Been lucky enough to discover these local Newcastle / Hunter Valley boys that know how to belt out an awesome Modern Country tune, definitely adding them to my playlist.

Do yourself a favour and check them out

https://m.facebook.com/thevipercreekband

http://open.spotify.com/track/6cXKHMntW93uNIJhzEOnni

The music you choose to accompany your wedding will set the whole tone for the day, so think about the type of mood you will want to create during each section of your wedding. As well as music for the dancing, you will want music for the ceremony, the cocktail hour, and the wedding breakfast. Here are seven of the latest wedding music trends.

Strictly Ballroom

Ballroom dancing has seen a massive surge in popularity in the last few years, mainly due to reality TV shows that feature celebrities learning to dance. This trend is reflected in wedding music, with many couples looking for a band that can play a waltz, tango or foxtrot to accompany their well rehearsed first dance. Modern wedding bands are now offering contemporary music played in such as way that it can accompany ballroom dancing.

Strolling Musicians

With wedding receptions becoming ever more interactive, strolling musicians add charm and elegance as well as something for guests to talk about during the cocktail hour. Indoors you might limit yourself to a strolling violinist, but if you are having an outdoors wedding, you can hire an entire strolling jazz band.

Classics of Yesteryear

The wedding industry is seeing a return to the music of the 1920s to 50s, as couples look for a jazz or swing band to play old time classics. Sinatra tribute bands are especially popular. This trend can be attributed to modern artists who are making new music in these styles, as well as those that are putting aside their usual style and rerecording hits of yesteryear. Couples hear modern music every day on the radio, internet, or their mp3 player; they want something a little different and special for their wedding day.

Mixing in the Modern

While classic seem to be the popular choice; mixing in a few new hits to keep the music fresh is never a bad idea. Some possibilities include ‘Viva La Vida’ by Coldplay, ‘The Way I Am’ by Ingrid Michaelson, ‘Just Dance’ by Lady GaGa, and ‘Green Light’ by John Legend.

Themed Music

As themed weddings continue to be fashionable, wedding music, and wedding bands are becoming more diverse. Choosing a band that plays music from a particular era, ethnic music, or your favourite movie soundtracks, can be a great addition to your wedding theme, but it may be a little too much if that is all they play. Finding a band that will mix general party music with songs that complement your chosen theme will avoid wedding theme overkill.

Music to Move to

Rather than having a formal sit down dinner with full orchestra, many couples are looking for a more dynamic reception, where their guests can mingle and the music makes them want to move. This has led to an increase in demand for R&B, Latin and Reggae style bands that can add some sway to your wedding day.

Elegance


In contrast to the last trend, elegance and formality are creeping back into some wedding celebrations, and the types of music to accompany this trend include sting quartets, harpists or flute ensembles for the ceremony, and timeless piano classics for the cocktail hour or dinner.

See more at: http://www.easyweddings.com.au/

The type of music you choose for your wedding reception can really set the tone for the whole event. Some couples decide to have wedding music during welcome drinks and dinner, as well as for dancing later in the evening, so it is possible to have a wide range of music throughout your wedding day.

When to arrange your wedding music

You should decide on the type of musicians you want as entertainment at your reception nine to twelve months before your wedding, and start listening to samples and demos. Your musicians should be booked six to eight months in advance, and you will need to decide on specific pieces of music for the first dance, cake cutting, and other significant events around two to three months before the big day.

Tips on choosing your wedding music

Trying to choose music that will last you through an entire day can be more difficult that you realise. Here are a few tips to get you started on the type of music that will get a wedding crowd going.

1. You will have a variety of age groups at your wedding, try to include something that will appeal to everybody

2. Jazz and instrumental themes make great background music for during dinner

3. Start with golden oldies and save modern choices for later in the evening when the older generation will be thinking about going home

4. Begin the dancing with a crowd pleaser; disco and 80′s classics are usually good choices

5. Aim to get the ladies dancing, the men will generally follow

6. Make sure you choose music that is easy to dance to. That may mean forgoing your favourite bands but it will be worth it to keep a good atmosphere

Trends in wedding music

There are three key trends currently emerging in wedding music, with couples’s increasingly selecting music that showcases their personal styles and tastes rather than churning out the same old songs:

Latin American bands that play everything from Latin jazz, to salsa, to Afro-Cuban music are hot property in the wedding industry this year. They add an exotic touch to any wedding celebration, and are a fun way to get the dancing started.

Tribute bands are similarly taking a starring role in wedding receptions, so if you have a favourite band, check whether they have a tribute group operating in your area.

Finally combining a DJ with a live musician is a contemporary twist on the traditional wedding DJ and can add a touch of class to your reception.

Selecting a song for your first dance

The pressure to choose the right song for your first dance as a married couple can be enormous. It effectively announces to your guests how you feel about each other, and if it is æyour song’ it can feel very intimate sharing it with all your friends and family. It can be hard to find something which is meaningful to both the bride and groom, has the right tempo to dance to without being awkward, and will be considered tasteful by all your guests.

