The Sonics Most Frequently Asked Questions
Below are all of the questions we could remember having been asked in the past. If you have a question that's not on here, please feel free to email thesonics@alivenetwork.com.
How much space do you need?
The Sonics ask for a space of roughly 5x3 metres, but can work with a minimum of 4x2 metres if it’s a bit more of a squeeze. We will make the most of any space at our disposal, as we aim to fill your venue of any size with our presence.
How is it best to time things?
The Sonics are here to make the entertainment part of your evening run as smoothly as possible. We offer at no extra cost the option to have ‘Chillout’ or Background music played as your guests arrive.
From our experience, the best timings for Wedding performances would be, 7.30pm-12am with 2 x 60 minute sets.
7.30pm-8pm – Chillout/Background music
8pm-8.45pm – iPod DJ set
8.45pm-9pm – Cake, photos, first dance
9pm – 10pm – First band set
10pm – 11pm – DJ set
11pm-12am – 2nd band set
Please plan sets around the evening food. Do not have the band start at the same time the food/buffet is due to come out as guests usually like to eat in peace and you will not be making the most of having a live band.
It is always recommended to go with 2 x 60 minutes sets opposed to the 3 x 40 minutes.
Can I pick the bands playlist?
We are happy for you to pick a few songs from our repertoire you’d really like to hear but we do like to decide the order in which they are played.
It is usually best to say which songs you DO or DON’T want rather than a specific tailored set list. Depending on the reaction the crowd is giving us we may add or remove songs at our discression, if we find a particular style or era of music is going down especially well.
Where will you travel to?
We are based in Brighton just south of London but we travel all over the UK & Ireland and internationally.
Can I see you play live?
We are exclusively a function band so we don’t take on many public gigs but during quiet periods out of wedding season we may take on any short notice public shows.
You can find us on Facebook - any pub, bar or event gigs we do take on will be listed there.
Will you learn our special song?
We do offer this as a service for a small extra fee. At the time of booking us, just please let your agent know if there’s a particular song you’d like us to learn so we have enough time to arrange it to the best of our abilities and decide if it works dynamically with the band.
Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?
Any footage of the band is a direct and accurate reflection.
How do I book you?
You can book us through the enquiry form or email us at thesonics@alivenetwork.com.
Are you able to DJ in between sets?
With access to thousands of songs, including classics and all the latest chart hits we make sure guests of all ages are dancing the night away in between sets.
Music playlists between live sets come as standard with every booking, but if you want a more bespoke DJ service, we do offer a DJ package upgrade option where one of the band members will man the sound system all night, including any requests. This service is offered free of charge if you book us within 7 days of recieving our quote!
Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?
Absolutely, If you give us an idea of artists and genres you prefer, we can cater to your musical tastes. If you would like particular songs played at specific times during the evening, please provide the music via one of the above methods along with a plan/schedule of your evening.
Can we use your sound system for speeches?
You are welcome to use our PA system for your speeches. However, we don’t use radio mics (wireless) in our live setup so, should you need them, you will have to hire them in advance.
What equipment do you use?
The Sonics sound system is a specially selected brand new state of the art QSC system, including a Yamaha 16 channel mixing desk and speakers with over 2000 watts of active power and crystal clear clarity.
Do you have lights?
The Sonics come with a lightning rig as part of our standard package.
How long do you play for?
We usually play two one hour sets. This can be divided into three 40 minute sets if preferred. We also offer an acoustic upgrade option which consists of 2 x 30 minutes of carefully selected acoustic songs, perfect for during your meal or drinks reception. We can provide this service as an acoustic duo (Vocals and Acoustic Guitar) or as a 4 piece 'live lounge' style (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Bass and Percussion).
What time do you start and finish?
We usually start our first set between 8 & 8.30 and play our second set in the final hour of the evening but this is entirely flexible. Arrival and finish times are 5pm and 12am (Midnight) as standard with early arrival and late finish fees applicable outside of these timings.
How long do you take to set up?
Assuming access to the venue is straight forward (i.e. ground floor room with no steps and vehicle access close to the venue), once all of our equipment is loaded in we can normally be set up and sound checked within 90 minutes.
Can I provisionally book you?
Unfortunately, we don’t take provisional bookings, as we would be turning clients away on typically popular dates. However, when you make an official enquiry with us, your enquiry will be logged in our system and you will be given first refusal on your date should anybody else enquire for the same date.
What if the band split up before my event?
We take all bookings very seriously and are 100% committed to all of our clients. In the hugely unlikely event that a member has left or the band split up before your party, every effort would be made to find a suitable replacement band or musician.
Can my sisters/bosses/daughters dog sing with your band?
Its always great fun to welcome a guest on stage and we are more than happy to do so but we do like to know those singing or playing with us have some experience on stage. So we only ask that you arrange this with us in advance as past experience has shown that impromptu performances can be a bit of a disaster and we try to avoid a drunken karaoke situation!
What will the band wear?
We usually dress in smart casual for most parties (trousers and shirt) unless informal or formal attire is requested. In the past, we’ve also been asked to join in with the theme, which we’re more than happy to do so if you wish.
Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?
We carry up to date PAT certification and have Public Liability Insurance cover up to £10M.
Why should I book The Sonics?
We have carefully constructed our set lists to avoid playing those tedious or boring cliché covers band songs we all dread! Catering to clients of all ages, We keep it fresh, original, exciting and fun. Our members are talented, professional, enthusiastic and well-rehearsed musicians who have played all over the world at venues of all sizes to crowds as small as 20 to well over 20,000 people. You should book The Sonics if you want something cool, contemporary and a bit different and if you don’t, somebody else will!
How much does it cost to book the band?
Prices start at £1074.
Can we see some previous client testimonials?
Yes. We have testimonials from satisfied clients on our testimonials page.
Do The Sonics have any specific requirements?
We only request a dressing room in which to change and something to eat and drink for the duration of our time at the venue.
What type/size venues are you able to play at?
Our members have played in all types of venue, from Arenas to Chapels, Marquees and ballrooms to small clubs and pubs. No gig is too big or small for The Sonics.
How loud will the band be?
We want our clients to really feel as though they are at a gig when they're on the dance floor but we do bear in mind that people will still want to talk. During sound check we will insure that the optimum volume is achieved making it possible to talk whilst still enjoying the music and losing yourself on the dance floor. Due to the nature of the music we play and the fact we have live drums and guitars it means that we can only turn down so far.
If your chosen venue has a dB limiter, please discuss this with your agent at the time of your enquiry - There’s every chance that we (or one of our fellow agency bands) have performed at the venue before, but if not, it’s worth discussing to make sure that the performance you will receive from us will not be compromised due to having to turn everything down so quietly to avoid power cuts.
If your venues decibel limit is especially low, we are more than happy to provide an acoustic version of our performance, which, while obviously being quieter, will still provide you with music that’s you can dance to.
What is the band power requirement?
We usually request 2 double 13 amp supplies near to the stage area. We use LED lighting, which keeps our power consumption down, but prefer to run lights from one power source and audio equipment from another to reduce the risk of noise interference.
Do The Sonics offer any additional services?
We offer a number of additional services at competitive rates: From ceremony music, acoustic sets during dinner, additional/extended DJ service, Microphone hire and live song requests. If you would like more information regarding the above options please contact us via email to discuss.
