Q Branch Archive for posts tagged ‘live band’
How do you Choose a Party Band for your event?
It’s a minefield isn’t it?
You’ve been asked to arrange entertainment for the corporate awards, corporate party, works party, friends birthday party celebrations etc and you have to book a live band. Where on earth do you start?
Most people look to the internet first and will do a search for party bands, live bands, live music, wedding music, music for parties and so on, the list of search engines is endless. This then throws up a list of local party bands in the area to choose from as well as the sponsored adverts which often take top billing in the hope you will book the first band that you see.
Once you follow the link and go on the website each one will have information and links to performances as well as a set list of songs played. It’s easy to be overwhelmed and it’s easy to think that the video you just watched is how the band are live.
What you need to remember is that a lot of the videos you are waching have been recorded in a studio or in a “fake gig” situation so that the band look like they are playing in front of a live audience. The videos then look great and sound awesome – but that’s because the musicians have spent a couple of days in a recording studio, then a day on the video recording and a sound engineer has then mixed the whole lot together and created a promotional video for the band to use on their website.
So the video online looks great, it sounds great and you want to book them! But wait just for a minute…. have a think about this before you book and ask yourself “What do they sound like live?”. After all, they will be playing live at your event and they won’t have the advantages available that a recording studio presents – if they sing or play a wrong note they can’t go back and do it again and again until it’s right. They won’t have the same sound either – they will have their own PA system which may not be as high quality or as big as it needs to be for your event so the sound on the night may not be quite what you were expecting.
You should also be aware that a lot of bands still rely on backing tracks – so a 3-4 piece band may use a “click track with backing sounds” so there will be a computer version or keyboard version of a brass section playing to fill out the sound you hear – it’s not live at all but you get all the instruments playing. Basically the band are playing along to a backing track – some even use the original CD recordings and remove certain instruments and play along to that. Of course, if budget is a problem then this is the way forward for you. However, if you are looking for the wow factor then definitely book a band that only plays 100% live for your event.
So you think you’ve found your band and you are thinking about booking. Before you book ask to see live videos of the band playing in front of an audience, go and see them at an event or ask to come along to a rehearsal where you can see/listen to the band yourself first and ask lots of questions.
Entertainment is often overlooked – you need a band that is experienced and can adapt to the audience, that are professional and interactive, with a stonking set list guaranteed to get your guests up and dancing and entertained. Please don’t skimp on this part of the evening – it can make or break your event. At the end of the night you want your guests to have had an amazing night and one to remember – but for all the right reasons – and the entertainment and music on the night can add great value.
Doctor Chocolate are a 9 piece party / function band. Made up of 9 musicians that have one aim in mind and that is for your event to go brilliantly. Doctor Chocolate have a high quality PA system and stage lighting. In addition we have our own sound engineer that mixes our sound throughout the evening to ensure it fits with the venue, the audience and the sound is 100% clear. Doctor Chocolate only every play 100% live – there are no backing tracks or click tracks involved – just 9 musicians who are extremely good at what they do. The sets are non-stop and high-energy packed with songs that will appeal to all the guests attending and guaranteed to get feet tapping and bodies up on the dance floor having a great time.
All our videos are 100% live and recorded at events so the sound you hear is the sound and high performance standard that you expect and deserve! There are no squealing speakers that can’t cope with the sound, there’s no heavy bass or crackling as our system is high quality and suitable for venues with up to 500 guests. The sound engineer ensures that we fit within sound limiter levels and the sound on the dance floor is exactly right and balanced throughout the night. The performance is interactive and full of fun and a great sounding band.
So with our online videos there is no studio editing or chance to re record bits that go wrong – just snippets of songs that are performed 100% live. Doctor Chocolate don’t play for many pub gigs – we mainly focus on the wedding circuit and the corporate market where high standards are required and we deliver on that and ensure that those events are professionally managed. So we can’t invite you along to listen to us unless the event is ticketed and open to the public. However, we have regular rehearsals and you are more than welcome to come along and listen to the band and meet everyone to see if we suit your event.
So be careful when booking online – you need to ask questions like this:
Will the band be playing 100% live or using backing tracks?
Are there any live videos of the band playing that we can see?
Do the band members play together all the time or are they booked individually for the night?
Do they have a quality PA System that is suitable for our size venue and event?
Is there a member of the band we can talk to in advance of the booking to run through the requirements?
Will there be a band member available on the night to speak to if plans/timings change?
Do they have a sound engineer to ensure the sound is right all night?
Can we see the band before we book them?
Is there VAT to be added to the fee?
Be sure that when you book Doctor Chocolate you are receiving the highest quality care and attention throughout your booking and that a member of the team will guide you through the whole process. Also guaranteed is a 100% live professional and high quality performance – guaranteed to give you and your guests a really top night out!
