What are solo artists, duos and trios?
Solo singers, music duos and trios provide superb popular music entertainment in a compact and affordable format. They are a great alternative to a function band if budget or space are limited, or if you would prefer a more laid back, live lounge acoustic-style performance.
A solo artist is an individual performer, a duo is made up of two performers, and a trio consists of three performers.
For classical music artists, such as harpists, classical guitarists, classical pianists or classical singers, please see the classical musicians booking guide here.
1. Solo artists always perform on their own but might sing and play one or more instruments, and/or perform over pre-recorded backing tracks. A solo performer might also be called a soloist, vocalist or instrumentalist. The most popular kinds of solo artists in the rock and pop genre are singer/guitarists, singer/pianists and solo singers who perform to pre-recorded backing tracks.
2. Music Duos consist of two performers who may sing and/or play instruments. A duo may also perform over pre-recorded backing tracks in order to create a more 'full' sound.
3. Trios consist of three performers who may sing and/or play instruments. Many 'power' trios are able to create a sound as big as a 4-5-piece band, only with less people! They're a great choice when you really want a rock and pop band but don't have enough space or have a tight budget.
What music will solo artists, duos and trios play?
They generally cover a diverse range of popular music spanning the 1950s through to contemporary chart acts, focusing on hits that nearly everyone in your audience will know. Many can also offer a range of styles of entertainment in acoustic or amplified format, depending on the atmosphere you want to create. You can expect a repertoire that includes artists such as:
- Ed Sheeran
- The Beatles
- Coldplay
- Bruno Mars
- Jack Johnson
- Adele
- Rihanna
- Buddy Holly
- Nina Simone
- John Legend
- Maroon 5
- Stevie Wonder
- Amy Winehouse
- Ellie Goulding
- Taylor Swift
- Michael Jackson
- Frank Sinatra
- Otis Reading
- Elvis
- Norah Jones
- Justin Bieber
- Lady Gaga
- Jess Glynne
Popular types of solo artists, duos and trios
Our solo artists, duos and trios offer a variety of styles of music, giving you a range of choices for your event:
Soloists
The most popular type of solo artists in the rock and pop genre are singer/guitarists, singer/pianists and singers who perform to pre-recorded backing tracks. As well as rock and pop, our popular soloists also provide music ranging from Rat Pack, boogie-woogie, and classical, to soul, Motown, disco and jazz.
Music Duos
The most popular line up for duos in the rock and pop genre are vocals with either guitar or piano, and with backing tracks (to create a more ‘full’ sound).
Trios
The most popular trios in the rock and pop genre consist of vocals/guitar, bass and drums.
Where in the UK do Alive solo artists, duos and trios perform?
We book acts for weddings, corporate events, parties, venues and festivals across the UK and internationally. Popular locations include:
Most popular counties:
Most popular cities:
Are solo artists, duos and trios suitable for my event?
Solo artists, duos and trios specialise in live music for any occasion that calls for either chilled-out popular background music or a lively, uplifting performance to move your feet to – and everything in-between! This might include:
Most solo, duo and trio acts are happy to provide two totally different styles of entertainment at the same event. In fact, many offer both amplified and acoustic options, making them ideal for venues with strict sound volume requirements, or for a more gentle and relaxed ambience.
For weddings, artists can provide a romantic refrain as the bride walks up the aisle, they can perform the first dance, as well as background music between sets in order to provide an all-in-one wedding entertainment solution. Many artists also offer acoustic sets for your drinks reception, and solo guitar / piano for your ceremony and wedding breakfast. These options can save a considerable amount of money compared with hiring separate performers to cover your wedding day.
For corporate events, duos and trios can also offer walk-on music for awards ceremonies.
Volume considerations at your event
Solo artists, duos and trios can play at a range of volumes, anything from 65dB (slightly louder than a normal conversation) to 110dB (a similar volume to a power mower), depending on their setup and the style of music they're playing. A solo piano can start at 65dB to provide subtle background music, and an energetic 3-piece power trio can kick out over 110dB for a lively party, dependant on your needs!
If you want background music so your guests can still easily hold a conversation in the same room, then you might like to consider a solo singer / guitarist or Rat Pack singer - all of whom are able to perform popular music but in a laid back style.
If your venue has a sound limiter or volume restrictions, solo artists, duos and trios are a good option, and most can tailor their volume. However, be aware if you plan on dancing along to your entertainment! Once an artists' volume is reduced below around 85dB, then the sound of your guests singing along - and their feet on the dancefloor! - will start to be audible over the musicians.
Space considerations at your event
Another consideration is how much space you have at your event. A 3-piece band will require a space around 3 metres wide by 3 metres deep. For approximate space requirements, see ‘How much space will solo artists, duos and trios need?’, below.
How much do solo artists, duos and trios cost?
