Music Festivals

Why Choosing the Right Music for your Event is Crucial

Why Choosing the Right Music for your Event is Crucial


Whether you decide to hire musicians or use a DJ to play music for your event is up to your preferences and budget. What’s more crucial is that you have your chosen entertainer play the right kind of music to fit your event.

Why Does the Music Matter So Much?

Music plays a major role in setting the mood of an event. Choosing wisely can help your attendees better enjoy the event and get into the proper state of mind to fit the event’s purpose. Music that doesn’t fit your event or your crowd could even cause people to leave.

Music has so much variety and personality that it can be easy to get it wrong. For a formal event, you don’t want to play tracks with cursing or songs about revenge against an ex. Also, music can be used to break up different parts of an event and create better flow.

Because of these reasons, you should really think in advance about the type of music you’ll be playing.

How Do You Choose the Right Music?

Make It Part of the Planning Process

The most essential tip is simply to include music early on within your event-planning process. Don’t neglect it, and don’t leave it up to vendors the type of music they will play. Think about what you want to accomplish with your event and how music will play into that experience.

Consider the Volume

The music itself is not the only important factor when it comes to your event’s sound experience. The volume also matters. Music can be played in the background, be used to create energy or act as the main event. If you want your guests to interact with each other, you’ll want softer tones that allow them to hear each other converse, whereas you can play louder beats if you’re going for a club atmosphere or high-energy function.

Decide on the Type

Of course, the type of music matters. Consider piano music or other instrumental tunes for formal events. You could play more fun music with vocals for festivals, concerts and other energetic atmospheres. A DJ could help you play a variety of music while a live band can help create an energetic vibe or special experience. Also, you could use a particular band to connect with a theme, such as a local band within an area you want to reach or an all-female band for a women’s event. Overall, try to fit the type of music to the level of formality, the mission and the audience of the event.

Mix Up the Music

Sometimes, it works best to alternate between different types of music. This method provides a great way to get people into different moods and to direct them throughout the event. For example, you could play soft music during a welcoming and networking period, play energetic music to get people’s attention or build excitement when introducing a speaker, switch to soft music during a meal and so on. Even when you pick a certain energy level, you can think about mixing tunes from different genres and time periods. A DJ could help you play different types of music, or you could hire multi-talented or multiple musicians.

Review Practical Aspects

Don’t forget to factor in the practical aspects of choosing music. You might dream of a band but not have the budget. Consider your venue’s size and audio capabilities, your budget and your limitations. 

Music is an essential part of any event. As long as you consider it within your planning process, you'll be fine. 

When Music and Rum Collide

When Music and Rum Collide


Bacardi has never been one to sit on its laurels when it comes to marketing, and this year is no exception. Now, it has partnered with EDM trio Major Lazer to put on a series of dance parties with an island theme. The events will feature Major Lazer's DJ, Jillionaire, who has been designated the "Minister of Rum." Since both Bacardi and Major Lazer have Caribbean roots, this theme is an excellent tie-in for them.

While the parties, which go under the title "Sound of Rum," will all have the same general theme, the specific presentations will vary between events. This ensures that everyone will experience something unique and the concept will remain fresh throughout the campaign.

Attendees at all of the shows can count on one thing being present, and that's new music from Major Lazer. The group has written at least one song, written just for the series of dances. It is named after the party series: "The Sound of Rum." Other new releases will also be played.

Major Lazer isn't the only partner releasing something new to commemorate the events. Bacardi is putting out a limited edition rum bottle with branding for both the event and the band. This is sure to be a hit with collectors.

Unlike many such corporate marketing events, the Sound of Rum parties aren't taking place as parts of larger festivals. Instead, they are stand-alone dance parties that occupy large swaths of their own space. For example, its debut party – named Spirit Up – took place on a private Miami beach. Bacardi created an entire temporary village surrounding the actual party, and within, people from various Caribbean islands served up food from their homelands as mixologists whipped up drinks. Meanwhile, Major Lazer set up giant speakers that ensured that everyone heard the music throughout the area.

This series of parties doesn't just cover the United States. It kicked off in Berlin, at the annual Bacardi Legacy Cocktail competition. From there, it is traveling around the world to bring rum, music, and a Caribbean atmosphere to several other countries.

