Switch's Most Frequently Asked Questions
Below are all of the questions we could remember having been asked in the past. If you have a question that's not on here, please feel free to email switch@alivenetwork.com or call our agent, Alive Network, on 01782 740839.
How much space do you need?
As a 5 piece band who uses lots of electronic set ups and high-end gear, we ideally like a stage to be no smaller than 5x4 metres, but in stripped back sets we can perform in smaller areas.
How is it best to time things?
No event is exactly the same, and we are happy to negotiate times with clients and be flexible to fit their needs. Below are some typical timings of a 7pm-12am 2x60 minute set wedding;
- 6pm - Arrival
- 8pm-9.15pm - DJ Set
- 9.15pm-9.30pm - Cut cake, first dance, photos
- 9:30pm-10.30pm - 1st band set
- 10:30pm-11pm - DJ Set
- 11pm-12am - 2nd band set
- 12am-12:30am - Pack down with DJ set
Please plan sets around the evening food. Do not have the band start at 8pm if the buffet is then ready to come out at this time also as your guests will want to eat in peace.
Can I pick the bands playlist?
We offer several genre-based playlists to cater for any style of event. We are more than happy to chop and change songs from set to set, however we would like the songs to be negotiated 4 weeks in advance of the event, to allow for rehearsal time.
Where will you travel to?
We are based in Bristol, but are more than happy to travel all over the country and even internationally.
Can I see you play live?
We typically play at private events, but we absolutely love to play public shows when we can. Please keep up to date with any public show announcements and news on our Facebook page
Will you learn our special song?
We pride ourselves on being versatile and will gladly learn your special song for your event. Requests do incur a small extra fee (to allow for extra rehearsals to prepare the song just as you know it).
Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?
We would like to emphasise that our video is captured 100% live, in one take, without a click track or any overdubs. The video is an exact replication of the sound and performance that you can expect from us on the night. We pride ourselves on replicating songs accurately to the record and have expanded our set ups to include electronics to achieve this accuracy.
How do I book you?
You can book us on this website using our enquiry form, or through our agency www.alivenetwork.com. Alternatively you can contact our booking agent Alive Network on 01782 740839 or email us directly at switch@alivenetwork.com. We also love talking to clients ourselves, therefore accept informal enquiries via our Facebook page.
Are you able to DJ in between sets?
We provide a DJ rig with access to most songs that you would like to hear. We have specifically catered playlists for each event to ensure that the dance floor stays full and bouncing between sets, no matter what the event. We are happy to take requests (and even play your entire playlist if negotiated prior to the event) but for a more bespoke DJ set (band members will man the laptop, taking requests) we do offer a DJ package, which is free if you confirm your booking within 7 days of receiving your official quote.
Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?
If negotiated prior to the event, we are more than happy to add songs to our playlists, or even play your entire playlist for you, if you provide us with an Ipod/MP3 player containing all of the songs. Alternatively, if you were to give us an idea of a genre or artist you would prefer, we (as young musicians) LOVE to choose songs to fit your needs. If you would like any specific songs played at certain times throughout your event, please provide the music via one of the methods above.
Can we use your sound system for speeches?
Of course, provided that the speeches tie in with our arrival and pack up times. This is to be negotiated prior to the event.
What equipment do you use?
All of our electronic equipment is modern, PAT Tested regularly and holds up to a high professional standard . We use an ALTO PA system, linked with a Soundcraft mixing desk, ensuring that the audience get the best sound quality whatever and wherever the event.
Aside form the PA system we rely on many of the industries top brands, including Fender, Roland, Yamaha, Zildian, Native Instruments, and Aguilar to name a few. All of our instruments are professionally maintained to ensure reliability at your event.
Do you have lights?
We provide a lighting rig suitable for all event types and sizes.
How long do you play for?
We typically play 2x1 hour sets. We can provide more sets, or split the sets into 3x40 minutes, but we recommend 2x1 hour. We also provide an acoustic upgrade option, perfect for music during your drinks reception or your meal. We can provide this as an acoustic duo, trio, or as a full band lounge set.
What time do you start and finish?
We typically start our first set at 9:30pm, and play our second set at 11pm, but we are completely flexible when it comes to timings as we want to work around your event. We would arrive at 6pm and finish at midnight, with early arrival and late finishing fees applicable if we are outside of these timings.
How long do you take to set up?
