FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Planning a special event is an exciting and dynamic process. There are always hundreds of questions. We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about selecting and hiring entertainment and creating custom lighting solutions and event decorations. If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to email your question to lisette@elle-music.com. We are always happy to assist!
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ARE YOU AN AGENT?
We are not agents. We are artists representatives. With our exclusive bands, we manage most aspects of their careers, including the sales and marketing. The Band Leader manages most aspects of the Creative and Music Direction. With our non-exclusive bands, we assist in sales and marketing, therefore we have producer's rate discounts which we pass along to the client. Our fee is built into your fee. |
WHAT IS THE STANDARD BAND CONFIGURATION?
There are many wonderful combinations, however the most common is a 4-piece rhythm section (drummer, keyboard player, bass guitar and rhythm guitar), plus male and female vocalist. This combination allows for the most versatile song selections, ranging from jazz and rock to pop and funk. |
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 6-PIECE & 7-PIECE BAND?
The typical difference is the addition of a horn (sax or trumpet) or a second female vocalist. If you add a horn player, many of your jazz standards and some of your 80's funk will sound more authentic. |
WHAT ARE SOME BANDS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHERS?
Bands range from a 3-piece combo to 19-piece party revues. Other factors that determine the cost of the band are: experience, quality of their sound equipment, whether they own stage lights and other special effects, whether they do costume changes between sets, add special choreography, other add other services like event coordination, party hosting, etc. You do get what you pay for. |
WHAT IS A VARIETY DANCE BAND?
A variety band band is the most common special event band. It is any band that can play a range of music from 40's & 50's rock, 60's Motown, 70's Disco, 80's Funk, 90's Pop and today's hottest new music. |
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PARTY BAND AND A WEDDING BAND?
Party bands have band members, the same players that have been with the band for quite a while. They know the song list, choreography, subtle nuances of how the band interacts on stage. Party bands will often rehearse together regularly to learn new tunes of practice choreography. A wedding band is a industry-moniker for a band that does not have set members. The band has a roster of musicians which it will book for an engagement based on the client's desire. The band leader will determine the best roster based on the client's preferred song list, location of the event and other factors. But many times, players meet for the first time on the day of the event. |
MAY WE HERE THE BANDS LIVE?
We encourage every client to visit a live performance. CD demos can be deceptive, because membership may have changed or the CD may have been produced in a studio to hide imperfections. Only at a live performance can you see the band's chemistry - and the crowd's reaction. |
DO MUSICIANS REQUIRE MEALS?
Most musicians will require a meal if they've been hired to perform for more than three hours. It's important to note that the average musician spends most of the day preparing and traveling to the event, then they setup. After setup, they are often hungry - and if food is not available, they may have to leave the event to eat. If they don't have time to leave and come back, we run the risk of having a hungry (grumpy) musician on stage. |
WHAT IS THE STANDARD GRATUITY?
Gratuity is always appreciated, but not necessary. |
WHAT IS THE SALES TAX?
Performing music is a service, therefore not taxable. |
HOW MANY BREAKS WILL THE AVERAGE BAND TAKE?
Our agreements request a 15-minute break for every one hour of playing time in order to rest between sets, clean up, make costume changes, etc. However, we will work with you to build breaks into natural segues in your event. |
WILL THE BAND LEARN A SPECIAL REQUEST SONG?
Most bands will learn one or two special request songs, however they do require adequate time to learn the song. Most band request that you make special song requests at least 30 days prior to your event.
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HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE YOUR COMPANY NAME?
Elle is pronounced like the letter "L." |