Make sure you choose something that you will still be able to listen to and enjoy for many years to come as you can guarantee that song will be played at every anniversary you ever have. -

See more at: http://www.easyweddings.com.au/articles/wedding-music/

Selecting the right wedding entertainment can have a huge impact on your wedding reception, and can be the difference between having a wedding to remember, and one your guests would rather forget. It may be that your wedding budget allows for both a live band and a DJ to play afterwards, but if you have to choose between the two, here are some of their pros and cons.

Hiring live bands for your wedding reception

Live music is far more likely to get your guests up and moving than a DJ, and a live band will give them something to watch as well as something to listen to. Depending on the lead singer, your guests may well interact more with live bands when they are dancing than they will with DJ’s. Bands can also speed up or slow down the music in response to your guests’ behaviour.

The sound quality of live bands can be better than with DJ’s as long as they have had the chance to sound check in advance, and the acoustics of the wedding venue are suitable. If you choose the right type of live band for your wedding; tribute bands and Latin American bands are currently popular choices, they can really complete the atmosphere and theme of your wedding reception.

There are a few downsides to hiring a live band for your wedding entertainment, not least the potential cost which puts many couples off right away. A band may also be overpoweringly loud if you don’t have a very large venue, and may prevent your guests from mingling and chatting as they would like.

Bands may specialise in one particular sound, but be inflexible about playing songs you particularly like, or responding to the reactions of your guests. Finally, a band will not be able to play for as long as DJ’s can, and they will need to take regular breaks, during which you will have to have pre-recorded music anyway.

Hiring DJ’s to provide your wedding entertainment

Most couples find that hiring a DJ is more than enough to make their reception go with a swing. One of the main benefits is that the favourite songs you have chosen will be performed by the original artists and you don’t risk getting a really bad cover version. DJ’s will also have a vast catalogue of music that will appeal to all age groups and music tastes.

A DJ can help to make your reception run smoothly by seamlessly mixing that crowd pleasing disco tune into the music you have chosen for cutting the cake, or the father and bride’s dance. A good DJ can act as the MC for your wedding, introducing certain events such as the first dance, or the opening of the evening buffet.

Potential downsides to hiring a wedding DJ are that they do have a tendency towards bad jokes, cheesy lines, and embarrassing your friends and relatives.

Questions to ask wedding DJ’s

If you do decide to hire a DJ to provide your wedding entertainment, there are a few questions you should ask before paying that deposit:

#Are they happy to meet in person to discuss your music preferences?

#Will they put together a unique play list to suit your musical preferences?

#Will they be able to take requests from guests on the night?

#Can they let you see a rough play list in advance to make any amendments?

#How will they encourage your guests to get up and dance?

#Are they happy to announce wedding events while they are performing?

#Do they have back up equipment in case of a technical problem?

#Have they provided wedding entertainment at your venue before?

#Will they provide lighting equipment?  

#Will they require food and drinks while they are at the venue?

#How much time will they need for setting up and dismantling their kit?

Get as much information as possible about potential DJ’s to avoid the risk of them spoiling your big day with inappropriate music or commentary.

Another great Article I found on Easy Weddings 

A wedding DJ can be someone that just turns up after dinner and plays a few tunes for dancing, or they can be someone that makes a real contribution to your reception and makes it flow seamlessly from welcome drinks to the couple’s departure. Great wedding DJs will take a personalised approach to planning each wedding, making sure each one is truly unique and memorable. They will work with the couple to create the soundtrack for the reception of their dreams, and will try to reach the right combination of formality, fun and interaction with the guests. Ideally your DJ will have spent around fifteen hours preparing for your wedding before they actually arrive on the day. This will include consulting with you, putting together a play list, and downloading or buying music that you have requested. Although wedding DJ’s are generally less expensive than hiring a live band, you will need to expect to pay a little over the average to get a great DJ who will make your reception truly special.

Things to be wary of with wedding DJs

There are many wedding DJs claiming to be the best as well as the cheapest, but there are certain things that should set alarm bells ringing. Some companies offer two wedding DJs for the price of one. Be aware that you are usually not getting a great deal with two experienced DJ’s, but two that can’t manage a set on their own and need someone else along to help them. Online references and testimonials can be misleading. It’s not hard to write your own testimonial for a website. Check out the personality of your wedding DJ beforehand. You want someone charismatic that will keep your guests entertained, but you don’t want someone with a massive ego. Your wedding day should be about you and your new husband, not about your wedding DJ. Be willing to pay the going rate for your wedding DJ. If their prices seem too good to be true you probably won’t get a very good service.