Of course, a modern experiential marketing event isn't complete without the inclusion of social media. The two partners produced videos to share, started a program to donate studio time to aspiring Caribbean artists every time Major Lazer's "Front of the Line" track, and are counting on attendees sharing pictures and stories of their experience at the party. The follow-on effects of social sharing are typically the main source of marketing power behind such events. Through them, the experience – and the marketing message – travel far beyond the group of physical attendees.

There's no need to have Bacardi's $50 million marketing budget to put on an unforgettable event of your own. All you need is a fun event idea that ties into your branding, an atmosphere that encourages social sharing, and the right venue to hold your extravaganza. If you'll be holding your event in Miami, Florida, try having it at Soho Studios. We have up to 70,000 square feet of interior space and two outdoor pavilions that are great for parties or any other type of experiential marketing show you can imagine.

How to Avoid a Music Festival Disaster

How to Avoid a Music Festival Disaster  

Putting your business name on a music festival can give you great exposure. But as we’ve seen in real life examples, this can also backfire greatly. Take the case of the Fyre Festival in the Bahamas, which was promoted as a luxury experience but turned into a disaster. Abby Ohlheiser reported for The Washington Post that headliner band Blink-182 and others canceled just before the event, many of the tents for the event were not set up by the time guests arrived and other significant problems occurred. What should have been great publicity for the organizers turned into the wrong kind of exposure.

Obviously, you don’t want your company's name associated with a disaster. So here are some tips on how to avoid a music festival disaster and create a successful experience instead.

Work With an Experienced Team

It’s essential to have an experienced team working on a large event like a music festival. You either need your own experienced team or to work with a production partner who understands the nitty-gritty of how a music festival works and what is needed, down to every detail. Foremost, you need a strong management team who can organize and execute the event plans, with a system in place for potential problems.

Focus on Practical Needs

Putting on a music festival is not just about the music and the marketing. There is a lot of background work that needs to be done – and done right. You need to ensure you have the necessary power for the specific event, as well as access to water and proper management of waste. An experienced team will think about potential problems and make sure the logistics are capable of working out in the earliest stages before moving forward with a particular venue or the rest of the event planning. Event professionals told BizBash that they probably would not have continued with the Fyre Festival's location, at least not before consulting local professionals.

Start Small and Take It Slowly

Apparently the Fyre Festival planning started a few months before the event, and organizers ran out of time. Professional organizers take much longer to plan an event of this scale, beginning the process at least a year in advance. The Fyre Festival organizers also went full speed ahead with marketing, while event professionals normally would perform a soft launch in the beginning and try to gradually build interest and a reputation. By taking more time, you also have the chance to test your site, learn and grow in the industry and work on fitting your tactics with the right audience.

Be Prepared to Cancel

Sometimes you simply cannot get an event to work out. Planning and proper management will generally prevent the need to cancel an event but you need to realize when canceling is the only answer. Event professionals told BizBash that the Fyre Festival organizers should have canceled when they knew they couldn't fulfill their marketing promises.

When you perform proper planning and work with event professionals, you can prevent a music festival disaster and create an event that successfully promotes your brand.

Coachella 2017: When Brands Create Experiential Marketing Trends

 

Who doesn’t like sun, drinks, music and fashion? Coachella, the much-loved CA-based music festival, is packed with fashion brand representation. This year, a slew of brands flocked to the desert, capitalizing on Coachella’s rad fashion collection. It wasn’t all about the brands, but they certainly made a splash. Whether it was shop-able runways, hip bars, social media activations or entire branded festival lines, Coachella was the place to be. Here’s our coverage of the hottest Coachella marketing events.

Levi’s Creates Neon Carnival

Posted up in an Airstream, Levi’s gave eventgoers a power-packed experience via Tequila Don Julio. We know, it’s an odd partnership. It worked, though, and Levi’s-lovers reveled in the specialty drinks from dusk til’ dawn.

Jeremy Scott’s Moschino Party

Produced by XA, Jeremy Scott’s Moschino party featured a kitschy, Candy Crush theme. It was larger-than-life, giving guests the chance to slide into a massive ball pit. The balls were made of lucite, ignited by the pool’s neon glow.

