thinking about your wedding party? Then hire the best wedding band in Bedfordshire to make your party unforgettable. Revolve Party Band offer the best sound system, PA and stage lighting to dazzle your audience, create a party atmosphere and make your party go off with a bang! Find here more details.
‘For those few hours, I was just having the time of my life!’ Why scrutinising function band work is old news. This freelance vocalist sets it straight.
I always hear some musicians, particularly experienced folk, speak about how wedding bands are lowest of the low when it comes to performing and how function work is the epitome of music. However I wanted to see what it’s really like from the perspective of an independent woman who’s in a function band to see how it feels and what she really thinks. I interviewed the enthusiastic Phoebe Brooks who decided to set it straight when it comes to function work.
If you could introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit of yourself:
I’m Phoebe, nineteen and I study music performance as a vocalist at ACM Clapham. I am also the lead vocalist of the function band, Studio 33. For my aspirations, I would love to tour the world with different bands singing all different styles to everyone.
When did you know you wanted to start a career in music?
Cliché as it is, I’ve been singing “my whole life”, well since I was about five,I’ve always had the dream. It wasn’t until I was about thirteen that I realised that I had to make the decision to do this professionally so then the work started to happen.
You’re young and fresh in this industry which can be quite exciting yet terrifying. What made you start a function band?
It was actually my boyfriend that originally started the band. He thought it would be a great way to make money and get great live experience at the same time! We’ve learnt so much about the industry without having to do gigs for free!
It must of been quite an ecstatic feeling to get your first check from a gig. What’s been your favourite one so far?
I think one of my favourites has to be one of our latest ones at a birthday party. It was our first gig with our new drummer so everyone was a bit nervous but it went so well! Everyone was dancing and I danced so much that I felt like I’d just done a work out! For those few hours, I was just having the time of my life.
That sounds amazing and to have gotten paid for doing something you love must be liberating. Why though, do you think function work has such a bad reputation?
I think the bad reputation is down to the stereotypes and the song choices. If you google the setlist of a typical function band, it’s the same 50 songs, especially with all the cheesy party songs.
So we try to choose songs that not every band plays so we stand out as having a unique setlist.
Function work is often considered as easy work but it actually takes a lot of discipline and quick learning with the ability to take requests at a click of a finger. I think function bands can also be confused with cover bands. Everyone can have a go at playing covers either for fun or as a career but to have a good function band takes talent, dedication, hard work, flexibility and sanity.
That’s an interesting point of view that I’m sure a lot of us will think about. Which brings me to ask, for those who may have an interest in this side of the music industry, what advice could you give?
Keep it fun! A function band is a business. If you run it yourself you have to take care of all the bookings, finances, equipment, admin and so much more, and I’m surprised I don’t have muscles by now with the amount of equipment I have to carry around to set up a gig! But if, at the end of the day, you’re performing songs you enjoy and the audiences enjoy it with you, you’ll love your job and getting paid on top of that is a bonus!
Also, don’t give up on it. It’s A LOT of work. My boyfriend and I run the band together and people drive us insane sometimes but when it all works out, we get that extra satisfaction that we did that all ourselves. You’re getting paid to get amazing industry and performance experience.
Phoebe continues to work with her function band around Kent and London, constantly improving her skills and gaining more confidence in music directorship. Function band work is a job, a respectful job that’s always up for debate, but as Miss Brooks said, ‘A function band is a business’ and who are we to judge those who turn their art into reality.
(( Picture does not belong to me. Photo belongs to Studio 33))
Top 10 Tips for Becoming a Professional Guitar Player
Top 10 Tips for Becoming a Professional Guitar Player
Hey, guitarist!
This guest post comes to us via Jon Fellowes of Last Minute Musicians.
Becoming a professional guitar player can take a lot of time and effort, but learning from the best is sure to help you set yourself up for success down the line.
By the way, if you think you might have something to share with the community, you might consider writing a guest post too.
By now you've most likely whittled down your long listing of wedding performers to a choose couple of. Most probably you're also proceeding via various estimates, and have discussions with plenty of band leaders and wedding entertainers in research of that challenging "wedding performer fit". Congratulations, you're approaching the complete line! But prior to you put almost everything on paper, here are several of guidelines to keep in mind and adhere to to ensure that you've got the best wedding entertainers. Entertainment places the feelings of any event and its' essential to get the individuals who will offer the feel you want to get for your oh-so-very unique day.
here are top 5 activity points:
Who desires to perform on an clean stomach? Not lots of individuals. Greater part of expert wedding performers invest a number of time traveling. When they achieve the location they'll most likely be active establishing their equipment. Don't ignore to give them a appropriate meal, (not just snacks), before they keep the wedding.
· Set apart a good area for your performers to have dinner in. Keep them jointly and give them plenty of time to rest and chitchat between independently. If you deal with them well, they will respond appropriately and give a good efficiency.
· Offer a excellent place for your performers to primp and modify. Musicians will frequently appear in informal clothing and modify into their show clothes at the location. If you are having your wedding at a hotel, source a extra space for a several hours. Hotels generally offer per hour occupancy, so it won't create a big hole in your budget.
· Maintain a good provide of soft beverages and water. A lot of groups will most probably carry water with them, but the kind action of making a couple of containers of fluid to relax their exhausted throats will go a long way.
· Explain all relevant factors of their efficiency. In the bustle and bustle of the wedding significant information might be neglected. Any performer will be the initial to say plans often change on the night of their performance. Determine an essential personal to be sure the band is aware of what time they are predicted to execute and end as well as any changes that happened.
We've simplified down our ideas to 5 critical activity factors. One rule of thumbs that should be observed is this, keep in mind that a little TLC will go a long way and also carry about most effective value for your money.
Lifestyle of the people is modifying every day. Individuals are searching for a choice to live in design and appreciate their life. Having a party is one such popular activity of a lot of people. If you are one between them, who is searching for a choice to organize a party, there are few significant factors that you should maintain in your thoughts. Getting the right party bands is also one such careful task that you should think about when organizing a party. Just in case, if you are not capable to discover the right band in your position, this information can assist you.
As party bands are making plenty of reputation these days, you will be capable to discover one quickly with a small research. In every operate, you will be capable of obtain party bands, which will actually enhance the party. If you are selecting the right band for the party, you can basically make the event more interesting as well as vibrant. For that reason, when you are selecting one, it is very essential to ensure that you are choosing the right party band that can change the whole feelings of your visitors. If you are preparing to organize a professional party, it is very significant to choose the music theme, which can amuse all kinds of guests. Discovering a DJ online is a simple task today.
Moreover, when you are choosing a band or DJ online, you will come to find out more about their expenses as well as solutions. Furthermore, with the help of internet, you will be capable of choose any DJ service, which matches your requires and budget. It does not mean that you have to choose any DJ for the party. Do a appropriate analysis and discover an knowledgeable DJ, who will assist you to arrange a effective celebration. It is also extremely significant to make sure that you talk about the type of entertainment option you are looking in the party with the band. This will also assist the band to get ready properly.
In this episode, Phil joins forces with the Kicktones once again to celebrate Michael’s mum’s birthday. Much fun ensues including a visit from Gandalf and some competitive gaming and amazing beards!
If you want to stay up to date with all things Drum Syllabus then subscribe to the Drum Syllabus Series Youtube channel here.