usually included iere are our Frequently Asked Questions! Got a question not on this list? Contact us here
How do I get an estimate/confirm a booking?
To get an estimate, simply fill out the form on our “Contact Us” page with your name, email address, contact number, type of event and any other details such as the location and date of the event. We will check availability and prepare an estimate based on your requirements.
If you have requested an estimate and would like to go ahead with the booking, we will need your full address and contact details along with the venue address. We will then email you a contract with full terms and conditions. You will then need to sign and return it to confirm the booking. A deposit of approximately 20% will also be required, this is payable via BACs or cheque. An invoice with payment details will be included with the contract.
Can I come and see the band play live before I book?
Absolutely! We greatly encourage you to come and see us at any of our live gigs. Please click *here* for dates of where you can see us live!
How much do you charge for a private party?
To find out how much we will charge for your event, you must contact us directly as our rates are tailored to your individual requirements for your event.
What is included in the price?
Your tailored quote will usually include the following:
The number of sets you require us to play
Our travel to and from the venue is (up to 10 miles) there is usually an additional charge for travelling further.
Set up of our lighting, sound equipment and instruments (up to 2 hours).
Sound check prior to the arrival of your guests.
The use of our PA during the party to make announcements and speeches.
Optional Extras (Subject to Requirements)
If you require the band to set up earlier in the day, we charge for every additional hour.
If you would like us to play for longer, we offer an additional 45 minute set.
If you would like live piano/keyboard music whilst guests arrive, we are happy to provide this for an additional hourly charge.
Do you charge VAT?
No, we do not currently charge VAT.
Can I ask you to learn songs for my event?
Absolutely, if you have 2 or 3 songs that have a special significance, we are happy to add them to the set for your party. However, if you want us to learn more than this, we may have to make a charge. It will depend on the song.
SOUND LIMITERS
My venue has a sound limiter, will it be a problem?
Sound limiters can spoil everyone’s fun. If you don’t know what they are, they are devices which measure the volume of sound in a room, some will automatically cut off the electricity supply if the sound volume remains above a pre-defined threshold for more than 10 – 20 seconds.
If you can, we would prefer it if you book a venue that does not have a sound limiter fitted. However, if you are unlucky enough to have already booked a venue with a sound limiter you need to understand the following:
Bands are loud and not deliberately so. They will work with you to perform within the confines of a sound limiter but it’s not always possible if the limiter is set unworkably low. The band cannot turn down any lower than the unamplified volume of the drum kit. As you can imagine, a drum kit is quite loud even if it’s not being amplified by the bands PA system.
The minimum level the band can set their equipment to, is so that the other instruments and vocals can be heard above the natural volume of the drum kit. This varies from band to band and from style to style. In modern pop/rock music, the drums are played in a lively, strong and energetic fashion. Therefore, pop bands are relatively loud. Jazz drummers often play with brushes and in a much more refined fashion so they don’t normally have trouble with sound limiters.
In many circumstances, as long as the venue see the band are making an effort to comply with the limiter, they will switch the limiter off or raise the threshold if problems persist.
NOTE: If the limiter is set to a threshold below 95dB you run the risk of audience applause being so loud that it trips out the electricity so please be warned!!
What time will the band arrive?
We will usually arrive and set-up between one and a half and two hours before the guests arrive. This means we are ready to play as and when required. We will always set up and sound check before guests arrive. If you require the band to set up earlier in the day, there is an additional fee of £60 for every additional hour required.
How long does it take the band to set up?
We take approximately an hour and a half to set up and sound check subject to the access for the venue (stairs or lifts may increase loading time).
How long will the band play?
Our standard set times are two sets of 45 or 60 minutes. We believe that this is a good amount of time to have a band playing. However, if you want us to play longer, we do offer 3 x 45 minute sets for an extra £300.
What time should the band start playing?
This is entirely up to you and your schedule on the day. For example, if the party is in the evening, and you would like it to finish at 11:00pm it is best for the band to start playing at 9:00pm. This would allow for 2 x 45minute sets with a 15 minute interval. However, this is only a guide. It would depend on how long the band would be playing for and any restrictions the venue might have.
Does the band provide music before and between sets?
Yes, we are happy to provide music via an iPod/mp3 player between sets. However, it might be that you would like to play particular songs. Therefore, you are welcome to create your own playlists, we will then play this through our PA system.
If you would like live piano/keyboard music whilst guests arrive, we are happy to provide this for an additional £60 per hour.
How long are the intervals?
We request intervals of at least 10-15 minutes but this can be longer to suit your requirements on the day.
Will the band require refreshments?
We do request that you provide refreshments and food for the band throughout our stay at the venue. This does not have to be to the same standard as the guest meals, just something before we play to keep energy levels up. We often start out early to travel to the gig and do not arrive home until the early hours so some hot food is always greatly appreciated.
Does the band provide their own PA system / Lighting equipment?
Yes, we are completely self-contained so you do not need to worry about a thing.
Do we need to hire a raised stage?
No, a stage is always a great addition to a performance but is not a requirement.
How much space do you require?
We are very accommodating when it comes to space and can fit into just about any room or marquee. For weddings and events in larger rooms, we request 5 meters in width and 3 meters in depth.
What are the minimum power requirements?
We require at least two double 13 amp sockets.
Is the band PAT tested with adequate public liability insurance (PLI)?
Yes, if the venue requires a certificate, please contact us and we’ll forward you copy.