Get to Know the Best Bands in Scotland - The Shakers
Published Nov 30, 2021
The Shakers are one of those Scottish wedding bands that tick all the boxes; fantastic male and female vocals, an enviable reputation for creating fabulous events, oh and did we mention live sax from one of the best sax players in the UK? No? Well they have live sax performed by one of the best sax players in the UK!
We wanted to find out what life in a busy and talented wedding band was like, so we sat them down and blooming well asked them.
What’s the furthest you’ve travelled to play a gig?
Probably North Wales. We had an amazing gig in a marquee in North Wales, just after lockdown, which made it even more special! The great thing about The Shakers is we all enjoy each other’s company, so that creates a great chemistry on stage, and makes away trips a lot of fun!
Which is your favourite wedding venue to perform in?
We are fortunate to have played in most of Scotland's top wedding venues, including many beautiful castles, so it is very hard question. Recent highlights have been Lochside House, Enterkine House, GG's Yard, Falside Mill, Crossbasket Castle, Boswell's Coach House, Turnberry, Seamill Hydro and Carlowrie Castle. It is a great honour to have played in so many lovely wedding venues!
Which is your favourite non-wedding venue to perform in?
The Shakers have been fortunate to play in many different settings including majestic castles, large town halls, community centres, people's own homes, marquees, car showrooms, boats out on the water, and always enjoy each unique setting and group of people. Our favourite non wedding venue would have to be The Old Fruit Market in Glasgow. What an amazing venue, with a great stage, sound and lighting system, and a brilliant space for a packed dance floor!! We have been there watching great live music concerts and it's a great pleasure to play on that stage!
Which is your favourite song to perform?
What a difficult question! The Shakers have an incredibly diverse repertoire, so we cover all genres and decades of music. Our favourite songs are ultimately the ones which fill the dance floor and have people smiling the most. My personal favourite has to be "Dignity" by Deacon Blue. I was fortunate to play in a band that supported Deacon Blue on a UK tour, and those memories of playing London Dominion Theatre, Preston Guildhall will always live on, and seeing Deacon Blue perform at their peak! Other songs we are currently loving include "Don't stop me now" by Queen, "Little Lion Man" and "Pencil full of Lead"
Which is the most popular first dance you’re asked to play?
It is amazing how many different songs we have played for a first dance. Having 3 different vocalists in the line up help us cover all the different requests! Most requests we have are for songs (and artists!) we hadn't previously known about. It's a great way for us to discover new artists and continually develop our repertoire. Some of the songs we have played a number of times are "Can't help falling in love", "Perfect", "The One" - Kodaline, "Baby I'm Yours" (Arctic Monkeys), "Amazed", and "Your Song" - Elton John
What’s the best thing about playing at a wedding?
The best thing about playing a wedding is being a major part of a couple's special day. We tailor each set to suit the tastes/preference of each couple, and seeing a full dance floor of happy people means so much to us. It is touching to get such nice feedback from the couple at the end of the night, and know we have been part of a night they will always remember so fondly.
What’s the worst thing about playing at a wedding?
There is nothing negative to say about playing at weddings. We are very grateful to be asked to play for so many lovely couples on their special day at amazing venues. We get to know each couple on the build up to the wedding, and feel part of each event. We are provided with a great setting, a captive audience of happy people who have never looked better, we get fed at the break, and help create memories they (or us) will never forget. At many events couples come up to speak to us and thank us for playing at their wedding years earlier! That is job satisfaction!
Apart from booking your band, what’s the best bit of advice you could give a couple planning their wedding?
I would advise couples to relax and not stress about anything. Book a good venue and band, and leave the rest to other people to look after on the night. Enjoy the time with your partner, family and friends, and just relax on the night!!
So how do you go about booking one of the finest wedding bands in Scotland? Easy - first of all, visit their web site - http://www.theshakersweddingband.com/ to find out if they're free and to get an instant quote. If they're avaialble on your date then make a quick enquiry again right on their page and before you know it you'll have set yourself up to have the time of your life with this stunning band providing the sound track.