26 May 2011
New dedicated Wedding Band Website
Atlantic Soul are just about to launch their brand new, shiny and fabby dedicated wedding band website. Launch date is Monday 30th May 2011 (bank holiday Monday) and we have got some absolutely wonderful things lined up to celebrate the launch.
Stay tuned for more!
ATLANTIC SOUL SHOWBAND
28 March 2011
Feedback – Scottish Building Federation Gala Dinner
Having just returned from a holiday in Australia, it was straight back to gigging, jetlag and all, on Friday for a corporate event at the Scottish Building Federation Gala Dinner in The Fairmont Hotel in St Andrews. Everything was prepped well in advance of the day (as is always the case with Atlantic Soul) to facilitate the day itself to run smoothly which it did. Early arrival and setup as always is the key to leave the way clear for getting our heads round the performance later in the evening after the gala dinner.
When it was time to take the stage, the audience looked a little subdued, but they were soon out of their seats and hitting the dancefloor, where they stayed for the rest of the evening. Thanks to Shona and Steve who helped us out with a little dance routine in one of our numbers – great fun!
All in all, it was an excellent night and the feedback we received from a great number of the guests present was excellent. The Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Federation, Michael Levack, even took time to make this comment into the band’s guestbook:-
“St Andrews may be the place where Wills met Kate …. but St Andrews will be remembered as the place where Atlantic Soul rocked the Scottish construction industry at the Scottish Building Federation Gala Dinner on 25 March 2011. Thanks guys & gals! – Michael Levack, Chief Executive, SBF”
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
21 February 2011
AECC Gig – Media
Some pics from our gig at Aberdeen Exhibition Centre at the weekend. Brilliant gig with a Las Vegas theme for Subsea 7. A brilliant set from Paul Francis Thorpe as Elvis as well. Thanks to all concerned and for the wonderful feedback we received after the gig.
More pics and live video on our Facebook page
Atlantic Soul live on stage at AECC
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
11 January 2011
Back from Bahrain
Well we did it! We’ve now visited, experienced, laughed, cried, laughed again, drank, sunbathed, ate, learned some Arabic, swam, danced, laughed some more, met fantastic people, celebrated, drank in the culture …. oh and gigged at one of the most amazing gigs we’ve ever done – in Bahrain.
What an amazing experience for all of us. All the hard work, red tape and setbacks beforehand were worth it.
Huge thanks to John, Murthy & Mike for all the hard work getting us there and for the absolutely first class, second-to-none hospitality throughout our whole stay. Thanks too to our sponsors KLM, the Ramada Palace Bahrain & Room 2 Rock. And a huge thank you to the staff and everyone else associated in putting on the party and our show. Without all of you, it couldn’t have been done.
We had so many wonderful experiences whilst in Bahrain, some eye-popping and unbelievable and it all feels so very surreal now we’re back in the west. But it was all good and a time in everyone in the band’s life who experienced it will remember for the rest of their lives.
I have added some photos and video from our time from which I hope you get a sense of how fantastic it all was (can only post the clean and legal ones unfortunately haha!).
As our Jacqui so eloquently put it on her Facebook page:-
Bahrain Experience
From ferraris to camels, dancing girls and money throwing sheiks, awesome Filipino band, arabic music, call to prayer at 5……10…….1pm bla bla bla, the coldest pool in the world, jamming session in the sauna, an abundance of food sent to us by a rich sheik, grape and apple flavoured hubbly bubbly, male bahrainy version of nanny mcphee, red light district, booze booze and more booze, personal drivers everywhere, treated like superstars, little britain in the sun, flower garlands and spinning pearls, marj rocking the twister nightclub, hilarious one liners, shouting abuse at the local football match, and to conclude it all with an excellent new year gig with 6 amazing people…….. I feel like I was there for ages!!! lol
Short video clip recorded via camera phone at the gig
We have already been asked back, the next time with the possibility of playing another venue or two as well as the one we played. We sincerely hope that the scheduling & dates will make this possible. Watch this space!
From Balloch to Bahrain – a bit of a jaunt but FAN-BLOODY-TASTIC!!!! Can’t wait to go back!
Happy 2011 everyone!
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
7 December 2010
CLAN Carribean Christmas Cracker 2010
Well once again another great success at the CLAN Christmas Ball 2010, this year with a Carribean theme, although the Ball this year did present an array of challenges to overcome, most of which were down to the absolutely atrocious weather.
To put it bluntly – SNOW – and plenty of it. Blizzards and temperatures of -20 degrees leading up to the gig, uncertainty whether it would be cancelled or not for the duration of the whole week beforehand and all of the organisation, contingency planning, lots of worry and anxiety and a good dollop of praying and hoping for the best. Both from the organisers (who did an amazing job as usual) and from us, who had a 300 mile round trip in Arctic conditions, 8 foot drifts on the road, freezing fog, black ice and a scary journey to Aberdeen from Glasgow leaving hours earlier than we would normally (7 hours) just in case anything bad happened we would have time to get out of it.
For the most part, on the day, we were lucky in that we only encountered fresh snowfall in one part of our journey which was hazardous enough, but we got there in one piece, much to our great relief and also the relief of the organiser who we had been on the phone with early in the morning trying to alleviate her worry.
We had a gig on Saturday too, but the oil company hosting this event decided to pull the plug 2 days beforehand due to “health and safety” issues. I think there must have been a lot of events in Aberdeen which had befallen the same fate as this one.
So to the gig. Everyone worked so hard this year under extenuating circumstances and, apart from the AV company who made our already long and stressful day even longer, stressful and more difficult by digging their heels in that the band had to move instruments and equipment after we had set up because “it spoiled the look” of a twirly light shining on the stage backdrop. I ask you! So in order not to stress out the organiser any more than she’d already been subjected to all week, we moved our gear. So we’re probably the only band in the UK who get to a venue at 2.30pm, set up, then dismantle and have to set up again half an hour before the gig starts at 10 o’clock at night – because of a light! So much for set up and then relax before the gig. I do like a wee nap, but the 5.5 hour journey and the 5.5 hours in the venue setting up and sorting this out put paid to that. I’m afraid that particular AV company is well crossed off my Christmas card list by being completely unreasonable and unprofessional.
I spoke to various guests at the event and it was great to see so many familiar faces who we had met previously at other events. Thank you all for the lovely compliments about the band and glad you all enjoyed yourselves once again.
Atlantic Soul – CLAN Ball FeedbackWe went all out once again to try and tie in with the theme of this event. The CLAN Ball is our absolute favourite gig of the year. And this year’s theme – Carribean – was actually funny once you were in the safety and warmth of the venue. The girls in the band donned grass skirts and leys and the guys had some wonderful bright Carribean-style shirts, shades and hats. And always willing to tie our music in with the theme too, we played an array of reggae tunes (including some Bob Marley and Boney M) as well as the other party and Christmas stuff we play to get everyone on the floor. Great fun! Great to see so many guests getting into the Carribean spirit as well wearing grass skirts and leys – and the Rasta Man looked amazing!
We were into it that much we actually got into our costumes about an hour before we were due to. We had a great laugh walking round the hotel and outside with minus 20 outside and 6 feet of snow on the ground wearing grass skirts. Only in Scotland eh?! Great laugh. Here’s the band in the dressing room before we went onstage.
Atlantic Soul (or should that be Atlantic Reggae haha!)
The Atlantic Soul Girls – our Three Little BirdsBig shout out too to Banchory Academy Steel Band who we had the privilege of seeing go through a song before the crowds were allowed in. Very very impressed by these youngsters and hope they go on to achieve much success (a little birdie told me they’ve been asked to compete with the best of the steel bands in London! Great stuff!). If you’re our friend on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AtlanticSoulShowband) you’ll be able to watch a video recording of the song I saw them perform.
Unfortunately due to the weather, there were a few no shows on the night, which is understandable, but the total raised is absolutely worthy of all the effort by all. Well done all who helped raise this fantastic sum.
Thanks once again for asking Atlantic Soul to be part of this wonderful and worthy event. We hope to see you in Aberdeen again soon (hopefully next time with no snow!).
Merry Christmas everybody!
Love ATLANTIC SOUL SHOWBAND xx
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
22 November
Wedding Bands Scotland Atlantic Soul – FEEDBACK
It’s November and the madness in the run up to Christmas is well and truly underway driving all over the country playing at fantastic Corporate Events, Charity Balls and many seasonal Christmas Parties.
One of these events recently was for the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions which is linked to the Scottish Tourism Industry. They normally get a ceilidh band but this year decided to try something different, booked us and the night was a fantastic success.
The organiser sends out feedback forms to the delegates and these are just some of the lovely comments made about the band on the night.
“Going for a band playing lots of different stuff rather than just ceilidh music was a major positive.”
“Great seeing everyone enjoy the band so much.”
“Excellent choice of band – we definitely want them again!”
Wedding Bands Scotland Atlantic Soul can be contacted on 0844 884 9578
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
4 October 2010
10% Off Booking
We have a fabulous autumn offer on.
Get 10% off your booking if you book your September or October 2011 wedding BEFORE 31st October 2010.
Quote “spooky discount”
Boo!
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
4 October 2010
Merchandise Page – Our New Online Shop
You can buy T-shirts & other merchandise, download songs & ringtones – and our new album (coming soon) from our online shop.
Go on – you know you want to be part of the ASB gang!
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
29 September 2010
International Gigs in Bahrain
Well the contract’s all signed and we’re in full flow with the organisational and legal process to take the whole band to Bahrain in the Middle East for Christmas and New Year. We’re going to Bahrain!!
After working on the boats until around this time last year, and our gig in Sardinia a few years ago, this is our first time we’ll all being going so far. It’s a logistical challenge, but we’re getting there. And we’re looking forward to it enormously. Not sure how many gigs we’ll be doing when we get there at this point in time as it’s still all being organised at the moment, but we’ll definitely be playing on Hogmanay. We’ll actually get to celebrate New Year twice due to the 3 hour time difference. And it certainly will be a New Year to remember, as it’ll be the first time we’ll have done a gig on Hogmanay in 30 plus degree heat in a foreign country. Can’t wait!!!
