Funk Empire
Funk Empire brings Funk, Soul, and Disco back to the 21st Century. None of the cheese, and only the best grooves to guarantee a packed dancefloor all night long!
Based in London, Funk Empire is one of the UK’s leading funk soul bands, having performed at hundreds of weddings and corporate events around the UK and also in Europe.
Offering varied line ups to suit all budgets, from 5 – 10 piece band!
Expect to hear your favourite Funk, Soul, Motown and Disco classics by Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Chic, Earth Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, Prince and Michael Jackson. Not only that, but Funk Empire bring you right up to date with more recent hits inspired by these old school legends, with Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Pharell Williams and many more..! For those of you looking for something super cool and off the charts, Funk Empire also perform a number of rare groove, funk, and acid jazz tracks which will keep even the most discerning listener happy!
All of this is presented to you in the unique Funk Empire style with glitz, glam, flair and energy – for a spectacular night that you and your guests will never forget!
The Funk Empire has performed at many renowned venues in London and beyond – including Blenheim Palace, Emirates Stadium, Madame Tussauds, The London Science Museum, Bush Hall, The Savoy, The Ritz, The Hilton, as well as 100’s of smaller wedding venues across the country.
One of the most popular line ups is the 8 piece band because it has the the perfect combination of male & female vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, saxophone and trumpet. However if space or budget is limited, the Funk Empire is also available as a 5 piece band which is the most affordable option.
Each of the singers know exactly how to work the crowd and also make the guests feel special. The drummer and bassist are the driving force behind the rhythm section, and combined these two are enough to get the dancefloor thumping. A highly accomplished guitarist playing rhythm and lead will wow your guests with super slick licks and impressive solos. The keyboard player takes care of the rest, layering pianos, strings, brass and synths, giving the impression of a much larger band. There’s nothing quite like the sound of a live horn section for that fat, funk sound! And having the saxophone and trumpet will add more sonic impact and spectacle on stage. For the ultimate party, you can have up to 3 vocalists plus percussion! Having multiple singers allows us to work the dancefloor better, encouraging more interaction with you and your guests. And the extra percussion adds that authentic disco flavour to the party which everyone will love!
You can also choose extra acoustic performances as a duo or trio in addition to the full band if required. This is a very popular option during the wedding ceremony, drinks reception, or dinner before the party really begins!
Wether you are looking for the ultimate Funk, Soul wedding band or entertainment for your corporate event, you are guaranteed a spectacular performance that you and your guests will never forget.
Included in the package is a top of the range 3000 watt sound system complete with sub woofers, and LED lighting to highlight the stage and light up the dance floor.
Background music or party music can be provided between sets, and ipod connection is available if you wish to make your own playlist.
Emirates Stadium
The Natural History Musuem
Hilton
Park Plaza
Floriditas
5 piece – Lead vocal, keys/bv’s, Guitar, Bass and Drums.
7 piece – with horns. Trumpet and Saxophone.
3 x 40minutes sets
2 x 1hr sets
DJ music or background music between sets is available on request, and i-pod connection is available if you wish to make your own playlist.
Dan Whaley, wedding
I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for your excellent sets at my niece’s wedding at Crabbs Barn last night. I really don’t think I’ve ever seen a wedding band such as yourselves where every single thing was so absolutely spot on; the astounding musicianship of the band, the phenomenal vocals and amazing stage presence of the singer, the variety of the repertoire, the tightness of the performance, the well balanced sound, the engagement with the punters, the overall presentation, I could go on…
Clare and Andrew had a fantastic wedding day, and it was so beautifully concluded with your 3 sets. They, and indeed the rest of the family and guests, were still raving about you today, and will doubtless continue to do so for a while yet.
I very much hope to see you again, and will certainly recommend you to anyone who is on the lookout for a wedding band.
Thanks again.
“Uncle” Dan Whaley
(yellow Hawaiian shirt, blue porkpie hat, admirer of the guitarist’s quack pedal…)
Sonia, staff Christmas party, Dulwich College
Dear James
Just wanted to drop you a note to say the HUGEST thank you for everything you did to support our staff party on Friday with all the lighting and for embracing the Strictly theme with the fantastic glitterball! Funk Empire were simply fabulous and the song choice was spot on, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the dance floor so completely rammed from beginning to end before. Not sure how you managed to do that but we cannot thank you enough. We were very grateful for all you did to ensure it was such a success. We cannot wait to have you back at the College again soon and will continue to pass on the band details with gusto!
Wishing you a merry Christmas and hope that the new year brings the happiness you deserve.
