Archive for the ‘help’ Category

HOW TO BOOK A BAND | HOW TO BOOK A WEDDING BAND

Monday, January 2nd, 2017

50S VOCAL TRIO mumford and son style band

FREE GUIDE TO BOOKING LIVE BANDS FOR 2017

From The Morris Agency

If you have been put in charge of looking after the music and entertainment for your next event, here is a definitive guide from entertainment industry guru, Daniel Morris of the Morris Agency.

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AFFORDABLE ENTERTAINMENT | SAVE MONEY ON LIVE BAND HIRE

Sunday, December 4th, 2016

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Latin band Mariachi Mextecca

Latin band Mariachi Mextecca

 

Money Saving tips for your music event by The Morris Agency

If you are feeling the pinch and the credit crunch has bitten into your Entertainment or Music budget, don’t panic! here are some cost saving options from The Morris Agency that look and sound great and doesnt take you over that budget.

Less can be more

Many of our clients find that a combination of solo or duo musicians and a DJ and if budget will allow can go a lot further than just a main band in the evening.

Look at themed musicans such as a Mexican or other Latin  bands:

http://www.themorrisagency.co.uk/band-hire/profile/mariachi-mexteca/

These artists give a big sound for less than you think (and you can go from solo, duo, trio and up)

They can play from 45 mins and more which can also help with costings

Live Music Early:

If you book the bands earlier in the day then you can usually get a better deal as they can go and perform at another location in the evening still and this can really help to slash the fee.

Barter:

We don’t always ask for money off and these things are not always set in stone, if you don’t ask, you don’t get! failing that, speak to us and we will do it for you!

 

 

ROAMING ACOUSTIC BANDS

Example of our roaming acoustic bands such as:http://www.themorrisagency.co.uk/bands-to-hire/festival-folk/

Are a perfect new option for anyone who is restricted on budget, space and sound volume.  Performing large repertoires, dynamic and roaming, they are brilliant when you want an unusual band to entertain your guests.

 

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    SORT THE WEDDING BAND STAG STYLE!

    Sunday, December 4th, 2016

    HAVE YOU BOOKED THE BAND YET?

     

    Wedding 1971

    Wedding 1971 style

    So, you are getting married and the one thing your loving bride to be has asked you to do is to book the entertainment for the big day.

    Stag

    You proposed a year ago so there is plenty of time right?

    The bells of Big Ben sound on New Years Eve and as well as the post NYE celebration hang over you are suddenly brought to a sobering though…..

    “I get married this year and I haven’t even started looking for a band”  It’s a pretty familiar situation we hear this time of the year.

    Why should I worry?

    It’s not great news on that front guys I am afraid. If, like me, you leave everything to the last minute, you might find that the short listed bands you looked at with your partner last year are long gone. Especially if your date is in the wedding season ( now running from May to September ) you might have a problem.

    Why shouldn’t I worry?

    Well, that’s what we are here for. We can assist you in getting to the acts that you need, at the price you want  (hopefully under budget if we can!)

    We have access to loads of artists for you top listen to and if you can’t find what you are looking for then you can always call us and we can go on a search.

    Why go with you?

    Good question. Like all things, the DIY approach is always cheaper. We often lead a busy life and the research, emails, the replies from bands telling you they are ‘not available’ can take a lot of time.

    Look at us as your band concierge. We will go to the bands style of choice, get the fees and availability and deliver it all to you in one email with links to the bands. You make your choice

    Bingo, happy other half!

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      or email us info@themorrisagency.co.uk and we can do the rest.

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      HOW LOUD IS A LIVE BAND? Sound limiters for live bands

      Thursday, December 1st, 2016

      HOW LOUD IS A LIVE BAND?

      Sound limiters for live bands comparison

      If you are having a party or having your wedding reception with a live band, you may find that the venue you visit mentions a sound limiter to you. They may not, and this is always a good question to ask them. The thing is that, most venues are reluctant to tell you as they either don’t know much about it or feel that you might not book with them as a result. as you can see below:

      What is a Sound limiter?
      Its a device that is set at circa 95 db and limits the sound that is used to restrict noise pollution. See https://aquietrefuge.com/decibel-noise-level-chart/ where regulatory noise limits are specified. Normally positioned on a wall, it cuts out the power to the unit that the band would plug their equipment into.( looking a bit like this:  http://www.sound-light-company.co.uk/soundlimiters.php )

      What are the issues?

      Besides the potential cutting of power resulting in possible equipment damage, the main area for concern for you is this;  if you can picture the scene:

      The band are in the middle of a song and the power cuts out, the band lights and equipment goes off and you then have to wait for it to reset and then they can restart. Pretty disruptive for you and annoying when it happens more than once.

      The other side effect to sound limiters on a performance is that the band might be conscious of keeping the sound down that they are not giving it their all and also have to keep an eye on the limiter.