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
1 September 2010
Donna & Michael’s Wedding – 28th August 2010
Have been corresponding again with our beautiful bride from Saturday’s wedding – Mrs Donna Hanlon-Clark. Congrats to Donna and Michael on their marriage. It was a lovely wedding and a nicer lady you couldn’t meet. And stunning too. We have wrote a blog today about autumn weddings when I got a contact from Donna on our Facebook thanking us for playing at the wedding. I absolutely love her dress and asked if it would be OK to have permission to upload her pictures on here and she very kindly agreed.
Donna Hanlon-Clark 28 Aug 2010
Hi, you can use the photos no problem, to me it was the perfect day and everyone had an amazing time, I loved my dress , had been going to sell if afterwards but don’t think i can part with it now, maybe keep for an anniversary party lol
The band were amazing, and everyone had a great night, we had 3 young kiddies to get to bed so thought we would leave the partying to everyone else, probably only about 20 didnt show but that place holds 200 + so was never going to fill it, band were amazing and would definetely book them again , just wish I could do the wedding again xx”
Thanks again Donna
ATLANTIC SOUL SHOWBAND
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
17 August 2010
Margaret and Tam’s Wedding on Saturday
We always really look forward to any weddings we do in the Holiday Inn in East Kilbride anyway as the venue has a really easy get-in, the staff are lovely and we’ve never done a gig there we haven’t enjoyed.
But I have to say the wedding we did there at the weekend was just magic because all the ingredients to make it so we there, with plenty more on top. So venue, tick. Add to that the bride and groom who were the loveliest people ever. So genuine, so happy and enjoying their big day, really appreciative and showing their appreciation to the band in so many ways. It was an absolute pleasure playing for such a lovely lovely couple. We’re delighted that you and your mad up-for-it guests had a great time. We did too!
And Margaret had THE most unusual wedding dress. So different, so simple, but so absolutely beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it in all of the years I’ve been playing at weddings. Short with a long veil-like train. Stunning. Wish I had taken a picture.
So congratulations again Margaret and Tam. We wish you all the very best for the future.
ATLANTIC SOUL SHOWBAND
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
12 August 2010
New LIVE Audio
We recorded our live gig last Sunday night, so we now have brand new live audio for your ears’ delight.
Check it all out on our Live Audio page here or on the website, where you’ll find lots more live audio:-
http://www.atlanticsoul.co.uk/weddingbandscotland/audio.html
9 August 2010
We Love the North!
Short blog today as still physically and mentally exhausted from another tour of the north and central belts of Scotland with the band at the weekend. Why is it when you’re touring away that the odds get stacked against you for getting the right amount of sleep? When you need the energy to travel to, set up and do the next gig, something always stuffs it up. This time is was flaming seagulls. SEAGULLS! Don’t they ever shut their squawking? Right above my bedroom window at the B&B on Saturday night/Sunday morning. All flaming night. Result was going to Sunday’s gig like a half shut knife. But it was all worth it when you get comments like:
“The best band we’ve ever heard” (from about 10 different separate sources)
“I can’t believe how brilliant you are”
“Thank you for making the whole day” (bride, bride’s mum, bride’s dad)
Sunday weddings are always a bit more subdued, but at this Sunday wedding, no less stunning. This wedding had the biggest bridal party we’ve ever seen at the hundreds of weddings we have done. Don’t think they were all in the 1 place at the 1 time to count them but think there was 1 chief bridesmaid, 6 bridesmaids, the same number of ushers, a best man and around 10 flower girls. With it being a Sunday wedding, it was quieter than usual due to there being a lot of the guests having to work today with it being Monday (something to consider if you’re looking to book a day other than a Friday or Saturday as some people don’t want to or can’t let their hair down at a Sunday or mid-week wedding if they’re working the next day).
Thanks to all concerned at all of the weddings for looking after us so well. We appreciate it very much, especially when travelling such long distances.
And thanks too to all concerned at all of these amazing weddings for the great enthusiasm expressed in all the wonderful, fantastic comments and appreciation for what we do. You’re very welcome and we’re so glad we shared your special day and helped make it the success it was.
Congrats to all again
ATLANTIC SOUL SHOWBAND
http://www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
29 July 2010
Helensburgh & Lomond Carers Trust Charity Ball - Cameron House Hotel, Loch Lomond
Friday 26 November 2010
Charity Ball Gig - click this link to see the sample tickets
Atlantic Soul Showband is proud to be headlining a rare public event on Friday 26th November. It is a Charity Ball with a James Bond 007 theme, raising funds for the Helensburgh and Lomond Carers Trust. It’s open to the general public as well as being a night for carers to have a night off get their boogie shoes on and have some fun.
Why not treat yourself to this fab night out? You could make it an early Christmas night out or just a fab night out knowing you are helping a worthy cause and helping to raise money for this fab charity.
It’s being held in The Cameron House Hotel, Loch Lomond, an excellent quality hotel right on the bonnie banks.
Ticket prices and details are as follows:-
We at Helensburgh & Lomond Carers’ Project are proud to launch the sale of tickets for our 10th Anniversary 007 themed Charity Ball to be held, Friday 26th November 2010. Tickets are priced at £60 per person (first come first servied basis).
We would like to invite you to join us in celebrating 10 years of Caring for Carers.
What’s included on the night!
* Champagne Reception
* 3 course meal
* Music by Atlantic Soul Show Band with Saxophonist
* Charity Auction, donations to date include:-
1. Corporate Box at Old Trafford for 4 x people courtesy of Danwood Scotland
2. Full Day Sailing Trip on the “Drum” courtesy Arnold Clark
3. Weekend Cottage Break in Stranraer courtesy of one of our Carers
4. 32″ HD Ready TV and Stand courtesy of Santander
5. Weekend trip on Jura includes Fishing Trip courtesy of Mr & Mrs Fairman
and many more………..
All donations for charity auction will be greatly appreciated.
If you would like to sponsor a table for Carers at a cost of £600 (10 x Carers) please contact Sharon Richardson at admin@hlcp.helensburgh.co.uk
Transport is also available (Helensburgh & Lochside) at an extra charge of £5 per person – Carriages at Midnight!
We sincerely hope that you can join us for a fun evening.
4 July 2010
Excellent Wedding!
Short blog. Couldn’t let this one go past without a mention. Up in Peterhead at the weekend for the wedding of Christine and Mark Smith. Expectations high but from arrival at the venue and seeing the wedding car was a Morris 1000, open top, sprayed white to every guy at the wedding resplendant in kilts with the Scotland tartan (blue with a white cross on back of kilt) with matching furry blue sporrans with white cross. Bride looked beautiful and guests looked ready to have a good time. Then it came wedding time. First dance “You’re Still the One” was lovely and then it was party time. Special mention HAS to go to all the groomsmen for their fun and risque dancing technique and for being such great sports on the night. Every one an absolute gentleman. And kisses to 2 flowergirls for helping with singing and dancing – they even renamed themselves to “Lady Crazy” and “Lady Mentalist”. And they got to see what a band’s dressing room looks like! Remember Chloe to tell your school chums that bands chuck “tellies oot windaes”. What lovely, funny and switched on little girls they are. Fantastic night. Congrats again Christine and Mark!
1st July 2010
Amazing Rehearsal – Brass Section
Just got back from the most fantastic rehearsal tonight. The band have all gone home totally buzzed up, amazed and excited.
We invited Gav, our guitarist who left at new year and who’s going to be doing some deps with the band soon on guitar and sax (he’s a talented guy playing guitar, tenor sax, alto sax, drums, bass, keyboards and sings to an excellent standard), back for a bit of a jam with us with the rest of the band before the gigs.
Goodness gracious great balls of fire – that horn section were ON FIRE!!
We were loving what was coming out of the PA so much that we ended up jamming loads of stuff we don’t do as a rule, but have done in the past, or stuff that sounded great cos we were feeling it tonight. Soul baby … (Otis Redding), Big Band (Glenn Miller), jazz (Dave Brubeck), some blues, rnb, some good old rock n roll and yeah we did get the funk!
It was so good tonight with the extra dimension on the horns that we’ve made a decision that at selected corporate gigs, when available, the extra horns will be there in force.
Honest to god, it was amazing. Full band, 5 piece harmonies, professional choreography & costumes and a full horn section as well. Get in there!
Corporate Bookers – You Have Been Warned.
Book early – Selective Dates Only
26 May 2010
Weddings and Behind the Scenes
Well we’re well into wedding season now and it’s back to travelling the length and breadth of the country to play for all the beautiful brides and grooms, as we do at this time of year.
Last week saw us playing at a fantastic wedding in Marr Hall. Congratulations again to Gordon and Lynne. As wedding dresses go, Lynne’s must have been one of the most spectacular we’ve ever seen. A real fairytail bride. And in the heat last week, it must have been difficult for her as she said it weighed 2 stone! But that didn’t stop her dancing non-stop all night. A brilliant wedding where everyone was up for having a great time.
Behind the scenes, we are still beavering away on the new website. Just the video shoot to be completed now, so everything will be released to the public very soon, so bear with us.
Have a fantastic summer everyone.
ATLANTIC SOUL SHOWBAND
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
23 April 2010
A Change is Gonna Come
We are in the process of overhauling everything, big changes are coming soon.
22 April 2010
CLAN Christmas Cracker Charity Ball 2010 Confirmed
Well once again (5th year running) we’ll be performing at one of Scotland’s most prestigious charity balls. The CLAN Christmas Cracker Charity Ball 2010 (Cancer Link Aberdeen and North in support of Clic Sargent and Children 1st) is being held once again at Ardoe House in Aberdeen, on Friday 3rd December 2010.
Get your tickets for the CLAN Christmas Cracker early
2009 tickets sold out early and completely
An evening of festive fun and entertainment awaits. Whether you are a company looking for a party to attend or a group of friends looking to kick start your Christmas celebrations CLAN’s Christmas Cracker is for you. This ball is the best Christmas night out in Aberdeen, bar none, in no small way thanks to the fact that Atlantic Soul is performing.
