Riptide Most Frequently Asked Questions
Below are all of the questions we could remember having been asked in the past. If you have a question that's not on here, please feel free to email riptide@alivenetwork.com or call our agent, Nick Taylor, on 01782 383548.
How much space do you need?
We usually require a space of 5x3 meters due to the nature and size of our equipment, however we can and have performed in smaller and more unusual spaces! As experienced musicians we have adapted to all kinds of areas, from large festival-size stages to corners of pubs!
How is it best to time things?
We will adapt our timings to suit each individual event, as we are aware that not all events run on exactly the same schedule. To give you an idea of what usually works, we generally play 2 hour-long sets, starting at 9pm and 10:30pm respectively. We will play music through our own PA system before, between and after our live sets so there won't be any awkward silences. It's usually best to time food outside of the live sets to ensure maximum enjoyment. Riptide are flexible and happy to discuss timings to best suit your event.
Can I pick the bands playlist?
Riptide's set has been put together through years of experience and is always being updated ensuring that it is as good as it possibly can be. Riptide's repertoire is vast as a result of this, and we are happy to include songs from this list as long as it is discussed and agreed prior to the event date. If there are a few must have songs we will do our very best to accommodate.
Where will you travel to?
Riptide are based in Brighton, East Sussex, but will travel anywhere in the UK, as well as internationally, to perform at your event.
Can I see you play live?
As most of our work is in private events, it is not often that the public are able to see us play live. Any public shows we perform will be advertised on our social media.
Will you learn our special song?
We will always try our best to include your special song (first dance etc.) and this should be discussed with Alive Network when booking the band. Please bear in mind that the decision will be dictated by how it fits into the band's sound and if we believe we could do your special song justice.
Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?
Yes, with Riptide, what you see is very much what you get! Our current video is a live acoustic video of both of our lead vocalists/guitarists and is performed 100% live in a studio. This is a perfect example of what to expect in our acoustic sets, should you wish to add this option to your event. Please refer to our demos on the media page for what you can expect in our live full band set.
How do I book you?
The best way to book Riptide is through our agent Alive Network, check our availability now.
Are you able to DJ in between sets?
Absolutely. Riptide will always bring a tablet or laptop with a large variety of songs for any event. Music can be played before, between and after our live sets at no extra cost.
We also offer an upgraded DJ option, where a member of the band will stay to take requests and make any announcements. This upgraded DJ service is available for free if you confirm your booking within 7 days of receiving your quote.
Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?
We will always try our best to include any specific songs, and will of course include any songs we already have in our library. however it is not always possible to purchase new songs for each and every event. We are happy for you to bring your own laptop or music playing device and run music off this through our speakers if you would prefer.
Can we use your sound system for speeches?
If timings allow, we are happy for you to use our sound system sound system for speeches is this is discussed prior to your event. The band do not use wireless microphones, so please consider this when planning to use our system.
What equipment do you use?
Riptide use professional equipment acquired through years of working in the industry. Equipment used includes Fender & Gibson guitars, Fender basses, Fender valve guitar amplification, Orange all-valve bass amplification, Tiki Drums & Zildjian cymbals, as well as a wide range of effects pedals by Boss, SansAmp, Strymon, Electro-Harmonix & more. Other gear used include Shure microphones and wireless instrument systems.
Do you have lights?
Riptide have a set of LED lights that are portable and effective, meaning that we can provide good lighting in even the most limited of spaces!
How long do you play for?
As standard we play two one-hour sets in the evening with a short break between sets. This can be split into three forty-minute sets if required. Our repertoire is vast enough that we can play for longer, and this can be negotiated during the booking process. We also offer acoustic sets and a vintage band set that includes banjo and double bass.
What time do you start and finish?
We usually arrive around 6 with a view to have music playing by 7:30. Standard finishing time (including all DJ and background music) is at midnight. Certain venues operate an earlier curfew so this is worth checking with the venue prior to the evening. We can also arrive earlier/finish later than this, and we are more than happy to comply. Please inform the agent of this upon booking as this can affect quotes.
How long do you take to set up?