Come and See Doctor Chocolate Live
Doctor Chocolate would recommend that you go and see any band you want to book for your event! The entertainment on the evening is such an important part of the night and it’s easy to get it wrong. A pub band can be excellent in a pub environment but not all of them are quite so good when booked for a wedding or special occasion. They may not have their own equipment, pa, lighting and have to borrow it all in, they may not be used to such a diverse crowd and they may turn up and perform in jeans and a t-shirt!
You can be sure that Doctor Chocolate are an experienced and reliable band and we are fully self contained with our own top of the range PA system and lighting – and we certainly know how to get a crowd going!
It’s not always possible to come and see us live – most of our events are private bookings so we wouldn’t invite you along to come and see/listen to us in the same way you can be sure we wouldn’t invite anyone along to your event either! However, we do have some open events through the year that are open to the public to come along to – just keep an eye on our Facebook page for details!
Alternatively it may be possible for you to come along to a rehearsal. We get together once a month to run through new songs and ideas/structures for songs. This is where we get to the bare bones of the songs and really thrash them out, make lots of mistakes and run and re run the numbers until they are perfect and ready to be performed in public! If we are having a normal monthly rehearsal then it may be possible for you to pop along and meet us. Just ask for details when you make your enquiry.
Better still – if you want to see what we look and sound like then we’ve uploaded 22 videos to our website. These videos were filmed at a charity event in November 2013 – they are 100% fully live – there is no studio recording here – this is exactly what the band sound and look like at an event! This live recording is a lot better than some bands studio recordings! Have a look for yourself here!
Wedding Band in Bristol
Doctor Chocolate are looking forward to a season of weddings with some fantastic venues to perform in again for 2014! Doctor Chocolate love weddings and we’ve performed at hundreds over the years so we are very experienced in getting such a diverse crowd going. Having been asked to be the entertainment at weddings all over the South West and the UK we are always honored to be asked to be part of such a special day.
A wedding is probably the only time when you have everyone you care about in the one room altogether to help you celebrate such a special occasion. That means relatives, friends and work colleagues all in one room with different tastes and personalities. Doctor Chocolate are exceptional at getting any crowd going and we know EXACTLY what songs work and where in the evening so that we keep the dance-floor packed all night long. We have sets that appeal to every age group from 2-92!
The live band is also very lively as the majority of the band are wire free – so expect to find a brass instrument or two appear over your shoulder. So if you want to guarantee a fantastic band at your wedding that will appeal to all your guests then you know who to call! Contact us now for a competitive quote – but don’t be too long – we’ve had to disappoint many couples this year as the date they chose was already booked up long ago!
Follow us on Facebook
Bristol Wedding Band Doctor Chocolate are now on Facebook! Join us and keep updated on all the news and gig dates that are open to the public so you can come along and hear us live.
Most of our functions are private which means we can’t allow anyone else to come along and see/hear the band. However, we have 11 100% LIVE videos on our website – this is as good as seeing us live without leaving your armchair! Recorded at a charity function in Weston, this is how the 9-piece LIVE band look and sound at every performance.
Wedding Band Reliability
Doctor Chocolate are an awesome 9-piece live wedding, party and function band based in the South West Region of England.
We are one of THE most reliable bands on the circuit and, having performed at thousands of weddings and events all over the UK and abroad over the past 25 years, we are delighted to say that we have never once let a client down.
Sadly, we have received calls from couples, charities and events where the band they have booked have either; put their fees up at the last minute, cancelled the gig altogether or just not bothered to turn up on the night! This is disgraceful behaviour but it can happen with bands who haven’t been on the circuit for long, are inexperienced and/or are unreliable. Sometimes we’ve been available to step in and cover the event – hurrrahhhh – but if not, managed to find another band or DJ for the event so that they have some entertainment for guests attending. Whatever the problem we will always try to help.
In over 25 years we’ve ALWAYS arrived at a function on time and we’ve never let any event down. EVER!
- We’ve had the van break down on the motorway whilst on the way to London for a charity fundraising event, found another van to hire, unload and reload and STILL get to the venue on time.
- Been door-deep in snow with the van stuck in the middle of nowhere – but we found a tractor to tow the van to the venue and still managed to be at the venue and set up in time.
- Had our bass player lose his finger in a door whilst setting up AT the venue, and our talented Front Man picking up the bass and doubling up on the night.
So no matter what’s been thrown our way – Doctor Chocolate have ensured that our one and only priority; to make YOUR event the BEST event and ensure everyone has an amazing time – is always carried out!
So don’t take the chance with any other band! This may be the only time you have to book a live band and you want it to be the best night possible! Book Doctor Chocolate for your event and be guaranteed a full-on party that will have all your guests talking about your event for months after – and for all the right reasons!
