This month I interview the fabulous Craig Mitchell from Funk City Band.
How did you start out in the events business?
Well, back in the early 2000s we had our band Funk City Band that was just playing weddings and corporate parties. It was doing really well. And luckily we had enough work that we were having multiple events being offered on the same day. And even over the year, I think one year we had something like 47 weddings out of 52 possible weeks. And so we decided instead of giving these away, we would become an agency and you know, be able to fill any gap in the entertainments industry. And it kind of grew from that. So you know, it was going really well and we’ve always enjoyed it, but also I think I’ve always had like and eye for the whole event, in terms of the detail. I often look at table plans or running orders. You know when it says we’re gonna sit down at 5:00 and eat at 5.05. That isn’t going to happen. You are going to call dinner at 5:05 at 5:20 everyone start moving, you’ll sit down at 5:30 , the food will come out at 5:45, so you’re already 45 minutes late, but I guess it’s just having an eye for those in the event as a whole instead of everyone individual bits.
Did you do waiter or anything like that when you were younger?
No, I didn’t. No, never. I finished my degree in performing arts at Middlesex University in 2002 and then went straight into performing. I had always been a musician, playing guitar and singing and saxophone and Drums, bass, and then it kind of grew from there. It does seem a bit, you know, unusual that I have never worked as a waiter. I think I’ve been quite good at bar work. Genuinely, however, I don’t think I’ve ever, poured a pint properly at a bar. I was thinking to myself I could have done this but never have.
How many bands do you have on your books? Or do you not worked like that.
It’s normally finding the right band for the right event. Theres always the main, I would say 5 or six bands that pretty much cover most event. If it’s a standard fun party, you know, high end, professionally brilliant sounding in function bands, but sometimes they are slightly more specific.
The last three that we’ve booked with you have been really specific.
Yes, yes, 1920s and 30s English only jazz, which when I was talking to jazz musician they all kind of baulked at. Saying that it wasn’t what they usually do. It is interesting to say: “well we will have to figure it out”. You know the client wants this and so that was what was really exciting, definitely bit strange and a bit more challenge.
Quick fire round questions,
Canapes or three course dinner?
I love eating. I love eating, but I would probably say canapés because I think just kind of excited nervous energy. I don’t really want to sit down. Whenever I am at an event to people saying would you like a 3 course meal? I generally say no because I know that in 10 minutes time I am going to have to stand up walk over there and check about things still moving in time. I don’t have the patience, in a professional sense, that patience to sit and enjoy a three course meal. So definitely canapés all the way. Snacking and making sure everyone is on time.
DJ or live band?
And whenever there’s a live band, everyone says this is so much better than a DJ. And I’m almost certain that the reverse has never been said to any DJ.
There is a time and a place for both. But there’s something with a live band, you feel it. You can feel drums in your chest, and that makes you want move and dancing. And also with a live band, there’s something that only happened once. You might have played this song 500 times, but it’s only going to happen once in this space. You get this magical moment where you can change the words and you can name check the bride or I’ll just mention where you are and there’s something very unique and very organic exciting about doing a live band.
Favourite Aroma?
Very simply onions and garlic. Mmmmmmmm. I have, um, I wouldn’t call it a fetish, but a significant love for onions. And marzipan, but that different story and not together. Yeah, it’s definitely onions and garlic Slow roasting or cooking in any kitchen. I would be very much drawn to that space.
Disco ball or candlelight?
I am going to say candle light. The reason is; disco ball is great, in the middle of a disco you can have both. Whereas a candlelight can light up, magical moments, quiet moments, loud moments, authentic and inauthentic moments, so the candlelight is definitely more universal, You know, more romantic. It captures everything so well. And nowadays there are so many brilliant LED, fake alternative. Candle light, lighting up the driveway up to mansion House just looks glorious. And if it’s safe and they’re not going to go out and that’s really good, So beautiful.
Touch? Silk, linen, velvet, leather
I think Velvet. Something classy about it. Decadence. Silk is lovely although it is hard to iron and practically it’s more tricky. Linen, same not as practical. Whereas a black velvet jacket to look stylish and cool always. As a man you can’t really wear silk really without looking amazing or ridiculous.
What advice might would you give to your younger self?
All the normal things, buy bitcoins, buy stocks, set up an ISA do a mortgage and sort out a pension!
I think just do whatever makes you happy. Where In terms of being responsible for families, you’ve got to do the right thing. But also if you are doing the right thing for you, you will be a better person to everyone else. And if we all did that, like the whole world would get on., You do have to carve your own path somewhat. It’s tricky when there’s children and weddings and marriage and stuff. You can’t just disappear for 3 days.
