What to Look for When Booking a Live Band in Melbourne

Melbourne has one of the most vibrant live music scenes in the world, which means you have incredible options when booking a band for your wedding, corporate event, or private party. But with so many choices, how do you know what to look for? Here's our comprehensive guide to making the right decision.

Watch Live Performance Videos

Studio recordings and promotional materials can be deceiving. What you really want to see is how the band performs live, in front of a real audience. Look for videos shot at actual events rather than staged promotional shoots. Pay attention to how the band interacts with the crowd, their energy levels, and whether the audience is genuinely engaged.

A showreel should give you a genuine sense of what the band delivers. Multiple camera angles, clear audio, and footage from different events all indicate a band that takes their promotional content as seriously as their performances.

Check Their Track Record

Experience matters enormously in live entertainment. A band that has performed at prestigious venues like the Melbourne Convention Centre, Crown, or major festivals has already proven they can deliver at a professional level. They understand the technical requirements of different spaces, know how to work with venue staff, and won't be fazed by the pressure of a high-stakes event.

Look for testimonials and reviews from past clients. Council event teams, corporate event managers, and wedding planners work with entertainment regularly and their endorsements carry significant weight.

Assess Their Repertoire

A band's song list tells you a lot about their musical identity and capabilities. Do they specialise in a particular genre or try to cover everything? Generally, bands that focus on a specific style, whether that's funk and soul, rock, jazz, or pop, deliver higher quality performances than jack-of-all-trades acts.

Consider your audience and event type. For weddings and corporate events where you need universal appeal across age groups, classic funk and soul offers broad accessibility. For younger crowds or themed parties, you might want something more contemporary.

Understand What's Included

Before comparing quotes, make sure you understand exactly what each band provides. Does the price include PA system and lighting? How many sets will they play, and for how long? Do they provide background music during breaks, or will there be silence? Is travel included, or will there be additional charges for venues outside their usual area?

A professional band will provide clear, detailed quotes that answer these questions upfront. Vague pricing or reluctance to commit to specifics can be warning signs.

Communication and Professionalism

How a band communicates during the booking process is a strong indicator of how they'll handle your event. Do they respond promptly to enquiries? Are they willing to answer questions and accommodate reasonable requests? Do they seem genuinely interested in understanding your event and making it successful?

The best bands view themselves as partners in creating your event, not just hired entertainment. They'll ask questions about your venue, your guests, and your vision for the event. They'll offer suggestions based on their experience while remaining flexible to your preferences.