A drinks reception and three course dinner will be followed by entertainment headlined by Atlantic Soul Showband and dancing to the wee sma hours.
Ticket prices have not yet been released but for further information, please contact Duncan Charles of CLAN on 01224 647000.
This event once again promises to be THE place to be in order to raise funds for such worthy causes.
More details later as and when released.
ATLANTIC SOUL
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
23 March 2010
Become a Fan and push us up the charts
Check our Reverbnation profile, become a Fan and push us up the charts.
We’re no 11 in the charts this week. Let’s see if we can get to No 1
http://www.reverbnation.com/atlanticsoulshowband
3 March 2010
Auld Lang Syne
It’s a great Scottish tradition to finish the evening with a rendition of the Rabbie Burns classic “Auld Lang Syne”. It’s a song that’s known the world over, most notably in other countries sung at the stroke of midnight at new year. However, unfortunately, the wrong words can often be sung (“for the sake of” Auld Lang Syne which is incorrect). Another misnomer is everyone linking hands throughout the whole song – only in the last verse should hands be crossed and linked.
Atlantic Soul are fiercely proud Scots and as such don’t just incorporate Auld Lang Syne into our repertoire, but to give the bride and groom at weddings a traditional and exciting send off into married life, play the song whilst incorporating other well known uplifting Scots songs into a fantastic medley to get you all hoochin and choochin at the end of the evening.
Here is the correct Scots wording and it’s translation:-
Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And auld lang syne?
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my jo
For auld lang syne
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet
For auld lang syne
And surely you’ll be your pint-stowp
And surely I’ll be mine
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet
For auld lang syne!
Repeat Chorus
We twa hae ran about the braes
And pu’d the gowans fine
But we’ve wander’d monie a weary fit
Sin’ auld lang syne
Repeat Chorus
We twa hae paidl’d in the burn
Frae morning sun til dine
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
Sin’ auld lang syne
Repeat Chorus
And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere
And gie’s a hand o’ thine
And we’ll tak a right guid-willie waught
For auld lang syne!
Repeat Chorus
Meaning of unusual words:
Auld lang syne = Former days and friends
jo = dear
stowp = tankard
gowans = daisies
braid = broad
Guid-willie waught = friendly draught
28 January 2010
Onward and Upwards
With it being the new year (and January traditionally a quieter month for gigs), it’s good to take time to catch your breath, reflect and plan for the future. And that’s exactly what’s been happening since the turn of the year in the Atlantic Soul camp.
We hope to have a couple of exciting announcements to make fairly soon-ish if all goes well, but suffice to say (as mentioned time and time again) you have to sometimes think outside the box and be a little bit bold and adventurous to keep ahead of the competition.
We’re working on a brand new concept that we hope will not only forge the special relationships we have with the people we are in contact with all the time, but in doing so will result in the band playing even more gigs than we do at present.
If it goes the way we’re hoping it will, then this will be another landmark for the band and the beginning of a new era in our band life.
Exciting stuff … and more to come. Watch this space!
ATLANTIC SOUL SHOWBAND
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – band website
www.atlanticsoulshowband.co.uk – blog site
Tel: 0844 884 9578
14 January 2010
Happy New Decade! Here’s to 2010 and Beyond
Well we’ve left the noughties behind us and have now moved into the “teenies”. And raising a glass to the success of Atlantic Soul over the past decade. Having started in the year 2000, we’re moving into our 11th year this year. Over the last 10 years we’ve seen a lot of change, both in the weddings market (which has totally transformed) the country/world as a whole and personally from an inside point of view, Atlantic Soul as a band.
It’s oh so true that you have to adapt in this world, or die. We’ve seen many so-called-professional wedding and corporate functions bands come and go. We’ve picked up the pieces from many couples let down by their wedding entertainment and we’ve been congratulated over and over for the absolutely outstanding show we put on, both by our wedding clients and also the numerous corporate & charity functions we play at, and get repeat bookings for.
We’ve stood our ground as a live band when karaoke and karaoke-type bands were king. And it looks like we’ve won out in the end. Live music is BACK with a bang. There’s just no substitute for a well rehearsed, dynamic live band interacting with your guests and keeping them dancing and entertained the whole night. Who’ll be talking about the food in 5 years time? Nobody. But you’ll still get folk making comments about how much they enjoyed themselves at the reception and how good the band was.
10 years ago, marketing the band was totally different to today. Believe it or not, some people still used cassette tapes as their “demo”. CDs were becoming the norm to be sent out and bands were just starting to catch onto uploading their demos as an MP3 onto their website, though not many knew what an MP3 was!
Fortunately, technology has always been an interest and we were one of the first bands to have video recordings on our website from live gigs. 10 years ago, this was a much more complicated process than today – and expensive. But soon, others were following our lead uploading their demos and videos and today it is the norm. Same goes for DVDs. Today it’s easy to make a DVD demo, but a few years ago I had to learn the intracacies of this media to keep one step ahead of the competition.
And not to forget the concept the scaleable band. Who started this in Scotland? Atlantic Soul of course. It made sense to me back then as we had already been working as a duo before putting the full band together and it seemed crazy to limit ourselves to certain gigs that the band was big/small enough to fit into the function room. So the concept of the scaleable size band was born.
We’ve seen boom times and bust times and the last year or two saw the demise of a lot of wedding acts (through not having enough work to sustain the band) and also saw a lot of new bands appearing on the scene, many coming from the pub and club circuit. With hardly any gigs due to social factors like the smoking ban and the credit crunch/recession, a lot of pubs and clubs closed their doors. These bands wanted to keep playing and wanted to earn money. And to do this they started selling themselves as a wedding band. Unfortunately too many brides found out way too late (on the biggest day of their lives – their wedding day) that booking a pub band trying to make a bit of dosh playing weddings was the biggest mistake of their lives. That’s if the band bothered to turn up at all. That’s why we advocate to all our brides, even if you don’t book Atlantic Soul, don’t skimp on your wedding band. The band will either make or break your big day. Choose a band with a good track record, that haven’t just popped out of nowhere, check the testimonials, the video (make sure it’s live), the demos (again, make sure they’re live as any band can be made to sound good by a studio engineer). Speak to the band manager and get a feel for what they can do and how approachable they are.
Remember, pay peanuts and get monkeys!
So what’s new for 2010 and the “teenies”? Oh well, that would be telling wouldn’t it! As a professional band at the forefront of the wedding industry in Scotland, no doubt other ground-breaking concepts we come up with will keep some of the other bands on the circuit on their toes. And that’s the way it should be. Complacency and doing-it-by-numbers has never been our M.O.
Keep music LIVE, keep it PROFESSIONAL, the fly-by-nights will fade and burn and ATLANTIC SOUL will still be here over the next decade pushing the boundaries and thrilling many more thousands of brides, grooms, corporate & charity ball audiences with their energetic and entertaining highly polished performances.
Hope to see you then!
ATLANTIC SOUL SHOWBAND
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – band website
www.atlanticsoulshowband.co.uk – blog site
Tel: 0844 884 9578
9 December 2009
New Audio, Video and Photos!
Have managed (with broken bones & dislocated fingers in hand) to get quite a lot of new media footage onto the main website and also this blog. Since it takes so long with my predicament – and is so bloody painful – won’t be updating with any more footage this side of the year.
Have a root around. There’s new photos on the Band Pics page on the website of two recent fabby gigs – one the Cancer Link Aberdeen and North (CLAN) Christmas Cracker Ball and the other a themed Corporate Event for a company celebrating 50 years in business, so they hosted a 1950s themed party where everybody got dressed up in the clothes of the era. Brilliant! There were at least 5 Elvises (is the plural of that Elvi?) and 4 Marilyn Monros, countless T-Birds and Pink Ladies and one (well there is only one) Frank Sinatra.
As well as photos on the website, there’s some of the 50s gig on here too under the Photos tab.
For your ears’ delight, there’s loads of new audio under the Live Audio page on here and for an audio and video experience together, you’ll find loads of new video with audio footage on our You Tube channel here and the last 6 videos are the newest the last 5 uploaded this week.
A feast for the eyes and ears!
Contact us if you need any further publicity materials or if you’re having trouble seeing or hearing these.
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – band website
www.atlanticsoulshowband.co.uk – blog site
Tel: 0844 884 9578
2 December 2009
Broken Wrist!
As I have had an unfortunate accident and, as moderator of the band’s website and blog site, am therefore finding it extremely difficult to sit for any length of time and keep things as up to date as I’d like – typing with one (left) hand is VERY slow, frustrating and time-consuming. I will do the best I can under the circumstances. 2 broken bones and 2 dislocated fingers isn’t the most pleasant thing I’ve had to endure in my life and it’s affecting everything. Have you ever tried opening a packet with 1 hand?
Updates therefore as and when time, healing and pain allows.
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – website
www.atlanticsoulshowband.co.uk – blog
Tel: 0844 884 9578
25 November 2009
How to Book Your Wedding First Dance
So you’re getting married and planning your wedding day is in full swing. You’ve booked the venue, the band, the caterers, the cars, bought the rings, chosen the dress and outfits and you’re getting into the nitty gritty of the wonderful array of choices you probably didn’t realise you would need to make – the type of table linen, centrepieces, type of flowers, favours, veil or no veil and one of these choices is choosing the song that you will dance to as you begin your new life together. It’s personal and symbolic and can be as traditional or serious, or fun and frivolous as you like. Gone are the days when your first dance was a “first waltz”. Nowadays, anything goes. Couples are just as likely to have their first dance to Michael Jackson as Michael Buble.
But how do you choose?
Well you will have probably thought by this time what type of wedding it is going to be, taking into account both your personalities, your likes and dislikes, the views of family and friends and the type of atmosphere and/or special memories you want to create.