Wedding Venues
Doctor Chocolate have been performing for 25 years. We are an experienced and entertaining live band and have performed at thousands of weddings, charity event, parties, school proms, college university balls, military events and celebrations over the years.
This means that we’ve played at some amazing venues all over the UK and the South West as well as internationally! From private houses, hotels, country houses, village halls and military establishments – you name it – we’ve probably played in something similar previously.
This experience gives us a real insight in what makes a good reception venue.
Having worked with private clients, corporate agents, agencies, wedding coordinators, Events Managers and venues the length and breadth of the country we also know what the client wants and what the venues expect and we work really hard to make sure everyone is happy!
Here are a few things to consider when you are looking at venues
ACCESS
How easy is the venue to access? Doctor Chocolate have arrived at venues and been able to park right outside the room we are due to perform in. This is lovely and speeds up the set up of all the equipment but it’s not always quite so easy! Other venues are not quite so easy and we’ve had to climb 3-4 flights of stairs, navigate narrow corridors or wade through 8″ of mud to set up in a marquee. This could delay the allocated time for setting up all the equipment and may mean a later start than planned in the evening. Thankfully with 10 people in Doctor Chocolate (9 band members and 1 sound engineer) we can set up super fast but please do consider the access for entertainment when you are looking at venues and advise the band if there are any difficulties.
WEDDING RECEPTION
Another point to consider when booking a live band is the amount of time they need to set up. Doctor Chocolate have this down to a fine art but we do have an awful lot of equipment so always recommend a minimum of 90 minutes in case of any problems at the venue. Our PA is top of the range and there are 9 of us in the band plus a sound engineer, lighting and instruments, so a fair bit of space is needed. If you are having your wedding breakfast/wedding reception in the same room as the band you may want to consider a couple of options: is there enough space for the band to set up and seat all your guests? Do you want the band to set up earlier in the daytime before anyone arrives? Can the band set up after the wedding breakfast/reception allowing your guests to move out of the room and allow the venue and the band time to crack on with the entertainment? Is there another room or outdoor space for your guests to move into whilst the set up is carried out? Any problems then please just ask – we’ve lots of experience and can help you with the schedule for the day/evening.
BAR
Parties work best if the bar is located in the same room as the entertainment. Although the band can still be heard, down the corridor and around the corner, down a flight of stairs etc, having everything in the same room or as near as possible makes for a better atmosphere! Don’t worry though – Doctor Chocolate are an interactive band and with most of the band members on wire-free microphones we will go and get guests and bring them back through to the dance floor if they spend too long at the bar! It’s not a problem for our band but can limit other bands who may not quite as flexible, confident or experienced as well as their being restricted to the stage space.
NOISE LIMITERS
Many venues have had a change of use to allow music and have had to install a sound limiter. Sometimes the sound limit set is really low so only suitable for acoustic performers (no speakers). We have, and we will continue to work at venues with a sound limiter installed but we would need to know the decibel level prior to confirming the event. Sometimes the noise limiter set at a venue is enough for us to be able to perform and still loud enough to create a great atmosphere for you. Our sound engineer keeps a close eye on the limit levels to make sure we don’t go over. Just check the decibel level allowed at the venue before you ring for a quote and we can advise you if it is within the limits we can work in. Sadly if we turn up on the night and a limiter is in place, if the band was not informed in advance, then we maybe unable to play. Find out more on our Frequently Asked Questions page on the website.
EVENING FOOD
If you are planning on feeding your guests in the evening then please do think about the timings and where they could fit well. Doctor Chocolate perform for two x one hour sets and we find guests are more likely to party a little later in the evening, especially when attending weddings as it gives guests time to catch up and have a natter with relatives and friends that they may not have seen for a while. A lot of venues insist on serving an evening buffet at 9:30pm – which is the ideal time for the band to get everyone going. If possible a better time to serve food is before the band start so at about 8:45pm or in the bands break at about 10:30pm. Doctor Chocolate would suggest sets starting at 9:30pm until 10:30pm and the buffet served at this time – bacon butties often go down really well at this time of the evening and keep the energy levels of your guests going – with our second set would start again at 11:00pm and finishing at midnight.
ROOM FOR THE BAND
The band need a bit of space to set up the equipment although Doctor Chocolate have squeezed into some really small spaces in the past. Ideally a 12′ x 15′ space is needed – with or without a stage – we’re not that fussy! Also, please consider where the band will go once everything has been set up – normally we require a room somewhere to get changed, leave our belongings whilst we are performing, and somewhere to sit before we go on and during the break. It doesn’t have to be fancy – a simple meeting room or a spare reception room would be great. With many marquee weddings a private room isn’t always available so we’ve had to change into stage outfits in the back of the van or mobile toilets – it’s not ideal – but we always adapt!
