Working with Live Bands & Musicians
One continuous party, not two separate performances
The gap no one tells you about
You've booked a band. They're brilliant. But then you realise: they play two 45-minute sets. That's 90 minutes of music across a 5-hour party. What happens the rest of the time?
Too many couples discover the answer on the night. Awkward silence while the band takes a break. Guests drifting away because no one's playing music. The energy dropping and never quite recovering.
That's where I come in. I fill every gap so there's never a moment of silence. I play requests the band doesn't know. I keep the party going until the last song. Together, we create something neither could do alone: one continuous celebration from start to finish.
Can you work alongside a live band?
Done it hundreds of times. Bands play their sets (usually 2 x 45 minutes with a break) and I fill every gap so your guests never wonder what's happening next.
We plan the handovers in advance. The whole evening feels like one continuous experience, not two separate performances with awkward silences between them.
Can you work with a live saxophonist or musician?
DJ + sax over house music is one of the most requested combos I do. Works brilliantly during dinner or the first hour of your evening party.
I handle the setup, the sound balance, the handovers. The musician plugs in, plays, and plugs out, no gaps, no fuss. The energy stays up the whole time.
How do handovers between band and DJ work?
We plan them in advance. As the band finishes their set, I'm already building energy with tracks that complement what they've been playing. No awkward silence while they pack up. No wondering what happens next.
Your guests just feel one continuous party. I coordinate with the band leader before the day so we're all on the same page.
Do we need to feed the musicians?
If you're adding a saxophonist or percussionist, yes, they should be fed too. I'll coordinate this with whoever I'm bringing and make sure they're looked after.
Fed musicians equal energised musicians. It's part of the professional courtesy that keeps everyone focused on making your day great.
Should we hire a band or a DJ?
Consider hiring both. Here's why:
- Bands bring incredible live energy but typically play 1-2 hours with breaks
- Bands have limited repertoire, and they can't play every request
- Bands may struggle with strict venue sound limiters
- DJs fill the gaps, play requests, and keep the party going until the end
Together, you get the best of both worlds: live energy when the band plays, continuous entertainment in between and after.
What live musicians can you coordinate with?
Saxophonists (most popular), percussionists, bongo players, violinists, guitarists, pianists, and full bands.
I can recommend musicians I've worked with before, or coordinate with someone you've already booked. Either way, I handle the technical side: sound balance, timing, handovers.
Will a sound limiter affect live musicians?
Potentially, yes. Live instruments add to the overall volume, and a saxophonist playing over DJ tracks can push sensitive limiters into the amber zone quickly.
If your venue has a particularly strict limiter, I'll let you know upfront whether DJ + live musician is realistic or whether we need to plan around it.
How do you handle sound checks with live musicians?
I arrive early enough to set up, sound check my system, and then coordinate with the musicians when they arrive. We run through levels together so everything's balanced before your guests arrive.
By the time the party starts, it's all tested and ready. No surprises.
Popular Combinations
DJ + Saxophonist
House music with live sax during dinner or the first hour of evening. Sophisticated, energetic, and always a crowd favourite.
DJ + Percussionist
Live bongos or percussion over DJ tracks. Adds visual interest and that extra layer of energy during peak moments.
DJ + Full Band
Band plays their sets, I fill every gap. Smooth handovers mean one continuous party from start to finish.
DJ + String Quartet
Classical for ceremony and drinks, then I take over for evening entertainment. Elegant transition, perfect for formal venues.