      Can you get around it?
      As it is the local council enforcing the installation it is not even possible to bypass by going through another power source. It would be helpful to find out where the band are likely to be positioned in relation to the limiter as this can make a difference.
      Below is a guide to db ratings that might put it into perspective:

       

      Near total silence – 0 dBA whisper – 15 dB

      Normal conversation – 60 dB

      A lawnmower – 90 dB

      A car horn – 110 dB

      A rock concert or a jet engine – 120 dB

      A gunshot or firecracker – 140 dB

       

      Other options for bands that have no issues with sound limiters can be found here

       

      Cost of Wedding bands

      Saturday, November 12th, 2016

      HOW MUCH IS A WEDDING BAND?

      local band hire

      Cost of wedding bands UK

      When you are looking at hiring a band for your wedding you might be thinking that maybe don’t need to stretch the budget that much really. I mean, is it that important?
      Well the answer to that is yes it is pretty important.
      If you have ever been to a wedding before then do you honestly remember the wedding cake or the favours or the flowers? I imagine, not really.
      The amount of times I do hear from people that they remember the music if it was good or bad!
      I make a lot of bookings for the same bands due to seeing them at a wedding.
      I would put it to you all that it is something that fills up such a large percentage of the day and evening, it is something that your evening guests experience as well as the day ones. On average this is from 3 to 4 hours and is what the day ends on.

      So with the average cost of a wedding cake being £500 or more maybe there should be more consideration to a lasting memory and the cost of that?

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        TOP 10 WEDDING FIRST DANCES

        Tuesday, April 12th, 2016

        Top 10 Wedding Songs

        Here is an introduction into how to choose your live wedding band first dance…..

        Is your favourite here? The final Top 10 went like this:

        Aerosmith – Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing

        Bryan Adams – Everything I Do (I Do It For You)

        Lonestar – Amazed

        Shania Twain – You’re Still The One

        Shania Twain – From This Moment

        Van Morrison – Have I Told You Lately

        James Blunt – You’re Beautiful

        Savage Garden – Truly Madly Deeply

        Robbie Williams – Angels

        Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You

        Is old-fashioned best when it comes to your first dance song? Only three of the top 10 wedding songs date from the past few years: James Blunt’s ‘You’re Beautiful’, Robbie’s ‘Angels’ and Savage Garden’s ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’.

        Unusual Choices

        Looking for something a little less predictable? Our complete Popular Wedding Songs list contains a wide range of songs with something to suit every taste. Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Elton John bring classic romance to the list, with tunes that were simply made to be popular wedding songs .

        But there are also plenty of unusual choices for your first dance song. Cool couples are choosing Snow Patrol (Chasing Cars), Jack Johnson (Better Together), or David Gray (Sail Away). And there’s the mother’s choice – Ronan Keating, Westlife or Robbie have plenty of tracks simply made to be first dance songs.

        Father / Daughter Wedding Songs

        Traditionally, the bride and groom will be alone on the dancefloor for the first dance song. Sometimes the bride’s father will cut in and dance with the bride halfway through, but sometimes the second dance is reserved for the bride and her father. Brides who have more than one father figure may wish to dance with both during the song. If the father of the bride wants to choose a song, you might want to direct him to this page!

        Bette Midler – Wind Beneath My Wings

        Bob Carlisle – Butterfly Kisses

        Charlie Rich – The Most Beautiful Girl

        Luther Vandross – Dance With My Father

        Nat ‘King’ Cole – Unforgettable

        Paul Simon – Father and Daughter

        Temptations – My Girl

        Mother / Son Wedding Songs

        Shortly after the bride and her father take to the floor, they are traditionally followed by the groom and his mother. Finally, the newlyweds dance with their in-laws, and bridesmaids and ushers join the dancing.

        Boyz II Men – A Song For Mama

        Boyzone – No Matter What

        Commodores – Three Times a Lady

        Deniece Williams – Let’s Hear It For The Boy

        Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight

        Queen – You’re My Best Friend

        Robbie Williams – She’s The One

        First Dance Tips

        The very thought of their fiancé throwing his best moves on the dancefloor is enough to give most brides palpitations. If you or your beloved spouse are lacking in the disco department, it may be a good idea to take a couple of dance lessons. Many dance tutors and schools offer short wedding dance courses to couples who want to pick up some moves – fast…

        Visit UK-Jive to find your nearest modern jive / LeRoc / Ceroc class.

        Alternatively, how about live dance lessons – at the wedding? “We hired a big band and a swing-style singer for our wedding reception,” explains Anna Hollisey, who married last year in South Wales. “We wanted to get everyone dancing but we didn’t want to embarrass ourselves! So we hired two dance tutors to come and provide an hour’s dance lesson at the start of the evening. I think we were the slowest to learn, but it had everyone crying with laughter!”

