A live band for a corporate event in Singapore usually plays two jobs in one night: quiet background sets while guests arrive and eat, then a lively set once the formal part is over. That shape fits a company dinner and dance, a gala dinner, an award night, a product launch, a client appreciation evening or a year end party.
Price: a 4 to 6 piece live band for a corporate event usually costs SGD 2,800 to 7,000 for two 45 minute sets, and a wedding style booking runs SGD 800 to 2,500 for a duo. See what a live band costs in Singapore.
How a dinner and dance night usually runs
- Cocktails. A jazz or acoustic set while guests arrive and find their tables.
- Dinner. The band plays background sets between courses, low enough for table talk.
- Awards, speeches and the lucky draw. The band rests while the emcee runs the formal segment.
- Dance floor. The band and a DJ trade sets until close, so the music never stops for a changeover.
For a large night, ask for a second small stage or a DJ booth, so a band changeover does not stall the room. Stage setup and sound check usually take three to four hours before doors open.
Check the venue before you fix the sets
- Sound curfew. Hotel ballrooms usually cut sound around 11pm to 11.30pm. Plan the last set before the curfew, not after it.
- Load in. Ballrooms have fixed load in times and loading dock hours. Share them early.
- House sound. If the venue provides house speakers, the band's monitors must work with them. Book the band and the AV together, or at least tell us what the venue has.
- Office premises. Lower ceilings, few power points and neighbours on other floors suit an acoustic duo or a small set.
Which band for which corporate event
- Gala dinner or award night. A jazz band for cocktails and dinner, a four to six piece band for the dance floor.
- Product launch or client evening. A 3 piece band gives a full sound in a small space.
- Chinese New Year dinner. A Chinese live band with Mandopop and Cantopop, after a lion dance opener.
- Year end party. A party band with pop, rock and funk, then a DJ.
What a proper quote shows
A proper quote states the fee, the set length, the number of musicians and whether sound equipment is included. A band's backline may not be included if the stage is bare, so ask. LED screens, extra lighting and other rentals are quoted separately and are cheaper on one combined quote.
When to book
Book four to eight weeks ahead for a standard weekday event. For the December dinner and dance season and Chinese New Year, book eight to twelve weeks ahead, because bands and emcees are booked out first. Popular hotel ballrooms for December are reserved six to nine months ahead, so fix the venue first.
What to send
Send the date, the venue, the headcount, the run sheet if you have one and the mood you want. Ask on WhatsApp or through the quote form.
