BackBeat Most Frequently Asked Questions

Below are all of the questions we could remember having been asked in the past. If you have a question that's not on here, please feel free to email backbeat@alivenetwork.com or call our agent, Alive Network, on 01782 740839.

 

How much space do you need?

Standard space required is 5m x 3m, but we can work with smaller than this given enough notice.

 

How is it best to time things?

Our standard timing would be arrive approx 6pm, set up by 7.30pm, Get dressed ready to start the first set at 8pm. The remainder of the evening depends on when food is being served, etc. but standard finish time is Midnight. We can finish with either a live set or Ipod disco to wind the evning down.

 

Can I pick the bands playlist?

In the weeks leading up to the event, we will send our most recent set list for you to look over and omit any that you think you and your guests will particularly dislike. We will then replace them with songs/genres more to your taste. Please consider your guests when doing this – we have a good experience of what keeps all age groups happy and dancing all night, and songs you may not be keen on goes down a treat with other guests. We will always aim to please our clients though so please don’t hesitate to ask for amendments.

 

Where will you travel to?

We travel nationwide – costs vary depending on location and arrival time but nowhere is out of our reach.

 

Can I see you play live?

We seldom play public events these days as we are usually fully booked playing corporate and private events. Please feel free to get in touch in case we get any booked in. Please note, all our promo videos are filmed live, and are an accurate representation of the band.

 

Will you learn our special song?

Yes. Assuming it is possible to replicate with the line up you have booked, we will learn your first dance for you, even if it isn’t already in our repertoire.

 

Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?

Absolutely yes. The videos on our site are filmed and recorded live, not pre recorded and then mimed. It is a true reflection of the performance you will get on the night.

 

How do I book you?

Check our availabiilty, or please contact Alive Network for a date check and quote, stating you are interested in booking Backbeat.

 

Are you able to DJ in between sets?

Yes, we use an ipod disco in between sets to keep the music going and keep your costs down. It’s a very effective service and does save you hundreds of pounds – and floor space.

 

Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?

Yes, please feel free to send a list of requests in advance to the event and we will make sure they are included and played on the night.

 

Can we use your sound system for speeches?

This is not a problem in theory. Please remember though that our standard arrival time is 6pm, which in our experience is usually during or after speeches. Assuming the PA is already set up, you are welcome to use our sound system for speeches, under the supervision of a band member.

 

What equipment do you use?

We use high quality equipment suitable for over 500 guests. Please see the list below:

HK AUDIO ELIAS PX 1600W (2 tops, 2 Subs)
BEHRINGER EUROLIVE F1320D Floor monitor wedges x 3
YAMAHA MG166CX LIVE EFFECTS MIXER
Shure Beta 52A Microphone
AKG C1000S Shure SM57 x 4
Trojan Mk II 12U Pop Up Mixer
Hard Case D1004
Tuff Bags
Balanced XLR Multicore, 8 Way, Male to Female, 15m Behringer MDX-4600 4 Channel Comp/Gate
HK AUDIO ELIAS PX BAG TOP HK AUDIO ELIAS PX BAG SUB Stjk-2Xmonojks 1M Insert Lead x 6
Multiband Graphic EQ,
3 x DI Boxes
Belkin SurgeMaster 8-Way 4m x 4m

 

Do you have lights?

Yes. Minimum rig = 2 x KAM Lighting DMX512 and Kam LED Par Kit Lighting Package. DMX connected. PLEASE NOTE - far more available depending on venues size/requirements. We tend to keep our lighting rig to a minimum when indoor venues have their own substantial rig to cut down on setup time. We have access to larger lighting rigs should no existing lighting be in place. (Please confer with the band/venue).

 

How long do you play for?

Our standard set is 2 x 60 minutes or 3 x 40 minutes depending on how you want your evening to run.

 

What time do you start and finish?

Again this is up to you but our standard start time would be around 8pm, finishing at midnight.

 

How long do you take to set up?

To fully unload, set up and do a sound check, it takes around 90 minutes. It can be slightly less, or slightly more if the performance room is not on the ground floor.

 

Can I provisionally book you?

Once you register your interest in us, we will respond via Alive Network with a quote confirmation. However, at this point we will still be able to receive multiple enquiries, and we tend to get booked by the person who decides to go ahead and pay the deposit first, not the person who enquires first. So if you are undecided, please keep liaising with the Alive Network staff to guarantee securing Backbeat.

 

What if the band split up before my event?

This is highly unlikely, but in the event of this happening, Backbeat would continue with deputy members, all of who have played with the band numerous times before and know the set inside out. You would also be able to enforce your right to cancel the booking should this not be satisfactory to you.

 

Can my sisters/bosses/daughters dog sing with your band?

Sometimes, we get advanced warning that someone would like to get up and do a song with the band, If this has been agreed in advance we are happy to accommodate this. However, you are paying good money for a high quality band, and you wont want it to descend into a live karaoke session, so we tend to avoid allowing this to happen if it hasn’t been pre agreed.

 

What will the band wear?

The band tend to wear smart clothing; shirts, ties, waist coasts, blazers, shoes etc. We can however dress up (black tie) or dress down if you prefer a more casual look. Please see our full range of photos for the kind of thing we can provide.

 

Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?

Yes, and these can be sent to you or direct to the venue.

 

Why should I book Backbeat?

We have vast experience in weddings and corporate events, with hundreds of happy clients. Our punctual, professional and exciting performance will wow your audience, and we will keep your dance floor full all night.

 

How much does it cost to book the band?

Price start at £850 net and increase depending on location and additional extras.

 

Can we see some previous client testimonials?

Absolutely, check our our testimonials here.

 

Do Backbeat have any specific requirements?

We ask that we have a minimum of 4 plug sockets near our stage area so as not to overload the power. We also ask for a hot meal, soft drinks and a secure changing room to be provided for the band.

 

What type/size venues are you able to play at?

We have played at numerous sized venues in our career. Nothing is too big and we always try our best to squeeze in to a smaller space if required. Hotels, Conference Centres, TeePees, Marquees and Pubs have all been played in, as well as outdoor events.

 

How loud will the band be?

Loud enough for the dancers to enjoy, not so loud that you cant talk to your friends without shouting. The perfect mix.

 

What is the band power requirement?

Our PA size is 1600 watts, plus we have amps and lights. Normally 4 plug sockets would suffice. If the event is in a marquee, its worth mentioning our PA size to the company providing the generator to ensure enough power is supplied.

 

Do Backbeat offer any additional services?

Yes. Additional extras include solo piano during the reception, classical guitar, Acoustic Beats (vocals, acoustic guitar and cajon), as well as additional vocals, sax and/or trumpet added to our five piece line up.