Xplosive Blog

June 1, 2018 • No Comments

A band, a DJ, or both?  How do you decide what’s best for your big day? This blog features insight from both an experienced DJ, Xplosive Entertainment’s Vice President Michael T, and a professional live musician and percussionist, Chris Michael.  Together, we’ll be sharing first-hand experiences, opinions, and thoughts on this topic that we hope will help you make an informed choice. 

Let’s start with addressing two obvious items–bands generally cost more than DJs. Bands also typically require more setup space than a DJ.  As you consider booking one or the other, keep these two important factors in mind. If your venue has enough space for a band, you’re already over the first hurdle.  As for your budget, you need to evaluate the best way to “cut up the pie.”  Besides necessary catering, take into consideration everything else you might be interested in (i.e. lighting, photo booths, décor, invitations, multimedia, etc.). Work everything into your equation before making a firm decision on entertainment. 

Above, we referenced an option including BOTH a band and a DJ.  This option–a hybrid option–works well at most events, and is kinder to budget and space limitations.  A band/DJ hybrid can be custom tailored and arranged to fit your exact vision.  For instance, your live musicians and DJ can alternate sets. Or, they can play together, creating a unique and amplified musical experience for your guests to enjoy.

DJ/Percussionist Hybrid Setup

So, how do you properly incorporate a hybrid act into your celebration? Start by determining the vibe you’re going to go for.  For instance, the most popular hybrid act for weddings includes a DJ with a percussionist, violinist, and/or sax player.  The DJ leads the musical journey throughout the reception while the live musicians play along, adding warmth and energy to the DJ’s sound.  This makes for a fun, intimate, and upscale party vibe. If that’s not what you’re after, consider what other instrumentation might bring your ultimate wedding vision to life. Harp? Electric guitar? World percussion? The possibilities are endless, and completely customizable to your needs. 

DJ & Violin/Sax Hybrid

Chris Michael, Xplosive’s exclusive ‘Rock Star Drummer’ act says, “Being a drummer in several original bands has always given me a front row seat to crowds full of energy.  It’s an awesome feeling to be able to add to that energy!  It’s ironic being a die-hard fan of heavy metal that I started playing along with a wedding DJ.  Today, I find myself playing along with club and hip-hop tracks.  Years ago, I would never have been caught listening to Flo Rida, but now I jam along with it.   When people hear one of their favorite club or hip-hop songs being played… they are so used to the radio version.  As the live musician, I can add energy and showmanship to the overall vibe. It’s awesome.”

Xplosive Rock Star Drummer Demo

It’s worth nothing, as Chris explains to his clients, that you cannot just hire any musician to play with a DJ.  “As a musician, playing with a DJ is entirely different.  You never know the direction the DJ is about to take.  It keeps me on my toes and I’m always thinking.  There are no predetermined sets like a band is traditionally used to.  A musician with a DJ needs to keep in mind the right times to play and build the crowd, as well as the right times to tone it down or break for the special moments.”

Xplosive Guitarist & Vocalist Jenn Karma

Outside of hybrid acts, there are plenty of other musical options to consider. For instance, you can book an acoustic guitarist or duo to play and sing during your dinner set.  You can also add a sense of class and distinction with a live jazz trio band during cocktail hour. Whatever musical direction you follow, make sure it’s what you want. Don’t feel pressured to book a DJ, live band, or both if your vision doesn’t call for it. If you have a strong preference for one over the other, follow it. It’s your big day–make sure it’s soundtracked the way you want it to be. 

That said, we can’t recommend our hybrid option enough. “Every time I play live with a live DJ,” says Chris, “there are always guests that tell me ‘’the drums added an amazing live sound, I loved it’or ‘I felt like I was at a live concert and itadded so much more excitement to our night’. Those are common  remarks made to me at just about every event I do.” 

 

This blog was written by Xplosive Entertainment, a boutique inspired signature style event firm based in Manalapan, New Jersey. Xplosive Entertainment has been a leader in the private events industry for the last thirteen years. For more information, visit our website or call today.