frequently asked questions

Click on the links below for some answers to our most frequently asked questions:

i've never booked a band before, what do I do?
how much do you charge?
how do we pay?
do you use a booking contract?
do you supply all your own equipment?
what else do you provide?
do you have any specific requirements?
when will the band arrive/setup?
how long do you play for?
will I need to book a disco as well as the band?
can we come and hear you beforehand?
can we request that you play (or avoid) certain songs?
how do we organise our "first dance"?
how far will you travel?
are you insured?
do you ever have to substitute musicians?
we're worried about volume levels...
will you liaise with the venue before the day?
how do we book the band?

i've never booked a band before, what do I do?
Please see our booking section for a step-by-step guide.

how much do you charge?
We are committed to providing our clients with the very best in quality live entertainment. You can depend on our professionalism and value for money. Pricing depends on the location and nature of your event, the band required, set-up and finish times and the size of the venue. Please contact us for a personal quote.

how do we pay?
An initial deposit of 25% is required to secure your booking. The remainder of the fee can either be paid to the bandleader in cash on the day, or by cheque (made payable to "Pickled Music") to be received at least one week in advance of the event. Deposits are non-refundable, as we may have to turn down other bookings to secure the date for you.

do you use a booking contract?
Yes, so that everyone knows what to expect. It includes such items as agreed fee and band requirements, cancellation policy, performance times, arrival and set-up times, location of venue etc.

view sample contract

do you supply all your own equipment?
Yes. We provide all musical equipment, PA system and lights.

what else do you provide?
CD/MP3 player connected to our PA system for background music/dance-floor music during breaks, and the facility for you to link your own music source (eg. to play your own music selection from your iPod). The PA system may also be used for any speeches and announcements that you wish to make.

do you have any specific requirements?
Power source - for indoor events we require at least 2 separate mains sockets (preferably a pair of double sockets) near to the performance area/stage. For outdoor events, the generator needs to provide a safe power supply equivalent to this. Again, we will require 2 separate sockets, and the power supply MUST be regulated.
Performance area - the (6-piece) band needs an area at least 20 x 10 feet to set up and perform in. We suggest that a stage is hired - we can organise this for you, at additional cost, or you may prefer to arrange this yourself through the venue or marquee company.
Dressing room - at events where formal dress is required, we will need suitable changing facilities for the band.
Parking - for 6 cars and a one van.
Refreshments – we would request that hot meals and soft drinks be provided in order for the band and 2 sound crew to perform at their best (we can quite often be doing a 10-12 hour day, including travelling).

when will the band arrive/setup?
It generally takes us one hour to set up the band, light system, and to soundcheck the PA. We can either set up before guests arrive or set up just before playing (usually only appropriate if the guests are in a different room). We will discuss the best option for you when you make a booking. Please note that the band will finish playing at the agreed end time and need to be able to pack up and remove their equipment immediately.

how long do you play for?
Usually three sets of 45 minutes (most popular) or two sets of just over an hour each, with agreed breaks in-between and ending before midnight. We will put on dance music (you are welcome to compile this yourself if you want) from CD /MP3 during the breaks. If you would like us to play for more or less time, or beyond midnight, then we will adjust our quoted fee accordingly.

will I need to book a disco as well as the band?
There is no substitute for the excitement of a live band, and we play CDs during any agreed break in the band’s performance. However if you do require a DJ (perhaps to go on after the band has finished), we have a selection of professional DJ’s that we work with regularly. Please contact us for availability and quote.

can we come and hear you beforehand?
We are very happy to provide you with details of any public engagements on request, but please bear in mind that most of our engagements are private functions. Please see the music sections for demo MP3s. In addition, please see our testimonials page for previous clients' comments.

can we request that you play (or avoid) certain songs?
Of course. We encourage you to provide us with a list of special requests from our repertoire, as well as any songs you would like us to avoid playing. We are also happy to learn beforehand one or two special song requests you may have to further 'personalise' your occasion.  

how do we organise our "first dance"?
We are very happy to provide suggestions for your first dance, or we can usually learn a song that you request (please send it to us on CD at least one month in advance). If you would prefer to play a favourite CD track, we have a CD player connected to the PA.

how far will you travel?
We are happy to travel anywhere within the UK and Europe - travelling expenses (from London) and any accommodation may be reflected in the fee.

are you insured?
Yes. We have public liability cover up to £10 million. All our equipment is PAT tested for safety.

do you ever have to substitute musicians?
We try to avoid this, but occasionally it is necessary to substitue musicians in cases of illness etc. Replacement musicians will always be experienced professionals.

we're worried about volume levels...
We want everyone to enjoy the music and have a great time. For this reason, we are very sensitive to the issue of sound levels and make a special effort to play at the appropriate volume for you and the venue. We understand that you need the band to be loud enough on the dance floor to create an atmosphere without deafening the rest of the room. Having said that, if on the day you think we are too loud (or too quiet!), please let us know and we will adjust it accordingly. 

will you liaise with the venue before the day?
We are very happy to deal directly with the venue if you wish. The most important things that the venue should know about before the day are: arrival, setting up and playing times; electricity, space and overhead cover requirements (if we're playing outside).

how do we book the band?
Please see our booking section for step-by-step instructions.