As if that wasn’t enough, the party also featured an oversized Absolut Lite-Brite installation. Guests could place different pieces into different slots, crafting their own art, patterns and long-lasting displays. The display took on Absolut’s lime flavor color, casting a memorable light.

Victoria’s Secret Angel Escape

The Angel Escape was an islandic tent, offering comfortable seating, shade and pillows for guests. While it covered a large amount of land, it was surprisingly low-key—in a good way. Customers looking for a reprieve from Coachella’s frequently rowdy atmosphere need only step into the tent’s intimate enclosure, taking a load off the feet.

The Katy Perry Footwear Easter Sunday Recovery Brunch

For the afterparty-goers, Katy Perry Footwear featured a Sunday Recovery Brunch powered by the H.Wood Group. Sure, it might’ve been a graphic, neo-art doughnut wall, but it certainly ignited holiday cheer with an awesome nod to pastel.

The Ciroc Summer Take Over

Ironically—or, perhaps unironically—alcohol brands promoted, well, themselves at Coachella. Ciroc, in particular, hosted memorable experiential events for patrons’ eyes. The Ciroc Summer Take Over, hosted by the Hard Rock Hotel, presented the brand in a new light—a vintage one, to be exact. Ciroc bottles were displayed alongside vintage objects, florals and vinyl records, giving event goers a taste of all things classy.

Coachella is a wonderful opportunity for brands. Featuring some of today’s leading brands, the event was a powerhouse of experiential displays. We’ve kept our eye on Coachella for a while, as it always highlights emergent experiential marketing trends. We'll likely see more great displays next year. For now, however, we'll make due with this year's awesome brand contributions—powered by today's leading providers.

Monster Sponsors the AMA Supercross

On April 9, 2016, Monster Energy will sponsor the AMA Supercross at the Lucas Oil Stadium, presenting promotions, music, food and other live events.

About the AMA Supercross

The AMA Supercross takes excitement from the street, to the track and across the trail. The event hosts millions of Americans, proposing new brand strategies, awesome inclusions and a new twist to motorcycling with pleasing weekends. The AMA Supercross, for years, has identified with young sports fans, targeting Generation Y and UFC, WWE and action sports lovers.

Off-road rides, far-off journeys and thrill-seeking event’s run the stadium, targeted by the event’s extensive social media coverage. The AMA has protected motorcycling’s future since 1924, promoting lifestyle events within many walks of life. The cable station Speed has notoriously covered the event, linking it across multiple social media platforms. Currently, the AMA proposes new, revolutionary benefits to motorcyclist interests, targeting local, state, regional and federal government entities. International government organizations, too, are touched upon, making public opinion the AMA’s chief regard.

Recreational Events and Monster’s Promotional Opportunities

Monster Energy Drink has involved itself in high-powered lifestyle, engaging brands by providing extreme sport events, gear and lifestyle options. The brand’s marketing strategy launched in 2002, climbing the ranks to match Red Bull and Rock Star’s fame. Their advertising budget, promotional ventures and brand association plays upon active lifestyle, taking part in the X-Games, the Dew Action Sports Tour and the Monster Energy Pipeline Pro.

Monster-sponsored AMA members obtain discounts on well-known motorcycle service providers. Apparel, services, gear, transport, bike rental and hotel stays are offered, hitting upon the event’s core values at the brand level. Monster’s appearances can be viewed in the AMA Supercross Media Guide, and contestants race to achieve the Monster Energy Cup Championship. Monster-themed banners, event stands and vehicle sponsorship stickers deck out the event in black and green energy.

Social Club Events and Visibility

Monster’s involvement impacts the AMA on multiple platforms. Performers, enthusiasts and event goers all have great on-road and off-road opportunities, and the AMA’s natural structure facilitates a slew of formal events.

The AMA Historic Club offers membership for applying members, providing consistent support amenities for industry lovers. Monster’s brand lovers are consistently adherent, returning to the company’s sponsored events and increasing overall support. The event’s service charter reaches out to military, police, charity, fire and motorcyclist organizations alike, expanding simple motocross ideologies to impact the community at large.

The AMA Recreational and Competition Promoting Club, too, makes an impact. Created and sponsoring clubs can sanction AMA events, vote for its Congress Delegates and attend the AMA Risk management Workshop. Monster’s deep sponsorship, itself, enables such processes, doubling back on consumers and involving them in the AMA’s overall design.