Best wishes and thanks again from us all,
Sonia
Teresa & Matt, Wedding, Kent
We just wanted to say how much we appreciated all your hard work to make the music at our wedding so fantastic, and the dance floor one of the best we’ve ever seen with all of our friends and family! In our guest book, on advice cards and in person, so many people have commented on how much they loved Funk Empire and the great atmosphere you created. You played all the songs we wished for and we were so impressed by the talents of all the musicians in the band and how they engaged with all of our guests. We didn’t want the music to end (you may have guessed by our a cappella attempts at Don’t Stop Me Now at the end of the night!)
Please pass on a big thank you to the rest of the band. We will highly recommend you and Funk Empire to friends and family in the future.
Thank you so much.
Teresa and Matt
Rachel, Wedding, Essex
My husband and I are soooo glad that we chose Funk Empire to be our evening entertainment at our wedding. They sang our first dance song amazingly making it a truly special memory. We had so many compliments from our guests about the band, how they sang a great range of songs that got everyone on the dance floor. Sasha was great interacting with all of us on the dance floor, everyone loved how she came out for a boogie. Thank you so much for helping to create a truly amazing party atmosphere
Tim & Lizzie, Wedding, Buckinhamshire
Hi James, we are very sorry it has taken so long to send this email – obviously it has been a while since our wedding…
Firstly, the obvious – you and the band were absolutely awesome! Everything we knew we would get from a Funk Empire performance – slamming groove, high energy, slick performance, wonderful vibes everywhere – were there in spades. You delivered the party in as spectacular a way as we knew you would, and it was just so much fun on that dance floor, so no surprise it was full all night.
We are also incredibly grateful for all the ways that you went above and beyond the normal call of duty to make the music perfect for us… As well as enjoying all those songs from a personal point of view, it really created the soulful and funky atmosphere we wanted for all our guests.
We couldn’t have wished for a better end to our wedding day, and with yourself, Rick, Paolo & Tom performing we felt a real personal connection that made the celebrations extra-special. It was just the best.
Thank you so much once again and hope to see you soon 🙂
Tim & Lizzie
xxx
Tristan, wedding, Kent,
Funk Empire were amazing, and they made the evening the incredible party that it was! They brought a great, lively atmosphere, with Sasha singing and dancing through the dancefloor, getting everyone involved. The music was fantastic, Sasha’s amazing voice being backed up by an awesome band. All our guests loved it and some want to use Funk Empire in the future! Worth every penny, and more..!! Cannot thank them enough!!
Olivia & Mike, wedding, Berkshire
“I simply cannot praise James and his band enough! They were brilliant! Vocals were amazing and we loved how they involved the guests. There was a great choice of songs and I don’t think there was minute they were playing that the dance floor wasn’t busy! I lost count how may times a guest complimented then and asked how I’d found them – I just hope I find another excuse in the future to book them again!!”
Sophie & Rishi, wedding, Leicestershire
Huge thank you to Funk Empire for making our garden wedding so absolutely fantastic! The acoustic set was perfect for after the ceremony and the party sets got everyone on the dancefloor! We couldn’t have asked for anything more.
Fiona, wedding, Gloucestershire
Funk Empire joined us for our perfect wedding day in at Elmore court. This was the part of the day which we hoped would add a real wow factor to our wedding. We were not disappointed!
The band played three flawless sets, with Sasha and the band getting the dance floor moving and really entertaining the guests.
The band were fun and energetic and we were able to chose a number of our favourite tunes to boogie the night away to. On a personal note the band were extremely accommodating learning our first dance song – making that moment unforgettable.
If you want to have a brilliant party, this is the band to choose! Thanks so much from the new Vandenbergh-Harwood’s!
Helen, wedding, Cambridgeshire
Hi James,
Hope you are well.
I am so sorry it has taken me so long to reply – its been crazy busy ever since we came back from our honeymoon!
We were absolutely delighted with the band, they were incredible!
The music was something that was very important to us but we had nothing to worry about as they were outstanding and better than we could have ever imagined.
They certainly got the party started and all of our guests are still commenting on how amazing they were.
We will certainly be recommending them to all our family and friends whilst we look for another excuse to hire them again!
Joanne and Mike, wedding, Wales
Sorry this is belated but we have only just returned to reality from our honeymoon.
I just wanted to send you and the band a huge thank you for playing at our wedding!
You guys are so talented and professional.
Every guest we’ve spoken to since has said how brilliant you were and our dance floor was full all night!
My dad is a hard one to please when it comes to live music as its one of his passions and he was made up with you guys.
We are so glad we had you there and thank you for coming to Wales for us!
We will be recommending you to every bride and groom we meet.
Many thanks again
Joanne and Mike
Pablo and Rose, wedding, Worthing
Hi James,I just wanted to say thank you to you and the team for yesterday. It was so special for us to have such incredible live music at our wedding and everyone was saying how brilliant you all were.
In all the excitement I’ve forgotten the name of the singer but please can you pass on that we thought she was absolutely fantastic too and really lit up the party!
All the best!