Traditionally, the first dance is a slow dance. Some couples do opt for a waltz (with the traditional 1-2-3, 1-2-3 dance steps) but the songs for a waltz have to be carefully thought out as very few songs suitable for a wedding have a waltz beat. With careful thought and planning though, this can be an absolutely magical and beautiful beginning to your new married life. If in doubt ask your band for advice. Atlantic Soul have performed various waltz first dances and would be pleased to give you pointers and ideas.
The vast majority of couples however opt for a ballad. Some know absolutely straight away which song they want as their first dance. It can be an old song or brand new but a song that is special to them alone. It could possibly be the song – “their song” – when they first met or some significant song that is special and has meaning to them alone. Most couples know they want a ballad but have trouble choosing one that is right for them, having no special song already picked. If this is the situation you find yourself in, we here at Atlantic Soul have got loads of experience and will cheerfully help you through the maze of songs until you have found “the one” for you.
A growing number of couples chose something that’s slightly wacky – definitely not a ballad and for these couples, they have definite ideas about creating an atmosphere of fun and laughter – something that reflects a slightly wackier personality and something different that they and their family and guests will remember as fun and memorable. Normally these couples have a definite song in mind. You’ve probably seen the couples on You Tube strutting their stuff to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” or wowed their guests with a fabulous dance routine to “I’ve Had the Time of My Life”. We have too because we’ve played both of these songs as wedding first dances. And yes the guy did attempt the lift at the end with the help of 4 ushers lifting the bride aloft her groom’s hands for the big finale. And believe me, both of these weddings stick in my memory because they were so fun and different.
Which brings me to the next subject that ties in with your first dance – dance lessons. A lot of couples nowadays opt to have a few dance lessons to coincide with their first dance (or get the bridal party involved too). This is so much fun but I would say without hesitation if you are having lessons to a particular song, please let your band know well in advance and provide them with a copy of the exact song you are learning as there may be different versions and different artists so there is no mix-up on the day.
We get the odd request here and there too for a special song, but the couple would like the song to be different in some way to make it memorable. We have also done this on several occasions for our lovely brides and grooms. With the musical maestros in Atlantic Soul and our wonderful musical director who is a fount of knowledge of all genres of music, we can arrange songs in a different style or genre or mood. Just let us know if you have something particular in mind. Remember this will take more rehearsal than usual as we are a fully live band, professional and dedicated to getting it right (not karaoke or backing tracks which need virtually no rehearsal). This is not something we do all the time because of the extra effort and rehearsal put in, but we’re willing to take it on if we have the time to do it.
As for songs to choose, if you Google “wedding songs” you’ll get thousands to choose from. If you have an idea of the type of thing you are after but just need steering in the right direction, if you have booked Atlantic Soul for your wedding day, this is all part and parcel of our dedicated service to you. Just ask for help and we’ll do all we can to make your wedding day and first dance the most special and memorable for you and creating exactly the right atmosphere you want.
You only get one chance for your first dance. Choose your first dance (and your band) well. Atlantic Soul will help create the special memories of your first dance to lead you into the “happy ever after”.
Atlantic Soul Showband is Scotland’s No 1 Party Band, specialising in weddings, corporate events, functions and private parties all around the country and internationally. Celebrating our 10th year, they help create bespoke parties and celebrations and are regarded by clients and industry alike as leaders in their field. They employ the finest musicians, singers and equipment and commended for their attention to detail and excellent service throughout the booking, re-booked time and time again for the major and top functions in the country.
The dancefloor was packed the whole night. Without a shadow of a doubt, Atlantic Soul is definitely the best showband in Scotland and absolutely at the top of the game. Why have a second rate band at a top notch function? These guys reek showmanship and professionalism. Get them booked
Touch of Tartan Ball
© MB, Atlantic Soul Showband (November 2009)
11 November 2009
Bahrain in 2010
Have been liaising with my man in Bahrain over last few weeks trying to get dates and venues sorted for us going out there over Xmas time.
Unfortunately we can’t get the dates tied up and as we’re rapidly running short of time, thought it best to try and organise it well in advance for next year instead.
So it’s kind of back to the drawing board. Well not quite, but the lovely John is sourcing different venues for us and we’ll hopefully get sorted now the pressure is off time-wise and take our time making sure things are right instead of rushing it.
The ball’s in motion now and the venues are aware. Pity it was left a bit late for this year, but we’re game on for next year and John’s got the bit between his teeth now.
A bit disappointed but not altogether surprised due to the lack of time involved to get organised.
Here’s to some Bahrain sunshine, fun and frolics in 2010.
Cheers
ATLANTIC SOUL SHOWBAND
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – band website
www.atlanticsoulshowband.co.uk – blog site
Tel: 0844 884 9578
6 November 2009
50′s Themed Event and Themed Corporate Events
Getting geared up (literally) for a brilliant 1950s and 60s themed event we have soon.
We do on occasion tie in if humanly possible with the themes to gigs we play at, especially if these are corporate events. We’ve done loads of 70′s themed gigs and gear our setlist to that era. And not forgetting the clothes. AND we have the pics to prove it (forget Jamie Afro, mine is definitely WAY bigger he he). We’ve done a couple of James Bond themed gigs too in the past. LOVE doing these songs. And as we started out our gigging life as a soul band, we’ve geared gigs to this theme, as well as Motown, Northern Soul, Funk, 60′s, jazz/swing/big band era. This is our first 50′s themed gig and we’re SO looking forward to it.
Just sorting out the stagewear for the ladies at the moment. The set’s all rehearsed and ready to go. Just hope the 350 strong audience are ready to jump, jive and wail.
So corporate bookers out there, if you’re looking for a dynamic professional live showband to put the pizzazz into your event, give us a call.
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – website
www.atlanticsoulshowband.co.uk – blog
Tel: 0844 884 9578
21 October 2009
CLAN Xmas Cracker – SOLD OUT
On speaking to the organiser and getting organised for the Cancer Link Aberdeen & North (CLAN) Christmas Cracker gig at the end of November, found out that there are no more tickets to be had. It’s completely SOLD OUT! Apparently the response has been phenomenal and the tickets went really quickly and people are still trying at this late stage to get their hands on some.
Hopefully the tickets going so quickly have been helped by the fact that we’ve been advertising the gig and how to get the tickets right here on this blog and I have noticed a LOT of Google searches for the event has taken them straight to the page with the info for tickets.
And by the same token, as it’s now our 4th year doing this gig, the companies buying up the tickets KNOW they’re in for a fantastic night of entertainment, as has been borne out in previous years.
See all you lucky ones next month!
ATLANTIC SOUL
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – website
www.atlanticsoulshowband.co.uk – blog
Tel: 0844 884 9578
15 October 2009
Tips Before Booking a LIVE Wedding Band in Scotland
After making the decision to make use of the excellent on-tap facilities, we set up a recording session last night in the studio. This was for fun and we may use the finished article when complete on the website in the future, but any use of such will be clearly marked as a studio recording and will be run alongside all of our live recordings so you can compare one with the other. The reason I say this is to warn potential bookers of wedding bands in Scotland what to look out for when listening to loads of bands demos, as you may not always be booking what you think you are booking. I’ll explain …
Now as any avid readers of the blog and website who know the band will know, we always advocate the use of completely LIVE audio and LIVE video recordings, as this gives a more than fair indication of what you’ll be getting on the night when booking the band, as we don’t artificially enhance our recordings in any way, shape or form. We’ve seen way-too-many supposed “good” wedding bands in Scotland with their audio and video of good quality but when examining closely (especially evident from a good musician’s perspective as you can’t fool any good live musician), the tell-tale giveaway signs that you’ll definitely NOT get what you’re hearing on their demo at a live gig (maybe YOUR wedding) is, for example, there’s only 1 person singing in the band but on listening you can hear other voices. One band I know has 1 female singer in the band, but on their audio demo all of a sudden there are 4 of them! Any “average” Scottish wedding band can sound distinctly amazing with the help of studio overdubbing on their demos and being able to re-do the recording until it’s perfect, or worse still, get the studio technician to edit out any mistakes on the computer and cut and paste the 1 take when the person did happen to get it right for once. This makes you start to question if they can actually “cut it” as they say, live on the night when it really matters. Is this a chance you want to take on your big day? Ask them for live recordings of maybe a half dozen of their songs and compare these with their studio version. This will weed out the good musicians from the amateurs.
Be careful when checking out audio and video. Listen to how many vocals there are and how many are male or female (a dead giveaway) and also listen for the instruments being played. I know another band who have keyboards and sax in the band, but they’re played by the same person and another band who have 2 saxes in their demo. On the demo, they’re both playing at the same time but at an actual gig, unless the guy grew another set of arms and 2 mouths, this would be impossible to do.
And don’t even get me started on the karaoke wannabes who try and pass themselves off as a live band. Rule of thumb is the smallest all-live lineup you normally get is a 3 piece band. In order to achieve this completely live lineup, the one of the instrumentalists will need to be able to sing lead vocals as well as play his instrument. The most common lineup in this format is live drummer, live bass player and live guitarist. If you don’t have both live drums and live bass, it probably won’t be a live lineup. Atlantic Soul’s smallest all-live lineup is our 4pc band (live drummer, live bass player, live keyboards, female lead singer, male lead singer, 4 singers in total).
And on the subject of trying to pass yourself off as a live band, I know another band who passes themselves off as a 3 piece band but the third band member isn’t playing any instruments. To the non-musician looking on, he looks as though he is by sitting behind a very technical setup, does the odd oooh and ahh into the mic and is twiddling knobs and pushing buttons so he must be a musician, right? WRONG! What he’s actually doing is working the lights. Now do you REALLY need to pay extra for someone to do that and pretend they’re a musician?
Some bands go down the “semi-live” route, ie. they have certain live players in their lineup. This is actually OK as long as they make it clear in their publicity and you know one or more instrument is going to be on a backing track. Some bands opt for going down this route as a space saver or so they can have a bigger pay packet, ie. if I can have the bass or maybe the guitar on the backing track, then that’s 1 musician I don’t need to pay for. As someone looking to book a wedding band in Scotland, this may be space-saving or a cost-saving feature, but also remember it takes away any spontaneity – they MUST play along with exactly what’s on the backing track and can’t improvise on the night. They’re stuck to having to play along with the backing track – can’t change tempo, can’t do an extra chorus if wanted, can’t do a longer guitar solo. Bear this in mind when booking a semi-live band.
