The Beat Collective are a 5 piece exciting and vibrant band hailing from Yorkshire, England. Guitarist Andy took a few moments aside to tell me about the band and where it all began for them. He did such a good job that I’m going to right ahead and hand you right over to him himself.! Make sure to check them out.
1. Hi Andy, how long have The Beat Collective been together and how did it all begin?
The Beat Collective have been together for over 4 years now. Most of us studied Music and Music Production degrees together at Leeds College of Music. After we graduated, we were all eager to earn a living in playing music, and forming a function band with a group of friends was the best way to start life as a professional musician. We then recruited our talented singer Alexandra Stanley after advertising online, herself a working musician and music graduate.
2. What made you decide to perform at weddings?
The wedding market is huge and there are always plenty of weddings to go around. But first and foremost, they’re great fun. From liasing with the always friendly brides to be, to performingthe first dance and playing our encore, we have a laugh from start to finish – in between a lot of hard work of course.
3. What style music can you offer wedding couples?
We play every genre from every era. Our set covers a vast range. We do 50’s rock and roll such as Johnny B Goode, 60’s hits (including a 15 minute long medley of popular 60’s songs), 70’s and 80’s funk and disco, 90’s classics such as Reef and Oasis, and of course the modern hits, such as Rihanna, Kings of Leon, Maroon 5, Jessie J and Beyonce. We really do try and offer something for everyone, which ensures a packed dancefloor all night. We also offer a range of wedding breakfast alternatives, such as solo piano, solo classical guitar and a stripped down acoustic set with cajon.
4. What would be the band’s favourite first dance song?
One of the most unusual has been Plug in Baby by Muse. A persoal favourite is also Feel So Close by Calvin Harris – that had the dance floor pounding and we ened up playing it again as an encore. Made a nice change from Jason Mraz.
5. What do the band enjoy doing in their spare time?
We’re all working musicians, so we all have interests around that. Our guitarist Andy is in a Stone Roses and Oasis tribute band as well as being a guitar teacher and running the business side of The Beat Collective. Our drummer Tom is a full time Secondary School music teacher. Chris our keyboard player has recently returned from an around the world trip and runs a music production company. Our bass player Phil teaches guitar and plays gigs throughout the week, and our singer Alex joins Phil in these sessions. Aside from music, we’d have to put football and socialising at the top of the list.
6. If you all had to pick one artist or band you look up to who would it be?
Far too many to choose from, and we all enjoy such different influences we cant narrow it down to one.
7. What makes a good band?
A good band, and particularly a good wedding band, requires a high level of musicianship and technical proficiency on your instrument. But also friendship, organisation, commitment, punctuality and a good sense of humour. If 5 friends can perform well together and have fun on stage it transfers to the audience – which is what we get paid for at the end of the day
8. Cookies or cupcakes?
Cupcakes!!!! Unless you’re at Subway!
The Beat Collective are a electric group for young, cool, professional musicians. Their ever expanding repertoire covers a huge range. From Soul, Funk, Motown and Disco to Rock & Pop, all your favorite party classics & latest modern day hits guarantee to get the party started! Wedding couples get the choice of ‘2 x 1 Hour’ Sets or ‘3 x 40 Minute’ Sets. The Beat Collective also offer a range of pre-band reception warm ups. A wealth of experience is contributed from each member of the band, and in addition to their outstanding musical ability, a great lighting system and high quality PA support every gig.
