Archive for February 2016

One of the most common questions we get from our performers is how do we get more work? The question can be responded to in a multitude of ways, but we almost always start with: do you have a professional promo video? The video of your act that you do (or do not have) is the first impression of you that we give to our clients to help them select the best entertainment for their event. Here's what Nikki has to say after over 6 years of hearing "why" a band doesn't have the right media....

"Since I have been with TalentPlus, the topic of promotional videos for our performers has come up in conversation nearly every day. I promise you, I’m not exaggerating. Nearly. Every. Day.

The primary reason your band needs a professional video, and the only reason that matters, is because we (your agents) can’t do an effective job of selling you without it. Buyers demand it and you can bet your competition already has it.

Please allow me a few minutes of your time to debunk the most common excuses for not having media:

'I’ve been performing for years. I don’t need a video because people know who my band is.'

Would you buy a guitar/drum kit/keyboard without playing it first? Don’t ask prospective clients to do the same. I know it takes a lot of effort for a band to stay together long-term. I applaud you for having what it takes to manage multiple personalities, make awesome music and get bookings. And frankly, I’m impressed that you haven’t strangled each other yet. However, what many established bands fail to realize is that even though they may be getting bookings without a video, you are limited to your existing fan base and referrals from that fan base. You’re missing out on an entire audience that may love what you do, but will never know, because they haven’t seen you before.

'I have these audio files for a handful of the songs we cover, that’s just as good as a video, right?'

No. Your performance is so much more than just the sound. Live events are about the overall experience: how things look, sound, feel, taste, smell, etc. If you only offer an audio file, the client can’t visualize the energy that you can add to their event.

'Clients can come see me at one of my gigs.'

You realize you’re asking the client to work harder to book you, right? In the time it takes them to drive out to your gig, they can see 20 different bands’ performances through Youtube videos. In a time when none of us have enough hours in a day, and everyone wants answers right now, you’re practically asking the client to jump through hoops to book you. Most clients prefer to spend a small amount of time watching YouTube videos prior to making a decision about their entertainment.

'Having a professional video shot is expensive. We can’t afford it.'

If you need gigs to make money, a video is an investment that comes with a significant return. If you aren’t relying on bookings to earn at least part of your living, then by all means, continue to use that cell phone video your cousin took. With all of the advancements in audio and video equipment, getting a professional video shot doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you approach the situation knowing what your end goals are, you can control the expenses. Not to mention, if a video is done properly the first time, it could last you for several years."

Want more advice? Shoot us an e-mail.

This week for #WeddingWednesday, we got to chat with front-woman Pixie from Hollywood 5. Hollywood 5 is a five piece, high energy dance/rock St. Louis Party Band. For over fourteen years, their extensive song list, energetic stage presences and high quality musicianship has earned them a reputation as one of the top party and wedding bands in town.

When did you start doing Weddings?

Twelve years ago. We were originally just a club band, then we were asked to play a wedding for friend of a band member and it went great. So we decided we should explore the option of doing more weddings.

When did the band get together?

The original Hollywood5 started 14 years ago.

How did you all come together?

In the late 90s and early 00's Dan was in a variety of cover bands from disco bands to rock bands. He noticed two things: people always wanted to dance and they always wanted to hear songs they knew. People would ask for "Jessie's Girl" in the disco band and the band leader would say "no, we are not that type of band" Same type thing would happen in his rock band. So finally he decided to start a band that played a melting pot of songs that everyone knows, all dance-oriented.

Why do you play music?

I love to perform and enjoy making people feel free and happy. It amazes me how music can bring so many types of people together. If you can entertain a crowd for an evening and they leave saying, “wow we had such a great time tonight.” Then we did our job well.

Have any good stories from a specific wedding you’ve played over the years?

Being from St. Louis, we have been joined by quite a few Fredbird appearances at receptions over the years. It always makes for great photo-ops and gets everyone into the party!

What do you wish people knew about booking a wedding band?

This is a great question. When booking a wedding band make sure your venue is set up to accommodate the band. If the wedding band is having to set up in an awkward place, chances are the dance floor will be as well. You want your guest to be comfortable and have room to dance. A cramped area can really make or break your party.

What’s your favorite part about playing weddings?

I really enjoy the wedding atmosphere because everyone is there to celebrate and have a good time. The venues are always filled with love and happiness and this makes our job very rewarding.

What is different about playing weddings as opposed to other events?

People are always ready to get up and dance...even though they may not know it. Ha ha. It's our job to remind them that we are there to celebrate with the bride and groom and get them moving and have a great time.

What is your biggest goal at a wedding show?

Our biggest goal is to keep the party alive and hopping. The entire point of a wedding reception is a party to celebrate the bride and groom. As a wedding band it is our responsibility to make that reception the most fun reception people have been to. We really pride ourselves on making it a night that the bride, groom and guest will never forget.

