FAQ's
Do you offer any additional services?
Please check out Singer/Guitarist Phil's solo acoustic website here - www.philsmyth.co.uk
How much space do you need?
We typically need a performance area of 5x3 metres, but we are able to work with a minimum area of 4x2 metres if space is more limited. We’ve performed in all types of venue, from manor houses and hotels, to barns, marquees, ball rooms and intimate clubs so we’re well versed in making the most of whatever space is available to us.
What is the band power requirement?
We usually request 2 double 13 amp supplies near to the stage area. We use LED lighting which keeps our power consumption down.
As a rule, we draw approximately 16 amps with everything on and have only ever experienced any issues in events in marquees where the generator capacity has been too low.
Do The New Heroes have any specific requirements?
We just need a room in which to change, something to eat for 5 members (1 vegan) and soft drinks for the duration of our time at the venue.
How is it best to time things?
Please consider the following points when arranging the timings for the band performances. We will always be happy to play lighter background music/DJ sets for when guests arrive. Please note that the below timings are only a suggestion, and we can cater for your event/venues needs fully, even within a tight schedule.
• Below are the best timings (through experience) for Weddings performances, 7.30pm-12am with 2x 60 minutes sets.
7.30pm-8:30pm – Light background music
8:30pm-9:15pm – First Dance, cake and 1st Set
9.15pm-10pm – Food
10pm – 11:15pm – 2nd Band set
11:15pm – 12am – DJ set
• Please plan sets around the evening food. Do not have the band start at 8pm if the buffet is then ready to come out at this time also as your guests will want to eat in peace.
• We suggest 2x60 minutes sets over 3x40 minutes where possible.
Can I pick the bands playlist?
We are more than happy for you to pick which songs from our repertoire are played, but we do prefer if we are left to decide the order in which they are played.
It is usually best if you let us know any songs you definitely DO or DON’T want rather than a ordered play list. We need to have the freedom to cater for all your guests and may need deviate to involve all of your guests.
We are based in Devon but we do travel UK wide and even internationally.
Due to the nature of our work, we don't play many public gigs as all of the events we perform at tend to be private parties. However, we do perform 4 showcases a year a venue local to us, which is free entry. These events are held in a public house (music bar) and really give you an idea of what we are about. Details of these events can be found on our facebook page.
If you want to follow our Facebook page, any last minute public gigs that do come in will be promoted on www.facebook.com/newheroesband and listed here - Public Shows
Will you learn our special song?
We are happy to consider learning your special song. It largely depends on whether the particular song fits our playing style and sound. It would be difficult for us to pull off certain songs with orchestral backing, for example, due to our instrumentation, but we will sure give it a go. At the time of booking us, let us know a particular song you’d like us to consider learning so we have enough time to learn it well.
Below is a sample list of first dances we have learned and played live in the past 12 months:
Just the way you are - Bruno Mars
Better Together - Jack Johnson
You Do Something to Me - Paul Weller
Give Me Love - Ed Sheeran
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
The Way You Look Tonight - Rod Stewart
At Last! - Etta James
One Day Like This - Elbow
Greatest Day - Take That
Amazed - Lonestar
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You - Andy Williams
Ho Hey - The Lumineers
Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?
We believe in giving you a true insight into our live performance energy and sound. We want you to get a feel of the interaction and enjoyment your guests will have from having The New Heroes play at your event. No gimmicks or studio overdubs.
You can book us through the enquiry form here - Contact , telephone Phil on 07766 42601 or email philsmyth@mac.com
Are you able to DJ in between sets?
Music playlists between sets comes as standard with every booking, where the the band will DJ the evening for you.
Can we use your sound system for speeches?
You are welcome to use our PA system for your speeches. However, we don’t use radio mics in our live setup so, should you need them, and you will have to hire them in advance.
Our live sound system is a collection of some of the most desirable audio equipment available on the market, including a Behringer X32 digital mixing console, a 4000 watt active speaker system and wireless in-ear monitoring.
