Songwriting

Some positive updates from my other musical venture - as well as performing at weddings I write and produce songs for others and collaborate with all sorts of people. A couple of recent successes include: - Contract signed with Universal Music to release my co-written song "Ghost", a single for Taiwanese artist Amber Ann - A fun reggae tune called "Bassa Bassa" co-written at Elton John's Rocket Studios in London with emerging UK/Barbados artist Callum Wright. You can check out Callum's EP on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/lazy-days-ep/id893201815

Wedding Music Ideas - Acoustic Guitarist and Singer

A quick thought or two on having live music at a wedding...

Being an acoustic guitarist and singer, I know how much a live musician can add to the wedding day. My most common bookings are for the wedding ceremony and the following drinks reception - two parts of the day where live acoustic guitar and vocals just works so beautifully.

Acoustic guitar adds a really personal touch at wedding ceremonies

There are many options for your wedding day if you're looking for live musicians. Maybe you want a string quartet to provide a beautiful rendition of your song at the ceremony. Strings are a lovely accompaniment to a more traditional ceremony.

I've found that my modern style of acoustic guitar has been really popular in recent times. I think a lot of people instantly associate wedding guitarists with classical guitarists - a guy sat in a corner plucking a classical guitar, playing the old standards. My style is totally different... think more Ed Sheeran, Jason Mraz - I sing and play acoustic guitar and I think it really helps set the tone for the wedding day. You can check out some videos here:

When I'm playing at the wedding ceremony, I usually have some specific songs requested by the bride and groom. I can learn most songs on the acoustic guitar (I've not been beaten yet, and I've had some obscure requests!) - and this provides a unique, memorable way of including some live music at the wedding ceremony.

Many people now follow their ceremony with a drinks reception - maybe serving champagne or afternoon tea while guests mingle, and the wedding couple have photographs taken. I think this is when an acoustic guitar set really comes into it's own. It gives guests a focal point, and some entertainment in the afternoon. There's often about an hour - an hour and a half gap between the ceremony and the wedding breakfast, and I love providing some music for people to listen to. It's particularly great in the Summer, outdoors on a warm sunny day.

An upbeat acoustic set is a great way to kick off the evening party

Of course, the other time at a wedding when live music comes into it's own is at the evening party. I'm sure everyone would love to book a band, but it's not always that easy. There's so many bands out there - of varying quality! And with varying price ranges. You get what you pay for, as a rule, unless you can get a mate's band to do a cheap favour for you. But generally, you're going to need to set aside an absolute minimum of £1000 for a good band to perform on the wedding night.

This is where I come in! Booking me offers a very budget-friendly option, and I guarantee that guests will be entertained, up on the dance floor and singing along. I play out in Bristol most Friday and Saturday nights when I'm not booked for weddings, so I know exactly what songs to play to get the crowd up on their feet. From old classics like the Beatles and Van Morrisson through to modern artists like Bastille, Ed Sheeran and Jessie J, my repertoire is large and varied.

Click to browse my online repertoire

Sometimes I'll be booked as a warm-up, before a DJ or band - and sometimes I'll be the main event! Either way, I love playing at the evening party and helping make it a night to remember (or forget... depending on how well the champers is flowing!!)

I hope this blog gave you some ideas - if you're planning your wedding day and thinking about entertainment, maybe this will inspire you to book me and my guitar on your big day! You can get in touch with me here: Pat McIntyre - Guitarist For Weddings

Live Wedding Guitar Songs

I've been recording some live footage at this Summer's wedding events and have started to get around to putting some of it on YouTube. I've set up a playlist which you can watch below... and I'll be continually adding to this as an when I upload more footage :)

Public Appearance at Clifton Arcade

Tomorrow I'll be playing some fun, upbeat summery acoustic tunes at the beautiful Clifton Arcade centre. Dating back to 1878, Clifton Arcade is a unique and beautiful shopping little centre full of charm and character, right in the heart of Clifton Village. From 2pm-ish, I'll be playing an hour or two of acoustic songs, so if you're nearby then why not pop down and say hi!

Pat McIntyre playing at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Very pleased to announce that I'll be playing some live music at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta (7-10th August 2014) this year. I'll be performing for the balloonists and crews, hopefully camping over at the site too - should be a big old knees-up! And yes, I get to take a flight in a hot air balloon... can't wait!

Viral cat video!! And a TV appearance on BBC1

Unrelated to weddings, and (unfortunately!) unrelated to music - but in a random turn of events, I've been invited to appear on The One Show on BBC1 this coming Wednesday. Some of you may know that a little while back, a video I posted to YouTube went viral. It was shared on sites such as the Huffington Post, and was even featured on the Steve Wright Show on BBC Radio 2 at one point! It was a strange week. As well as being a musician, I work 3 days a week as a postman. Yup - you guessed it, I really am Postman Pat! I was out on my walk one day when a friendly cat took a liking to me. You guessed it again - it was a black and white cat! So we had a real-life Postman Pat and his black and white cat, and the internet went crazy for it... you can see the video here:

Now, with the upcoming launch of a Postman Pat movie, the One Show are doing a feature and decided to invite me down the studios to get involved with the programme. Well, what could I say other than... YES?!! Should be a lot of fun, I'm already getting nervous though - live TV! You can catch the programme this Wednesday 14th May, from 7pm - 8pm.

New guitar: Gibson Songwriter Electro-acoustic

So finally, my well played and much beloved old Washburn electro-acoustic has been retired (well not completely – it’ll still be used in the studio and as a backup guitar). I splashed out and realised my lifelong dream of owning a Gibson acoustic guitar – and what a beauty she is.