The AMA will likely continue for years. The sole U.S.-based Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme affiliate, the AMA’s sanctioning body is international. Monster’s AMA affiliates will continue competing in team-based world events, taking part in the International Six Days Enduro and the Motocross of Nations. Country-representative racing has always been a preferred style, and Monster’s sheer discipline represents the AMA’s dedication to widespread enthusiasm well.

The AMA Supercross features Monster-sponsored booths, refreshment stands and products. While Monster’s other inspired and sponsored events remain consistent throughout the years, few of its event marketing outlets contain the AMA Supercross’s in-depth design. Constantly growing and evolving, the AMA Supercross is an excellent venue for any potent sponsor.

 

How to find the Perfect Event Space

What makes a good event space for one event is potentially disastrous for another event. Various venues are suitable for different purposes. Can you imagine a religious convention in a place that serves alcohol? What about a business conference in a venue that hosts a football match? There are a number of factors to consider before making a decision on where to host an event. From location and amenities to capacity and budget, an event planner should have all these factors evaluated before deciding that a venue is perfect for the event.

Event Space in Miami

Soho Studios is the premier event space in Miami that features 70,000 sq ft of trans-formative space for events. Be sure to connect with the team of experts at Soho Studios to help you plan your next event.

Amenities List Request

An event planner should ask for the amenities list from several facilities’ managers before settling on one venue to host his event. Most event organizers will require amenities such as disabled access, parking, proper accommodation, availability of catering services, rooms available among others. What is important here is to ensure that the amenities available at the venue suit the needs of the guests expected to attend the event. Finding the perfect event space may be a herculean task, but an event planner should not compromise more than 10% of his expectations of a venue where they intend to host a successful event.

Actual Visitation of the Venue

Before you confirm the venue as suitable for your event, you should to make an actual physical visitation. Most people will say their facilities are fit for human habitation but it is important to confirm in person that there are no issues with the venue, such as unkempt grounds, poor plumbing, limited available restrooms, and other small issues that are cannot be determined without a visit to the venue. Make sure that all your venue requirements are in order before you commit your money and success of your event to the venue.

Catering

If the facility has in-house catering services, how efficient are they? What is the menu on offer? Is the menu appropriate for your guests? If the facility does offer catering services, can they recommend a solution? Are there restaurants near by that would work? Is the food in the restaurant within the realm of your budget?  These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself as far as your event attendant’s daily food rations are concerned. Find the perfect event space for your event in terms of catering.

Budget

One of the cardinal rules in business is to stay within your budget no matter what. However, this rule may not be very friendly to event organizers. Your budget maybe too small that affording decent event space may be out of your reach. You are better off not hosting an event, than hosting an event in a shabby facility. True, your targeted market may not be well off or might not mind, but this directly reflects on your ability to sponsor decent events. Finding the perfect event space should be a priority for any event organizer. Anything short of this looks, at best, unprofessional.

Google Loon takes off

Thinking of an event exclusively in local terms will become obsolete once Project Loon gets off the ground. Project Loon is a concept developed by Google to expand the reach of the Internet around the world. It is a network of balloons that will float in the stratosphere and offer Internet access to remote and rural areas throughout the world.

Each balloon will travel 20 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The balloons will follow wind currents in the stratosphere to form a global network. People will be able to connect to this network using a special antenna. The signal bounces from balloon to balloon and then returns to the Earth to provide Internet access.

A single balloon can provide connectivity speeds comparable to 3G Internet over a 40 kilometer region. Each balloon has a specialized radio antenna that uses 2.4 and 5.8 GHz bands.

http://youtu.be/m96tYpEk1Ao

Project Loon promises to change the face of event planning around the world. No longer will an event in the best party venues Miami has to offer be limited by any geographic restraints. Project Loon will make it possible for live web streaming to reach even rural African villages and create a truly global event.

Event production will take this into an account. A concert in Miami, for example, can book acts that have appeal on a global scale so that more people pick up the live stream from one of the popular event venues in Miami. World famous art exhibitions like Art Basel Wynwood can include artists and art lovers from nations that have limited or no access to such events in the past.

