Can live music really change the atmosphere of an event?
When you go to an event, or even just walk through the town where you live, you might not always notice how much music can influence the atmosphere around you — particularly when there isn’t any music at all.
I was reminded of this recently while walking through my local town of Huntington. There was a lovely busker playing finger-picked guitar, and something about his playing and song choices created a really beautiful soundtrack to people’s day. People were walking past, chatting, shopping and going about their business, but the music somehow softened the whole atmosphere. It made the moment feel different.
And I think the same is true at events.
Music can lift a room, shift the energy and, sometimes, completely change the feeling of a
moment.
One of the things I particularly love about performing live is that I’m not simply working my way through a setlist. I’m listening, watching and responding to what is happening around me.
A playlist will play what you’ve chosen. A DJ can read the room and make choices based on the crowd. But as a live musician, I’m physically there in the room, experiencing the atmosphere alongside everyone else. I can change the pace, style or energy of what I’m playing depending on what feels right in that particular moment.
Perhaps people are chatting and enjoying a relaxed drinks reception, so something soft and acoustic works beautifully.
Later, the room might start to come alive, and suddenly a more upbeat song is exactly what’s needed. Sometimes it’s as simple as noticing that people are singing along and leaning into that energy.
It’s something that clients have mentioned in their reviews, and it’s always particularly lovely to hear:
“She was excellent at reading the room, and queueing up songs based on how the guests were reacting (overwhelmingly positively!).”
Another couple said:
“Bethany read the mood in the room perfectly, playing slower
music to start and then more upbeat as the night went on and people wanted to dance.”
And another:
“Bethany really knew how to read the room, too — starting with the emotional songs for our ceremony and first dance, and then bringing so much energy to the party later. So many of our guests came up to us to say how much they loved the music!”
For me, those comments mean much more than simply knowing that people enjoyed the songs.
They tell me that I connected with the people in the room. That the music became part of their experience. That it helped create moments that they remembered.
And I think that’s one of the really special things about live music.
It doesn’t just lift an atmosphere — it can create one.
There’s something unique about having a real person in the room, responding to the people around them and adapting the music as the event unfolds. As a musician, I’m able to be in tune with what’s happening and adjust the ambience and style of my playing to what that particular moment needs.
Sometimes that might mean creating a calm, romantic atmosphere.
Sometimes it’s about adding a little energy to a room.
And sometimes it’s about getting everyone up and singing along.
And perhaps that’s why, after all these years of performing, one of my favourite things about live music is still seeing how a song can change the feeling in a room.
What I’ve been up to lately...
The last few weeks of performing have been wonderful, with a lovely mix of events. I enjoyed a beautiful evening performance at The Elm in Abbots Ripton, followed the next day by a gorgeous wedding ceremony and drinks reception at Sissons Barn.
I also popped along to the Hinchingbrooke Wedding Fair, where it was lovely to meet some wonderful couples and catch up with fellow wedding suppliers.
This week, I’m heading back to The Broadway in Sellers for my final public performance at that venue, so if you’re nearby, I’d love to see you — come and say hello!
