Choosing a band can be a big decision. Hopefully this FAQ will address many questions about Mixology, but please feel free to contact us with additional queries!
What kind of music does Mixology play?
In short, we do almost anything. Our musicians are versatile professionals who play many styles of music. During cocktails we usually have a trio playing background jazz. During dinner we often add vocals, playing a mix of jazz and soft pop/rock. For dancing, we play anything from Motown to current Top 40. We always actively monitor the tastes and age group of our audience, adapting as we go. Typically we have found that people are less concerned with the genre/song selection, and more responsive to high energy and good beats!
What advantages does a band have over a DJ?
As musicians, we love live music. We believe strongly in the value we add through spontaneity, energy, customization and interaction. For some there are venue or budget constraints, but most of the time we have found the choice of having a live band is one of personal preference. Our clients love live music as much as we do!
Both DJs and live bands have pros and cons, and some are better suited toward different functions than others. Mixology is most interested in helping you find the right solution for your event than getting a gig! For many people, having live musicians adds to the specialness of the event; live bands like Mixology can be a highlight of the night!
Do you take requests?
Of course! Taking requests is what Mixologists do. Please try to make requests at least a month prior to the event, as music sometimes needs to be written and we may learn requests in a scheduled rehearsal. We typically play the first dance and parent dances; beyond that, we do what we can to accommodate any special song requests. If we are unable to play a song, we can have it on the laptop to play during a break.
We try to avoid too many “do not play” requests, as it can hamper our ability to adapt work with the crowd to respond to what’s working; but we are happy to work with clients to try to shape our sets to your style and play as many of your favorite songs as possible!
Do you do ceremonies as well?
Yes! This is an upside to hiring a single versatile band: we do ceremonies, jazz for cocktails, etc., usually at a lower cost than hiring people to do these things individually. Typically for ceremonies we offer solo piano, but occasionally couples will request guitar or a vocalist.
Can we use your PA for toasts, etc?
Definitely! Typically speakers will use our wireless mic for toasts, and our singer will introduce them.
How loud are you?
We aim to be at appropriate volume levels for every situation. For cocktails and dinner we are very careful to keep levels low enough that people can comfortably talk and enjoy their meals. Dance music is typically louder. We have live acoustic drums, amps and speakers – we want you to feel the beat! At the same time, we don’t want to lose our hearing any more than you do, so we try our best to keep our dance levels reasonable.
For smaller events, we offer different versions of the group – quartets for light dinner/dancing, or a trio for cocktails.
How many breaks do you take?
Standard breaks for musicians are 15-20 minutes for every hour, though we try to keep things going as much as possible. Usually by the time we take a break, dancers are ready to catch their breath as well! Typically breaks work into the regular flow of events – around toasts, presentations, cake cutting, etc. – so they are barely noticed.
We always have recorded music to play through our PA between sets – appropriate for cocktails, dinner or dancing – so the energy and ambience is sustained throughout the event.
What is your fee?
Fees vary so much that we do not post a fixed rate schedule. Many factors work into the price, such as: travel, special requests, choices for ceremony/cocktails/dinner, etc. As a five-piece band, Mixology is usually somewhere in the middle when it comes to pricing; more than a DJ, but less than larger bands.
Are there any additional expenses?
Our quotes are generally all-inclusive. All equipment/travel/rehearsal is built into the price. The only possible added expenses are:
* Vendor meals for the band. We usually add this into the contract. Our day often starts early and ends with us unloading gear at 2am, so we try to make sure to some calories at some point!
* We offer ceremony services as a separate add-on, including piano and a PA for the officiant.
* Very late nights and/or long travel could require hotel rooms, but again that will be included in the quote!
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, holding a date requires a nonrefundable deposit, with the remainder due one week prior to the event. The musicians in Mixology are in high demand, and they will turn down work once a date is booked, so this is an important part of booking the band.
How much space do you need?
While we may be able to adapt for small venues, we usually request a minimum of 20’x10′.
Do you need a stage?
We do not require a stage, but is recommended for outdoor weddings especially. If we are playing under a tent and there is rain, the instruments and sound equipment will need to be protected, and a stage can greatly limit the disruption.
Companies that rent dance floors will often rent stages as well. Some of our more handy clients have built their own at a fraction of the rental price!
How much power do you need?
Ideally we would have two 20AMP circuits, 120 volts. That said, we are not a large band and we have very modern, efficient gear – class D amps and LED lighting – so we have never blown a fuse.
Regardless, we try to check with venues – particularly older farmhouse types – to make sure that their power supply is adequate. It is a good idea to try to put the band on its own circuit, not have us share a power supply with lights and cooking equipment etc.
Do you bring your own sound/lights?
Mixology has high-end audio equipment suitable for just about any venue. We also bring our own lighting which is adequate for us and small-to-medium dance spaces.
Where can we hear you play?
Mixology does not do many public performances, but when we do we are sure to post about it on our FaceBook and Instagram pages! Primarily we are a function/wedding band, and we feel it would be unprofessional to invite prospective clients to another client’s event. Rehearsals are also a poor environment to hear a band, as they are typically in small rooms with minimal equipment and limited time.
We continuously work to improve our online demo material, and every clip we have online comes directly from a live performance. If you are interested, send us a message and we’ll try find a way for you to hear us and perhaps meet in person!
Can we meet in person?
Of course! We live in the Portland area and are always happy to meet clients in person to discuss your event over coffee. This is a great way to talk through the details and get to know each other.
Can we add horns?
We occasionally add horns at our clients’ request. The five-piece band always sounds great, but it is sometimes fun to add a horn or two to the mix! Typically we would add a sax first, then trumpet if two horns are requested. This is offered at cost, which will largely depend on how far the horn players need to travel.