Apart from backing tracks, there’s another way bands can sound more full and bigger than they are without using a backing track and this is by using sequencers. This is basically electronic/computer musical equipment that’s, say, built into some keyboards, or maybe on a laptop. As a live band, strictly speaking, it’s not live although the sounds are triggered by the musicians on the night. I would condemn a band relying on sequencing to make their sound good if their musician’s skills weren’t up to scratch, but when used with a bunch of excellent musicians, can make the band sound amazing. It’s a high tech approach to live music, nonetheless good in the right hands.
I hope this article has informed you of the choices available to you when looking to hire a band in Scotland for your wedding day. If you are unsure or need any clarification on anything to do with Atlantic Soul Showband that isn’t already immediately apparent from our website and blog, or even if you need advice regarding another band you may be looking at, please do get in contact for FREE, NO OBLIGATION ADVICE. We love live music, we LIVE live music. We’d be pleased to help.
© ATLANTIC SOUL SHOWBAND 2009
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – website
www.atlanticsoulshowband – blog
Tel: 0844 884 9578
7 October 2009
Update on Bahrain
Well isn’t that just sod’s law? Remember the lovely John from sunny Bahrain whose wedding we played at in June this year was going to start getting things sorted to get Atlantic Soul out to Bahrain to play a few gigs? Well he has returned with dates for 2 or 3 shows in some of the major hotels in the city but unfortunately we’re unavailable for the actual proposed dates. Ahhrgh! Nightmare. Hopefully though will be able to sort something out and get alternative dates sorted. It’s a pity though because the dates he was looking at was when his best man at his wedding would have been there too for a big milestone birthday.
So it’s looking like it’s back to the drawing board with the dates and see what can be sorted out.
He said the weather’s cooled a bit now and it’s down to 35 degrees! That’s temerature is hard to imagine when the weather last night in Glasgow must have been near freezing as you could see your breath outside when you breathed.
We’re hoping that John can sort it all out with the dates and the hotels. Wouldn’t that be a lovely end to 2009 or start of 2010 playing in fabulous Bahrain? Keeping our fingers, legs, eyes and everything else crossed on that one.
Thanks John. You’re doing great.
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – website
www.atlanticsoulshowband.co.uk – blog
Tel: 0844 884 9578
23 September 2009
Get your tickets for the CLAN Christmas Cracker
Friday 27 November 2009
An evening of festive fun and entertainment, CLAN’s Christmas Cracker (Cancer Link Aberdeen and North in support of Clic Sargent and Children 1st) is being held at the Mercure Ardoe House Hotel, Aberdeen on Friday 27 November 2009.
Whether you are a company looking for a party to attend or a group of friends looking to kick start your Christmas celebrations CLAN’s Christmas Cracker is for you.
A drinks reception and three course dinner will be followed by entertainment headlined by Atlantic Soul Showband and dancing to the wee sma hours. As the event is part of CLAN’s 123 Campaign to build a new cancer support centre there will also be opportunities for you and your guests to further support CLAN’s fund raising should you wish.
Tables of ten are available at £850.
To book your table please contact Duncan Charles of CLAN on 01224 647000
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – band website
www.atlanticsoulshowband.co.uk – band blog
Tel: 0844 884 9578
18 September 2009
Get Your Free DVD !
Just think how fabulous it would be to have Atlantic Soul play for you in your own livingroom.
Well you can now. Please ask for your FREE copy of our Promotional DVD to be sent to you immediately. You can have your own mini-party right there in the comfort of your own livingroom, watch loads of LIVE videos of the band performing at weddings, corporate events & charity balls, view a slideshow, listen to loads of live audio, view REAL client references and see what the newspapers have got to say about the band.
But remember, don’t fall over the coffee table while you’re dancing around !!
When enquiring please provide your full name, full address with postcode, landline and mobile phone numbers.
See us and hear us close up on your own widescreen TV (in HD if you have that facility) and then get in there quick and book while your date is still available.
Go on, you know you want to.
Professional and Exceptional Quality Live Show Band for Scottish Weddings, Corporate Events & Charity Balls.
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – website
www.atlanticsoulshowband.co.uk – blog site
Tel: 0844 884 9578
3 September 2009
Yes! Even more new songs added!
No-one can accuse Atlantic Soul of playing the same old stuff year-in, year-out. We always keep our setlist fresh and interesting, not just for the client and all the happy dancers on the floor, but also for the musicians in the band as it lets us get our teeth into new music which keeps us happy and excited about playing and performing live.
We’ve been rehearsing up a brand new absolutely fandabbydozy medley of the best of the 80′s music – 9, yes that’s right NINE, brilliant songs from the decade that taste forgot in one glorious floor-stomping medley, designed – like the rest of the songs in our set – to get bums off seats and shaking it on the dancefloor. Better look out the dayglo legwarmers for the ladeez in the band!
But back to the present day. And as soon as this song came into the charts, everyone in the band emailed each other saying “we must do this song”. We just absolutely L-O-O-V-E it and it’s now rehearsed up and ready to go. It’s Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling”. Yes and when we play this soon we want to hear the whole audience singing it back to us – tonight’s gonna be a good night! And another first for us, since we’ve got the new desk with more available channels, our luvverly drummer Martin sings this one. Go Martin! That’s 5 singers in the band now, now we have the channels to mic everyone up.
So these, plus the other new ones we’re gigging – Lady Gaga “Just Dance / Pokerface” (with another couple of surprise songs in the middle) and the brilliant Pink song “So What (I’m Still a Rock Star)”, not only have we got all the classics sussed, but are right at the forefront of chart material too.
We’ve had loads of enquiries the last few days for summer next year but unfortunately we’ve had to let the interested parties know that we’re not available. We really are busy, so if you’re serious about booking us for next year, get in there sooner rather than later as your date might be available now, but might not be for long.
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
31 August 2009
How to Choose a Wedding Reception Band
How do you decide on the best Wedding Band for your wedding reception in Scotland?
Don’t worry, help is at hand! Many couples find the task of finding a wedding reception band very daunting. Jazz bands tend to be very popular at wedding receptions, though the majority of people prefer to have a mix of repertoire to suit all ages and tastes. Atlantic Soul can be hired to play jazz/laid back classics for during the day/through the banquet when the band is hired for the evening reception too. A lot of Scottish wedding bands have huge repertoires covering jazz, pop, blues, soul, up-to-date chart etc. It is best to discuss with the band beforehand exactly the type of night and type of music you had in mind. Atlantic Soul perform a range of music “across the board” with a repertoire of hundreds of songs from the 1950’s right up to today’s chart hits. They can also tailor their repertoire to incorporate the styles of music you prefer and they have played at many themed weddings with music geared towards a specific genre – ie. soul, jazz, swing or northern soul, cheesy or 60’s and 70’s.
What Kind of Music should the Band Play at the Reception?
There are plenty different styles of music and songs to choose from – old and new, but most couples choose a band that can play a really versatile mix of music. Consider the different ages and tastes in music at your wedding. You might like Guns n Roses or Marilyn Manson-type music all night, but we’re sure your old granny wouldn’t!! Consider whether your guests are likely to want to mainly get up and dance, or mainly chat over the music. If it’s the former, then Atlantic Soul is the perfect band for people who want to party. If it is the latter, then possibly a jazz band would suit to play more background music so as not to “take over” the show and drown all conversation! Atlantic Soul can perform up to a 5pc band playing jazz and laid back classics for the quieter and more laid-back wedding. Make sure you decide carefully what style of band you want for your wedding reception band! Remember too that because Atlantic Soul uses electronic drums which mean the volume of the drums, and every instrument and vocal, is completely controllable. Just let them know if it’s too loud or too quiet and they’ll adjust to suit. Not many completely live bands with a drummer can do this as acoustic drum kits have no volume – they’re just LOUD.
Wedding First Dance Songs
Help me choose a First Dance song!
When choosing your first dance song, try and think of something that is easy to dance to (not too fast!) and something with a special meaning to you. This might be a song you listened to when you first met, or simply a song with poignant lyrics. There are many CDs available with preset wedding music; however I would always suggest that any good live band will offer to perform your first dance live as part of the booking, given sufficient notice. Atlantic Soul offer this service and as long as you let them know your special song with 3 to 4 months notice, they will learn it specifically and perform it live on the night. This is incorporated into the price. The band you do decide hire will probably be able to suggest a list of their most popular wedding first dance song requests. Some popular suggestions for Scottish wedding first dances in recent years are:
‘She’s the One’ – Robbie Williams
‘Lets Stay Together’ – Al Green
‘It Had To Be You’ – Harry Connick Jr
‘Stand By Me’ – Ben E King
‘Have I Told You Lately that I Love You’ – Van Morrison
‘Wonderful Tonight’ – Eric Clapton
‘Let There Be Love’ – Nat King Cole
‘Amazed’ – Lonestar
‘The Way You Look Tonight’ – Michael Buble
Atlantic Soul can perform any of the songs above, but have learned hundreds of first dance songs over the years, some meaningful ballads, some totally outrageous (like Michael Jackson’s Thriller or Dirty Dancing’s I’ve Had the Time of My Life where the bridal party had practiced the dance!).
Finding a wedding band to suit your budget
The cost of a wedding band varies depending on their style of music, how many musicians are in the band, how popular they are, how long you want music for, what time the musicians need to arrive, and the travel distance involved to get your wedding reception venue. Atlantic Soul will guide you through the process from your initial enquiry to ensure you have the right size and right type of band for YOUR wedding day and they have a band lineup to suit all sizes of function room and budgets.
Price Comparison – Book Direct vs Entertainment Agency
The following prices on the left show guide prices (supplied by a reputable nationwide music agency) to give you an idea of how the cost varies depending on the number of musicians and length of performance when booked via an agency.
