Get to know… Slide McBride!

Nothing beats a live band at your wedding! Slide McBride is a singer, instrumentalist, MC and DJ based in Sydney. Slide McBride's band is known for the bringing the party with pop hits, 1920s jazz and everything in-between! We chat to Slide about wedding music and his top song reccomendations!

Led by charismatic singer and multi-instrumentalist Slide McBride, this band makes musical magic for weddings and events. Slide McBride's covers include popular songs from many eras and styles - from the sweet romance of Louis Armstrong to the popping fun of Pharrell Williams!

Modern Wedding talks to the band-leader Slide about performing at weddings, entertaining guests and bringing our favourite songs to life in an unforgettable experience!

What is Slide McBride's style of music?

What differentiates me from other bands and musicians is my ability to play music in many different styles. Styles I cover include;

·      1920’s jazz (e.g. “The Charleston”, “Sweet Georgia Brown”)

·      Classic crooning jazz (e.g. Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra)

·      Classic retro pop & rock (e.g. Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Beatles)

·      Classic hip-hop (e.g. Tupac, Young M.C., Run DMC)

·      Contemporary dance classics (“Uptown Funk”, “Happy”, “Get Lucky”)

·      Party classics (e.g. Abba, Michael Jackson, Franki Valli)

Also, as well as being a singer, I am a multi-instrumentalist, playing trombone, trumpet, and ukulele.

Where are you based?

I am based in Sydney.

How did you get into music?

I started out with the ukulele and later took up the trombone. I always found singers so painful to work with, so I took up singing. Later down the track, I added trumpet.

How is working with Slide McBride easier than other entertainment agencies?

As well as being a musician, singer and band-leader, I am also the band’s manager which means that people who book me never have to deal with “middle-men” or agents. I am the person who will actually be at the wedding from start to finish. Prior to the wedding, I am available to talk over the telephone as many times as the person wants.

What do you love about playing at weddings?

I love that it’s a celebration, which means it’s always going to be fun.

I love the significance of the event. It is one of the most important days of many peoples’ lives.

I love that everyone always dresses up to make the event even more special.

I love that (as a performer) I have a captive audience for 5 hours. In other words, I have five hours to make my mark on the event, and make it as memorable in the guests’ minds as possible.

I love the typical format, of pre-dinner drinks, dinner then dancing.

I love the expectation from guests that dancing will be an important part of the event.

I love that I get to play in so many different styles at the one gig.

I love the challenge of connecting and affecting people who may not normally be particularly interested in live music.

Do you offer special wedding packages? If so, what do they include?

My regular band is a four-piece, but I’m currently offering cut-down three-piece and even two-piece versions of my band to better suit people’s budgets. I can also DJ, so it’s possible to combine a band performance with DJ’ing.

Slide McBride's ceremony music recommendations:

• “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”
• “Bridal March”
• “What A Wonderful World”

Slide McBride's first dance recommendations:

• “It Had To Be You” – Harry Connick Jnr
• “Fly Me To The Moon” -  Tony Bennett
• “L.O.V.E.” – Nat King Cole
• “Love Is In The Air” - John Paul Young
• “At Last” – Etta James
• “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
• “Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green
• “I Can’t Help Falling In Love” – Elvis Presley
• “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” - Franki Valli

Slide McBride's party-starter song recommendations:

• Uptown Funk
• Happy
• December 63 (Oh What a Night)
• Boom! Shake The Room
• Brown Eyed Girl
• Jump Around
• September
• Shake It Off
• Twist And Shout

Loving the unique sound and performance style of Slide McBride? Check out Slide McBride's website, connect with Slide on Facebook and watch more of his live wedding entertainment on Youtube.

Contact Slide McBride to arrange a time to talk about your wedding!