Hipster 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 hipster@alivenetwork.com or call our agent, Alive Network, on 01782 740839.
How much space do you need?
We typically need a performance area of 6x3 metres, but we are able to squeeze into a minimum area of 5m (wide) x 4m (depth) metres if space is limited. We’ve performed in all manor of ven-ues from manor houses and hotels, to barns, marquees, ball rooms and intimate clubs so we’re well versed in making the most of whatever space is available to us.
How is it best to time things?
The bands performance times are important in making your evening flow properly, and we are totally flexible with this, although we prefer that our performance doesn't happen at the same time as the buffet or anything else you may have planned at your event.
We also recommend that our second set is timed so that we play for the last hour of the event, as the dynamic of the performance works really well in this format, and creates a finale effect at your party.
Typical timings are as follows -
Arrival 6pm to be set up and soundchecked by 7:30.
Background/DJ music from 7:30 until 8:30.
Live set 1 from 8:30 until 9:30.
Background/DJ music from 9:30 until 10:45
Live set 2 from 10:45 until 11:45 with encores or DJ music until midnight.
Can I pick the bands playlist?
We are more than happy for you to pick which songs from our repertoire are played, but we do prefer if we are left to decide the order in which they are played.
It is usually best if you let us know any songs you definitely DO or DON’T want rather than a hard and fast list that we feel obliged to not deviate from should the mood require it.
We are able to travel both UK wide and internationally.
Due to the nature of our work, we don't play many public gigs as all of the events we perform at tend to be private parties. We try to offset this situation by making sure we have plenty of promotional material, including lots of live recordings.
If you want to follow our Facebook page, any last minute public gigs that do come in will be promoted on there: www.facebook.com/hipsteronline
Will you learn our special song?
We are happy to consider learning your special song. It largely depends on whether the particular song fits our playing style and sound. It would be difficult for us to pull off a Frank Sinatra song, for example, due to our instrumentation. At the time of booking us, please let your agent know if there’s a particular song you’d like us to consider learning so we have enough time to learn it well.
Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?
There are two types of video on our website. One was a studio recording of a live performance created to give you the opportunity to hear us playing totally live. The others were filmed at a corporate event for Wella, and while they show the band in a different live setting, the audio recording is not reflective of the bands true live sound quality.
View our videos on the Media page here
You can book us through the enquiry form on this website or through our agency www.alivenetwork.com. You can also email or call our booking agent, Graham, on 01782 740839 or hipster@alivenetwork.com
Are you able to DJ in between sets?
We carry a laptop with over 5000 songs to all our gigs that we use specifically for DJ'ing, making sure that we keep the dance floor swinging in between our live sets. We are happy to take requests for DJ songs.
Music playlists between sets comes as standard with every booking, and if you want a more bespoke DJ service, we offer a DJ package upgrade option where one of the band members will man the laptop all night to take requests and make basic announcements.
The DJ package upgrade option is offered for free if you confirm your booking with us within 7 days of receiving your official quote.
Can we use your sound system for speeches?
You are welcome to use our PA system for your speeches. However, we don’t use ra-dio mics in our live setup so, should you need them, you will have to hire them in ad-vance. Google ‘radio mic hire’ for local suppliers.
1 x Pearl MastersCustom drum kit with percussion
Mark Bass Amp with Ashdown cabs
1 x Fender Hotrod Deluxe guitar amp
1 x Fender Hotrod Deville guitar amp
PA System - 2 x KV2 Audio EX12’s & 2x KV2 Audio EX2.5 subs
Allen and Heath 16:2 Mix Wizard mixing desk
Apex dB/c8 compressor limiter
Behringer XR4400 noise gates
2 x Mackie SRM 350 stage floor monitors
2 x QSC KT10 stage floor monitors
3 x Sure SM58 vocal mics
1 x Sure Beta58 vocal mic
5 x Sure SM57 instrument mics
1x Sure Beta52 kick drum mic
2 x Behringer DI boxes
1 x 1972 Gibson 335 electric guitar
1 x 1972 Gibson Les Paul electric guitar
1 x 1994 USA Fender Stratocaster electric guitar
1 x 1984 Japanese Fender Telecaster electric guitar
1 x 1992 USA Fender Telecaster electric guitar
1 x Custom USA Fender Stratocaster electric guitar
1 x Ernie Ball Music Man electric bass guitar
1 x 1964 Gibson
1 x 1993 Gretsch Heritage Acoustic Guitar
1 x 1978 Japanese Yamaha FG375s acoustic guitar
1 x Tanglewood Evolution TAB1 CE acoustic bass guitar
2 x KAM parbar MK2 LED lights with DMX foot controller
Yes. We use 8 super bright LED parcans on stands at either side of the stage area with a floor mounted foot controller which light the stage and dancefloor.
