The Mustard

FAQs

How long do you play for?
Getting the performance timings right is important in making your evening flow properly. Fortunately, The Mustard are very flexible with this. As a rule we normally play for around 2 hours. This can be split in various ways, the most popular is to play 2 x 1 hour sets. But either 3 x 40 minutes or even one long set is possible. We do recommend that our performance doesn't happen at the same time as an evening buffet or anything else that you may have planned however. We also suggest that our last set is timed to finish the night as we normally structure this to create a dynamic finale to your party!!! 

Of course we're happy to play for longer if your event requires, but this will be factored into our quotation, so if you'd like us to play for longer than 2 hours, please let us know during the booking process.

Do the band offer any optional extras?
Yes - Mustard offers the option to add a variety of additional musicians to their lineup, including sax, brass and female vocals, a chilled-out afternoon solo or duo set, and romantic ceremony performances for a small extra fee.

Can I pick the bands playlist?
We are more than happy for you to have an input of course. From our repertoire list we recommend clients pick between 10-20 of the favourites and, perhaps more importantly, any songs that you really DON'T like! We prefer to be left to put the final set together ourselves however, as we know what normally works and we also need the flexibility to change things mid set if required. We will contact clients up-to a month before the event to discuss playlists. 

How far do you travel?
Although we are based in the south east, we will travel anywhere!!

Can the band arrive earlier or finish later?
Absolutely, Mustard are very flexible and are happy to work to the needs of your event and arrive earlier (pre 5pm) or even finish later for an extra fee.

Will you learn our special song?
We are happy to consider learning your special song, ie first dance, but it obviously depends on whether your chosen song fits our style of band. It would be very difficult for us to cover a Frank Sinatra song for example with lots of brass and heavy orchestration. Please let us know at the time of booking if there is a particular song you'd like us to consider learning so we have enough time to learn it. If we feel we cant do your song justice you will be advised well in advance. 

Do we need to hire a separate DJ?
In a word, No! We can provide backing or full on party music around our sets on pre-arranged iPad play lists at no extra cost. We can also connect your own laptop / ipad into our equipment if you'd like to organise your own music. If you do require more flexibility to the DJ music, then a member of the band can man the iPad throughout the evening to take requests and tailor the music accordingly. We have the latest DJ software and access to over 14,000 tracks on our iPad. This option however does have an extra charge so please discuss at time of booking.

How much Space do you need?
A minimum area of 18 x 8 foot is required to safely set up all our sound and light equipment. We have however performed in all manor of venues 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.  please note:- For Marquee functions, where no stage is provided, a solid and level floor is required (not grass/earth) with a minimum ceiling height of approx 2 metres (6’6”)

Can we use your sound system for speeches?
Yes! If you are having an afternoon meal or a drinks reception, we can offer an acoustic duo to come and perform earlier for that part of the event. We can get an extra female vocalist to add some more variety to our set. We can also add a trumpet and saxophone. If you want us to play longer than just 2 hours, that is also something we have and are willing to do. All of these options obviously add some extra costs, so if you're interested, please let us know at the point of booking.

How loud will the band be?
Our aim is to make sure our volume levels are such that people at your event can still converse, but when they're on the dance they feel like they're at a gig!! The Mustard are a party band and the nature of the music we play means we can only turn down so far without affecting the performance for which you probably booked the band for in the first place. 

Unfortunately, many venues nowadays will have sound limiter installed. Although I cant imagine any band enjoys playing within these restrictions, we are well used to them now and have played at many venues around the country that work with these systems. All members of the band now use in-ear monitoring systems which means that as we don't require the traditional stage monitoring speakers, so it's far easier for us play within whatever limits the venue have.  We can also provide an electric drum kit if the venue has this as a requirement. If you're unsure about how sound limiters work and their affect, please feel free to call and discuss.

Do The Mustard have any specific requirements?

Appropriate and clean changing facilities / rest room for four persons.
A Basic Hot meal is to be provided prior to the performance. Please note that food from an evening buffet is acceptable.
A supply of soft drinks for band members for the duration of the function.
An adequate and safe, regulated power supply at the venue (minimum of  2 x 13 amp sockets fed from a 30 amp supply within easy reach of performance area).
Sufficient free parking for four vehicles in the immediate vicinity of the venue.
Clear access for heavy equipment to and from the stage area.

What if a member of the band is ill and cannot perform?
We have deputies for every member of the band so in the event of any unforeseen circumstances or holidays, The Mustard will use alternate equally competent musicians to replace a member of the advertised band, in order to fulfil the engagement with the client. 

What will the band wear?
The band will always be smartly dressed in black shirts and trousers and matching ties

Anything else?
All the band equipment has PAT certification and we have full Public Liability Insurance cover up to £10M.  The certificates can be provided upon request