The Low Down 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 thelowdown@alivenetwork.com or call our agent, Alive Network, on 01782 740839.
How much space do you need?
Ideally we would require a performance area of 5x3 metres, but we can work within a minimum area of 3x2 metres if space is limited. We have extensive experience of performing in all venue types, so we’re well rehearsed in making use of the space available to us.
How is it best to time things?
In our experience, for a wedding performance we would suggest the following times.
7.00pm - 7.45pm – Light background music/DJ set
7.45pm-8pm – Cake cutting, Photos, First Dance
8pm-9pm – First Band set
9pm-10pm – Evening food/DJ set
10pm-11pm – Second Band set
11pm-12am - DJ set
Please note that these timings are purely a suggestion, we are always happy to work with you to decide the best timings for your evening. We would also suggest that evening food is planned around the band sets, as if the buffet is scheduled to come out the same time as the band are playing, guests inevitably end up missing out on one or the other.
For most events we also recommend 2x60 minute sets over 3x40 minutes where possible.
Can I pick the bands playlist?
We have a main setlist picked from our repertoire that we've honed and feel works well; we do encourage clients to pick 3-4 swap outs if there are songs from our rep that they have their heart set on.
Where will you travel to?
We are based in Brighton, but we will travel anywhere you would like to hold your event. Be that in the UK or Overseas.
Can I see you play live?
The nature of our work means that the vast majority of our gigs are private functions. However, we do occasionally play public gigs around the Brighton area, which we will promote on our website and through social media.
Will you learn our special song?
Yes!
It is worth noting however, that some songs we would be unable to do proper justice to, for example if a song is highly orchestrated then it is difficult to recreate that a 3-piece guitar driven band. Please get in touch with us regarding your special song and we will happily work with you to find the best option for you.
Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?
We strive to make our promotional videos as true a reflection of the band as possible. What you see in our videos is 100% performed by us, without any studio overdubs, and is exactly how we will sound at your event.
How do I book you?
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 agents on 0845 108 5500 or email us at thelowdown@alivenetwork.com
Are you able to DJ in between sets?
We carry a laptop with 1000’s of songs to each gig to provide background music between our sets. We also offer a bespoke DJ service as an upgrade, where we will put together a set and take requests all night.
The DJ upgrade option is normally free if requested within 7 days of booking.
Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?
Any requests for the DJ service will only be possible if we already own the music you require. We do not purchase music for clients due to the costs this can incur. Clients will often provide us with an iPod/MP3 player, or laptop with a playlist on to incorporate the music into our usual DJ sets. If you give us an idea of artists and genres you prefer, we will cater for your tastes effectively. If you would like particular songs played at specific times during the evening, please provide the music via one of the above methods along with a schedule of your evening.
Can we use your sound system for speeches?
You are more than welcome to use our PA system for your speeches. However, we don’t use radio mics in our live setup so, should you need them, and you will have to hire them in advance.
What equipment do you use?
The Low Down live sound system is a collection of some of the best high-end audio equipment available on the market, including a 32 channel mixing console, a 3000 watt active speaker system and in-ear or wedge monitoring for each member.
Their combined collection of instruments, amplifiers and microphones, both vintage and modern includes, PRS and Fender electric guitars, Martin acoustic guitars, Fender, Sire, and handmade basses, Fender and Gallien-Krueger amps, Gretsch drums and hardware with Zildjian A & K custom cymbals, and an array of Shure and Samson microphones.
Do you have lights?
We have top of the range LED lighting to illuminate the band, stage and audience. Including a T-bar setup and floor mounted par-cans for up lighting.
How long do you play for?
For most events we play 2x60 minute sets, however this can be split into 3x40 minute set upon request. We have a large enough repertoire to play for 3 hours, and also offer an acoustic option, solo or ensemble.
What time do you start and finish?
Normally we start our first set between 7.30 and 8pm, with the second set starting around 10pm; finishing with an end of night DJ set. We are totally flexible on this however, and will play at whatever time is suitable for you and your event. Standard arrival times are 5-6pm, running until midnight.
How long do you take to set up?
We like to have an hour and a half to get set up and sound checked. If however there are time constraints it is possible for us to set up in an hour.
Can I provisionally book you?
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?
As professional musicians we take our work very seriously, as it is our livelihood. Therefore we take all of our bookings seriously also, and always honour our commitments.
In the very unlikely event the band were to split up before your event, every possible effort would be made to find a suitable replacement act.
Can my sisters/bosses/daughters dog sing with your band?
We are always open to this. We do like whoever gets up to have some experience and let us know in advance that they would like to do this. Experience has taught us that impromptu vocal guests on the night (normally a little drunk) can tend to turn into bad karaoke, which is a situation best for all parties to avoid!
What will the band wear?
The band normally dresses smart/casual to most events. However, upon request we are always happy to dress more or less formally. We are also happy to dress to a theme if that is what your event requires. Please check our photo gallery for an idea of our normal attire.
Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?
We always carry up to date PAT and PLI certificates.
Why should I book The Low Down?
A Live Band you’ll never forget!
The Low Down have carefully constructed their sets to cater for all audiences. We have the ability and experience to gauge the audience’s needs and venue requirements throughout the whole performance. From the 1950s to todays current hits, The Low Down can cater for all tastes with huge hits from; Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, The Kinks, The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Daft Punk, Elvis Presley, Queen, David Bowie, Rihanna, Taio Cruz, The Killers, The Arctic Monkeys and many, many more!
We guarantee we will blow you away with our quality, musicianship and stage presence, making your night the best it can possibly be.
The Low Downs extensive set list means they can offer quantity as well was superb quality with over 3 hours of outstanding band repertoire and over 2 hours of acoustic solo or ensemble music. Here is a brief list of some of the places, venues and people that present members of The Low Down have either toured or played at / with:
- USA
- Sweden
- Germany
- Holland
- France
- V Festival
- Montreaux Jazz Festival
- Glastonbury
- Reading and Leeds Festival
- Osfest
- Rag N Bone Man
- Tom Odell
- Bastille
- Huey Morgan
- BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge
- Saturday Night Live
- Maida Vale sessions
How much does it cost to book the band?
Prices vary slightly according to season, location of your event, and any upgrade options. Prices start from £668 including VAT.
Can we see some previous client testimonials?
Yes. We have testimonials from previous satisfied clients on our website. Check out our previous client testimonials here!
Do The Low Down have any specific requirements?
We would request a room to get changed in, a hot meal and soft drinks for the evening.
What type/size venues are you able to play at?
We have played in every type of venue imaginable, from open-air festivals and arenas, to tv studios and rooftops, to intimate sweaty clubs and private residencies.
How loud will the band be?
We always make sure our volume isn’t such that it makes people’s ears bleed. As a rock/pop band we like to turn up, we want people to feel they are at a gig, but are able to converse and enjoy themselves without their ears ringing for weeks afterwards!
It is always worth checking to see if your chosen venue has a Decibel meter. We have vast experience of playing in venues with a dB limiter, but it is worth discussing with us, as some limiters have restrictively low volume limits, which could compromise the performance of the band.
What is the band power requirement?
We usually request 2 double 13 amp supplies near to the stage area. We use mostly 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 interference.
As a rule, we draw approximately 18 amps with everything on and have only ever experienced any issues in events in marquees where the generator capacity has been too low.
Does The Low Down offer any additional services?
The Low Down offer a number of additional services at very competitive rates: From ceremony music, acoustic sets during dinner, additional/extended DJ service, late finishes, and live song requests. If you would like more information regarding the above options please contact us via email to discuss.