Please note the prices in red on the right are the Guide Prices that Atlantic Soul charges, depending on size of band booked, location/travelling distance and any other special requirements.
| Guide Prices Using Music Agency | Guide Prices BOOKING DIRECT WITH ATLANTIC SOUL | |||
| 4 Hours | ||||
| Solo Musician | £300-600 | Book Direct for | Absolute Value | |
| Duo (2pc) | £500-800 | |||
| Trio (3pc) | £700-1000 | Prices from £600 | to £2,500 | |
| Quartet (4pc) | £900-1300 | |||
| Quintet (5pc) | £1200-1700 | For bespoke quote | CONTACT | |
| Sextet (6pc) | £1600-2300 | 0844 884 9578 | ||
| Septet (7pc) | £2000-3000 | |||
By booking direct with Atlantic Soul, you can save up to 50% on agency prices – yes that’s up to half the pricethe music agency is quoting
Travel
If musicians will have to travel for more than about an hour to get to your wedding reception, modest travel expenses should be added to the above prices. 40p per mile per person is a the “reasonable rate” quoted by the nationwide music agency. Atlantic Soul will quote you a flat-rate price with any travel expenses included within the quote which usually works out much more cost efficient for the client than the agency’s quoted rate.
Cost vs Quality
Atlantic Soul believes that for live music, quality should be your main concern when booking a band for your wedding reception. Pub and club bands, although cheap, often lack the experience and reliability of professional wedding bands. Don’t risk the success of your wedding reception by booking a cheap pub or club band. Atlantic Soul has a 100% cancellation-free record in the 10 years as a professional gigging wedding and function band. They travel all over Scotland and beyond performing only at weddings and other prestigious functions and the band has an exceptional professional reputation not only for performance but for customer service up to and including the big day.
Sound limiters
Some venues have sound level limiters, which cuts off power to the band if they exceed a certain volume. If this is the case, don’t forget to tell the band. Also, remember to check that there is a power socket available near the area in which you would like the band to perform.
Parking
Musicians will have to bring heavy equipment to your venue so it is always a good to idea to check with your venue to ensure that there is somewhere for the band to park. The more details about the venue that you can tell the band, the better!
What now?
Listen to as much LIVE audio footage as you can about your chosen band, view as much LIVE video footage too. Studio recorded or edited audio will, 99% of the time, not sound the same as what the band plays live as it has been enhanced professionally to make it sound bigger/better/fuller than the band actually sounds. If you can get a chance to view your chosen band too live, see how they interact with a live audience and how they are presented on stage, or get a chance to speak to the band leader personally, this may show how YOUR wedding will be presented and handled. Atlantic Soul’s Personal Event Co-ordinator will liaise with you personally and guide you through the whole process seamlessly, diarise and action every relevant point from that initial enquiry through to the big day itself, making sure everything is taken care of well in advance and issuing reminders of relevant points, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your wedding. Please note wedding music agencies do not do this.
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
About the Author:
© M Beattie, Atlantic Soul Showband. Credit to A. Hughes for some of the content regarding the agency data etc
21 August 2009
New Songs Added to Set
Well we had our first rehearsal in our purpose-built studio last night and it was an absolutely fantastico night. WHAT a buzz. We bought a bigger mixing desk about 2 or 3 months ago and haven’t had time to change over the old to the new one so spent time last night setting everything up and sorting out the new desk so it’s now well up and running. Having more channels opens up a wealth of possibilities for us, not least our drummer has a great voice and when on stage you can hear him belting out harmonies in the background but up until now we’ve not been able to mic him up, but we can now. Downside is he’ll have to keep the funny one-liners under control now incase it comes over the PA!
As I say, still absolutely buzzing from last night’s rehearsal. Got 3 absolute belters rehearsed up and now ready to gig anytime:
Just Dance / Pokerface – Lady Gaga
So What I’m Still a Rock Star – Pink
Crazy in Love – Beyonce
Next time hopefully will record these, but I kid you not, they sound absolutely AWESOME!!! Absolutely can’t wait to play these live. And we will, as of next gig they’re in the set.
Yeah, we just LOVE what we do – the songs, the vibe in the band.
If you’re *THINKING* of booking the band, don’t think, just do it. We’ll give you the best party night you’ve ever been at or seen.
Just need to learn the Beyonce bum-wiggle now …. uh oh uh oh uh oh, oh no no ….
19 August 2009
Weddings, TV Comedy Skits and Bahrain Update
Ohhh, things have been keeping us very busy as always lately. Still travelling far and wide to our fab wedding gigs, I must say this summer I can’t think of even 1 wedding where things didn’t go fantabulously – great couples, great guests, great gigs all and from our point of view just damn great weddings that we’ve had SOOO much fun playing at with brilliant interaction and feedback from each audience. And some new venues for us recently. The old RAF Buchan up in Boddam (Buchan Braes Hotel) is now a 4 star hotel and fab it is too. Great food and friendly staff. So too was the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness. Great location, easy get-in and a great night was had by all, including us! Thanks for Andrew & Elizabeth for looking after us so well and the thank you card was very much appreciated.
Well, onto more hilarious matters folks. Yes, if you’ve been keeping up with the blog, in a previous post I mentioned about Frankie Boyle being in the audience and the faux-pas over the mic at a wedding we were doing and wondering if or indeed when he would incorporate what he had witnessed into his comedy routine as he was on the floor laughing about it and we thought, someday sometime. Well if you’ve been watching Mock the Week you’ll have caught it. When we were gigging last Sunday, our keys player happened to mention to the rest of the band and this time WE were all on the floor killing ourselves laughing that our little slip of the tongue was slipped into his skit on the telly! It was SOOO funny. Knew it was just a matter of time. Brilliant!
Well onto matters of the sunny inclination now. Have been keeping in touch with John & Roz whose wedding we did earlier on this summer. John’s the man-with-the-contacts in Sunny Bahrain and the latest is because Ramadan is due to start this weekend, the next month a lot of places will be closed and people not available, but he’s still doing his bit to get us over there for a few gigs. What a guy! Keep up the good work John and hopefully we’ll get something sorted when you have time and the resources available.
Looking forward to our first rehearsal in our new purpose-built recording/rehearsal studio this week. Got some new kit too that we’ll be trying out.
Until next time, stay funky!
ATLANTIC SOUL
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – band website
www.atlanticsoulshowband.co.uk – band blog site
Tel: 0844 884 9578
11 August 2009
Where Has Summer 2009 Gone?
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – band website
www.atlanticsoulshowband.co.uk – band blog site
Tel: 0844 884 9578
Well what a wash-out this summer is turning out to be. We like nothing better than travelling far and wide to all the fabby wedding gigs we do in the summer, but to be honest the actual driving part isn’t fun at all when your window wipers are going like the clappers constantly and then you have to load in during a torrential downpour.
May and June were fantastic but July and August so far have turned out to be proper damp squibs weather-wise.
My favourite month of the year is September, so hopefully the rain will dry up during this month and we can enjoy the start of the all the lovely autumn colours in the late summer sun. Fingers crossed.
The year is marching in really fast. Has it gone faster this year than normal? Seems like it to me. 2010 is shaping up to be a brilliant year and the diary is looking very healthy so far, despite the recession. It seems that people who were hanging on for a bit are feeling more confident. And the vibe I’m getting from people booking for next year is “There’s no way we’re just having a disco”. Yes there’s ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to beat a professional live band at your wedding. 5 years later will you remember the food? Probably not, but you WILL remember what a brilliant night you had and that’s usually down to the guys and gals keeping you entertained and on the floor all night.
Here’s to the rest of Summer 2009. May the sun come out and shine on you all.
Mxx
28 July
When Will I SEA You Again?
Despite in a face to face meeting being personally asked by the ship’s bosses to extend our contract on the ship, unfortunately there are several contractual issues with the third party putting the acts onto the ship which have prevented us from signing the new contract.
So as of this moment in time, we are not returning to doing something which we absolutely love. This may or may not change in the future dependent on how the whole situation is handled, but we certainly hope a re-think happens with the contract and common sense prevails in the end.
If not, then we have had an absolute blast playing live to some of the most lovely people we’ve ever met, to such diverse audiences including people from different countries, cultures and languages, to some amazing musicians, music lovers and appreciators, and working with and as a great team with a crew of people who we’ve had the privelege of sharing this great experience with and who we now count as friends.
We can definitely say that we absolutely found a way of showing our versatility and the freedom of expressing ourselves and stretching ourselves as musicians that other types of gig doesn’t allow you to do, and can definitely say a life on the ocean wave suits us and is something – don’t know where, don’t know when – that we will definitely be returning to in the future.
We just loved it and it was definitely reciprocated by the people we played to and crew alike. Who knows what’ll happen, but at the moment we’re landlubbers and right in the middle of the busy summer wedding season.
When will I SEA you again? Who knows.
Tel: 0844 884 9578
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk - website
www.atlanticsoulshowband.co.uk – band blog
21 July 2009
Summer Weddings in Scotland
Well we’re right into summer wedding season in Scotland and we’ve had an overwhelming response at every single wedding gig we’ve performed at over the last couple of months. We were up north last weekend and although a very long drive to get there, the actual performances were awesome. What a fun bunch of people in Inverness on Saturday. Thanks to Elizabeth for your wonderful hospitality and all the mad kilties for the sideshow! We’ve got some rather naughty backstage footage and am considering uploading video, but if I do, it will be seen by those and such as those as FAR too naughty to be put on a public website or blog.
Dunkeld was amazing as well with us playing request after request after request. Michael Jackson to Average White Band, Aretha Franklin, Duffy, Amy and even Status Quo! Well it was my mum’s favourite band and it would have been her birthday so any excuse. And hi to the other wedding band we met who were playing in the restaurant but who recognised us from our website and a gig both bands played previously in same venue in Aberdeen. A cracking bunch of guys.
Getting ready for this weekend’s shenanigans. Have had some bad news today but won’t risk letting the cat out of the bag just now but all is well and we’re all set for a rerr-terr in one of our favourite venues in Edinburgh this weekend. Keep tuned to the blog for more info.