Pablo and Rose
Anthony, Wedding, Doncaster
5 stars is not enough!! Excellent vocals and energy. Really kept our guests entertained with a varied playlist and great interaction. Punctual, professional and accommodating as we were a bit late and just a wonderful performance. We would definitely recommend this band for fun loving soul shaking funky people. Many many thanks for being awesome!!!
Sophie and Chris Hudson, Wedding, Kent
Just wanted to say a MASSIVE thank you for your role in our amazing wedding last weekend. More people than I can count told me that it was the best band they had ever seen at a wedding. All generations had a blast dancing along to the tunes, which is something we really wanted to achieve. Also, thanks so much for being patient and letting us go over time a little at the end. People were just having such a good time (mainly because the band music had been so happy-making) that no one was in any mood to stop. The sign of a great party! We ended up dancing round the camp fire in the field till the wee hours of the morning. Once again, thanks a million and I will be singing your praises whenever the topic of wedding bands come up with people in the future!
Love Sophie and Chris x
Neil, Birthday Party, London
I’d like to thank you so much for the 3 amazing sets you performed at my 40th Birthday. If I had dreamed of the perfect party it would never have come close to the reality. The whole band were superb, slick and professional. Sasha’s vocals outstanding and the way she works the crowd is just incredible. Loved being able to perform ‘Never too Much’ with you even at the last minute. You truly are the perfect band to get a party started but not so good at getting it finished!! We wanted you to play for another 3 hours! Hahah! Loved it so much, so thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my special day the most incredible evening. Feedback from all of the guests has been amazing and I have passed along details so hope you get more bookings! You deserve it!
Charlotte, Wedding, Hampshire
Excellent music – not the usual cheesy wedding playlist and the best indicator of how good Funk Empire were is that the dance floor was packed all night! Huge thanks to all the band – we loved the performance.
Kerry & Chris, London
Hi James, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for Saturday. You guys were so amazing, we have had so many comments from our guests. It seems the garage section went down a storm!! We couldn’t believe how versatile you were! You always know people are enjoying it when they shout ‘one more song’ at you repeatedly… I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. It was an amazing day. If you have your set list that you played that you could send to us, we’d love to have a copy. Thank you so much, and we hope we get to see you all perform again!
Eleanor, wedding, Cambridgeshire
Hi James,
Thank you so much, everyone really loved the band and I’ve had some really brilliant feedback from lots of our guests. It was fab music and you guys helped to create a wonderful atmosphere! Everyone had a really good dance – I seem to remember the dance floor being constantly occupied. Honestly, we couldn’t have asked for more. You set up very quickly and quietly and then produced some brilliant music.
Gill Bennett, Lymington
Funk Empire were totally fantastic at my son’s wedding! They threw themselves into their performance and judged the audience and the mood perfectly. The quality of their music and voices were amazing and they were obviously enjoying themselves. They were a pleasure to deal with, both on the night and prior to the wedding. They were extremely professional and relaxed, which was the perfect combination. Everyone there commented on how good they were and I have no hesitation in highly recommending them. Absolutely brilliant!
Nicki, Wedding, Hampshire
This band are absolutely fantastic! The music was excellent, Sasha the lead singer was so engaging, has a beautiful voice and really made everyone get on the dance floor. James the main organiser was extremely easy to deal with and did everything to accommodate special requests.the whole band were great fun and a pleasure to have around. I have been asked many times about where we found the band as they were so great!
Ben & Ellie, wedding, Hertfordshire
Thank you SO much for an absolutely outstanding performance at our wedding on Saturday night!! You guys were incredible, from first dance to last it was just spectacular!! The musicality and professionalism of the entire band was second to none throughout the entire evening. We can’t thank you enough for making our wedding night so special. Our guests couldn’t praise you enough!!
Thanks again, we’ll be sure to recommend you guys to anyone looking for a top quality function band!!
Sean and Harriet, Wedding, Surrey
We were incredibly lucky to have Funk Empire perform at our wedding. They brought so much genuine energy to the evening as well as playing three incredible sets. The dancefloor was full throughout the night and so many guests commented on how superb the band were. The mixture of songs in their set-list and consideration of our preferences fully exceeded all of our expectations and we could not recommend the band more. The band also learnt our first song “You’re gorgeous” by Babybird and performed it wonderfully – giving us some truly special memories.
Lisa Webster, wedding, Hertfordshire
Lorena and the rest of the band were amazing!!! All of our guests were up on the dancefloor, dancing the entire night. We had a fantastic time. Thank you!
Hi James, we had a brilliant wedding day thank you and have been really enjoying not wedding planning any more! Thanks so much to you and the other band members for all your efforts – it was such a good performance! We loved all the music and have had so many comments about how brilliant the band were on night. Loved the way Lorena also came into the crowd and created a great party atmosphere. Glad the food came ok too 🙂 Let us know if you need any recommendations of course. Best wishes to Sasha and hope she is doing ok. Thanks again for a great performance. Best wishes, Helen
Mike, Wedding, Essex
Funk Empire were great. They played the music we wanted with great skill and energy. The lead vocal was excellent. She has a super voice and really got the crowd going. Great fun.
