Michael Benson Band History
Several years ago I was at an event with a dj and every single tune he played was in our repertoire. which is typical. So I thought, what are the differences between The Michael Benson Band and him? Of course the answer is – a lot. Entertainment value, visuals, artistry, flexibility, etc. But why would you hire a dj instead of the MBB for your Seattle wedding or corporate event? On that night, there was just one thing he did that we didn’t do – yet. His tunes mashed up tight to each other, sometimes crossfaded or overlapped.
Creating Our DJ-styled Flow
At that point we were already ahead of other Seattle live bands by starting our next song when the last one ended, for years. Guaranteeing the energy and flow would keep sizzling. No gaps or awkward pauses, no debating which song to play next, asking what key are we in, etc. But we weren’t yet hard-counting segues into the next tune or mashing them up. So on the next wedding gig after that night I instructed the band to watch for the next tune to show up in our book when I wanted it, and then watch for my hand signal. 4 fingers up. Which meant, on my count of 4 the next tune is going to hit. Bang. Start it instantly without pause ala dj.
The Differences – Us vs.Them
Other live wedding bands can’t do this because they’re tied to pre-arranged setlists of songs they think or HOPE will flow well with a crowd, until they don’t. And if they don’t they’re stuck. But we’re not because we spin setlists out in real-time based on reading the actual crowd that we have not the one we imagined, responding to the mood and energy of the moment.
The Results
As a result we enjoy complete freedom across our vast range of repertoire to spark and excite our audiences dynamically, moment by moment, for the best dance party of a lifetime. Unlimited flow possibilities with the thrill of a live world-class musical performance. So forget the dj Seattle. This is how we do it! https://mediazilla.com/ZKapH1NlSM