Radio Kings Band is a unique and versatile group of musicians with a passion for celebrating love and performing at weddings. In the interview with BRIDE LIFESTYLE, they talk about their experiences and band dynamics and share tips for couples planning their wedding.
Special skills wedding musicians should possess:
Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to read the crowd, handle unexpected situations and adjust their performance on the fly. Having a diverse repertoire and catering to varied musical tastes is also important.
Favourite genres to perform:
Classic rock, pop, jazz, and Motown.
Most popular and often requested genres:
Pop hits, classic love songs, and upbeat dance tracks.
How to handle unexpected situations at a wedding:
Designate a covered space (it has saved many events); it's best to be over-prepared instead of surprised; stay calm under pressure and quickly adapt to any situation in case of timeline changes with wedding speeches and other formalities that often happen with weddings.
Advice for couples looking for wedding musicians:
Find a band with professional experience who are adaptable and excited about being a part of your wedding.
Can you tell us about your musical background and how you got together to form a wedding music band?
We all come from diverse musical backgrounds, each bringing unique influences and experiences to the band. Our love for music and passion for performing brought us together. Some of us met while performing in other bands, and others were introduced through the industry. We've been performing together as Radio Kings Band since 2019, and it's been an incredible journey.
Why do you believe it is important to have live music at a wedding?
Live music brings a unique and personal touch to a wedding. It creates an emotional connection and enhances the atmosphere in a way that recorded music simply can't. Live performances are dynamic and can adapt to the energy of the crowd, making each moment memorable and special.
What makes your band stand out from other wedding bands?
Our band stands out due to our versatility, professionalism, and dedication to creating a tailored experience for each couple. We take the time to understand the couple's vision and preferences, ensuring that our performance reflects their unique style and personality. Our extensive repertoire and ability to perform a wide range of genres set us apart.
What's most unique, is that our band size is customisable, from 3 to 14 musicians, and we offer full-service music from the ceremony to cocktails and reception – so, a couple can find the perfect fit for their wedding, whether it's an intimate family affair or a grand bash with hundreds of guests.
How would you describe the dynamic within the band?
The dynamic within the band is very collaborative and supportive. We respect each other's talents and enjoy creating music together. When we're not working, we love to spend time socializing, exploring new music, and sometimes even jamming together just for fun. We believe that our bond offstage enhances our performance on stage.
Can any musician play at a wedding, or do wedding musicians possess some special skills?
While any talented musician can perform at a wedding, wedding musicians do need some special skills. Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to read the crowd are crucial. Wedding musicians often have to handle unexpected situations and adjust their performance on the fly. Additionally, having a diverse repertoire and being able to cater to varied musical tastes for all guests, from grandparents to nieces and nephews, is important. It helps to love love as well.
How do you handle unexpected situations, technical malfunctions, changes in the timeline, etc., at a wedding?
Weddings are a particularly emotional day that everyone wants to go perfectly. During the planning process, we encourage clients to consider backup plans, especially for unexpected weather and other common scenarios, so they are prepared for anything. A planned covered space has saved many events, and it's best to be over-prepared instead of surprised!
Timeline changes happen often with wedding speeches and other formalities, and our experience has taught us to stay calm under pressure and quickly adapt to any situation. Communication with the wedding planner and other vendors before the event is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly.
What genres of music do you like to perform the most at weddings?
We enjoy performing a wide range of genres, but some of our favourites include classic rock, pop, jazz, and Motown. These genres tend to get everyone on the dance floor and create a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. However, we are always open to exploring new genres based on the couple's preferences.
How do you work with couples to create the perfect playlist? Can you share the most popular and often requested genres and songs?
We start by asking the couple about their musical tastes, favourite genres, artists, and songs, and the overall feeling they want for their wedding. We then organize a set list based on our repertoire and any special requests. Some of the most popular genres and songs we perform include pop hits, classic love songs, and upbeat dance tracks. Songs like "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, "Signed Sealed Delivered" by Stevie Wonder, and "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars are often requested.
What are the most notable or unique venues you have performed at?
We've had the privilege of performing at some stunning and unique venues across Italy. Some notable ones include historic villas, picturesque vineyards, and beautiful beachfront locations. Each venue offers a different ambience, and we love adapting our performance to suit the setting. We've also performed at some amazing events for luxury companies and fashion displays with celebrity guests, but our lips are sealed.
What is your advice for couples in search of their wedding musicians?
Our advice for couples is to choose a band that not only has musical talent but also understands your vision and is willing to work closely with you to create the perfect soundtrack for your day. Listen to performances and read reviews. It's important to find a band with professional experience who are adaptable and excited about being a part of your wedding. An all-inclusive band that can perform for a romantic ceremony and the party makes planning streamlined, and a custom band size can also help create a bespoke experience for any vision.
What do you enjoy most about performing at weddings?
Performing at weddings is incredibly rewarding because we get to be a part of one of the most important days in a couple's life. Seeing the joy on their faces and knowing that we contributed to making their day special is truly fulfilling. Each wedding is unique, and we love the challenge of creating the perfect musical experience for each one.
Wedding musicians: Radio Kings Band
Interviewed by Renāte Berga