The first test phase of Project Loon began with the launch of 30 balloons in New Zealand in June 2013. If the test meets with success, Internet service by balloon will become a reality. And it will change how event planning and event production is done in Miami and other places around the world forever.

Live web streaming for marketing

Broadcasting your event live on the internet is a great way to engage your audience. Some of the biggest music festivals in the world incorporate live event streaming to enhance user experience for their fans. To make your event stand out amongst all the others being held at the venues in Miami, incorporate these mechanisms and reap the benefits. Everyone loves a good show, even if they can’t make it there in person.

If you intend to put on a music festival streaming your event live is an excellent addition to your event production. Live event streaming has been a successful marketing tool for some of the most well known music festivals around the world such as Coachella, Bonnaroo and Miami music festival giant - UMF or Ultra Music Festival.

Most music festivals offer live event streaming for free to their audience; however there will be some costs to you the concert promoter provide the stream. There are a number of ways your ticket sales can aid in generating revenue. Make your ticket sales flexible by generating a number of different options for people to select from when purchasing tickets. You can offer different VIP packages with a special seating area, an opportunity to meet some of the artists, or a “speed pass” to long concession lines.

As a concert promoter your primary goal is to engage as large of an audience as possible. Some people may not be able to take off from work or have other obligations that prevent them from attending your music festival in person. Live event streaming is the next best thing to being there and thanks to event streaming options no one has to be excluded.

Live music venue in Miami

There are plenty of live music venues in Miami but not all of them can offer the excellent setting and service that Soho Studios is known for around the Miami-Dade region. We love putting on music festivals in Miami and have the best resources to meet your needs. Read on to find out more about why your concert will be considered epic if you decide to put on your show at Soho Studios.

There are many factors to consider when selecting an event space in Miami, once you decide on a lineup you should start thinking about what numbers you need to achieve to be successful and selecting a venue that can support your vision. There are plenty of Miami venues out there but it is about putting on the best presentation possible and we can assist the process. Reputation and buzz are clutch components for packing the house.

There are a many different choices of party venues in Miami. The choice you make reflects upon your efforts and the outward style that people interpret about your company or performers. Do not get stuck inside a low quality venue that scares away the fans. Bands and performing artists like playing to big crowds. Those people want a safe venue with great sound. Plus, if you can offer something unique about the event then that date can become a truly memorable experience for all the attendees. Make sure your promotions stick out in their mind and memory by getting your show into the best venue possible.

Thanks for reading, we hope this has helped to inform you about our event space and helps to clarify your choice. Contact us regarding the specifics of your live show and we can help you cover all the bases in terms of the venue from our angle. We will help you to produce some awesome shows that will keep your crowd talking and excited for the next event!

Event Planning with Pinterest

If you are in the event planning industry and are not yet using Pinterest, you are missing out on a powerful tool. Pinterest is a valuable resource in helping get your word out on conferences, film festivals, music festivals and other events you may be planning. It is also great resource to exchange ideas.

Pinterest works as a digital pinboard, or bulletin board, that allows you to post photos and ideas and ask for suggestions. It not only can help in marketing your event online, it also adds more fun and creativity into your event planning.

In addition it is a great way to share photos of all your events and build excitement for future events!

With Pinterest, you can direct visitors to your blog, drive users to your website or other social media channels and engage them further. It is a visual social media tool that is based in creativity, but by its very nature allows for some subtle, and perhaps not so subtle, online marketing.

Pinterest allows you the ability to showcase hotels, the venue, vendors, speakers and entertainment that may be a part of your event. Like all social media it is about sharing, and sharing is good when it comes to getting the word out about your event. Don’t forget the networking aspects of Pinterest. You can widen your contacts of like-minded individuals and share contacts and concepts. It is sort of a LinkedIn for creative people.

If you are searching for a superb location for your next event and are considering venues in Miami, contact us at Soho Studios. With a word-class client list that includes Evian, Ford Motor, Absolut, and Puma, we have the experience to assist you in all aspects of your South Florida event. Soho Studios is over 65,000 square feet of event space Miami utilizes for photography, video, conventions, meetings, conferences, art shows and even some of Miami’s famous parties.

Contact us today and let us help you take your ideas from concept to completion. We are Soho Studios, Miami’s premier venue located in the trendy Wynwood District, home of Art Basel Wynwood.