| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What sort of music do you play?
FastTrack play a very wide variety of music from Rock, Pop, Soul, Funk and Disco covering artists from Abba to Speedway. You can see our Sample Set for examples and listen to some songs here, as well as looking at our wider repertoire. If you require specific songs to be played at your function please ask in advance and we will do our utmost to accommodate your requests.
How long do you play for?
Our playing times vary from venue to venue and really it depends on what the client requires. Typically, we would play 2x60 minute sets with one break, or three 40 minute sets with two breaks. We arrange the timings to be flexible with whatever else is happening during the evening, and can play for different amounts if you require by prior arrangement. We are happy to supply backing music through our PA system during our breaks and at the end of the evening while the band start to pack away their equipment.
How much do FastTrack cost?
We aim to keep our prices very competitive, please email us for a quote. Factors that can affect the fee are travel times, the amount of time you require the band to play, and the arrival/departure times of the band etc.
Do you provide background music between sets?
Yes, we are able to provide this service and have equipment for this very purpose. We carry a variety of music with us, but we recommend that the client brings their own compilations or CDs, if they have a particular preference for the musical styles to be played. Alternatively, if you wish to make your own playlist we can arrange for this to be provided, but we will require 48 hours notice so that this can be arranged.
Can you do a disco for us as well?
Sorry, we are not able to provide this service at this time. However, we can recommend some good ones if you'd like us to.
Do you supply a contract?
Yes, when you arrange to book FastTrack we will supply you with a contract to confirm the booking and arrangements. The booking is confirmed only when the client has returned the contract to us with a deposit.
What stage area or electricity do you need?
FastTrack can perform with or without staging, indoors or outdoors (covered). We need an area of minimum size 6mx3m to accomodate the band and PA/lighting. This area must be level, free from obstacles, and dry (we're thinking of the marquees and outdoor gigs here!). We require 3 x 13A socket to power our equipment. This must be a certified and tested safe supply. If you're using a generator for an outdoor event, please ensure that it is capable of delivering a steady 3KW without any problems, and that it is being operated/installed by a suitably qualified person.
PA / sound equipment
Our PA system is fully self contained, and is adequate for up to 250 people on the dancefloor. Of course, we always run at the minimum volume level required for the audience, and we are very sensitive to your audiences requirements, particularly at weddings etc, where you may want us to concentrate on one area of the room whilst allowing conversation in another. However, please remember that the drums are an acoustic instrument, and as such have a certain volume level anyway. If your expected audience is a lot larger than 250 people, please discuss with us, we can easily expand our system to an appropriate size. If the venue has a Noise Limiter fitted, our experience is that these are usually problematic, being activated even by the acoustic instruments alone. Without the venue operator being able to disable them, we could not have been able to perform at events in the past, particularly as the noise limiter can interrupt the electricity supply for a few seconds before turning on again, causing possible damage to our sound equipment.
Do you need a dressing room or food?
FastTrack will require a supply of soft drinks or water throughout the event. We don't expect to be fed, although as we may have travelled some distance, food is always welcome! If there are substantial periods between the band setting up and starting their performance, the use of a dressing room is appreciated, particularly for costume changing.
What does the band wear?
For corporate events and weddings, FastTrack usually wear what could be described as smart/casual. The band will be in darker/black outfits, whilst Sam will "dress up a bit" more than the rest of us. She is a singer, after all! We can also dress in "black tie" if it's appropriate. For parties and pubs, people often prefer the band to look less formal, so we dress in a more casual manner. Please let us know which you think is the most appropriate for your event.
How long do you need to set up?
We need a minimum of 1 hour to set up. We usually arrive about 1.5 hours before we are due on stage. The band is prepared to wait in the wings if things are running behind schedule. It is necessary for FastTrack to carry out a 'sound check' to ensure the sound quality and volume level is appropriate for the room and guests, which usually takes up to 10 minutes, once all the equipment is set up. Ideally this is done when the room is empty, but if this isn't possible we will explain to the guests/audience what is happening, and ask for their patience. You may wish to ask guests to leave during this period, as some people may find the noises uncomfortable.
How late do you play?
Our latest finish time is usually midnight but we can play later than this by arrangement in advance. However, we charge a small extra fee dependent on how late you wish us to continue.
Do I need to pay a deposit when booking?
When booking us directly, the booking is only confirmed once a signed agreement has been returned to us with a deposit of £100.00. If you are booking FastTrack through an agency, they will advise you.
I'm booking through an agent - can I still contact you directly?
If you are booking FastTrack through a booking agency and wish to rebook us for another event you may only contact us directly if you have cleared this with the agency first. However, we are more than happy to speak with the client direct if there are any questions or concerns. |