A lot of my non-performer friends find it baffling how much money people are prepared to spend on live music at their events. I like to politely remind them that I (and many others in the industry) have endless gratitude to everyone who invests into live entertainment – it keeps us in work, doing something we love, and means we can pay the bills. During a catch up with an old friend this week, we got onto discussing this topic and she asked something along the lines of, “Why should someone book a live performer when Spotify playlists exist?”… And so this week’s blog inspiration was born.
Of course, I (and everyone else here at Valcato) know exactly why live entertainment is so much better than a playlist. However, for those that don’t, here’s why…
EXPERIENCE
Live performance creates an experience for all of those who are there. It creates a lasting memory and something you can all look back on in time to come. Live music allows the listener to experience vibrations from the music and feel a sense of freedom and release. They’re not only just listening to the music, they’re experiencing a different energy, it in all it’s glorious technicolour.
PARTICIPATION
Booking an act for your event automatically encourages audience participation as they’re right there in the action. So many acts will include specific elements of audience participation in their sets to ensure your event is one to remember. Just when you thought you’d never get Aunty Sue out of her seat, she’s the first up on the dancefloor, bopping away and having the time of her life.
KNOWLEDGE
Some of you out there struggle to know what people want – so booking entertainment through a reputable company allows you to absorb their knowledge and let them lead the way in what works best. Rather than spending endless hours creating the ‘perfect playlist’, you can save yourself the time and have someone else create something even better.
SUPPORT
Aside from all of the other reasons, you’re also supporting a whole industry. So many of us rely on bookings to pay our bills and live our lives, so without it there would be a lot of us struggling. The pandemic was a touch and go time for many performers/companies in the industry (as for many other sectors), so we need support now, more than ever, to rebuild.
So, there are just 4 key reasons why you should opt for live entertainment at your next event. Now although this comes at a cost, it’s a cost that we know is worth it – if you do your research! We won’t pretend that everyone selling entertainment out there is going to be worth the money you pay, so I urge you to please do your research, ask for recommendations, look at reviews and if something seems too good to be true, it usually is – unless it’s Valcato of course 😉
Now, it wouldn’t be fair of me to write about one side of this battle – especially when I have an opinion that heavily favours one side over the other (see above)… But, in all seriousness, a pumping playlist has its role in certain circumstances when it comes to events.
Those who are on strict and tight budgets can forgo blowing it all on live entertainment, and put together a party playlist to get those toes tapping and fill the dancefloor. Certain venues may not have an appropriate set up/space for live music, so a speaker combined with Spotify is the way to go. Or if you’re like my mum, and can’t stand listening anyone singing a classic (think Prince, MJ…) other than the original artist, then maybe a playlist is the way to go.
Overall, I can’t help but feel that live music trumps a playlist in every sense, other than the financial aspect. However I’d have to argue that it’s worth holding off that little bit longer, saving that bit extra and having a live performance at your event… it really will change your outlook.
Ciao for now, Otti x
WeAreValcato.
