SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT: Down for the Count

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF

We’re a luxury wedding band based in London, UK. We perform jazz, swing, soul, Motown and pop music at weddings and private parties throughout the UK internationally – we’re a stylish and energetic band and love to party with you!

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

We’re a group of friends who met in 2005, bought together by a love of live music. We started performing together as a band and gradually got invited to perform at more and more birthday parties and wedding receptions – and now we’re full time professional musicians lucky enough to make a living doing something we love!

HOW DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

A typical day for us involves leaving home in the van at about 10am. When we arrive at the venue we introduce ourselves to the venue staff (and you, if you’re there when we arrive) before setting up and then staying out of you way! If we’re providing music for your ceremony or drinks reception, we’ll also set that up as well. We try and stay out of your way in our band room, but are always on hand when you need us. Obviously much of our time is spent getting changed and ready to perform, liaising with you along the way in case there are any changes in your timings.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?

The best part of our job is definitely playing for the party! We love the energy from the dancefloor, and the joy you feel at every wedding celebration. The coming together of two families and groups of friends is always a joyful occasion and we just love being part of it.

AND WHAT IS THE WORST PART?

Honestly, we love everything we do – we don’t even mind the late nights and the long drives home, as it’s a good way of unwinding! Perhaps the worst bit of what we do is loading or unloading the van when access to the performance space is difficult – most of our equipment is in heavy flight cases so if we need to carry it up steps or over gravel, it can be a bit of a workout (although we suppose we should be grateful for the exercise!)

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOUʼVE BEEN GIVEN?

We love the idea of having your photos before the wedding ceremony. No-one seems to think of this – but if you wait until after your wedding to have “official” photographs, you’re missing the time you could be chatting with your friends and family and enjoying the entertainment. When our band leader Mike got married he did his photos before the ceremony and it helped keep the rest of the day running to time.

WHAT WOULD YOU WANT COUPLES TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

We’re not “just” a wedding band, but we’re also a highly regarded band on the swing and jazz circuit – performing at festivals such as The London Jazz Festival and world-famous venues such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. We’re a very flexible band, and also love performing soul and pop music (which is often better for dancing to at a party).

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING?

Don’t let anyone tell you what you should spend your money on – choose your priorities and spend your money on that, and only buy the “extras” if you’re lucky to have any money left over. We’ve seen people buying expensive firework displays and light-up dancefloors just because their parents TOLD them to – they are both great things to have, but you could tell the couple didn’t really want to be spending their money on them!

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU DIDNʼT WORK IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

We’d probably still be making music, but on the jazz club and theatre circuit (which we’re lucky enough to be able to do alongside our work in the wedding industry).

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR TIME OFF?

We have a diverse range of interests – some of us love learning to dance to swing and Lindy hop music; others love reading and going to gigs.

DREAM HOLIDAY?

India! There’s so much to explore in this fabulous country and we’ve only just begun scratching the surface!

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

We’d love to be doing what we’re doing now – combining performing for weddings with prestigious outdoor festivals and concerts and theatres, festivals and jazz clubs throughout the UK and abroad.

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