What are the most requested songs?

You always have your standard classics: Play that Funky Music; We are Family, and the 80's hits like Girls Wanna Have Fun and Footloose. There are quite a few newer songs from the past 5 years like "Moves like Jagger", "Raise your glass", and "I Gotta Feelin'" that people really enjoy. The newer hits like "Uptown Funk", "Blurred Lines" and "All About That Bass" are requested by everyone from the kids to the parents. Its great for the band because we get to keep up with learning new material to keep it fresh!

Check out their Facebook Page for some behind-the-scenes wedding photos. Hollywood 5 also plays clubs, casinos, private and corporate events. If you're looking for a band to play at your wedding, it's always a good idea to check them out at a public venue to experience them live, as Jon suggested. Check out their upcoming shows and as always feel free to contact us with questions!

We’ve been thinking a lot recently about handwritten notes, emails and the general debacle of proper etiquette in the digital world. There are not many times in our lives we feel compelled to write a handwritten note: birthdays (if we don’t just rely on Facebook), holidays (unless we’ve switched to the animated e-card)— and thank you notes. Nothing can quite replace a thoughtful thank you note, no matter when it shows up. There are several different occasions when thank you notes are appropriate, but in your adult life, you probably won’t write nearly as many thank you notes as after your wedding day. So, what does an impressive thank you note include?

A Thank You Note sent from
a Bride to one of our bands.

It’s handwritten

In the time it takes you to write a letter, put a stamp on the envelope, address it, and drop it in the mail, you could send five different emails. But, in a world where time is a commodity, where we want everything done yesterday, that extra five minutes you spent delicately laying out your message (without the convenience of copy and paste and a backspace bar) is the ultimate gesture of gratitude.

A Specific Declaration of Gratitude

Being specific about what you are thankful for and why. How do you plan to use the gift? How does it improve your quality of life? Think of this as showing your friend or family member how their thoughtfulness has affected you. This is your chance to show your appreciation.

A Personal Closing Statement

Whether it’s your best friend or your thirteenth cousin twice removed, make sure you address something unique to them or your relationship. Did they have an awesome mint green dress on at your wedding? Did you share an inside joke at a completely inappropriate time? Did you have a really memorable family vacation together where you learned about their love for salt-water taffy, but haven’t seen them in years? Make a plan to enjoy some taffy together soon.

All-in-all, an impressive thank you note is impressive when it's written from the heart. After your big day, don't sweat the small stuff. If you don't get your thank yous out within the "3-month" time frame, don't sweat it. Most people will just be happy to open their mailboxes and see something besides bills and coupons, and the last thing they got like that was probably the invitation to your wedding to begin with. So enjoy your honeymoon, take your time on the thank you notes and remember: making a quick note on Facebook about how thankful you are will buy you some extra time in that "3-month" nonsense. ;)

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions feel free to shoot us an email. Otherwise, check back next for next week's #WeddingWednesday :)

The ceremony was beautiful. Everyone’s tears have dried from watching you make your promise to love and take care of each other till death do you part. The rings have found their new forever home on your left ring finger and you’ve officially sealed the deal with a tasteful— but passionate— kiss. Everyone makes their way to the reception venue, ready to eat, dance and celebrate you. Now what? You wouldn’t get on a train without a conductor, and a party isn’t a party without a host. You and your parter are the guests of honor— not the hosts. Trying to fill both roles simultaneously will leave you stressed out and more worried about everyone else in the room than on enjoying your special day. So, who is going to be the Master of Ceremonies, the Emcee, the host?

When it comes to booking an Emcee for your wedding, there are a few things to consider: When and how does attention need to be directed throughout the reception? Should it be scripted or improvised? Do you have your run-of-show for the evening? Does the band or DJ you hired offer those services? If not, do they work with someone who does? Do you have a friend or family member that could fill that role? Often times, we have found that this is one of the last things considered for weddings. When planners, brides, grooms, mother-of-brides, etc. call us to inquire about booking one of our bands, these are not questions we are asked, and they should be. Being a musician and being an emcee are two different skill sets; some groups have both, some do not.

What does an Emcee add to a wedding?

An emcee has the experience of a stage manager with the finesse of an actor. A professional emcee is trained in the art of performance, voice, and leadership. Having a professional emcee at your wedding fills the practical need of keeping the evening running smoothly for you as well as an added layer of entertainment.

What’s the tone of the evening?

Each emcee has a unique je ne sais quoi that they bring to events. They have full personalities and their energy is contagious. Do you want someone who is humorous, calming, multi-lingual, all of the above?

Do you have a script and/or run-of-show?

Make a list of the important moments through the evening and a time schedule. The emcee can take this information and make sure to get everyone’s attention directed to where it needs to be. Having this written down ahead of time prevents confusion and allows for the inevitable last minute changes to be implemented smoothly.