Saturday, April 17, 2010

What Is The Best Way To Book A Band?

By Dannii Symes

So, you are having a party. Planning can be tough, but one area that can make it easier is whether to hire a Disc Jockey or to book a band. While pretty much everything else you do has many choices, this area only has 2 options. Do you want live music or listen to recordings that you and all of your guests hear all day, every day? There are benefits to each choice, but live music is ultimately the better option.

Many folks have opted to use a DJ, simply because it is easier. They show up with their equipment, have several hundred songs to play, usually in a variety of genres and unless they are brand new, they are usually fine for most occasions. The biggest challenge with this choice is that your DJ is limited to only the music he/she brings with them. Many times, with a diverse aged group of people, they will not have songs that your guests may wish to hear.

Using someone who spins records, requires that your venue has a high quality sound system. They seldom travel with their own and even if they do, it is generally not designed for a large facility. Considering that this is the sound of your party, the quality of their sounds are crucial. With live music, this is not a consideration. A band will arrive with instruments and sound system in tow, so you get professional sounds after a few sound checks.

The theme of your party has usually been fairly thought out. Your DJ may or may not have music to accommodate this choice. Most of the time, they have several hundred commonly played songs to make it through the day. Depending on the type of music you wish played, there are always live musicians who will accommodate your wishes.

In many situations, a DJ is a frustrated entertainer. They actually wish they were in a band! Your party may offer them the option of performing, but seldom will you find the next American Idol portraying themselves as a record spinner!! Having live music with a professional lead singer and quality back ups, will present a true compliment to your party.

Finding groups that suit your needs may be a little tougher, but in the long run, their presence will have a bigger impact on the party than anyone else. There are agents that will direct you to venues where local talent is playing. You get to see them in action to determine their sound, how they interact with the customers and their personalities. A DJ is really at a location to do nothing more than spin records, although now it is more of anything but records, and is not really there as entertainment.

Of course, the cost of hiring live entertainers will be higher than a DJ, but your overall results will be more satisfactory. The leader of the band can be a greater help as a Master of Ceremonies and will allow for more interaction with your guests. As long as you are not hiring a full orchestra, the costs will not be prohibitive.

If you book a band, the party will have an entirely different flavor. Perhaps the next winner of American Idol will be tearing up every song. The lead guitar may be the next Eric Clapton and the drummer may be as entertaining as Ringo Starr. This is the personality of your party, so make your choice wisely and everyone will have a great time, while you dance the night away knowing that you made the best choice!!

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment