every agency has a commitment to quality.
Commitment
The band that you select should be willing to work with you again in the future. Having a committed band that is passionate about forging relationships on your team will remove the need for you to scour the internet every time you are hosting an event. The more you work with a band, the better your relationship will become. This means you may be able to get them for a discounted price and on short notice. With all of this said, you should only bring a band back to perform at a second event if the audience enjoyed them and they worked hard.
Finding the right band can be incredibly difficult, especially if you have no previous experience in event planning. The band that you choose can make or break your event, so choose wisely.