Many of the milestones in our lives are intertwined with specific music, from the first album we bought, to the song we had as the first dance at our wedding. There may a song for ever associated with the birth of our children, special anniversaries, and we may request specific music to be played at our funerals.
So we are always delighted when Matters Musical artists are part of these special moments, performing live to make the moment even more memorable.
May we propose…
One such special occasion happen just last week. A gentleman wanted to surprise his girlfriend with a marriage proposal in the elegant surroundings of the Rosewood Hotel in London (lucky lady!).
Justin particularly wanted to propose to the song “99 Years”, a fabulous duet originally sung by Josh Groban and Jennifer Nettles with very apt lyrics for a young couple about to start out together.
“Will we look back down on 99 years of a wonderful life? Where we laughed till we cried, and Our love grew stronger with every fight.
There’ll be a thousand moments for you to say “I told you”. And a million more for us to say “I love you”. So let’s look forward to you and I looking back At 99 years like that, at 99 years like that.”
99 Years: Songwriters: Bernie Herms / Tobias Gad / Josh Groban
99 Years lyrics © Gadfly Songs, Atlas Music Publishing LLC
Live and right on cue
Rather than opt for a recoding, we provided a live version sung by our own Andy Duerden and wife Maggie, accompanied by a live string quartet. Like all good surprises, it took a bit of advance planning!
We only had two days notice from the client to organise the string quartet, for Andy to write the parts, everyone to learn the song, and to organise logistics.
We liaised with the hotel management, and arranged for our string quartet to set up and be playing in the lobby as the couple walked in to register. The husband-to-be (or so he hoped at that point!) gave Andy the signal, and Andy stepped forward to say “Hi Marianne, this one’s for you” (Marianne was the bride to be).
Andy, Maggie and the quartet launched into the song, as staff and other customers of the hotel stood watching while Justin got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Thankfully she said yes!
Bespoke music for special occasions: weddings
Weddings have several moments for special music, both during the wedding ceremony and at the wedding evening party. Most of our cover bands and party bands are happy to play (and learn if required) a specific song for your first dance together as a married couple.
According to Spotify, the top 10 first dance songs for 2019 weddings are (2):
1. “Thinking Out Loud” Ed Sheeran
2. “At Last” Etta James
3. “You Are the Best Thing” Ray LaMontagne
4. “All of Me” John Legend
5. “A Thousand Years” Christina Perri
6. “Make You Feel My Love” Adele
7. “I Won’t Give Up” Jason Mraz
8. “Everything” Michael Bublé
9. “Better Together” Jack Johnson
10. “Amazed” Lonestar
If you’re reading this after 4th July 2019, this might have changed! Check out the full top 50 listing at Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2gq1cOIOXtrQsRPFbBxAPI
Live music for special occasions: baby naming / baptisms
Mark those first special moments with a new born with live music, performed at naming ceremonies or just to surprise a very special mum! We can also provide live music and entertainers for young people’s milestone parties – call us with your requirements.
Live music for special occasions: big birthdays
Treat your kids to a live band AND DJ set for their 18th or 21st party for an evening that’s extra special for everyone – and easy to book as one of the band is the DJ!
Or let the kids take care of themselves and book the kind of music YOU love for your next birth birthday bash! From rockabilly to rock n roll, swing to jive, salsa to soul, we’ve got the bands that will get everyone on the dance floor strutting their stuff, regardless of age, ability or levels of inhibition!
Live music for special occasions: funerals
There is a growing awareness that funeral services can include particular music choices, and it doesn’t have to be recorded. Celebrating a life of a loved one with live music at their funeral service gives that extra touch of personalisation and emotion. From a solo funeral singer to a gospel choir, a bagpiper or a New Orleans funeral parade band, we can provide experienced, respectful performers to help commemorate and celebrate a life well lived.
Live music for any special occasion
Whatever the occasion, live music can enhance and enrich the experience. Call us with your crazy celebration ideas, and we’ll mash up our extensive experience, roster of artists and ‘little black book’ of industry insiders to make it happen!