How much does a product launch band cost?

£2,500–£15,000 for a bespoke ensemble. Named artists start at £10,000 and go past £100,000.

Can we license the footage for social?

Yes, with a separate performance-rights agreement. Budget 25–50% on top of the fee.

Should we brief agencies or book direct?

Direct via a marketplace is faster and cheaper. Use an agency for named-artist coordination on £25k+ engagements.

How far ahead do bespoke acts book?

Bespoke rehearsed sets need 6–10 weeks. Simple acoustic sets can turn around in 2 weeks.

What's the biggest mistake?

Booking generic "corporate entertainment" and hoping it lands. Curate for the message.

Entertainment for Product Launches: A Brand Playbook

Product launch entertainment works when it amplifies one brand message, not competes with it. The best format is a curated arrival act, a 3-minute reveal moment with a live element, and a low-key close. Budget £8,000–£40,000 for a serious launch.

7 min read·Jun 30, 2026

Product launch event with modern staging and lighting

One brand message, three entertainment beats

Arrival: sets the tone — string quartet, DJ, aerialist
Reveal: the one moment guests talk about — bespoke choir, drone show, headline artist
Close: keeps energy up without stealing focus — DJ

Bespoke performance beats generic booking

A choir performing a stripped arrangement of your brand's anthem, or a jazz trio playing the last 4 CEO talks as a medley, is worth 10× a generic function band. Brief for bespoke, not familiar.

Fee ranges

Arrival act: £600–£3,000
Reveal moment (bespoke ensemble): £2,500–£15,000
Surprise headline: £10,000–£100,000+

Rights, recording and social

For anything that goes on social, get performance rights in writing. Session musicians usually charge an additional 25–50% for social usage. Named artists are custom.

"A product launch is not a party. Every minute of entertainment should map to a message the CMO can justify."

Brief a bespoke launch act on StageSide.

For brands

FAQ

Frequently asked

How much does a product launch band cost?: £2,500–£15,000 for a bespoke ensemble. Named artists start at £10,000 and go past £100,000.
Can we license the footage for social?: Yes, with a separate performance-rights agreement. Budget 25–50% on top of the fee.
Should we brief agencies or book direct?: Direct via a marketplace is faster and cheaper. Use an agency for named-artist coordination on £25k+ engagements.
How far ahead do bespoke acts book?: Bespoke rehearsed sets need 6–10 weeks. Simple acoustic sets can turn around in 2 weeks.
What's the biggest mistake?: Booking generic "corporate entertainment" and hoping it lands. Curate for the message.

Ready when you are