Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking Melbourne's premier funk and soul band for your event.
About Grooverunner
What type of band is Grooverunner?
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Grooverunner is a 9-piece funk and soul band based in Melbourne. We specialise in classic funk, soul, and disco music from the 1960s through to today, featuring artists like Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, CHIC, Jamiroquai, and Donna Summer. Unlike typical cover bands that play pub rock and top 40 hits, we focus exclusively on the music that was designed to fill dance floors.
How many musicians are in the band?
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Grooverunner is a 9-piece band featuring vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and a full 3-piece horn section (trumpet, saxophone, and trombone). This larger format allows us to authentically recreate the sound of classic funk and soul recordings, which were written for bands of this size.
What makes you different from other Melbourne cover bands?
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Three things set us apart. First, our 9-piece format with dedicated horn section means you get the authentic sound of funk and soul music, not watered-down versions played through keyboard patches. Second, we specialise in a specific genre rather than trying to play everything, which means we do it exceptionally well. Third, our experience at prestigious venues like Crown, Grand Hyatt, and major festivals means we bring professional polish that smaller acts cannot match.
Where have you performed?
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We've performed at many of Melbourne's most prestigious venues including Crown Melbourne, Grand Hyatt, Melbourne Convention Centre, RACV Club, Novotel, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, and Moonee Valley Racecourse. We've also headlined major public events including Knox Festival and Moonee Valley Council's twilight concert series.
Booking & Pricing
How much does it cost to hire a wedding band in Melbourne?
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Wedding band prices in Melbourne vary significantly based on band size, experience, and reputation. Smaller 3-4 piece bands typically range from $1,500 to $3,000. As a premium 9-piece band with horn section, Grooverunner's wedding packages start from $4,500 for Melbourne metropolitan venues. This reflects the quality, experience, and sheer number of professional musicians involved in delivering your entertainment.
How much does a corporate event band cost?
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Corporate entertainment pricing depends on your event format, duration, and specific requirements. We provide detailed, no-obligation quotes tailored to each event. Contact us with your event details and we'll respond with transparent pricing that includes everything you need.
How far in advance should I book?
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For weddings, we recommend booking 6-12 months in advance, particularly for popular dates during peak wedding season (October through April). Corporate events and festivals should ideally book 3-6 months ahead. That said, we can sometimes accommodate shorter timeframes depending on availability, so it's always worth enquiring even for upcoming dates.
Do you travel outside Melbourne?
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Yes, we perform throughout Victoria and can travel interstate for the right events. Travel costs may apply for venues outside Melbourne metropolitan area. Contact us with your location and we'll include any travel requirements in your quote.
Music & Performance
What songs do you play?
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Our repertoire spans decades of funk, soul, and disco classics. We play songs by Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, CHIC, The Jacksons, Curtis Mayfield, Donna Summer, Wild Cherry, Simply Red, Jamiroquai, and many more. Popular requests include September, I Wish, Good Times, Play That Funky Music, Blame It on the Boogie, and Move on Up. Visit our Song List page for our full repertoire.
Can you learn a specific song for our event?
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We're happy to consider learning special requests, particularly for first dances at weddings, subject to the song suiting our style and instrumentation. Funk, soul, Motown, and disco tracks work best with our 9-piece format. Let us know your request when booking and we'll confirm whether it's something we can accommodate.
How long do you play for?
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Our standard packages include two sets of approximately 45-60 minutes each, with a break in between. We can tailor set lengths and timing to suit your event schedule. Extended performance options are available for events that need more entertainment time.
Can you adjust your volume for different parts of the event?
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Absolutely. We're experienced at reading events and adjusting accordingly. During dinner service or networking portions, we keep things at a level that allows conversation. When it's time to get the party started, we bring the energy. We also respond to requests from venue staff or event coordinators throughout the night.
Technical & Logistics
Do you provide your own sound equipment?
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Yes, we come fully equipped with professional-grade PA systems suitable for venues up to 500 guests, plus all necessary backline equipment and stage lighting. For larger venues or events with specific production requirements, we work seamlessly with venue AV teams and external production companies.
How much space do you need on stage?
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As a 9-piece band, we ideally need a stage area of at least 6 metres wide by 4 metres deep. We can work with slightly smaller spaces if needed, though a larger stage allows for better visual presentation and sound quality. We're happy to discuss your venue's specific setup during the booking process.
What time do you arrive to set up?
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We typically arrive 2-3 hours before our performance time to allow for load-in, setup, and sound check. The exact timing depends on your venue's access arrangements and event schedule. We coordinate all logistics with you and the venue in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Can you provide a technical rider or stage plot?
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Yes, we provide a detailed technical rider and stage plot for venues and production companies that require them. This includes all our input requirements, stage layout, and technical specifications. Just ask and we'll send these through for your production team.
Corporate Events & Festivals
Is your music appropriate for corporate events?
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Absolutely. Funk and soul music is ideal for corporate events because it's universally recognised, carries no controversial content, and appeals across all age groups and musical tastes. We've performed at corporate events for major organisations at venues including Crown and the Melbourne Convention Centre. Our music creates energy and encourages networking while maintaining the professional atmosphere your company expects.
Are you suitable for family-friendly festivals?
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Yes, our repertoire contains no adult themes or content that would be inappropriate for any audience. We've headlined Knox Festival and performed at Moonee Valley Council events specifically because we deliver entertainment that works for entire communities, from children to seniors. Council event managers consistently choose us for our universal appeal and professional presentation.
Weddings
What's the difference between a DJ and a live wedding band?
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A DJ plays recorded music and can cover virtually any song ever recorded. A live band creates music in the moment, bringing energy, visual spectacle, and atmosphere that recordings cannot replicate. The interaction between musicians, the sight of a horn section hitting those iconic brass stabs, and the raw energy of live performance creates a completely different experience. Many couples choose live bands for the reception highlight and have a DJ handle other portions of the day.
Can you play our first dance song?
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We're happy to discuss first dance options. If your chosen song fits our funk and soul style, we can likely accommodate it. If it's outside our genre, we can play a recorded version through our PA system, then kick into our live set immediately after. Let us know your song choice and we'll work out the best approach for your special moment.
Do you play ceremony or cocktail hour music?
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Our specialty is high-energy reception entertainment. For ceremony and cocktail hour music, we recommend booking a smaller acoustic act or using our curated playlist service. We're happy to recommend other musicians we trust for these portions of your day, or can provide background music through our PA system.