The new trend when hosting events or special occasions is to have a live band as part of the entertainment. Live bands bring these events to life and create some uniqueness, which is memorable to those people who attend the events. For most people, the most challenging part is always in identifying the right band to work with. Many groups purport to play a selection of good music, so narrowing down to the team to work with can be challenging.
Questions to Ask any Band Before Hiring Them
- What is your style?
Live bands have different types of music and performance styles. You should first identify the type of music you want and get a band which matches your style. If you are looking for loud rock and roll, reggae or slow music, find a band that plays exactly what you are looking for. Some bands can mix different styles, so you should bear that in mind if you want to combine various genres. You should bear in mind the kind of event that you will have so that you can be sure that the band’s style complements the event.
- Do you have referrals?
If you have never hired a particular band, you should ask them to indicate whether they have worked with other people and companies. If they do not have referrals, then you should only give them a chance if you are convinced without a doubt that they will deliver what you want. If they give the referrals, feel free to reach out to them, so that they can give you a detailed review of the band. If you do not have referrals, you can do an online search and check random reviews of what people are saying about different live bands and what they are recommending.
- What happens if you do not show up?
To prepare for the unexpected, you should always ask the band to explain what they would do, just in case they are unable to make it to the event. Some bands have a backup group which they would recommend in case of emergency. You should try and work with a band that gives alternative options, in case they are not available on the day you have booked them.
- Do you have insurance?
The band you are hiring should have insurance for their tools and other liabilities. Think of what would happen if a band member suddenly fell ill at the venue, or if their tools and instruments got stolen while they are performing at your event. Who will pay for it? That is why you should ensure the band is sufficiently insured so that you do not have to worry about other risks.