The prices of solo, duo and trio acts vary based on experience, demand and the equipment provided, plus travel to your event. The following averages serve as a reasonable guide for prices:
| Type of Artist |
Cost Range |
| Professional Singers |
£400 - £550 |
| Music Duos |
£450 - £700 |
| Trios |
£900 - £1,100 |
Who are the top 10 best solo artists, music duos and trios in the UK right now?
Below are the artists that we feel are currently leading the way as the foremost popular music soloists, duos and trios in the UK right now, based on a combination of popularity, performance quality and innovation:
How long will solo artists, duos and trios play for?
Most solo artists, duos and trios offer two 60-minute performances as standard, though many can play three shorter 40-minute sets, or for longer if required. Performance times can also vary depending on how you'd like entertainment to fit into your event schedule - for ceremony music or background music during a drinks' reception or as early afternoon wedding breakfast entertainment, for example.
How loud are solo artists, duos and trios?
Volumes can range from 65dB (decibels) to 110dB plus, depending on the artist, the instruments, and the acoustics of the venue. A quiet solo singer can sing at a background level of 70dB, a pianist starts at an ambient 65dB, and a cellist is a bit more full sounding at 85dB. The average volume level of most fully-amplified guitar-based trios is between 95dB - 110dB, which is pretty roof raising, with occasional volume peaks around 120dB. This is roughly equivalent to the volume of a power mower or farm tractor.
Sound Limiters
Sound limiters are not usually a problem for acoustic artists but may be a consideration if you have booked an amplified artist, such as a trio with electric guitars and drum kit. To avoid any disruption to your event, it’s worth checking with your venue whether they have a limiter and how they have it set. For more information about sound limiters click here
How much space will solo artists, duos and trios need?
Get the most out of your entertainment by ensuring your artist has a comfortable amount of room in which to perform. Ideally, allow 1.5 metres square per person. Allow 2 square metres for a drummer. Space is also needed in front and to the sides of the artist to accommodate their instruments and equipment. The guide below shows how much space different types of artists require:
| Type of Artist |
Performance Space Required |
| Soloist singers |
2 x 2 metres |
| Duos |
3 x 2 metres |
| Trios |
3 x 3 metres |
Most artists of this type are pretty compact. Many soloists might bring only their instrument and a small PA unit, making them a great option for a small space. A trio party band will often require less space than their four-person counterparts.
How long will it take for solo artists, duos and trios to set up?
Unloading, setting up and sound check takes around 60 minutes, depending on how close the artists can park relative to the space they're performing in. Some hotel venues may ask artists to load in via a suppliers' entrance, or use an elevator shared with caterers and staff - this can greatly extend set-up times.
After the all-important sound check, most artists will play background music from a laptop or iPod while they get changed and ready for their performance.
Once their set is complete, it takes around 45 minutes to an hour to pack down and load out.
What equipment will solo artists, duos and trios need?
To put on a great performance at your event, most soloists, duos and trios require:
- a suitably-sized, safe, dry performance area. If performing outside, they may need cover - either from the rain or from the scorching sun!
- 1-4 power sockets, depending on the line-up
- parking provision, preferably with easy access to the venue
- a secure, lockable changing room
- refreshments such as soft drinks and sometimes food, depending on how long you have booked them for.
Solo artists, duos and trios will usually provide their own PA system, microphones, backline, lighting and instruments.
Safe, Secure Solo Artist, Duo or Trio Hire Backed By 24/7 Cover!
Aside from finding some of the best Solo, Duo & Trios in the UK and getting expert advice from our friendly staff, one of the main reasons to hire a Solo Artist, Duo or Trio from Alive Network Entertainment Agency is security. We ensure your booking is covered 24/7 against any eventuality, so that no matter what, you can enjoy your event without worrying about whether your entertainment will turn up. If your Solo Artist, Duo or Trio is ill or unable to perform, our team will be on hand to source a suitable replacement even out of office hours and at short notice. Imagine having to do that yourself!?
- Outstanding five-star customer service
- Emergency cover 24/7, 365 days a year
- Hand-picked Solo, Duo & Trios for the ultimate in quality and reliability
- Safe, secure booking contracts for your peace of mind
- Easy enquiry and booking process
- Hundreds of Acoustic Singers, Solo Singers, Music Duos, Trios to choose from
- Trusted brand with over 110,000 previous clients & high-profile industry partnerships
- Instant online Solo Artist, Duo or Trio prices & availability
Established in 1999, Alive Network has grown to become the UK's largest live entertainment agency and one of the leading online entertainment booking services in the world. We specialise in wedding entertainment, party entertainment and corporate entertainment, trusted by companies like Apple, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, Coca-Cola & Nike, and we have helped over 110,000 customers to hire the perfect live entertainment for their events. We are formally partnered with BIMM, the largest and leading provider of contemporary music education in the UK and Europe, ensuring that we are able to bring you the very best new talent exclusively at Alive Network.
Find more about Alive Network Entertainment Agency here
Frequently asked questions
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