William May's Most Frequently Asked Questions
Below are all of the questions I could remember having been asked in the past. If you have a question that's not on here, please feel free to email williammay@alivenetwork.com or call my agent, Alive Network, on 01782 740839.
How much space do you need?
I require an area of 3 meters by 3 meters ideally for a solo performance, I have and can fit into smaller spaces if necessary
How is it best to time things?
I am very flexible with regards to how the evening is arranged but live sets need to be planned when the evening food isn't being served.
From experience a typical evening reception could look like this:
- 7pm - 8pm Background music as evening guests arrive
- 8pm Cut cake followed by first dance
- 8:15pm first live set
- 9pm Evening food DJ set
- 11:15pm 2nd live set to finish off the night
Can I pick the live music playlist?
I always ask clients to let me know which particular songs they would really like me to sing ( or not sing ) however its best if I decide which order they are performed in.
Where will you travel to?
Anywhere in the UK or internationally.
Can I see you play live?
Occasionally I perform public gigs, but most of my work is private. If you follow my Facebook page all public gigs are featured here www.facebook.com/WilliamMaySwingSinger.
Will you learn our special song?
Yes, if it’s in my vocal range. The most frequently requested songs are from my current repertoire but I have learnt and sang the following recently:
- It had to be you - Harry Connick Jr
- You do something to me - Paul Weller
- She's the one - Robbie Williams
- Little things - One direction
- Just the way you are - Billy Joel
- Stand by me - Ben E King
- You know me - Robbie Williams
- Let's stay together - Al Green
- Your song - Elton John
- I'm yours - Jason Mraz
- Someone like you - Van Morrison
- Chasing cars - Snow Patrol
- Better together - Jack Johnson
How do I book you?
You can book me through the enquiry form on this website or through my agency www.alivenetwork.com. You can also email or call our booking agents, on 01782 740839 or get in touch by email williammay@alivenetwork.com.
Are you able to DJ in between sets?
Background music is provided free of charge between sets, but if you'd prefer a manned DJ option with the ability to make requests from 50's through to current chart music then I can provide this at a cost that is far more economical than hiring a separate DJ.
This also eliminates the need for 2 sound & lighting setups being squeezed into the same area!
Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?
Yes of course, send a list of what you like.
Can we use your sound system for speeches?
Yes I always have a wireless mic set up for this.
What equipment do you use?
I use an all active sound system with backup equipment for everything:
- 1 x Mackie HD1801 subwoofer
- 2 x RCF 310a tops
- 2 x Mackie 450v2 tops ( for use as monitors )
- Mackie DL1608 digital mixer
- Mackie Pro FX8 analogue mixer ( backup )
- Apple macbook air
- Shure PSM200 wireless in ear monitor system
- Shure beta 58 wireless mic
- Shure beta 87a wired mic
- Shure SM58 wired mic
Do you have lights?
Yes all low power consumption LED lighting. Depending on circumstances I use a 3x2m star cloth backdrop, 2x DMX controlled stage wash lighting units, 6x DMX controlled par cans.
How long do you play for?
Most frequently I'm booked to perform 2 x 45 minute live sets, but I also offer a 60 minute and 2 x 60 minutes sets.
What time do you start and finish?
I usually start my first set at around 8pm, and start the second set in the final hour of the evening, but again I'm totally flexible with this. Arrival and finish times are 5pm and midnight as standard with early arrival and late finish fees applicable outside of these timings.
How long do you take to set up?
To load in, set up and sound check usually takes about an hour, however it can take longer if the load in involves difficult access such as stairs, lifts, long corridors.
Can I provisionally book you?
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.
Can my sisters/bosses/daughters dog sing with you?
I love it when people get up to sing a song with me, but we do like to make sure that those singing or playing with us have some experience of being on stage. I'm happy to arrange this with you in advance. However, past experience has taught me 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!
What will the you wear?
Always either an appropriate suit or Tuxedo to fit in with the occasion.
Does William May have PAT and PLI certificates?
Yes all equipment is PAT tested and as a member of the musicians union has PLI of £10 million.
Why should I book William May?
The Ultimate Live Rat Pack Experience!
From an early age I have loved the thrill of entertaining and getting that special reaction from an audience. Although a child of the eighties I was brought up to the sounds of the fifties and sixties and discovered my voice was perfectly suited to singing swing. I started singing at charity events and parties for fun but was very soon being booked as the main entertainment at weddings, private parties and corporate events.
I have a repertoire to suit any part of your occasion from relaxed pre dinner reception to keeping the dance floor full.
I only use the very best backing tracks all produced to the original arrangements plus the advantage that I am always ready for requests.
Previous clients
- England cricketer Gladstone Small
- Boots UK Ltd
- Datel Advanced Gaming Technology
- Royal Air Force
- M.S. Society Charity
- Royal Sun Alliance
- Age Concern Charity
- Brands Hatch Race circuit
- Cosine marketing UK
- Edgbaston Priory Tennis Club
- Freestyle games
- George for Asda awards dinner
- Old Orleans Restaurants
- John Reay Golf Club
- Las Vegas Show Girls
- JS Sainsburys
- Thomas Sanderson Ltd
- The Assembly Royal Leamington Spa
- Best Western Hotels
- Holiday Inn
- Crown Plaza Chester
- Wroxall Abbey
++ numerous private clients for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries etc.
How much does it cost to book William May?
Prices vary slightly based on the time of year, the location of your event, timings, and any upgrade options, but my standard price starts at £516.
Can we see some previous client testimonials?
Yes of course. Check out our previous client testimonials here!
Does William May have any specific requirements?
I require a lockable room to change in with a full length mirror (not toilets!) Soft drinks and water.
What type/size venues are you able to play at?
I have performed in private homes, gardens, boats and stadiums, so pretty much anywhere.
How loud will the music be?
As loud or quiet as required, when working with backing tracks it's very easy to adjust the volume and I try to take all guests into consideration. I have however performed at venues that have sound limiters set with ridiculously low limits, meaning the live performance was barely background music.
What are the power requirements?
I usually request 2 double 13 amp supplies near to the stage area. I use LED lighting which keeps power consumption down but I prefer to run lights from one power source and audio equipment from another to reduce the risk of noise interference.
As a rule, my equipment draws 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.
