Since the coronavirus pandemic began, we have all dreamt of being at parties and events again with top musicians. The idea of all our friends laughing, talking, and dancing in the same room is honestly enough to bring a tear to people’s eyes at this point.
If you are already planning an event for the end of this year or the beginning of 2022, you might be considering the details already. Venues, artists, caterers, and guests will be getting booked up fast as people scramble to book delayed events from 2020 and 2021. It’s time to start nailing down the small print and get organized.
When it comes to hiring people for an event, one of the most critical decisions is music. The music choice and musicians can make or break a party, so you must get it right.
Here are three tips for hiring musicians for your next event!
Go with recommendations
Live musicians for events are great additions to an event, and the best way to figure out who would fit the best is to take recommendations from various sources. Musicians thrive on recommendations and word of mouth, even in the digital age.
Here are a few trusted sources from which to get recommendations of musicians and bands.
- Websites and reviews. Musicians with their own site, like Joey Armstrong of SMWRS, are trustworthy because previous clients can write reviews and recommendations for them online.
- Word of mouth, from friends or family. If you have friends and family who have hired musicians for events in the past, and have had a positive experience from a certain band, DJ or singer, you can trust this recommendation.
- Event planners. Event planners at your chosen venue or agency will often have a list of musicians they have worked with who are trustworthy and talented.
Trust the musician to do their job
There’s nothing worse than telling someone you’re unfamiliar with how to do their job in an industry. It will only breed lousy energy between you and the musician you have hired, which isn’t a great thing to have on your hands at a party.
Trusting the musician to do their job when they arrive at the event is essential. This doesn’t mean you can’t make requests, but leaving them to their process is best.
Don’t mess around with payment.
As the client, you must pay the freelancer on time and without dispute. Those who work in the gig economy sometimes have a hard time negotiating payment from clients, and because they are self-employed, they can struggle to stand their ground in a dispute.
Ensure you agree to the fee before the event, and the time it should be paid. This will avoid messy conflicts and arguments down the line.
Final Thoughts
Are you looking to hire musicians for your next event? Use this guide to help you navigate the dos and don’ts of this experience!