We usually play two one hour sets. This can also be divided into three 40 minute sets if you prefer. We also offer an acoustic upgrade option which consists of 2 x 30 minutes of carefully selected acoustic music, perfect for during your meal or drinks reception, as well as a 45 minute additional Beatles set.
What time do you start and finish?
We usually start our first set at around 8.30, and play our second set in the final hour of the evening, but again we are totally flexible with this. Arrival and finish times are 5pm and midnight as standard with early arrival and late finish fees applicable outside of these timings.
How long do you take to set up?
Assuming access to the venue is straight forward (i.e. ground floor room with no steps and vehicle access close to the venue), once all the equipment is loaded in we can normally be set up and sound checked in an hour and fifteen minutes.
Unfortunately, we don’t take provisional bookings as our demand is such that we would be turning clients away on popular dates. However, when you make an official enquiry with us, your enquiry will be logged in our system and you will be given first refusal on your date should anybody else enquire for the same date.
What if the band split up before my event?
Like many professional party bands, our work is our livelihood and so we take our commitments very seriously.
In the very unlikely event that the band had split up before your party, every effort would be made to find a suitable replacement band.
Can my sisters/bosses/daughters dog sing with your band?
We love it when people get up to sing a song with us, but we do like to make sure that those singing or playing with us have some experience of being on stage. We’re happy to arrange this with you in advance. However, past experience has taught us that welcoming impromptu guests onto the stage on the night itself, can often end in disaster so we’d rather steer clear of that situation!
We usually dress formally for most parties (trousers, shirt and tie) unless informal attire is requested. In the past, we’ve also been asked to join in with an events theme, which we’re more than happy to do if you wish.
Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?
We always carry up to date PAT certification and have Public Liability Insurance cover up to £5M.
We are without doubt one of the busiest and most experienced party bands in the UK. We have travelled all over the world, and played in every type of venue to all kinds of people, so we bring a wealth of experience to your event, not to mention equipment and live sound of the highest quality.
It is important to us that we play something for everybody at your party. We understand that your event is special, and that you only get one chance to get it right.
How much does it cost to book the band?
Prices vary slightly based on the time of year, the location of your event, timings, and any upgrade options. Please use our date checker / calendar widget to get an instant quote.
Can we see some previous client testimonials?
Yes. We have hundreds of testimonials from previous satisfied clients on our website. Even one from HRH Prince Harry! Check out our previous cleint testimonials here!
Do Hipster have any specific requirements?
We request a room in which to change, something to eat and drinks for the duration of our time at the venue.
What type/size venues are you able to play at?
We have played in every type of venue, from festivals and football stadiums, from huge marquees and ballrooms to intimate clubs and private residencies.
We always make sure that our volume levels are such that people at your event can still converse, but really feel as though they are at a gig when they're on the dance floor.
Being a guitar based rock and pop function band, the nature of the music we play means that we can only turn down so far! If your chosen venue has a DB limiter, please discuss this with your agent at the time of your enquiry - There’s every chance that we (or one of our fellow agency bands) have performed at the venue before, but if not, it’s worth discussing to make sure that the performance you will receive from us will not be compromised.
However, if your venues decibel limit is restrictively low, we are more than happy to provide an acoustic version of our performance which, while obviously being quiter, will still provide you with music that’s great to dance to.
What is the band power requirement?
We usually request 2 double 13 amp supplies near to the stage area. We use LED lighting which keeps our power consumption down but we prefer to run lights from one power source and audio equipment from another to reduce the risk of noise interfer-ence.
As a rule, we draw approximately 16 amps with everything on and have only ever expe-rienced any issues in events in marquees where the generator capacity has been too low.