Their combined collection of instruments, amplifiers and microphones, both vintage and modern includes PRS and Fender guitars, Taylor acoustic guitars, Warwick and Fender basses, Kemper Profiling Amplifiers, Korg Keyboards, Tama drums and hardware with Zildjian A & K custom cymbals, and an array of Shure and Sennheiser microphones.
We are equipped with a state of the art LED lighting system that provides both the stage and dance floor with the ultimate visual effects. We also own a smoke machine, which can be included into our performance upon request.
We usually play two one hour sets. This can also be divided into three 40 minute sets if you prefer. We have enough repertoire to cater for 3 hours of live music, with enough variety to keep your party going!
What time do you start and finish?
We usually start our first set at around 9pm, and play our second set in the final hour of the evening, but again we are totally flexible with this. Arrival and finish times are 6pm and midnight as standard with early arrival and late finish fees applicable outside of these timings.
How long do you take to set up?
Assuming access to the venue is straight forward (i.e. ground floor room with no steps and vehicle access close to the venue), once all the equipment is loaded in we can normally be set up and sound checked in an hour and a half.
Unfortunately, we don’t take provisional bookings as our demand is such that we would be turning clients away on popular dates. However, when you make an official enquiry with us, your enquiry will be logged in our system and you will be given first refusal on your date should anybody else enquire for the same date.
What if the band split up before my event?
Like many professional party bands, our work is our livelihood and so we take our commitments very seriously.
In the very unlikely event that the band had split up before your party, every effort would be made to find a suitable replacement band. All deposits taken would be refunded.
Can my sisters/bosses/daughters dog sing with your band?
We love it when people get up to sing a song with us, but we do like to make sure that those singing or playing with us have some experience of being on stage. We’re happy to arrange this with you in advance. However, past experience has taught us that welcoming impromptu guests onto the stage on the night itself, can often end in disaster so we’d rather steer clear of that situation!
We usually dress formally for most parties (trousers, shirt and tie) unless informal attire is requested.
Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?
We always carry up to date PAT certification and have Public Liability Insurance cover up to £5M.
The Ultimate Live Band Experience!
We have carefully constructed sets to cater for every type of performance with the ability the gauge the audiences needs and venue requirements throughout the whole performance. From the 50s to todays chart toppers, The New Heroes have something for everyone with hugely recognisable hits by bands such as; The Beatles, Queen, The Killers and Kings of Leon to their own 'Rockier' versions of songs by artists such as Bruno Mars, Daft Punk, Jessie J and Stevie Wonder.
You are guaranteed to be blown away by the amazing musicianship, stage presence and professional, slick appearance.
Our extensive set list means they can offer quantity as well was superb quality with over 4 hours of outstanding band repertoire with acoustic sets by Phil to match.
Here is a brief list of some of the places, venues and people that present members of the band have either toured or played at / with:
- USA
- Spain
- France
- Germany
- Holland
- RAF 100 Commando
- Haven Holidays
- Butlins
- Pontins
How much does it cost to book the band?
Prices vary slightly based on the time of year, the location of your event, timings, and any upgrade options, but our standard price starts at £1200. We don't charge for the time it takes for us to travel to the gig.
Can we see some previous client testimonials?
Yes. We have hundreds of testimonials from previous satisfied clients on our website
What type/size venues are you able to play at?
We have played in every type of venue, from festivals to huge marquees and ballrooms to intimate clubs and private residencies.
We always make sure that our volume levels are such that people at your event can still converse, but really feel as though they are at a gig when they're on the dance floor. Being a band with acoustic drums and the nature of the music we play means that we can only turn down so far! If your chosen venue has a DB limiter, please discuss this with your agent at the time of your enquiry - There’s every chance that we have performed at the venue before, but if not, it’s worth discussing to make sure that the performance you will receive from us will not be compromised.