FAQs
Q: How many weddings do you perform at each year?
A: I play at around 70 events annually, with over 90% being weddings. The remaining events include birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and Christmas parties.
Q: How soon before my event do you need my playlist?
A: A playlist is not essential, as I provide cards and pens for guest requests on the night. However, it’s helpful to know which songs you definitely want or don’t want played. I’ll also need your First Dance songs at least two weeks before your event. If you have a list of around a dozen songs you’d like to hear, feel free to send it to me a couple of weeks in advance.
Q: Can you call ceilidh dances?
A: Yes! I can call up to 30 minutes of ceilidh dances, including popular ones like the Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant, and Orcadian Strip the Willow. Additional ceilidh sessions are available for an extra charge.
Q: Do you download your music?
A: Yes, I purchase high-quality 16bit WAV audio files from the ilikemusic Commercial Music database, ensuring the best sound quality for your big day.
Q: Our friends are professional singers. Can they perform at our event?
A: Absolutely! If they provide their backing tracks, I can accommodate live performances. I have radio mics, vocal effects on my mixing desk, and can even connect a guitarist to the system. I’ve worked with professional performers like the lead singer of Skipinnish before!
Q: Do you have any special requirements at our venue?
A: I’ll need at least two power sockets and a minimum of 8ft x 4ft of space for setup. For larger systems, I require 12ft x 4ft. Please let me know if your venue has any restrictions or specific requirements.
Q: How much time do you need to set up?
A: If my gear is positioned in an anteroom, I typically need 45-90 minutes to get everything ready, depending on the size of the system.
Q: Can you set up during the daytime?
A: Yes, I can set up earlier for a small fee. Please mention this in your enquiry, and I’ll be happy to accommodate your needs.
Q: Do you have a Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) certificate?
A: Yes, all my equipment is PAT-tested by a qualified engineer, and I can provide a certificate upon request.
Q: Do you have Public Liability Insurance?
A: Yes, I carry a £10 million public liability insurance policy as part of my NADJ membership.
Q: Do you have a ProDub Licence?
A: Yes, I’ve held a ProDub licence since 2008, allowing me to legally copy tracks from my CD collection. However, as of July 2019, I only purchase digital tracks online and no longer buy physical CDs.
Q: How far can you travel to perform at an event?
A: I don’t charge for travel within 20 miles of Edinburgh. For events beyond that, I’ll add a small mileage charge to the quote.
Q: When do you require payment?
A: To secure your booking, I require a non-refundable £200 booking fee. The balance is due either 7 days before the event via cheque or BACS transfer.
Q: Will our guests be able to talk while you’re playing music?
A: Absolutely! I ensure the volume stays at a level where people can talk comfortably, in line with H&SE Noise at Work guidelines. I take decibel readings throughout the night to keep everything within acceptable levels, typically under 85dB where venue staff are working.
Q: Do you have back-up equipment?
A: Yes! I always carry spares for essential items like my music collection, microphones, laptop, soundcard, and cables. I also have backup mixing desks and speakers, and I can send a taxi for replacements if needed (touch wood!).
Q: Can you play world music?
A: Yes, I have an extensive collection of world music, including German, Greek, French, Italian, Spanish, Asian (Bhangra, Punjabi, Bollywood), Cuban, Jewish-Israeli, Polish, Finnish, South African, Caribbean, and more. I’m also happy to buy specific tracks upon request.
Q: What styles of music do you have?
A: I offer all styles, including Dance, Pop, Motown, Disco, Indie, Rock, Metal, Trance, Salsa, Country, Swing, Punk, RnB, Funk, Reggae, Jazz, and much more. From contemporary hits to classic anthems, I’ve got something for everyone.
Q: What is the difference between your large system and regular system?
A: The large system includes additional lighting and an 18” subwoofer, offering a more powerful sound and light show for larger venues or events.
Q: Will we need to provide food for you if we book you for the whole day?
A: I generally fast from 2pm on workdays, and as a vegan, I wouldn’t want you to go to any extra trouble to cater specifically for me. You’re more than welcome to provide food if you’d like, but it’s not necessary.
