F.A.Q.
Timings / How long do you play for?
Getting the performance timings right is important in making your evening flow properly. Fortunately, inSESSION are very flexible with this. As a rule we normally play for around 2 hours. This can be split in various ways, the most popular is to play 2 x 1 hour sets. But either 3 x 40 minutes or even one long set is possible. We do recommend that our performance doesn't happen at the same time as an evening buffet or anything else that you may have planned however. We also suggest that our last set is timed to finish the night as we normally structure this to create a dynamic finale to your party!!!
Typical '2 set' timings are as follows:-
Band arrival time 18:00 to be set up and sound checked by 19:30
Background / DJ music from 19:30 until 21:00
Live 1st set from 21:00 to 22:00
Background / DJ music from 22:00 until 23:00
Live 2nd set from 23:00 until midnight
Typical '3 set' timings are as follows:-
Band arrival time 18:00 to be set up and sound checked by 19:30
Background / DJ music from 19:30 until 20:30
Live 1st set from 20:30 to 21:10
Background / DJ music from 21:10 until 21:50
Live 2nd set from 21:50 until 22:30
Background / DJ music from 22:30 until 23:15
Live 2nd set from 23:15 until midnight
Of course we're happy to play for longer if your event requires, but this will be factored into our quotation, so if you'd like us to play for longer than 2 hours, please let us know during the booking process.
How far do you travel?
Although we are based in the south east, we will travel anywhere!!
Can I pick the bands playlist?
We are more than happy for you to have an input of course. From our repertoire list we normally ask clients to pick between 20-25 of their favourites and, perhaps more importantly, any songs that you really DON'T like! However, we do ask to be left to put the final set together ourselves. We will contact clients up-to a month before the event to discuss playlists.
Do we need to hire a separate DJ?
In a word, No! We can provide backing or full on party music around our sets on pre-arranged iPad playlists at no extra cost. We can also connect your own laptop / ipad into our equipment if you'd like to organise your own music. If you do require more flexibility to the DJ music, then a member of the band can man the iPad throughout the evening to take requests and tailor the music accordingly. This option however does have an extra charge so please discuss at time of booking.
How much Space do you need?
A minimum area of 18 x 8 foot is required to safely set up all our sound and light equipment. We have however performed in all manor of venues from manor houses and hotels, to barns, marquees, ball rooms and intimate clubs so we’re well versed in making the most of whatever space is available to us. please note:- For Marquee functions, where no stage is provided, a solid and level floor is required (not grass/earth) with a minimum ceiling height of approx 2 metres (6’6”)
Will you learn our special song?
We are happy to consider learning your special song, ie first dance, but it obviously depends on whether your chosen song fits our style of band. It would be very difficult for us to cover a Frank Sinatra song for example with lots of brass and heavy orchestration. Please let us know at the time of booking if there is a particular song you'd like us to consider learning so we have enough time to learn it. If we feel we cant do your song justice you will be advised well in advance.
Can you provide acoustic music during the day?
Yes! If there are gaps that you'd like filled say between a wedding ceremony and meal or during a drinks reception, we can offer an acoustic duo or soloist to come and perform for that part of the event.
How loud will the band be?
Our aim is to make sure our volume levels are such that people at your event can still converse, but when they're on the dance they feel like they're at a gig!! inSESSION are a party band and the nature of the music we play means we can only turn down so far without affecting the performance for which you probably booked the band for in the first place.
Unfortunately, many venues nowadays will have sound limiters installed. We are well used to working these, and have played at numerous venues around the country that have various types of sound limiters installed. All members of the band now use in-ear monitoring systems which means that as we don't require the traditional stage monitoring speakers, so it's far easier for us play within whatever limits the venue have. We can also provide an electric drum kit if the venue has this as a requirement.
- If you're unsure about how sound limiters work and their affect, please feel free to call and discuss.
What if a member of the band is ill and cant perform?
We have deputies for every member of the band so in the event of any unforeseen circumstances or holidays, inSESSION will use alternate equally competent musicians to replace a member of the advertised band, in order to fulfil the engagement with the client.
Do inSESSION have any specific requirements?
- Appropriate and clean changing facilities / rest room for five persons
- A Basic Hot meal is to be provided prior to the performance. (Please note that food from an evening buffet is acceptable )
- A supply of soft drinks for band members for the duration of the function.
- An adequate and safe, regulated power supply at the venue (minimum of 2 x 13 amp sockets fed from a 30 amp supply within easy reach of performance area.)
- Sufficient free parking for four vehicles in the immediate vicinity of the venue.
- Clear access for heavy equipment to and from the stage area.