If you’ve reading this and have been thinking of booking us for your own wedding next year, we’re very busy all next summer already extending into the rest of the year, but we’ve still got some availability so I wouldn’t leave it if you’re serious. Email us and come and see us!
Hope the weather dries up for the weekend as it’s horrible out today.
For now, keep on rockin xxx
14 July 2009
I am now Art
We met a lovely couple and their two children on the boat. The dad is Scottish and the mum is French. Hi Emanuelle!! Their 2 lovely daughters were a delight and drew me some fantastic pictures. Thank you Aileen and Lorna. As promised, I’ve put on my favourite. Love my red hair in this drawing Lorna. Hope you have a good trip back to France. Mxx
10 July 2009
Musicians and Vomiting
The title doesn’t mean the musicians ARE vomiting, but just simply that we’ve had other new experiences on the “ocean wave” so to speak recently.
Met some fantastic people recently who were in a 20 odd strong contingency of a pipe band, guys and girls, on their way to the continent to play some gigs. But as it turned out some of the pipe band members were also members of a Glasgow soul band and I recognised them from their website photos! Brilliant bunch of guys and girls and thanks to Liam for getting up to sing with acoustic piano on American Trilogy – not an easy song to sing. Hi to Ronan, Rachel and Fran – have got your numbers if I ever need a dep sax ladies. Was lovely to meet you all and hope your gigs went well. Thanks for the polo shirt which I’m framing for the wall in my new studio.
Well, onto the vomiting part of the blog. And not only that but significant damage too. I’ll explain …
The last 2 nights have been the roughest I’ve ever encountered on the North Sea. So much so that on the upper deck one car was lashing about and smashed up another 4 cars round about it. The insurance companies will have a field day with that one. Getting ready to go onstage, putting the finishing touches to the lippy etc when a knock at the cabin door. It was the purser. “Your speakers have just fallen onto your keyboards”. Yikes!!! Rushed downstairs and yes it was absolute mayhem on the bar deck. Everything was fallen, smashed and strewn everywhere. Got the speakers. No damage. Checked out the piano. Luckily no damage there either. Piano stool smashed and need new one there. Had to do the remainder of the gig with the speakers on the floor. Not ideal. But the bar looked like a mini-warzone. Glass everywhere. Tumblers rolling off tables galore. The poor barmen couldn’t keep up with the rate at which the stuff was whizzing off the tables. And the passengers all vomiting everywhere. It was very exciting and scary at the same time and I must be a sadist as I loved it. Try telling that to the poor car owners with their cars all smashed up.
Hi to the army guys we met who were on their way to a secret mission. Yes, we’d love to play your annual ball. Contact me with the date again when you get back.
Right, over and out for now as we were very late into port today due to the bad weather last night, so we’re an hour and a half down on time today.
Until next time.
Mxx
ps. 14 July 2009 – Found out that we had actually been caught up in the tail end of a hurricane. Was wondering and getting worried as weather was so bad in July, what would it be like in November? Probably more of the same. Except cold.
14 July 2009
Pics from Boat and Belgium
Marina at Blankenberge Park
We had a lovely day out at Ostend with lunch and then stopped off at Blankenberge Park Marina for some drinks and dinner. Yes the scene WAS very serene and fabulous.
Yachts in Blankenberge Marina
Forth Rail Bridge
Just before the boat sailed right underneath
Me and Satan’s Slaves
Me with the German biker club Satan’s Slaves who were on their way to meet up with the Fife contingent. What a fantastic bunch of guys. VERY scary looking, but just big pussycats really. Keep in touch guys – that invite still stands. Mx
Satan’s Slaves Waltzing
Yes, they do like heavy rock music, but were quite happy to have a waltz to a Buddy Holly song we were playing. What a brilliant bunch of guys and a fantastic night.
Some of Crew After Abba Night
Jojo, Sinead, Tony (Agnetha), me and Chris after the fantastic Abba night
Sitting on Captain’s Knee
Me and Captain Dominico. What a brilliant guy!
Jigging Around
An impromptu jam session with 3 lovely musicians we met who are now firmly our friends. And oh how the Captain loves to dance!
1 July 2009
Bahrain and Belgium
Well we’re back on the boat and have a few mins to catch up with blog. Things are SOOOOO busy just now, it’s unreal. Need a holiday!!
Onshore gigs at the weekend were brilliant, especially the wedding we did for Roz and John. They live in Bahrain and I organised it all with Roz whilst she was there. They came home 2 weeks ago to put the final touches to the wedding celebrations before the big day. What a scorcher! Hot isn’t the word for the hotel they had their wedding at the weekend. The heatwave nearly resulted in another fainting incident but John kept us all cool with the beers/cold drinks that kept coming. Much appreciated in that heat. And the night itself wasn’t without incident – but was all brilliant and good. Bride and bridesmaid lent a helping hand with a song, John even got his saxophone out and played with the band and Keith, one of the mad up-for-it guests, couldn’t resist a very tongue in cheek (almost literally) version of the Full Monty. It was hot right enough but the sight of Keith’s sweaty body gyrating over the dancefloor resulted not only the band to stitches and unable to sing the remainder of the song but the wedding guests to give him a standing ovation. Brilliant night! And yes John, we will defo take you up on your offer of bringing the band over the Bahrain to do some shows (he organises big ex-pat shows over there). I’ve got your card and will be in touch when back on dry land with a minute to myself.
Well last night was the first of this week on the high seas. And guess who was in the audience? None other than THE BELGIAN BIKERS!! Brilliant! What another great night. Gimme Gimme Gimme was the call of the night. And they’re big AC/DC fans. So it was great when they asked for an AC/DC song and due to the fact that they were playing in Glasgow last night and I had to give my ticket up to a friend because I was gigging on the boat, we decided that an AC/DC song was in order. So we rocked it!!!
Loving, yes L-O-V-I-N-G these diverse audiences – AC/DC, Abba, Opera – what next?
Time for another beer. Don’t work too hard all.
Mxxx
26 June 2009
Opera & Abba! What a week!
Sorry blog’s not been updated but trying to fit the time in to do this when away is hard as no internet access on boat and then when back home, just as bad as having to catch up with work since been away, get organised for onshore gigs and get organised for going back on boat again.
Nevertheless, WHAT a week it was last week!! Understatement! So much was actually done in 1 week, thinking back, we’re going “Was that all really in the 1 week?”
The Captain went on and on at me to sing a song in Italian. He even gave me his pen drive full of Italian songs (promptly renamed to “Captain’s Dongle”) which I took. Since I don’t speak a word of Italian, I was going to either take the easy option (ie. sing That’s Amore or similar with words in English) but if you know me, you know I never take the easy option as I do like a challenge. So, 2 days on shore trying to get organised, I taught myself to sing 2 Italian arias phonetically. The first time I tried it, it was myself and the captain. He laughed hysterically at my lyrics sheet (I printed the proper lyrics sheet in Italian for him) but the important thing was they both sounded the same. 2 days later, I attempted them again – on my own this time – and got a standing O from the appreciative audience !! Loved it! Will defo be performing these again sometime in the future (once the tonsillitis has completely gone I think though).
Have been to my own GP this trip home and yes, have defo got tonsillitis and also an ear infection (tell me something I didn’t know!). So as a result, on a proper course of antibiotics this week to get me back to fitness again for going away again.
Well, you’re all probably dying to know how the “surprise night” went. Ahhhh!!! It was fantastic! I had planned with the male purser from the ship (he likes to do a bit of drag) to be “the blonde one” in a tribute to the Ladies of Abba. So, it wasn’t a piss-take but approached it seriously. If we were gonna do this, we’d do it right. So, up 3 mornings in a row to rehearse chorography with him and then, the big night. As musicians/entertainers, we’ve done our fair bit of tribute nights in the past (and I’ve also been in a few Abba tribute bands as well), so it was all planned out properly. It couldn’t have gone any better. Well done Tony! You played a blinder! The bar was absolutely chokka and everyone had their cameras, videos, etc. If you were in the audience and you”ve got a copy, can you please send it to me? There was a bunch of Belgian bikers onboard and they really made the night so so fun for us. They knew EVERY word and were singing along to every song and boys, your backing vocals on Gimme Gimme Gimme a Man After Midnight were spectacular. The night was so good, we’re planning on doing more theme nights in future. Watch this space.
I can’t do the blog without mentioning the passing of Michael Jackson. Was checking emails last night at midnight and a news page flashed up which I thought was one of these sick joke sites. So I put the BBC News on and it was right enough. Can’t believe it. MJ was and is one of my musical heroes and his untimely death and iconic status as the King of Pop will mark his place in the history books along with Bing, Frank and Elvis. RIP Michael. Will have to do even more MJ songs now and revive the ones in our set we’ve not played for a while.
Right, gotta go. Soooo much to do. Gigging up north tomorrow and lots to get ready.
Stay tuned for more shenanigans in our blog life soon.
Laters xxx
18 June 2009
Illness Strikes
Very short blog today as only off the boat for a couple of hours and sitting in Queensferry having a bite of lunch, but some errands to run before going back on hence no time.
Well, what I thought was overwork/overuse of the voice wasn’t quite what I thought. Yesterday, woke up and felt like I’d been on the sozz the night before when all I’d had was water and this morning was even worse with the throat really really sore. Voice has had a little bit of an edge off it all week and end of last, but now I know why. A small golf ball sized lump at the back of my throat this morning, a visit to the ship’s doctor confirmed I have tonsillitis. Now I know why I was feeling so rough. So got some suppository-sized antibiotics (I hope you were supposed to swallow them!) and feeling a tiny bit better 4 hours later. Hope they keep working on me as got a big night coming up.
Tomorrow, as I said, a special night is planned. Not revealing what’s in store, but if you’re reading this and are travelling on Friday from Belgium, get your seat early.
More to follow (hope the suppository antibiotics kick in good).
