F.A.Q.'s
Q) Are you any good!?
A) Testimonials are on display under the "About Us" section of this website from very satisfied clients and we have years of experience performing regularly at all kinds of functions - we hope our glowing record and reputation speaks for itself.
Q) What types of functions do you perform at?
A) Any! We are available for, but not limited to, weddings, corporate events, balls, universities, birthday parties, anniversaries, charity events and even christenings! We are happy to perform at outdoor functions too (e.g. in a marquee) providing the band, sound engineer and all our equipment are protected from bad weather conditions.
Q) Before I book a band is there anything I should ask at the venue?
A) It's always a good idea to check that your venue does not have a sound limiter otherwise NO live bands will be able to play there. There needs to be sufficient electrical points of at least 2 x 13 amp sockets (not extension leads as we use them) – especially if you are hiring a marquee! We have performed in many areas of various shapes and sizes but as a general guide we require a minimum space that's 10ft deep x 16ft wide (does not need to be a raised platform) and space for a table, close to the dance floor, to place the mixing desk. Dirty Carpet does not require a dressing room but if one is made available then that's fine - either way the band will be dressed smartly and the singers will look individual, elegant and cool.
Q) When the band is setting up will it interfere with proceedings?
A) No. We require up to 90 minutes to set-up and sound check our equipment but don't worry; if you're booking us to play at a wedding (for example) this typically occurs while the room / venue is being prepared for the evening reception following a meal. We will happily contact the venue to check what time it is convenient for us to arrive, our set-up arrangements and whether they require us to be set-up before a particular time.
Q) What kind of music do you play?
A) The kind of music which will get everybody up on their feet and partying long into the night! Our extensive repertoire includes nothing but well known rock, pop and party hits from the 50's right up to the present day.
Q) What time do you start playing?
A) That's entirely up to you. At a wedding, for instance, we have been known to start our first set anytime between 7.00pm and 9.00pm with the timings of all the sets scheduled according to the night's proceedings (buffet / evening meal, first dance, DJ / disco etc.).
Q) How long do you usually play for?
A) Typically 3 x 40 minutes or 2 x 60 minutes but shorter or longer sets can easily be customised to suit your event.
Q) How much do you charge?
To give you a rough idea: WEDDING fees for a local gig start at £700, this cost rises for gigs where we are required to travel. Our quotes are based on the performance date, length of performance, our arrival time (** see below) plus sound engineer costs and sometimes even overnight accommodation. Then we have a rising scale of costs depending on how far we have to travel but rest assured, the fee we quote is the price you'll pay with no more extra costs.
** The fee is also calculated on the assumption that our arrival time will not have to be before 5.00pm. Earlier arrival times will, at our discretion, incur an additional cost of £50 per hour but only if a venue requires that we are to be set-up by a time they stipulate or we are requested by you to arrive early for any reason. If, after the quote, we are told by the venue to arrive early to set-up you will be notified immediately. We advise you to ask the venue about this from the offset before obtaining a quote from us.
Q) What details do you need in order for me to obtain a quote?
A) Simply email us at dirtycarpetband@googlemail.com stating your name, contact details, date of event, type of function, where it is to be held, length of sets and approximate start time and we'll get back to you a.s.a.p. with a highly competitive quote! For your convenience you could download the Booking Form found in the Contact Us section, fill out the details and email that to us instead. Alternatively, give Ady a call on 07879 020102 should you wish to make a booking or have anything to discuss.
Q) What are your deposit and payment requirements?
A) Dirty Carpet requires a 20% deposit (minimum £150) payable within 14 days from confirmation of the booking in order to secure the date. The deposit is non-refundable. The remaining balance is to be paid either shortly before the gig or on the night by cash or cheque (payable to Geoff Mee). We are not VAT registered and do not make you sign a contract – the deposit is all that we need.
Q) How far do you travel?
A) We typically cover the whole of the Midlands area but we also travel further afield, for an additional fee, which will be inclusive within your quote. Remember that we will have been making preparations for your event long before we even arrive so the provision of refreshments such as tea / coffee, soft drinks and a bite to eat would be a most welcome gesture! If provisions cannot be made then please let us know so that we can make alternative arrangements.
Q) Can I choose the 'first dance' song at my wedding?
A) Absolutely! It will be our pleasure to perform any song you choose for your first dance, even if it does not appear on our current song list. All we require is a minimum of six weeks notice, before the event, to give us enough time to work up any new material.
Q) Can I choose all the songs that you play?
A) You are welcome to choose your preferred style of music (e.g. rock, party hits etc.) and, if you wish, a small selection of your favourite songs from our repertoire which you'd most like to hear, or, you can leave it to us and our expertise and we'll choose all the songs which are the most suitable for your event.
Q) Do you use backing tapes?
A) No! We are 100% live and use no backing material, sequencing or silly gimmicks what-so-ever so that you get the true 'live experience' that you'd come to expect from a professional band.
Q) What equipment do you supply?
A) We have a full high-spec PA system, lighting rigs, top of the range mixer and experienced sound engineer. Neither you nor the venue needs to provide a thing and if you are hiring a DJ he / she are welcome to plug into our PA too if they wish so long as they finish before our final set. All our equipment is fully tested for electrical safety (PAT tested) and we have public liability insurance too which most venues require a band to have.
Q) Can you play music through your PA before you start and during intervals?
A) Yes. If you are not also hiring the services of a DJ / Disco we can play our own selection of suitable music via an mp3 player or you may feel more than welcome to bring along either your own ipod / mp3 player to plug directly into our PA or provide us with your own selection of CD's.
Q) Can a birthday boy or girl sign a song on stage with you?
A) Certainly! He or she is welcome to join us on stage for a song, along with a family member or friend, if they'd like to sing with the band or just do some backing vocals!
Q) Can we use your microphones and PA for speeches, announcements etc.?
A) Yes.
Q) Can I see Dirty Carpet perform live before I book?
A) Although we primarily perform at private functions we do also sometimes perform public shows at organised showcases, local pubs, clubs and charity events. Please check our website for details of any upcoming shows.
If you need to ask any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