For more information on Doctor Chocolate please visit our website.
We’ve also got 25 videos that were recorded LIVE at a charity event in Weston. The videos are 100% live and give you the opportunity to see/hear the band before you book us if we haven’t got a public event where you can come along and heckle.
Follow us on Facebook to keep updated with our shenanigans and hear our latest news!
Contact us for a quote or more information on the band. We’d love to hear from you.
Unique Selling Points
Doctor Chocolate is a live 9-piece wedding and party band that specialises in playing for ANY event where a full-on party is needed.
We’ve performed at thousands of events all over the UK and we are a seasoned, highly professional live band guaranteed to make your event one to remember – and for all the right reasons!
The majority of the band use wireless microphones and have the freedom of movement. This means we have a unique USP (unique selling point) as we are not confined to the stage area. Our performance is lively, fun and interactive and we like to get involved with the guests at your event, including them in the evening from the moment we start performing to the very end of the evening. Guests have sent thank you notes through on our facebook page telling us that they were dancing and watching the bride dance with the band on stage only to find a trombone, trumpet or saxophone beside them.
So, if you want an experienced and lively band to perform for your event – get in contact! We’d love to hear from you!
Live Band for any event
Military functions, school proms, parties, celebrations, balls, functions, charity events.
If you are planning a party you need an awesome party band!
Doctor Chocolate are a 9-piece live band who are experienced, professional, reliable and most of all fun! We know how to party! We also know how to get your guests to party and we can fill that dance-floor all night long!
We have two fantastic sets bursting with hit songs from the 1960’s to present day chart hits. There’s something for everyone in our sets and we work really hard to keep them up to date, fresh and lively! Doctor Chocolate are the ultimate wedding, party and function band and the majority of our work comes through recommendation from people who have seen/heard us before.
If you are planning a celebration or party of any kind then you need a band that know how to work your crowd to get the best out of them. You need an assured, confident, professional and interactive band. So look no further! Doctor Chocolate have been on the scene for over 25 years and have an excellent reputation.
We have a confident and enthusiastic front man so you can be assured that your guests will be involved from the moment we start to play and a sassy female vocalist that can belt out any tune! Our brass section is made up from some of the best players in the Bristol/South West area so we can choose those big, brassy, full-on numbers that other smaller bands, or those playing along to backing tracks, can’t do so well. Our musicians are also wire free so they can certainly bust a few moves on stage!
We’ve played for charity fundraisers where you need the crowd to really get into the evening and have a great night. If your guests have a fantastic night then that means they will remember the event, the charity and be more prepared to come along again and donate in the future! Don’t leave the entertainment to chance! Book a fully-confident and professional band to really work that crowd.
We’ve played for military events all over the UK – these events normally continue until the early hours of the next morning and Doctor Chocolate can certainly keep up and have stayed up until 4/5am and joined in with the bacon butties before driving home! We’ve kept the dance-floor jammed packed!
Want to know more? Visit our website! Watch our 100% live videos! Contact Doctor Chocolate
Some recent thank yous from our awesome clients
Caroline, Wedding 2013: “I just wanted to say a very big thank you to Doctor Chocolate for your wonderful performance last night. Throughout the evening and continuing today guests have been saying how much they liked you and how good they thought Doctor Chocolate were. Your performance was the icing on the cake, as far as my husband is concerned. I will certainly be recommending you to everyone I know”.
Phil, Birthday party 2013: “Can I just thank you for making our celebrations so outstanding and memorable last night. You are an amazing live band and we loved every single second of your music and company. Everyone was raving about you! Thank you!”
Sam, Wedding 2013: “Thanks guys! Amazing playing and such a professional set”
Emily’s mum, Wedding 2013: “Amazing band! Thank you from the brides mum for making the evening so special. We will be recommending you to all our friends.”
Doctor Chocolate – live 9-piece wedding and party band! Visit our website to see and hear our 100% live videos, more information, testimonials and to get in contact!
Wedding Band
A fab picture of the bride and bridesmaids on stage with Doctor Chocolate at a wedding.
This was a woodland wedding followed by a party on a hill. A marquee was the site for the evening’s shenanigans and the village hall was used to prepare/serve food for the wedding reception as well as keep one of the bridesmaids under control and inside the room so she didn’t wander off! Don’t be alarmed though – the extra bridesmaid on this occasion was the family dog who was determined to be involved in absolutely everything!
If you have a wedding, celebration, fundraiser, prom, birthday, festival or anything that needs to be celebrated and you need a lively, fun and interactive live band then contact Doctor Chocolate!