Laters xxx
16 June 2009
A Fife Wedding then High Seas Again
After coming straight from the boat on Saturday we didn’t have too far to travel to Saturday’s gig which was a wedding in a lovely new hotel on the Firth of Forth in Fife. We went straight to the gig from the boat so arrived very early at about 1.30pm, checked out the venue for the get-in etc and went to their bar/restaurant for a bite to eat for sustainance before the big humph of gear. Later that day when the remaining members of the band arrived it was quite weird setting up and looking out of the big bay windows over the Firth of Forth and seeing “our” boat sail without us!!
The wedding itself was a dream. The venue was very helpful and the bride a lovely lovely girl. They had got married in Italy and it was only the reception that was being held on Saturday. I heard from various sources (venue/audience members) of our praises being sung very highly and that was good to hear even before we’d started, but when the gig was over, the very lovely people were very chatty and happy to speak to us and tell us how much they enjoyed the show and the whole evening.
Also, I didn’t realise at the time that a couple we had met on the boat a couple of weeks before had come to see the whole show of the big band as they were Fifers and looking to book for their own function. I’m pleased to say they did turn up (thanks to Gary the venue manager for letting us know) and they are booking us and spoke to venue about us very highly. Venue is also going to book us for special theme nights coming up, so all in all a very successful evening.
A big hi as well to Frankie Boyle, the comedian, who was in the very front row who was inundated with people wanting photos taken with him once the old firewater started to kick in. We’re far too cool for that but glad you enjoyed the show. And please, the inadvertent faux-pas I did over the mic is fine to use in your stand-up as long as no names are mentioned!! (And yes we did notice you creasing yourself).
So, that was the weekend and it’s Tuesday again. Seem to be quite well organised this time even though have only been home 2 days. All packed and ready to leave to sail again lunchtime.
This week should be an absolute belter. Captain Dominico is one of the funniest guys I’ve met. Italian and not speaking much English, it doesn’t matter a jot. He brings me in mind of Tommy Cooper or one of those guys. He just makes you laugh without trying. Very intelligent and very cultured man, he’s lovely to speak to. He actually serenaded me over the mic last week with an Italian aria! He was standing there singing some Italian song we’d never heard in our lives before and ended up “jamming” along to it (badly) though we did say we’d learn something for this week. In 2 days, that was quite a feat. I can speak several foreign languages but none of those is Italian. But that won’t stop me. Watch this space for something rather special and very scary for me this week. Ohhhh!
And another surprise is up the proverbial sleeve which may or may not happen. Again, watch this space.
Right, gotta go have some brekkie then a shower before hitting the road.
If you’re sailing this week, you’re in for an extra special treat. See on onboard maties.
Mxx
12 June 2009
Life on the Ocean Wave is Great
Well, four weeks in and soon to go into our fifth, we are still having an absolute ball gigging on the boat. Must admit, did get a bit homesick at the beginning of this week and shed a few tears and it was a bit of a melancholy gig on Tuesday night. But that’s the beauty of having all these years of experience playing to different types of audiences, different types of music and different types of venues. We’re completely adaptable. We started off doing a bit of jazz on Tues which set a really nice atmosphere, then I got to chatting to the audience (as I do) and so find out there’s a trumpet player in the audience (who unfortunately didn’t have his trumpet with him) who’s part of a jazz combo who said he really enjoyed the jazz set and a guitar player, again who didn’t have his guitar on him, but appreciated the songs he requested of us. It started off jazzy, went a bit soulful, got really uptempo with everyone hitting the floor and then we all had an impromptu singsong round the piano, playing everything and anything. I’m really loving the versatility of these gigs and the completely different people we’re meeting.
Next week may be a completely different story as I feel a bit of big time F-U-N coming on as the gay purser who likes to do a bit of drag is up for being the “blonde one” if I decide to do an Abba nite! Watch this space. Don’t know if I’ve got spare white boots in a size 9 ?!?!
Last night was the busiest the boat has ever been. Absolutely NO cabins left, in fact they were overbooked and the crew all had to bunk in with each other 4 to a room which caused some tension. Goodness knows what it’ll be like in the height of the season when there’s 800 expected on the boat. But I’m sure the crew will cope as I’ve never met a bunch of people like them who just “get on with it”. They really work their arses off and are such a great team. It’s fab to work with them.
Right, I feel another cold Leffe coming on as it’s getting a wee bit warm sitting here with the sun shining on me.
Here’s to tonight’s gig – cheers! And then off the boat and a gig with the 7pc band before we head back again beginning of next week to do it all again.
Feeling blessed and lucky and happy doing a job I absolutely love with people who are just the best.
If you’re reading this and are one of the people we’ve had the pleasure of playing for and meeting, drop us a wee message as we’d love to hear from you.
Mxx
3 June 2009
Music Really Influences People
Sitting here today writing the blog from the beach in Belgium. As you can gather by that, we’re back gigging on the boat. The gigs have been fantastic and the people we’ve met so far really really diverse. At the moment, sitting here with a beer as I say on the beach and we’ve bumped into some muso friends, a band that we met a few days ago on the outward journey. They were going to do a few festivals in Luxembourg and Germany and we knew they were coming back today. We ended up last time we met having a fantastic jam session with them joining us on stage. Even the captain was jigging about. As we knew they were coming back today, we’ve arranged another jam tonight but as we came to the bistro on the beach to check emails, they’re sitting there having a beer!! So am just about to show them what’s what in the world of Atlantic Soul (website, blog, etc). The captain has promised to wear his kilt tonight and some of the crew are gay and I’ve even brought a wee mini kilt for one of the guys to wear with me tonight, so we’ll all be kilted up and giving it laldy later. It’s gonny be a great night. Can’t wait!
So, to the title of this blog. On the boat, there’s loads and loads of bikers. Met one last night who told me that he absolutely loved the music and loved my voice. He said he’d “had a few problems” over the last couple of years and used to be a music promoter and organise gigs for the bikers way down south in England. He’d kind of lost his way and music didn’t figure in his life very much over last couple of years but he told me that after sitting listening to our gig last night, it’s totally fired him up to get back into organising gigs again and putting on a few shows down south and maybe in Belgium. He loved us and asked of the possibility of us coming down for a few days all expenses paid to do a “few select gigs for the bike fraternity”. Of course, we’re up for any possibility so we’ll see what happens. A long weekend flown down to the English riviera with all equipment/accom etc supplied and a few songs in the sunshine sounds great.
Anyway, going to a restaurant now for a leisurely bite to eat before we take to the high seas again.
Stay cool all.
PS. Very choppy sea last night. Sea legs? Does that mean heaving over the side of the boat? Laters x
3 June 2009
Sitting here today writing the blog from the beach in Belgium. As you can gather by that, we’re back gigging on the boat. The gigs have been fantastic and the people we’ve met so far really really diverse. At the moment, sitting here with a beer as I say on the beach and we’ve bumped into some muso friends, a band that we met a few days ago on the outward journey. They were going to do a few festivals in Luxembourg and Germany and we knew they were coming back today. We ended up last time we met having a fantastic jam session with them joining us on stage. Even the captain was jigging about. As we knew they were coming back today, we’ve arranged another jam tonight but as we came to the bistro on the beach to check emails, they’re sitting there having a beer!! So am just about to show them what’s what in the world of Atlantic Soul (website, blog, etc). The captain has promised to wear his kilt tonight and some of the crew are gay and I’ve even brought a wee mini kilt for one of the guys to wear with me tonight, so we’ll all be kilted up and giving it laldy later. It’s gonny be a great night. Can’t wait!
So, to the title of this blog. On the boat, there’s loads and loads of bikers. Met one last night who told me that he absolutely loved the music and loved my voice. He said he’d “had a few problems” over the last couple of years and used to be a music promoter and organise gigs for the bikers way down south in England. He’d kind of lost his way and music didn’t figure in his life very much over last couple of years but he told me that after sitting listening to our gig last night, it’s totally fired him up to get back into organising gigs again and putting on a few shows down south and maybe in Belgium. He loved us and asked of the possibility of us coming down for a few days all expenses paid to do a “few select gigs for the bike fraternity”. Of course, we’re up for any possibility so we’ll see what happens. A long weekend flown down to the English riviera with all equipment/accom etc supplied and a few songs in the sunshine sounds great.
Anyway, going to a restaurant now for a leisurely bite to eat before we take to the high seas again.
Stay cool all.
PS. Very choppy sea last night. Sea legs? Does that mean heaving over the side of the boat? Laters x
27 May 2009
Last Night’s Rehearsal
We’ve been rehearsing a few new songs up every time we rehearse and it can be quite hard going sometimes with the amount of new songs there is to learn. But we love this part of being a live band. Fresh material keeps the musicians fresh and interested rather than some bands out there who play the same set week in week out. We’re loving the Barry White song that’s now going to be incorporated into our set and the Whitney Houston one we’re doing sounds mighty fine, though chances are we’ll probably end up playing this one once for the couple’s first dance and never do it again. Shame really cos we absolutely love it and what a vibe. We’re also getting “tore in” to a load of fab 80′s tunes that will be getting gigged really soon.
In the meantime, back to the boat tomorrow, the straight from the boat to a fab corporate we’re playing at on Saturday and back onto the boat again.
Can’t wait as last week was a total blast.
20 May 2009
CLAN & Clic Sargent Charity Ball 2009
We have had
We have had news today of confirmation of Atlantic Soul Showband headlining the 2009 Charity Ball for CLAN (Cancer Link Aberdeen & North) and Clic Sargent.
We are indeed honoured and privileged to be asked to perform at this event once again and this is in fact the 4th year in a row that we will have played this event.
Tickets are not on sale as yet, but be sure to be early as it’s always a sell out.
More news of the event as and when it develops.
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk
Tel: 0844 884 9578
19 May 2009
We are Sailing
The big news is that for the next few months we are setting sail across the high seas on a few wee mini-cruises. We’ve managed to tie our trips in with our gigging commitments here in Scotland but are excited about another new venture in our gigging lives. So if you happen to be on a boat going to a European destination over the next 3 months and see us, come and say hi. We may even play a song for you! Look out for more blog posts from the ship or mainland Europe soon.
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