How do you hire a band in the UK?
There are various options but I would certainly read our FAQ section on How to Hire a Band.
How much does a band cost?
There are many factors that determine the price of a band. When you approach acts directly, their fees can vary enormously. The reason for this can be based on all or some of the following factors:
- The size of the band; the more people in the band, the higher the fee generally.
- The demand for the band. If an act is in high demand and has been performing for many years, this would be reflected in their fee and also in the performance quality.
- The location of the band. If the band is based either far away from the venue, or even has to travel from a performance the night before, this can also impact on the overall price as it may need to include the cost of mileage and accommodation.
- The undefineable variable. Sometimes bands charge on the basis of the kind of event, or what they feel they can get for that performance. This is not acceptable in our opinion and is never an issue for us, as we know what the bands would normally charge.
When you find an act on the website that you are interested in, we will happily give you a quote and then we can start the negotiations for you to get you the best price.
Are they all professional bands?
All the bands we represent are professional acts and have been performing at high profile events, corporate functions, weddings and parties for many years. In order to be represented by The Morris Agency they have to reach a certain standard.
We are very strict on our submission procedure, and are confident that all of our acts understand the on/offstage rules. This means that as well as conducting themselves well musically on stage, they are also approachable, polite and maintain a professional image when not performing.
How long does a band play for?
Usually a band can play either 2 x 1 hour sets or 3 x 45 mins sets. Most of the time this is sufficient. Some can play longer for an agreed fee. We would be happy to discuss this.
Can we have a band that plays background music during the dinner/reception?
Many of our musicians can provide a cut down version of the band for an afternoon background jazz or pop set, either as a solo pianist, solo guitarist or a duo for example. If your chosen act doesn’t do this then we can provide you with an alternative.
What kind of band do you recommend for a wedding?
Generally speaking, many people book a band for a wedding that has a good variety of music to appeal to all ages. We have these kinds of bands based all around the country, so, one of our Morris Agency party bands or Morris Agency jazz bands would be worth consideration. We can cater for a variety of themed weddings, as well as civil partnerships.
Some clients have a limited budget, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t provide you an amazing and memorable performer. This is where our trained agents come in to assist you.
What kind of band do you recommend for a corporate function?
A corporate function can be different to a wedding/ party function. At The Morris Agency we have provided numerous acts to the corporate sector such as entertainment for gala dinners, film premieres and product launches. We can fit around the theme of the evening and provide you with a variety of eclectic and dynamic acts that will create a lasting impression.
You tell us what you want and we will provide it. We have a wide range of artists from Mexican Mariachi bands, Klezma bands, Tango Bands and Gypsy Jazz musicians to party and jazz bands.
If you want to hire famous artists we also have great connections with many music industry managers and agents and can provide you quotes for celebrity performances.
Where are your bands based?
As we are a national agency, our acts are based all across the country. As the bands are constantly travelling around the UK, they are able to travel to your location and can sometimes work out more economical if they are playing near your event the night before. We are also able to provide you bands and acts that are based in your area which can help to keep the price down.
How can I see a band play before I book?
We all lead busy lives and understand that it is sometimes not possible for you to attend one of our bands’ public performances. The Morris Agency have launched a solution to viewing the acts without having to travel to see them. On our site we have video clips of the artists performing live.
If the act of your choice is out of the area or busy with private functions, this is a great way of seeing and hearing exactly what you will get when you book them.
How do I secure a booking?
Our policy is to contract every booking. Therefore, when you decide to book a band we will send you a booking form and use this to put a contract together. This contract agrees the terms that we have negotiated with you and the artist, which we sign as the booking agent and you sign as the client.
At this point we take a small deposit of 20% and your booking is then secure.
We send a separate contract to the artist to commit them to the agreed dates, fees and other details.
Why use The Morris Agency?
We have been operating in this industry for many years and we have built up a great working relationship with the bands that we book.
Our constant research of the industry means that you can rest assured that we have found the artists and put them in one place for you to find. We have very high standards for the bands to get onto our books and only accept a very small percentage of the acts who approach us.
As an agency, we want to make your using us is worth your while. In order to ensure this we provide you with:
- An easy to navigate website that has as many multimedia features as possible to enable you to choose and review acts of your choice
- Great product knowledge of the bands and services on offer
- The ability to negotiate fees for bands on your behalf to get you the best deal
- Industry standard contracts and invoices to give you peace of mind
- Outstanding aftersales service
- Liaising with you and the band about your needs and expectations
- After sales feedback so we can help to improve our service to others
What kind of acts do you provide?
We can provide any genre of music, even if it isn’t on our list we have a very large bank of artists that we can call on to provide you with exactly what you need, so please let us know and we will do all we can.
Our most popular requests are:
Jazz Jive and Swing bands, Rock & Pop Wedding Bands,Wedding Tribute Bands,Wedding Jazz Bands,Wedding Soul Bands,Wedding Swing Bands,Wedding 70s Funk Bands,Wedding Salsa Bands,Tango bands, Latin bands, Spanish and Flamenco bands,Classical Wedding Musicians,Unusual Wedding Music ,Wedding Singers, Klezmer and world music bands,Famous bands and celebrity bands, bag pipers, harpists,Duos & Trios,Wedding String Quartets, Gypsy Jazz Music ,Wedding Harpists ,Wedding Pianists ,Wedding Singers & Choirs, Wedding Ceilidh Bands
How can I find a cheap live band?
Everyone is on a budget and there are loads of ways to keep the cost of live entertainment down. Visit our article http://wordpress-271840-844519.cloudwaysapps.com/2009/03/entertainment-on-a-budget/
Can we see a list of songs that they will play?
On each band profile we have a file that can be downloaded or provided to you on request for all the songs a band plays.
Will they learn songs that are not on their playlist?
Many bands will learn a song for you if they have the time to rehearse it and do it justice. Some artists already know these songs but haven’t played them on their set for a while, so please ask.
How do I book a band with a difference?
The Morris Agency prides itself on providing a great mix of musical talent, and actively seeks out artists with an edge either in their repertoire or through their performance.
If this is what you are looking for then let us know as we have some wonderful bands that are a closely guarded secret!
What are the payment terms, and what are the booking terms of a band?
After the initial 20% deposit, the balance isn’t due until the performance and goes directly to the artist. This is all laid out within the booking terms on a contract
If we have a specific request for a type of act that isn’t on the website, could you provide them for us?
As we are always updating and adding artists to our website, we have a lot of bands that would fit what you need. We approve all the acts, so as long as they meet our standards then we are happy to offer them to you and get you all the relevent information.
How long does it take a band to set up?
Depending on the size of the act and how easy it is for the artist to load in the equipment, an average set up time would be between one and one and a half hours.
How do we pay the balance of a band?
Unless otherwise agreed, the band will require their payment after the performance either by cash or cheque. We specify this at the contract stage for you.
Can you provide us a DJ or music in between the sets?
As part of our negotiation process we include the band quote with CD/iPod music in between and up to 45 mins as standard and this therefore cuts out the need for a DJ, although many bands also provide a DJ option if you require it.
Alternatively, most bands are happy for you to play your own choice of music from CD/iPod through their system.
Which areas do you cover?
We cover all genres, and subject to availability and price, our acts can cover all locations UK and Europe.
