Azlan Bathusha, one of Canberra’s most recommended bands for bookings and events. Photo: Supplied.
There’s something about live music at an event that speakers, an aux cord and your music library just cannot beat. From energising the crowd to providing a personal touch to the event, hiring a band is an excellent way to ensure the occasion is fun and memorable.
Hiring a band also means you’re supporting local artists who may rely on bookings such as yours for income, especially after lockdown measures prevented events such as yours from going ahead. So, not only will you be taking your event’s entertainment factor to the next level, you’ll help out someone’s career in a significant way.
It might feel like a daunting task to decide what kind of music you’d like at your event. In Canberra, we are lucky enough to have a super-diverse music scene, with many different artists specialising in various kinds of music – so how do you decide what’s going to suit your event best? In this article, we’ll break down some of the most important things to look for in a band, and list some of Canberra’s favourites.
What makes a great band?
Let’s discuss some of the most important things to consider when booking a band:
- Reliable. As with hiring anyone for anything, reliability and communication are key. When hiring a band, make sure you’re all on the same page about things such as dress code, the tech that’s available at the venue, and the event schedule.
- Entertaining. This might seem like a no-brainer, but the entertainment factor extends beyond just playing music at the event. You want your band to be energetic, friendly and approachable enough to make everyone feel comfortable.
- Sound quality. Listen to some live recordings of your potential hire before you lock them in. You’re looking for volume control and overall quality of the sound to make sure they won’t be playing too loudly, or that their gear is low-grade and unreliable.
- Suitable genre. Make sure you do your research before you hire a band – you want a group who can play music that is appropriate for the type of event your hosting, and the crowd that will be listening to it.
The best bands for bookings and events in Canberra
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Harry Cleverdon
Harry Cleverdon is a modern pop singer-songwriter, recording artist and captivating live performer. Although just 21 years of age, Harry is making waves as a dynamic musician who transcends boundaries and guarantees exciting performances. His signature style features finely crafted and poignant lyrics, elevated by irresistible vocals and underscored by captivating melodies.
From the regional NSW town of Young, Harry’s music is a mesmerizing blend of modern pop sensibilities with a timeless appeal. He has won the International Songwriting Competition (United States), claiming the coveted People's Voice Category, and received national critical acclaim for his debut EP/album and subsequent single releases.
Harry is part of a new generation of Australian musicians making a resounding impact across the country and the world. His streaming numbers already surpass a quarter of a million and he continues to strike a chord with an increasing number of listeners. Harry truly is an accomplished songwriter and an experienced standout performer.
Special K.
With a large repertoire covering many styles, Special K (Kenny) makes people happy through professional live music entertainment. Whether it's a solo, duo or band gig, Special K is one of Canberra's favourite entertainers.
Special K has more than 20 years’ experience and is always punctual. He’s been spotted at some of Canberra’s most popular places, like Caribou, King O’Malley’s, Magoo’s, BentSpoke Brewing Co., and The Burns Club.
Special K. Ken Pattugalan one of Canberra’s most recommended musicians for bookings and events in Canberra. Photo: Supplied.
Highly respected, Special K has an inviting personality. An adaptable performer, he always welcomes requested songs. He reads a crowd well, selecting tunes to suit the mood, whether chilled and relaxed or lively. Special K’s music is guaranteed to ramp up the fun and get crowds tapping their toes and movin’ to the groove.
Special K is versatile, vibrant and never compromises on sound quality. He plays a vast array of cover songs and originals, and adjusts sound levels to the venue and event.
On RiotAct, Wendy Johnson wrote, “I’ve been a mega fan of Special K for years and years. Kenny never disappoints. He adjusts his music to the audience’s moods and gets a real kick out of tapping into people’s energy levels. He’s a fabulous, non-pretentious, must-see entertainer.”
Azlan Bathusha
Azlan is an engaging, original and super adaptable performer who sets himself apart with his unique and distinctive style. With an interesting musical foundation of percussion-oriented acoustic guitar playing and layering of riff, rhythm and vocal harmony, this attention-grabbing technique combined with his enthusiastic stage presence gives a lively, dynamic and surprising show.
Azlan’s variety and quality is also impressive – he can satisfy a broad range of music lovers with a playlist of covers that spans both time and style, delivered with his own refreshing takes and laid back ambience, able to satisfy expectations, do justice to classics and still infuse his own flavour into the tunes.
Azlan’s music is all about putting the audience at ease, crafting an atmosphere of beers on the beach and lazy Sundays. Consider yourself warned – it’ll be hard to resist sing-alongs and dance breaks when Azlan’s on the stage.
Sputnik Sweetheart
This duo made their debut in 2019 and have been making waves ever since. With their emotive, high energy, progressive indie-punk sound, Sputnik Sweetheart have played shows like Spilt Milk and Stonefest and supported Aussie music icons like Ball Park Music, Spacey Jane and Kingswood. Their music boasts satisfying vocal harmonies, complex and creative riffs and rhythms, and extremely catchy – yet thought-provoking – lyrics, exploring the social and political landscape and how it affects the youth of today.
Ghostnoises
Ghostnoises, or Liam White, is a solo electronic and live acoustic artist. With a unique and experimental sound drawing from many influences and genres, Liam is guaranteed to add a whole new dimension to the entertainment at your event. Liam's extensive repertoire includes gigs at Canberra's own Phoenix Bar and Smiths Alternative, as a supporting act for Kingston County and Boroky, and even out at Laneway Festival in 2018.
If you’re looking for more ways to take your event from good to great, check out our articles on the best catering services and the best function venues in Canberra. Or, if you’re looking for a place to listen to live music, our article on the best Kingston Foreshore bars and restaurants may be of help!
Your experience with bands for bookings and events in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had any experience with the bands listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hired bands provide their own tech?
Yes - all bands should have access to their own tech, usually sound equipment such as microphones and amps. However, you will probably need to organise lighting and any other special sound systems, such as extra speakers around the venue.
How long do hired bands play for?
Bands will offer different set lengths, but you can usually expect one set to last about 40-45 minutes, with one 20-minute interval. Make sure you check ahead of booking that they will be able to play the full allocated time.
What is a cover band?
A cover band will play almost exclusively songs by other artists. Cover bands are a great choice for hire if you want to be sure that they will play songs that everyone will know and enjoy.
Can I give a hired band songs to play?
Generally speaking, yes, but you probably won't be able to give them a full set list. You should be able to contact the band ahead of time with a couple of special song suggestions that you really want to be included, and they can let you know whether they're able to incorporate them into the set.
Do hired bands need refreshments?
Yes. Your band will probably be at the venue to set up before the event starts and will likely leave very late, so it's greatly appreciated if you provide them with free soft drinks and some food.
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