Month: February 2014

Recently we attended a wedding fair that gave service providers the opportunity to promote their services for a couple’s wedding function.

We attended as part of a consortium called “The Chapel Crew“. The Chapel Crew was put together to provide bridal parties with essentially a “one stop shop”. The best wedding function providers in the industry are now working as a team to give couples a smooth ride in what can be a rocky path to the wedding day.

We understand that couples are time poor and we are attempting to minimize the stress in locating top quality service providers for their wedding function.

For example – bridal parties can select the services for their wedding function  from a celebrant, photographer, make up artist, suit hire, florist, wedding cars, invitations reception venues to a live band – knowing that each provider come highly recommended by the others in the group. No longer do you need to shop around for the best. It is all in one neat little group. The Chapel Crew.

Here are some links to some of the other providers that also attended on the day as part of The Chapel Crew:

Robyn Pike – Celebrant

Mel Hill Photography

Invitations by Melita

T8 Photography

The Abbey – Reception venue

The Chapel – Ceremony venue

Missy’s Magic Styles – Hair and makeup

What makes a good cover band? Recently we played a gig where two prospective clients came to watch us. After the performance I chatted with both of these clients – one was a bride and the other a corporate client and they were both happy with what they saw and booked us in for future work. I on the other hand, was disappointed with the gig as a couple of us had had a flat night and were tired and somewhat out of sorts.  I wondered if I were to watch us, would I book us?

This got me to thinking: What makes a good cover band? 

If these two clients were impressed and we had a lot of other positive unsolicited feedback – but we were still feeling flat, what did they like about us.

Was it the diverse range of songs we played?

Was it the variety of instruments we have in our cover band?

Was it the fact that a male and female shared the lead vocals?

Was it the skill of the guitarist?

Did the rhythm section work well together?

Was it that the vocalists actually sang on key!?

Did the keyboardist solo brilliantly?

Was the female very attractive – she thinks this was it…! (or maybe one of the males??!)

Did the PA system impress them and the sound that it produced?

Was it because we didn’t take a break for too long between sets?

Was it that the vocalists harmonized well with each other and their voices worked well together?

Did they like the lights that the band brought to the gig?

Was it because members of the cover band were approachable and friendly?

Did they like how the two vocalists worked together and interacted with the crowd?

Was it a combination of two or more of the above?

I remember hearing another Canberra cover band saying that “it didn’t matter what or how you play, the audience usually has no idea!” I don’t agree. I think most people have a reasonable idea about what sounds good and what doesn’t, and have a better idea than we do at what they like and what they want from their entertainment!

What do you think? If anyone has any idea or comment on what makes a good cover band, we’d love to hear it!

When hiring a live cover band… What can you expect, and why would you?

We have found that in general people who are looking for a live cover band for their function, event or wedding generally pop up, request a quote, book in their date, send their deposit, settle on their set list and have an amazing time with their friends, colleagues and families while enjoying the atmosphere live entertainment provides.

Then there are those that are on the precipice… Do we, don’t we… Live music? DJ? iPod? No entertainment at all??…

Sadly, hiring a live cover band seems to be the last thing people choose. DJ’s – well, they cost less because there’s only one of them, iPods – do as you say and put you in control and no entertainment at all – well, that is, I guess, the most cost effective and allows for extra cash on the bar! But here’s the thing…

Nothing against DJ’s, they mix music well and with the right personality they can be a hoot to have around! However… They play the records just like the radio (which some people like), but no spontaneous song selection, no personalized lyrics…

iPods… A cheap alternative – unless the wiring is floored or it runs out of battery – and once again, no personal touches…

No entertainment at all…. No question – your event will be (no offense) DULL!!

Live cover bands play the songs people know, add a personal touch, make your function, event or wedding reception unique and enjoyable for everyone. Sure, a live band might cost a little more than the options above, but here’s something to think about, click on the image below…