Musicians are real perfectionists and they want each show to be better than their last. That’s exactly the same as what you, as an event manager, wants as well.

I get asked a lot of questions about how bands prepare in the run up to an event, what they’re expected to do, and what they might not like to do. After working with live acts for hundreds of weddings, conferences and parties, I wanted to dispel a couple of myths.

• “A band won’t play if a avenue has a noise limiter installed”

This might be true if it’s not an experienced act, but there’s no way a professional band would throw away a gig on the basis of a piece of technology. That doesn’t mean there’s not a debate raging about their use and the best way to deal with them. A noise limiter works by monitoring the sound being played to ensure it doesn’t go over a particular level. Increasingly, a noise limiter is becoming part of a venues entertainment license, particularly if they are based in a residential area. If the sound goes over a set number of decibels, usually around 90, it cuts the sound.

There are a couple of ways an experienced band will be able to troubleshoot to minimise its impact. The location of the noise limiter will have an effect on its sensitivity so a band will need to know where it’s installed.  The band, or their sound engineer,  will need to know the level it’s set at as well. The style of music that is being played will have different restrictions to worry about. A jazz band, for example, with peaks in volume levels from a horn section is going to have to work a lot harder to make sure they control their noise and don’t trip the limiter as opposed to say a string quartet.

• “A band will need to have a soundcheck every single time they play live”

Again, not necessarily true. Every venue is different. You know that better than anyone. So do bands. A soundcheck is a good way of helping a band trouble shoot and get used to the room acosustics, the PA or any other equipment at the venue. A lengthy soundcheck however isn’t always possible and not always needed. Often, what an experienced pro function band will need is simply the opportunity to check their on stage levels and front of house levels.  A professional band knows their own sound and while each function room is different they’ll often be able to just “line check” and then make any necessary tweaks during the first few songs. It’s not a perfect situation but one that can be a necessity dependent on the event schedule and running order.

• “Bands are so rock and roll. They like surprises”

The one thing that unites the really experienced musicians is their dislike of surprises but their ability to deal with them. From the practical side of where they’ll park to unload their gear and the get in to dealing with troublesome room acoustics to dealing with an even more troublesome ‘tipsy’ guest an experienced band knows even one performance can be fraught with complications. So it’s best to ensure any other issues are kept to a minimum. A band likes to know if the running order has changed so they know when they’re due on stage. An experienced band will roll with the punches but good communication and keeping them informed will help a band feel more confident and involved in the event, which leads to a better rapport and a better performance.