Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question that needs answering? We’ve made a list of some of our most frequently asked questions, right here. If you still can’t find the answer you need, give us a call on 0800 564 2240 or email us on info@motownband.com, and we’ll get right back to you.

I really want to have a great party with everyone on the dance floor - are you the right band for that?

Absolutely! We have been performing at weddings and events for several years and have an infectious live show that guarantees a packed dance floor and a party that you and your guests will remember for years to come! Our repertoire features the biggest soul and motown classics and current chart hits too, so there's certainly something for everyone.

Do you take requests?

We are happy to perform one special request for you - for weddings this is usually the first dance. You can also let us know your top 10 preferences from the repertoire, as well as send up to 30 requests for the disco - so you can be sure to hear all your favourites on the evening.

How long do you take to set-up?

60-90 minutes. If you are organising a wedding or event where the evening reception is in the same room as your meal, we often arrive to set-up while the room is turned around - we can have background music playing within around 30 minutes of load in.

What time do you play?

At a time to suit your event, standard prices are for 2 hours of live music, any time between 7pm and midnight.

How long do you play for?

We perform 2 x 60-minute live sets (or 3 x 40 minutes) in the evening and also provide a pre-mixed disco (tailored to your tastes) before and after live sets, so your whole night of entertainment is covered in one booking.

Can you provide music for our drinks reception?

Yes - we can provide a 1 x 60 minute live lounge-style trio set (female & male vocals, accompanied by piano) or a 60 minute solo piano set, as add-ons, which are perfect for during drinks or dinner.

Do you have your own PA and lighting?

Yes – all included in the price. You won't have to hire any additional equipment in.

What is the difference between the ‘unmanned pre-mixed playlist’ that comes with the standard package and the 'manned playlist service' which is an optional extra?

The unmanned pre-mixed playlist is where the band put on a bespoke playlist (you can request up to 30 songs in advance for this) through the PA before and after their live sets. We do this at most events and it works great - the volume of the music would be the same as if you had a DJ.

If you upgrade to the manned playlist service, you can still send over preferences in advance, but you will also have a band member reading the room, selecting tracks live on the night, as well as taking requests. The DJ will be happy to make important announcements but they will not talk constantly over or between tracks (that's just not our style!). We also think it's important to say that the DJ won't have a separate DJ booth - they will set up in an appropriate space (ideally to the side of the stage) and the PA/lighting will be the same as what is being used by the band.

What is the website guide price based on?

The published guide price range covers our 6-piece off peak price to our 11-piece peak price, performing at a venue within 30 miles of our base in Guildford. We charge travel costs for venues further than 30 miles, and if your venue is more than a 2 hours 30 mins drive home, we charge a bit extra so we can book accommodation. For an accurate quote please contact us with your event date and venue details.

Our venue has a noise limiter, can you work with that?

Yes, we regularly work at venues with noise limiters. We are happy to contact the venue in advance of the event to make sure we have all the required information to enable us to plan accordingly.

Do you have Public Liability Insurance and PAT tested equipment?

Yes.

Will you perform our first dance?

Yes, as long as we have three weeks' notice we will learn the first dance of your choice.

How much space do you require?

We have played in some very small spaces, but ideally a minimum of around 2.5m x 5m.

How much power do you require?

2 x 13-amp sockets are fine for our system.

Do I need to provide food/drinks?

The band's standard rider is for a hot meal and soft drinks for the band members or a £15 pp rider buyout.

Can we see you play live before booking?

As a professional function band our bookings tend to be weddings and private events that unfortunately we are unable to invite guests to. Our videos are a very accurate insight into our look and sound, and we'd also encourage you to check out our testimonials page to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the band.

“A seamless process; From initial contact with TE through to performing on the night. Highly recommend.”

Simon