Funk & Soul Band for Weddings

A live band is an excellent source of wedding entertainment, and our unique blend of soul, Motown, funk and disco classics is a tried and tested way to entice wedding guests of all ages and musical tastes on to the dance floor – and keep them there! Hiring a funk & soul band for weddings and parties has always been a popular choice, and one which all of our past clients are pleased to have made.

The Song List
Typically the band will get through around 30 songs, and our clients are welcome to choose as many of these as they wish (please visit our songlist page). When it is left to us to choose some or all of these, we will always go for our most popular up-tempo dance floor fillers and tend to only player any slower songs that have been requested. You are also perfectly welcome to point out any songs you would rather we avoid!

The First Dance
This is an important part of your wedding celebration, and BackBeat Village will take great care in performing your chosen song exactly how you would like it! Some couples know from day one which song they would like for their first dance, whereas others may have no idea at all and are open to suggestions. We are always happy to learn a new song for the first dance (we normally ask for 6 weeks notice) – we also have a number of suggestions from our setlist for those which require some inspiration, which are listed below:

Let’s Stay Together Al Green
If I Ain’t Got You Alicia Keys
Let’s Get It On Marvin Gaye
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life Stevie Wonder
Just The Way You Are Billy Joel
Have I Told You Lately Van Morrison
Just The Two Of Us Bill Withers

Whilst these are mostly slower songs (ballads), we are sometimes asked for something more up-tempo – for example, Jackie Wilson’s "Higher & Higher" or "For Once In My Life" (Stevie Wonder). From time to time we also find ourselves performing songs such as "It Had To Be You" (Harry Connick Jnr) and "Let There Be Love" (Nat King Cole). Jazz & swing classics such as these make beautiful first dances, and are an excellent way for the wedding couple to open the dance floor!

iPod…
As standard, we will always provide an iPod (if required) preloaded with suitable playlists to go on in our breaks, and before / after the band’s performance.

Our playlists contain a mixture of funk / soul / disco, some classic Rock, and some more current dance-floor fillers. Sometimes our clients prefer to bring their own iPods to play through our sound system – this is something we encourage, because it ensures that you hear all (and only) the songs you want to hear!

…or a DJ.
We could alternatively provide a DJ for the cost of an additional band member (which is usually a lot less than hiring a DJ separately).

The advantage of having a DJ is that they will play all the songs you request in advance, and can also respond to your guests’ requests on the night. They will mix the songs together (avoiding unwanted silences) and would normally have a microphone, enabling them to connect with their audience, invite requests and encourage people on to the dance floor!

All this aside however, probably the most important advantage of a good DJ is that they will ‘read the room’ and choose the right music at the right time – songs which are dance floor favourites at some weddings may not be so popular at others.

Our DJs are always happy to discuss your requests in advance by email or telephone.

Wedding Venues
Every year we provide the entertainment for around 60 wedding receptions, and find ourselves in all kinds of venues – including stately homes, village halls, hotels, marquees, restaurants, pub function rooms, golf & country clubs, tythe barns, castles, boats and private homes.

Summary

  • The band is happy to learn your first dance;
  • Varied set list – requests catered for;
  • High quality sound & lighting equipment;
  • Music in breaks provided (on iPod);
  • DJ can be provided if required;
  • Professional musicians;
  • Your guests won’t be able to resist the dance floor!