Every venue is different, and some have more simple set ups than others, however in a venue with straight forward access, vehicle load in room, ground floor, plenty of power supplies and room and space to set up from arrival, we can be ready to start our first set within an hour and a half.
Can I provisionally book you?
Currently we are taking provisional bookings but this is subject to change to popular demand.
What if the band split up before my event?
We take our work incredibly seriously, and we are passionate and proud of the service we provide. We love and appreciate that clients want us at their event, and we make absolutely every effort to play a show, no matter what the circumstances.
In the extremely unlikely event that the band split up prior to your event, we have hundreds of bands prepared to step in and play at your evening.
Can my sisters/bosses/daughters dog sing with your band?
We absolutely love when a member of the audience gets up and sings a song with us, but as a rule we only allow this if it is negotiated prior to the event. We have learned (through experience) that inviting guests on the stage during the evening can result in damaged equipment which can really dampen the evening, so we avoid this when we can.
What will the band wear?
We are entirely flexible and feel comfortable wearing any dress code. For a wedding we will typically dress smart (trousers, shirt and tie) but are more than happy to dress down to fit the vibe of the evening. We are also not afraid to dress to a theme - we love dressing up and fitting in with the event we are performing at!
Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?
We are PAT certified, which is updated annually and have PLI cover up to £10M.
Why should I book Switch?
Switch are a young, fresh, exciting band, full of professionally trained musicians and recent graduates of the prestigious British Institute of Modern Music. Their repertoire is extremely versatile, spanning from the 60’s to todays pop charts, which they play both as accurately as each other. They choose cool, fresh tracks that keep the dance floor full all night, and put a fun spin on every song to make it their own, while keeping the original elements which make the tracks everybody's favourites.
Switch pride themselves on their musicality, professionalism and creativity, which is often lacking in function bands. Using state of the art equipment, they are able to replicate tracks down to the most finite details, but still put their own stamp on the songs, keeping them cool and exciting.
Their extensive and versatile repertoire allows them to perfectly fit any and all events, and their on and off stage presence is superb; a joy to have at your event. Switch have performed in all types of venue, from small bars in Bristol city centre, to huge venues such as Ashton Gate Stadium and Bovey Castle, they always have the dance floor bouncing.
How much does it cost to book the band?
Our prices vary based on the time of year, location, timings and upgrade options. Please use the booking widget in the sidebar to get an instant quote, or discuss pricing details with our agent.
Can we see some previous client testimonials?
Of course - please visit our testimonials page to read our previous client reviews.
Do Switch have any specific requirements?
We ask for a separate room to change and relax in, with access from arrival until we leave. We also ask for food and drinks for the duration of the event, with van parking and loading access near the venue.
What type/size venues are you able to play at?
We have played every type and size of venue there is; from tiny clubs in Bristol, to huge marquees and football stadiums, with high-end hotels and venues along the way. We are comfortable and confident playing any and all venues and enjoy each type as much as the other!
How loud will the band be?
Our volume levels can be tailored to your event, essentially we can be as loud or as quiet as you would like us to be. We want everyone to be comfortable and enjoy the music, and if it’s too loud or quiet, then no one has fun. As young, professional musicians, we know how important volume is to a performance, and we ensure that we fit our volume around your preferences and the venue. If the venue has a DB limiter, please discuss this with our agent, as we may have to prepare a more ‘lounge’ style set, or potentially an acoustic set. We can cater to any and all events and will always provide fun, exciting music to get you dancing!
What is the band power requirement?
We ask for a minimum of two double 13 amp plug sockets, close to the stage, ideally at either side. Our power consumption is low as our equipment is efficient and modern, however we run our lighting from separate sources, to avoid any interferences that it may cause. Essentially - the more power sockets you can provide close to the stage, the better. If the event is in a marquee in a field and the power is run on generators, please discuss this with the band prior to the event to save any problems on the evening.
Do Switch offer any additional services?
Switch offer several different additional services to ensure you get everything you want for your special day. These include;
- An additional set to keep the party going
- Acoustic sets for reception or as a warm up to the band
- DJ sets
- Song requests
- First dance requests
- Band ‘Lounge’ sets
Switch also offer a FREE DJ SERVICE if you book the band within 7 days of your enquiry. For more information on the many extras that Switch have to offer, please contact our agent Alive Network to discuss these further.
