Live music can be the highlight of just about any event or provide a complementary backdrop to set a certain mood. There’s really no question when it comes to whether you should hire a live band or artist for your event, it’s more about considering the best type of music according to the affair.
A global study, ‘The Power of Live’ (as reported by Ticketmaster), recently revealed that live music is more important as a unifying force than ever after asking participants defined them most as a person – over race, religion, politics ,or hometown. The research also emphasized that live music creates more intense emotions than streaming tunes and that live music fans are willing to travel to get to an event, with nearly three-quarters of millennials willing to drive more than 100 miles to attend.
So which type of music should you have at your event?
Corporate Event
For a corporate event like conferences, live music can provide the perfect backdrop, adding a touch of elegance to the function. You want the genre to fit in, while making sure that it’s subtle enough so that guests can enjoy socializing, chatting without having to scream over the music. For example, a rock band probably wouldn’t fit the aesthetic and sound you’re going for. It should meet the goals of the function. It should help people relax and feel comfortable while mingling, creating a welcoming atmosphere that isn’t overstimulating while filling in awkward silences. If the age range of guests is more toward the baby boomer generation, classic types of music are usually ideal, while millennials tend to prefer light jazz versions of modern songs.
A great background vocalist, such as an acoustic singer for hire, with a soft voice that blends in the background while having the ability to lead, can be the perfect option.
Wedding Reception
For a wedding reception, live music is bound to keep your guests happy, entertained, and out on the dance floor, with the band members usually having the ability to get everyone in the audience engaged. And, the music genre can be everything from love songs or country tunes for line dancing to songs from various eras, like the 1960s or ’80s, depending on the age ranges and preferences of your guests.
A Sports Event
While you probably won’t be hosting an Olympic-size event, consider the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games – it was watched by some 900 million viewers across the globe, making it the most viewed of any Olympic ceremony, thanks to the live music performances. And the Super Bowl half-time show is what gets many non-football fans to watch, while bringing pop culture and sports together.
An Awards Event
There’s a good reason live music is played at awards shows like the Oscars, as it helps keep the event running smoothly while letting people know when it’s time to get up on the stage or wrap things up. But it’s also good for creating excitement and buildup. The same theme can be used for a company event where awards will be passed out to get employees excited too, creating a festive, cheerful atmosphere that can help motivate long after it’s over. While it’s hard to please everyone when it comes to music, pop and folk are generally the more socially acceptable options.