Simon and Yasmin, wedding
We just wanted to say thank you again, it’s really difficult choosing a wedding band as you can’t see people live… your video looked good but although it was great speaking to you before to be honest it still seemed like a little bit of a gamble before hand….
We shouldn’t have worried! We could not have been happier with how it went, you guys were fantastic and our guests had an amazing time, the dancefloor was absolutely packed throughout. You brought so much energy to the night and it just flew by.
I think some friends of ours (Mo and Katie) have already booked you, or are planning on booking you for their Wedding in October, so will see you again then!
Lizzie & Andy, wedding, Kent
What can I say…. you guys were awesome! Everyone said what a great job you did. Thank you so so so much for really making the evening. All my guests and us really loved every second. Thank you!!
I will be sure to send some pics and videos when we are back.
John and Sophie, wedding, Buckinghamshire
Now that Sophie and I are back from our honeymoon, we’d like to say a huge thank you to you and the band for your amazing performance at the wedding. Everyone was raving about you once you’d finished and we wish we could have had you playing all night! The live music really brought the party to life and was a perfect accompaniment to the weather.
We have had a lot of people ask us how we found out about you and we will whole-heartedly recommend you to anyone in search of a band.
I hope you had a fantastic time celebrating your own wedding and wish you all the best for the future!
Many thanks again for making the day so special.
Paul, Corporate, Berkshire
I would just like to thank you and your band for providing us with great music on Saturday night. The way you started with the slower songs worked perfectly too.I have had so many comments of praise for the band. I have never seen our guys dance so much.Sasha has an incredible voice and is a great performer. She Interacted with the crowd so well and I even ended up dancing a lot, which made my wife happy as that’s rare.The band have a great grooving sound and I hope we have another large event someday so we can book you again.
Vivienne & Neil, wedding, Surrey
Big THANKS to you, sasha and the band for absolutely rocking the house down. It was incredible !!!….. I simply couldn’t get off the dance floor . The feedback was that it was the best wedding band by far that people had ever experienced and there’s been LOTS of weddings over the years…& lots more to come. Good luck with everything and we wish you good health, continued success and a very bright future indeed ….. Lots of love Mr & Mrs B ….♥️
Natasha Trendall, wedding, London
Great band, loads of energy, strong repertoire. Easy to deal with. All our wedding guests love them. Would highly recommend Funk Empire
Charlotte and Paul. wedding, Hampshire
I just wanted to send you a message and thank you for the amazing set you did for Paul and I, it was amazing!!
All my guests loved you guys and have raved endlessly about how much fun it was.
My only regret is that I didn’t get to spend all night on the dance floor!!….. I am sure you both understand that you have to spend a lot of time going from guest to guest.
We would both love to come and hear you playing again, so if you have any up and coming gigs we would love to know the dates.
Thanks again for making our day so special.
All our love
Charlotte and Paul.
Anthony, Wedding, Wiltshire
I just wanted to thank you and the other band members for a fantastic performance at our wedding at Bishopsdrow House on the 11th May. You guys brought great energy, a fantastic sound and helped us have a really strong focal point in our evening reception. Thanks for being so easy to work with – we loved your renditions of our requested songs (Rat in the Kitchen was particularly fun) and by the comments we have had, several of our guests would hope to book you in the future.
Luisa, Wedding, Kent
Hi Sasha
Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for Saturday night, you guys were amazing everybody was asking where i found such an amazing band. Everyone had nothing but fantastic things to say about you. Thanks again for getting everyone up and dancing and making our evening so special.
Julia, Birthday Party, London
Funk Empire were fabulous. Our party went with a swing in large part due to them. Sasha has an amazing voice and infectious energy All of our guests commented on how good they were. I would unhesitatingly hire them again.
Sally & Lee
Just wanted to say a very big thank you to you and the band for Saturday night. We had a fab time and all our family and friends commented on how good, professional and energetic you all were. I know quite a few of them will be turning 50 soon so hopefully they will book you so we can see you all perform again and especially with Sasha when she has made a full recovery.
Hope the op goes well in January and Sasha will be back on her feet before too long!
We are so pleased we chose Funk Empire and wish you all the best!
Katie Laver, Wedding, Dorking
Hi Sasha and James,
I just wanted to email to say a massive thank you for making our wedding evening awesome! The music was absolutely fantastic. We had so many positive comments about you guys and everyone loved dancing! My brother is a musician/composer himself and he said he was impressed and you were very tight as a band
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5 piece Band – £1410
7 piece Band – £1845
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