Vocalists vs. Instrumentalists
Sometimes Hotel/F&B Managers wonder whether their live entertainment should include a singer or whether instrumental music is more appropriate.
It’s a good idea to start with the goal in mind: Why are we activating this outlet?
Is the idea for guests to dance, sing along, and have another drink at the bar?
Or is the entertainment providing an ambiance and enhancement to the guest experience as a background feature?
Vocalists
If you’d like to encourage interaction with the performers and make the entertainment a focal point, singers are recommended. Vocals make it easier for guests to recognize songs they know and request some of their favorites. Guests tend to perceive vocal music as having higher energy and this may encourage them to spend more time socializing at the bar or restaurant, especially if the atmosphere is festive.
Instrumentalists
On the other hand, in settings where you want guests to be able to converse comfortably, instrumental music may be more appropriate. This is especially true in fine dining and lobby check-in situations, in which it may not be comfortable for guests and team members to raise their voice in order to be heard and understood.
Solo Musicians
A solo musician can play and sing at the same time (typically a singer-guitarist or singer-pianist) which does not require additional budget. However, a highly interactive singer accompanied by another musician (such as a jazz lounge singer with a pianist accompanying, or a popular music singer with a guitarist accompanying) can add additional entertainment value for your guests.
Both vocal and instrumental music can be a great enhancement to your guest experience, especially when the entertainment choices are well aligned to your goals for each outlet. If you’d like to discuss your hotel’s entertainment program and alignment, we’d be happy to meet with you.
