The RHB'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 contact us!
Why should I book The Raven House Band?
Because we make your night unforgettable and ensure it's one that people will be talking about for a long time!
We love what we do and take great joy in seeing everyone having fun, dancing, and singing along to the songs we play. We perform a wide range of classic hits from the 50s through to the modern era. We even throw in a few pop tracks that you might not expect from a guitar band. We pride ourselves on being a highly professional and entertaining band that’s friendly, fun, and easy to work with.
How much does it cost to book the band?
Our prices are tailored to each specific event, taking into account various factors such as location, set lengths, venue, and set-up and finish times. Please contact us for a quote.
How much space do you need?
We ideally need a performance area of 5x3 meters but can work with a minimum area of 4x2 meters if space is limited. We’ve performed in a wide range of venues, including manor houses, hotels, barns, marquees, and small clubs, so we’re experienced in making the most of whatever space is available to ensure a top-level performance.
How is it best to time things?
It’s your event, so we’re happy to fit in with your schedule. However, from experience, we find the following timings for wedding performances work really well:
• 7:30 pm-8:00 pm – Background music
• 8:00 pm-8:45 pm – DJ set
• 8:45 pm-9:00 pm – Cake cutting, photos, first dance
• 9:00 pm-10:00 pm – First band set
• 10:00 pm-11:00 pm – DJ set
• 11:00 pm-12:00 am – Second band set
It’s best to plan food around the band’s sets (usually after the 1st set). If the buffet is on at the same time as the band is playing, guests are less likely to be enjoying themselves on the dance floor.
Can I pick the band’s playlist?
You are welcome to suggest songs from our repertoire that you consider “must-haves” or let us know if there are any songs you’d prefer we didn’t play. However, we ask that the final playlist be left to us.
This is because creating a great live set involves many factors like key, tempo, style, and genre. Not only are you booking the band for our musical ability, but also for our experience in reading the room and selecting songs that will keep the audience engaged and the dance floor full.
Where will you travel to?
We’re based in Northamptonshire, East Midlands, which means we are centrally located to travel to all areas of the UK as well as internationally.
Can I see you play live?
As most of our work comes from private functions, we don’t do many public shows however we do advertise and list our public performances where you are more than welcome to attend.
Will you learn our special song?
If the song can be performed with our instruments and we feel we can do it justice, we are more than happy to learn a special song for you. This could be for your first dance, a song to end the evening, or any other special moment. Please let us know at the time of booking if there’s a song you’d like us to consider.
Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?
Our video is a clear demonstration of what you can expect as well as deliberately showcasing the range in era’s we can perform.
How do I book you?
You can book us through our website, using our info@theravenhouseband.com email address. You can also contact us through our social media pages.
Are you able to DJ in between sets?
We are! We have DJ equipment with a huge selection of songs from all eras and genres to keep the dance floor bouncing between our live sets. Music playlists between sets come as standard with every booking. We also offer a DJ package upgrade option where one of the band members will man the sound system all night to take requests and make basic announcements.
Can we make DJ requests in advance of my event?
If there are any songs you’d like included in the DJ set, just let us know. We ask that you give us a week’s notice so we can ensure we have copies of the songs you’d like added.
Can we use your sound system for speeches?
You’re more than welcome to use our sound system for making speeches. However, please note that we do not use radio mics, so you would need to be on the stage/performance area to make the speeches.
What equipment do you use?
We use an array of high-end equipment, usually including:
FOH:
RCF j8 x2 1400w peak
RCF 310a x2 800w peak
Monitors:
RCF 312a x1 1200w peak
RCF 708a x2 800w peak
• Fender guitars and basses
• Line 6 amplification
• Yamaha Absolute Hybrid Maple
Sabian, Dream and Meinl cymbals, Millennium electric kit
• Traditional floor (wedge) monitors and/or in-ear monitoring
• A vast array of effects pedals
Do you have lights?
We do! Usually including:
Stage lighting Left and Right par wash cans on tripod stands.
Dance floor Left and right moving heads with spots or gobo’s.
Disco laser lights and a smoke machine are available on request.
How long do you play for?
Normally, we play 2 x 60-minute sets, but this can be divided into 3 x 40 minutes if required. There is also an “added extra” option to extend our sets to 2 x 75 minutes or 3 x 50 minutes.
What time do you start and finish?
Usually, we start the first set around 8:30 – 9:00 pm (after the first dance), but we are completely flexible. Arrival and finish times are 5:00 pm and midnight as standard. Early arrival and late finish fees apply outside of these timings.
How long do you take to set up?
Assuming access to the performance area is good (i.e., ground floor with no steps and close vehicle access), we can be set up and sound-checked within 90 minutes. To ensure everything sounds great for your evening, part of our setup/sound check will involve the band playing at full volume for short periods to set sound levels.
Can I provisionally book you?
Unfortunately, we can’t take provisional bookings due to high demand, which means we would be turning clients away on popular dates. However, when you make an official enquiry, your date will be logged in our system, and you will be given first refusal should anyone else enquire for the same date.
What are the bands power requirements?
We usually request at least 2 double 13 amp supplies near the stage area. We use LED lighting, which keeps our power consumption low, but we prefer to run our lights from a separate power source than the lights to reduce the risk of noise interference.
What if the band splits up before my event?
The band and our work are our livelihood, so we take our commitments very seriously. In the very unlikely event that the band splits up before your event, every effort would be made to find a suitable replacement band.
Can my friend/relative sing with your band?
We’ve had people join us on stage to sing on several occasions. Sometimes it works brilliantly, and other times it doesn’t. If you can arrange it with us before the event, we can make sure it runs smoothly and adds to the overall experience.
What will the band wear?
We’re flexible when it comes to attire. Normally, it’s a “smart casual” look (trousers/smart jeans, shirt, jacket, etc.), but we can be suited and booted if required, or even fit in with your specific color scheme.
Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?
We have both valid PAT test and PLI certificates.
Do The Raven House Band offer any additional services?
Yes, we offer a manned DJ service for an additional fee.
If you have any unanswered questions please do not hesitate to contact us.