Recent trends for wedding DJs

Many DJs are being asked for hot jazz as an alternative to classical music during the quieter parts of the reception, and many are finding salsa tunes popular for dancing. Ballroom dancing may be a dying art but a lot of people are willing to have a go at salsa. There is also a growing trend for a DJ to play throughout the entire reception, rather than just providing the music for dancing after the wedding menu has been served.

Here is a possible format for your reception that can be accompanied the whole time by a DJ:

#DJ to set up an hour before reception starts

#DJ plays background music, perhaps jazz, while guests arrive and have welcome drinks

#DJ announces wedding party or bride and groom and plays special song for their entrance

#DJ plays background music during the meal DJ announces the speeches and possibly plays a short musical clip for each one

#DJ announces the first dance after the meal and plays chosen song

#DJ plays great music to get guests up and dancing

#DJ announces events such as the Bride and Father dance and cake cutting, and plays appropriate songs for these

#DJ keeps the tempo up for dancing until the end of the reception, or until the bride and groom leave

At All Star we believe it is important to use the right gear for the right job & regardless of what others my tell you it doesn’t mean going out and buying the dearest “Big Name” brands you can find.

It’s about finding the best equipment for the job, equipment that allows us to impress you with the quality of Sound & Lighting we provide and still keep our prices competitive. We don’t believe the customer should suffer in their pocket just because we drop a few over priced big brand names on our webpage, we prefer to let our service and quality stand on its own.

For us we choose Yamaha Pro Audio & Etone Pro Audio to provide our Sound systems, both brands complementing each other wonderfully and handling anything we throw at them. Yamaha brings the strength of a worldwide brand with their Acclaimed Concert Club Series Speakers that are now a tried and tested fixture in the audio business, whilst Etone provide massive tone through their range of Subs & Speakers to cover all your low end thump. What makes it all even better is that all our Etone speakers are manufactured & assembled here in Australia by the same guy that was making them 20 years ago providing us with quality through experience.

All our Microphones are supplied by AKG for our wireless needs & SHURE for our wired needs.

Our Effects Lighting is supplied by ACME & DUNE.

We believe that it is the above combination of Brands and Pro Audio Gear mixed with the professionalism and experience of our staff that allow us to outperform and outprice our competitor’s every time.

http://www.yamahaproaudio.com/ 
http://www.etonesound.com/   
http://www.shure.com/
http://www.akg.com/
http://www.acme.com.cn/index.aspx?lang=en
http://www.dune-sono.com/

DJ Basics Package - Starting from $80 p/h, Min Hire 4hrs. (Recommended for low budget Parties/Events or where the aim is to create background music)

• DJ
• Premium Sound Rig
  

DJ Deluxe Package - Starting from $120 p/h, Min Hire 4hrs (Recommended for Birthday/Christmas Parties, Work/Medium Public Functions or similar events)

• DJ
  
• Premium Sound Rig w/ Microphones  
  
• 2 x Mixed Lighting Rigs  
  
• 1 x Smoke Machine
• Personalised Playlist creation
• Dj Interaction & Limited Hosting
  

Dj & MC Deluxe Package - Starting from $160 p/h, Min Hire 4hrs (Recommended for Weddings or Parties/Events where crowd interaction is a must)

• DJ 
• MC/Host (Male or Female)
  
• Premium Sound Rig w/ Wireless Microphones  
  
• 2 x Mixed Lighting Rigs  
  
• 1 x Smoke Machine
• Personalised Playlist creation
• Pre Event Planning & Consultation (we prefer at least 1 meeting in person where possible prior to an event)
  
• Full Host Integration with the event

As part of our Winter Promotions we would like to offer an exclusive competition that is open to anyone living in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley, Sydney, Central Coast, Port Stephens, and Maitland & Surrounding Areas. As part of the competition you will go in the draw to win 1 of 2 Deluxe DJ Hire Packages Valued at over $700, each Package consists of a 6hr hire that includes Sound, Lighting & DJ at your venue of choice located within the specified areas above. To enter the competition you need to “Like” the All Star DJ’s & Karaoke Facebook page and share this post. At the completion of the competition the names of the people who have both “Liked” the page and shared the post will be entered in to the draw with 2 random names selected. Prizes will be valid for 6 months from the date of notification & are no redeemable for anything other than the Hire Package advertised, any extra features outside of the prize package will be quoted separately. Competition Closes 30/8/2014, for Full Terms and Conditions please contact us via our website or Facebook page. Good Luck with your entries & party with you soon.

www.facebook.com/allstardjkaraoke

1. Say Something - A Great Big World
2. Happy - Pharrell Williams
3. All of Me - John Legend
4. I see Fire - Ed Sheeran
5. Rude - Magic
6. Trumpets - Jason Derulo
7. Let Her Go - Passenger
8. Story of My Life - One Direction
9. Swing - Joel Fletcher Remix
10. Let it Go - Idina Menzel

https://www.facebook.com/allstardjkaraoke