         

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        TOP BAND HIRE STYLES FOR WEDDINGS AND EVENTS 2018

        Thursday, January 14th, 2016

        TOP BAND HIRE STYLES FOR WEDDINGS AND EVENTS 2018

        POPULAR BAND STYLES AND GENRES FOR WEDDINGS AND EVENTS 2018

        top swing band

         

        With the Wedding season fast upon us we are noticing some very exciting band hire trends again and for those of you who are into what is top and what is not we have a breakdown of who and what is popular for 2017 and 2018 ( as we are already booking for then! )

         

        TOP mumford-tribute2-300x236

        1: FESTIVAL FOLK STYLE BANDS 2018

        These acts are really popular this year with that boho wedding or tipi style event looking for that festival feel. We have stacked out our site with some of the best and are pretty booked up for 2018 already. Hey Ho!  VISIT VINTAGE FESTIVAL FOLK BANDS

         TOP LONDON SWING BAND

        2: 20s SWING BANDS 2018

        Still going strong in 2017 are the ever popular sounds of the Gatsby style roaring 20s Jazz bands. Many themed corporate launches and weddings are right on trend with this style and we don’t see much changing into 2016. Wot wot!  VISIT MORE 20S SWING BANDS

         

        TOP Mariachi UK TV

        Mariachi UK

        3: MARIACHI BANDS 2018

        With Doritos still being responsible for the surge in Mariachi bookings we still get numerous requests and bookings for Mariachi all year round. Great for corporate events and also weddings as its such a festival, celebratory feel and we are pleased to have all the top players in the UK. Areeba!!! 

         

        TOP BEATBOXER HIRE

        4: BEATBOXERS 2018

        Something a little more of a curve ball this year is the rise of Beatbox bands. So much is the demand for beatboxers that we have teamed up with a dedicated beatboxing agency to provide the artists for corporates, weddings and also we have had some nice T.V work too.  ‘Boots and Cats’ or something! * HAVE A LISTEN

         

        This concludes our current run down on the most popular music styles of 2017/18 so far, but if anything changes I will be sure to update you.

         

         

         

         

         

        *Boots and Cats is what you say to learn your first beat boxing beat.. try it, I dare you!

        Downton Abbey Jazz Bands | Gatsby Tribute Band

        Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

        Downton Abbey and Gatsby tribute bands

        prohibition 20s band london

        Looking for that authentic Downton Abbey style themed band?

        A perfect addition to your vintage wedding or 20s tribute party .

        We have been supplying many corporate themed events and weddings all around the country with our 20s and 30s style acts.

        The sophistication of this era lends itself to be a perfect match for a grand wedding or party, coupled with the specialist 20s 30s and 40s acts we have make it an unforgettable event.

         

        1920s duos London and South

        We can provide duos if you have limited space or budgets

         

        1920s Trios and Quartets London and South

        A roaring 4 piece jazz band is perfect for that middle sized event and for 2 hours of music with clarinet and maybe double bass and drums thrown in it will be a fabulous sound.

        1395286_10151964884291001_255019104_n

        1920s 7 piece bands London and South

        If you really want to swing, we have a big treat for you. A 7 piece act called KD Jazz are perfect for you if you are in London, Hampshire, Surrey or anywhere in South East. With wailing sax, trumpets and trombone, coupled with smooth keys, Bass and a swinging drum kit, it makes an amazing show to be remembered! The vocalist ( look out for the megaphone!) tops of the show.

        Clients have included the BBC, RAF, Claridge’s, Lexus Cars, The Royal Navy and even Canterbury Cathedral!

         

        WANT TO KNOW WHAT KIND OF MUSIC IS PLAYED IN THE SET?

        In The Mood – Glen Miller

        All I Do is Dream – Buble

        Now’s The Time – Charlie Parker
        Almost Like Being In Love

        Straighten Up & Fly Right – Nat “King” Cole Trio
        Your Feet’s Too Big – Fats Waller

        Lady Is A Tramp – Frank Sinatra

        Everything – Buble

        All of Me – Frank Sinatra

        Choo Choo C’Boogie – Louis Jordan

        American Patrol – Glen Miller

        Night Train – James Brown

        Soul Bossa Nova – Quincy Jones

        Got You Under My Skin – Frank Sinatra

        Pick Up The Pieces – AWB

        Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

        Hoots Mon – Lord Rockingham

        Sway – Buble

        Flip, Flop, Fly – Blues Brothers

        I Wanna Be Like You – Jungle Book

        Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen

        We Have All The Time In The World – Louis Armstrong

        Mambo Italiano – Louis Prima

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        New years eve 2014 and Christmas party band hire

        Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

        New years eve 2014 and Christmas party band hire

        Want to get ahead of the game for this years NYE 2014 events? now is the time to start thinking about booking the christmas and new year’s eve party band 2014.

        What would you have done differently this time if they were available?

        We have loads of party bands and Jazz bands to hire for your new year’s eve party booking and you can secure them for a small deposit now and pay the balance later.

        We can offer you plenty of unusual and unique bands for NYE events. Just visit our band hire section for more details or contact us on 0871 8901015 or email me at info@themorrisagency.co.uk

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        Jubilee mania

        Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

        Well. The preperations for the jubilee are upon us. We seem to be getting a trillion last minute band bookinhs for vintage themed tea parties all over the country.
        We are more than happy to help but we are running out of jazz bands to do the jobs now.


        Contact us: