United Kingdom

Hi,

Does anyone here play in a function band? I'm researching an article on starting a function band and keen to hear people's opinions.

I wrote an article on it for Last Minute Musicians a while back, but it only explores the topic briefly.

http://www.lastminutemusicians.com/how_to_get_gigs/?p=1583

Considering the thread on here: "I have a pathological hatred of cover bands" I expect that maybe there's not too much love felt for function bands - so feel free to give advice for original bands too.

Thanks!

Unless you have an all consuming desire to perform music without thought of meaningful compensation.

Don't



If you can do so irregardless of the time and financial investment, purely for the love of music . . . go for it.
That way, if you do make money it will be an added benefit.
Otherwise it's likely to be a sorely disappointing experience.

Thanks for the reply Sanshouheil! Do you think that may musicians have a desire to play at function events?

Surely from a career point of view it makes sense for a musician to perform in function groups, network with musicians and begin to build up a reputation?

Thoughts?

Thanks for the reply Sanshouheil! Do you think that may musicians have a desire to play at function events?

Surely from a career point of view it makes sense for a musician to perform in function groups, network with musicians and begin to build up a reputation?

Thoughts?

I didn't want to become part of a wedding band, one of the reasons I quit the band I was in 30 years ago - it's what the bass player proposed to make more money.
These days in this area (Boston, USA) 'funciton bands' are almost non-existant. DJs have taken over the wedding circuit, except for those receptions that want mellow - 'harp and strings' type music. Corporate functions go for jazz trios for small events and tribute bands (ie Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, etc) or 'lounge lizard' acts.

Thanks for the reply Sanshouheil! Do you think that may musicians have a desire to play at function events?

Surely from a career point of view it makes sense for a musician to perform in function groups, network with musicians and begin to build up a reputation?

Thoughts?

Most musicians, at their core, just want to make music.
It's the individuality that will determine if they play covers vs originals.
Jazz vs rock ETC.

Indeed, from a career point of view, if one can build a following and develop a reputation, then they are more likely to succeed monetarily.

I believe the greatest difficulty, no matter the genre' or venues of choice, is finding dedication, a willingness to sacrifice in order to build said reputation.

Instant gratification is a huge burden to bear in the development of any project.
And those whom thrive on it ( Instant gratification ) are for the most part, useless as tits on a boar hog.

It's really interesting that DJ's have taken over the wedding scene, GuitarMikeB - obviously they are much cheaper to hire but they are no match for a top notch wedding band!

I've never quite understood why it's so difficult to find dedicated musicians, I mean - surely everyone wants to do well and play great gigs etc? It seems to make no sense!

It's really interesting that DJ's have taken over the wedding scene, GuitarMikeB - obviously they are much cheaper to hire but they are no match for a top notch wedding band!

I've never quite understood why it's so difficult to find dedicated musicians, I mean - surely everyone wants to do well and play great gigs etc? It seems to make no sense!

I'd do our originals for a wedding . . . otherwise . . . forget it.

Women ( especially the ones whom think they are special because of a pending wedding ) are goofy as hell.

Not this white boy.

If you're still looking to start a band meet and jam.com is not a bad place to start!

If you're still looking to start a band meet and jam.com is not a bad place to start!

All your post are hawking another web site ?
It is one thing to participate in a forum and offer additional useful information.
It is entirely a different issue for one to 'hawk' exclusively for another service.
It boarders on dishonesty and spam.

Look at it this way, in a musical prospective.
Would you want an associate to do nothing but entice musicians away from your band ?
Of course not.

If you're still looking to start a band meet and jam.com is not a bad place to start!

And no matches for Bournemouth, UK, either

I have played in loads of bands, most have done functions as these pay well and they enable the band to invest in gear etc.
I really think that people think of a function band as an excuse for a real band.
My own band can stand on stage with any good local rock band and hold it's own in every way. In fact all of us have played in loads of rock bands , our drummer was a pro drummer touring for 5 years.

A friend of mine has a band that has an ex guitar instructor at GIt Los Angeles and has toured with ozzy Osborne. They play functions and are a very talented group.

So don't judge on a pre conception of what a function band is, most functions require kick ass bands that can compete with pre recorded music and need to be able to satisfy the mostly young audiences,

Yes there are compromises but it can be quite satisfying making a pop song in to something more using a bit of imagination.

I have played in loads of bands, most have done functions as these pay well and they enable the band to invest in gear etc.
I really think that people think of a function band as an excuse for a real band.
My own band can stand on stage with any good local rock band and hold it's own in every way. In fact all of us have played in loads of rock bands , our drummer was a pro drummer touring for 5 years.

A friend of mine has a band that has an ex guitar instructor at GIt Los Angeles and has toured with ozzy Osborne. They play functions and are a very talented group.

So don't judge on a pre conception of what a function band is, most functions require kick ass bands that can compete with pre recorded music and need to be able to satisfy the mostly young audiences,

Yes there are compromises but it can be quite satisfying making a pop song in to something more using a bit of imagination.

I was thinking of joining a function band once with a band that had a steady amount of work, but it really wasn't well payed.

Anyway, have a read of this. Got a few good points if you're in a function band.

http://www.functioncentral.co.uk/blog/2 ... tion_band/