When a Band Learns a New Song ...

We want to use the song Northern Sky by Nick Drake as our first dance. I know its uncommon, but I've heard that bands will learn a new song if you ask. My question is -- will they be offended if I ask to hear them perform it before the wedding? Is this possible? Any input is appreciated! Thanks.

Re: When a Band Learns a New Song ...

Good question! I'm interested to hear the responce!

I also want to know if the band will learn a few songs for us. I love what is on their play list, however our enterance and first dance song are not on the list and we REALLY want them! They hold great meaning to the both of us. Is it too much to ask the band to learn 2 songs?

Thanks for the advice!
Kelly

Re: When a Band Learns a New Song ...

Kelly -- we're using heart and soul too! I'm planning on calling them this week - just wanted to feel it out on this board first. What songs are you looking for?

Re: When a Band Learns a New Song ...

My friend had a band and they learned plenty of new songs for her. Its a bonus for them, just give them time for to learn and practice or you might regret it. I would ask as soon as possible.
I decided to not use my friend's band b/c when I asked them if they could play Keeper of the stars by Tracy Byrd.. They said 'yes, we play alot of her songs we get that request all the time!'
Well wrong, Tracy Byrd is a guy and the song has been done by other artists but always male. That pissed me off that they lied so I didn't book them.

**********vendors sorry for posting, I know it is the weekend and you are busy and I felt she should get in touch with her band asap*********

Re: When a Band Learns a New Song ...

Dear Flee Flee:

I have been singing professionally for a Long Island wedding band since 1988 and in most cases if a bride or groom have a particular song that they need to hear during the night, or if it's their wedding song, whether it be myself, or the leader (male), we make every effort to learn the song and perform it as close to the original recording as possible.

However, in most cases, the bride & groom do not have the opportunity to listen to it prior to the affair. Also, if there is something about your selection that would make it difficult for the band to replicate, or if you make a request like this at the last minute when it would be difficult for a band to work on it, it is suggested that you provide a CD of this 'special' song to ensure that you will have it for your wedding reception.

I hope this info helps.

Cathy

Re: When a Band Learns a New Song ...

Hi flee flee:

Aren't H&S great? I am so excited to hear them. It was a tough choice though as there are many great bands that we have heard.

We want to use for our enterance: Brand new day by Sting and for our first dance: All I want is you by u2. I'm sure they are pretty commonly requested, but they weren't on their playlist. I just don't want to be a pain about asking them to learn too many songs. I definately want them to play the above songs and there are a few others that we would like to hear, so I think I'll put them on a seperate list and just ask them if they do know them and they aren't on the list, if they could please play them. If they can't- it's no biggie. But, as I said before. there are so many great songs that they have on their list that my FH and I want also. Hard decisions.

You have a long time before your wedding so I'm sure they won't mind learning the songs. I need to get my list into them this week. My wedding's coming up!

Good luck!
Kelly