We are professional and efficient when setting up. We generally recommend allowing 90 minutes for us to set up, tidy the stage and sound check. This allows us to set everything up perfectly without having to rush.
Can I provisionally book you?
It is not possible to make a provisional booking for Riptide as we are in high demand. However if you enquire through our website to generate a quote, you will be given first refusal should another enquiry come through for the same day.
What if the band split up before my event?
It is extremely unlikely that the band will split up before your event, as every member is a full-time musician and playing contracted events like yours is a large part of our income and livelihood. Each of us has put in a lot of hard work to build the band to its current state, and we will do everything in our power to keep it that way!
In the unlikely event that the band does split up, we and our agents will put every effort into finding a suitable replacement that is as close as possible to our line-up/sound to ensure that you have an amazing evening.
Can my sisters/bosses/daughters dog sing with your band?
Riptide always enjoy performing with people on-stage, however we do ask that the person singing with us has experience performing on a stage in front of a crowd. There have been instances in the past where things have gone badly and having anyone on stage with us must always be agreed prior to the evening (not on the evening itself please!).
What will the band wear?
As shown by our pictures we usually wear a mix of smart and casual, looking like a 'band' would if they were playing a festival. We also can dress smart in suits and waistcoats etc. should you prefer. Just let us know what to wear prior to your event and we'll sort through our wardrobes to suit!
Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?
All of our equipment is PAT tested annually, and the band are members of the Musicians Union, which provides individual cover of £10 million PLI per member. Please get in touch with the band if you require any more information.
Why should I book Riptide?
Riptide is formed of experienced musicians who are not only excellent players, but are also friendly and energetic, guaranteed to make your event one to remember. We are punctual and professional and understand that each even is unique & special, and should be treated as such! Riptide has two lead vocalists, which means that we can afford to play a more varied set and throw in some bigger sounding harmonies!
Members have extensive UK and European tour experience have performed alongside and toured with artists such as:
- Beyoncé
- Mumford & Sons
- Status Quo
- The Ordinary Boys
- Olly Murs
- Paolo Nutini
- Blondie
- Matthew & The Atlas
How much does it cost to book the band?
Prices vary based on many factors, including time of year, location, timings and any optional extras you would like to include. prices start at £1244.
Can we see some previous client testimonials?
All previous client testimonials can be found on our testimonial page.
Do Riptide have any specific requirements?
Riptide ask that food be provided at some point during the evening, as we sometimes travel far and this will be our only opportunity to eat. We also ask that drinks please be provided for the duration of the evening. If possible we always appreciate a separate changing room at the venue that we have access to throughout the evening.
What type/size venues are you able to play at?
Riptide are able to play in all variety of venues, from smaller areas such as a local pub or your living room, to boats, manor houses, marquees, large outdoor stages, clubs, barns and festivals.
How loud will the band be?
Riptide are flexible with their volume. With this being said, their main sets consist of acoustic drums and amplified guitars & bass. We can only take off a certain amount of volume before the live effect and atmosphere begins to suffer.
It is worth noting that some venues operate dB/sound limiters that cut off electricity on-stage when sound goes above a certain level. If the venue you have booked uses one of the please mention this to the agent when booking the band as it's possible we or one of the other bands on the agency has played there before.
If the sound limiter has been set exceptionally low, it may be worth considering our quieter vintage band set or even an acoustic set, as acoustic guitars and double bass with limited percussions may be more suitable and still provide the right kind of music to dance along to throughout the evening.
What is the band power requirement?
Our equipment is modern and energy efficient so we don't require a massive amount of power. As standard we require two double 13 amp plug sockets on the stage area. This enables us to make sure that we're not overloading any power and avoid any electrical complications that may ensue throughout the evening. With this being said the more power we can be supplied with the better!
Do Riptide offer any additional services?
Riptide offer a great range of extras including a vintage band set (including banjo and double bass), an acoustic set if you want some quiet music before the evening kicks off, and a late DJ option if you want your party to continue later into the evening. Riptide offer a free DJ service if you book the band within 7 days of your booking enquiry, please contact Alive Network for more information or if you have any special requests!