Live band: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What live band is

A live band plays a set of music at your party, venue or event, bringing its own instruments and sound equipment. People book one when they want a live performance with energy and a repertoire chosen for the crowd.

Signs you need it

  • You want the energy of a live performance rather than recorded music
  • Your event is large enough that a small band will fill the room better than a DJ setup
  • Your guests will enjoy dancing to songs they know played by real musicians
  • You want a band that can cover several decades of music in one night
  • The venue has space for a stage or a corner with power for amplifiers
  • You want a set list that matches the theme or age range of your guests

What the pro does

  • Asks for your must-play songs, the setup of the event and the length of the performance
  • Builds a set list around the event's flow, such as arrival, dinner and dancing
  • Arrives with instruments and sound equipment, then sets up the stage and tests the mix
  • Plays sets with breaks at the times you agreed, so guests can eat and talk
  • Takes requests in a way that fits the set and the room
  • Packs up equipment and leaves the space as the venue asked

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of musicians in the band and whether a vocalist, horns or keyboard is needed
  • Length of the performance and the number of sets
  • Size of the room and the amount of amplification required
  • Load-in and setup time, including stairs or long distances from parking
  • Travel distance and whether lodging is needed for an out-of-town band
  • Special arrangements or songs the band must learn for your event
  • Whether the band also provides a sound engineer or light setup

What a written quote should spell out

  • Number of musicians and the instruments each one plays
  • Length of each set and the break times between sets
  • Equipment the band brings and what the venue must provide, such as power or a stage
  • Load-in time, setup time and teardown time
  • How requests are taken and whether songs the band does not know are covered
  • What happens if a band member cannot attend

Questions to ask before you hire

  • How many musicians will play, and will the same members attend every date?
  • Do you bring your own sound system, and what power do you need?
  • Can I see a video of a full set from a similar event?
  • How do you handle songs that the band does not already play?
  • What is your backup plan if a member cannot make it?
  • How long do your breaks last, and when do they usually happen?
  • Do you carry liability insurance that covers the equipment and the venue?

Red flags

  • They show videos of a different lineup than the one they plan to send
  • They cannot describe their sound system or their power needs
  • They promise to learn any song the customer asks for with no time limit
  • They have no plan for breaks, and the set list runs with no pauses
  • They will not confirm who the band members are before the event

What you can do yourself

You can make a must-play list, a do-not-play list and a note on your guests' age range. You can also check the venue for stage space, power outlets and a load-in route. Hire the band for the performance, the sound and the set list, since a band needs to be tuned to the room while the event is already running.

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required for a live band, so ask for proof of liability insurance and recent performance references instead. Venues often handle public performance licensing for recorded music, but live music rules vary, so ask the venue and check local noise rules with your state or local licensing agency.

Live band questions

Does a live band need a license?

Usually not a state license. Ask for insurance and recent references, and ask the venue about noise limits and any music licensing it requires.

How many sets should a band play?

It depends on the length of the event. Agree on set count, set length and break times so the band can plan the set list and the event can run smoothly.

Should I expect the band to take requests?

Many bands take a few requests during a set. Ask how requests are handled and whether the band will decline songs that do not fit the set.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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