The Wedding Edition chat’s to In-demand musician Geoff talks all things music to TWE for the ultimate wedding party. Here’s our 9 Questions with Geoff Sewell, Global CEO of Incognito Artists
I love working in my industry because…
At Incognito Artists, our mission is to touch, move and inspire our audiences representing the magic of being alive! Music is healing. Everyone has a soundtrack to their life. Now, more than ever, music is helpful for our health because it’s scientifically proven to raise your vibration and make you feel GOOD. And singing calms your nervous system (from ‘fight or flight’ response to ‘rest and restore’). I don’t sing to perform nicely according to technical or commercial criteria, I sing to get the whole crowd involved and make a real difference in people’s lives. We call ourselves a transformational company because we love to take the energy in a room from ordinary to extraordinary and leave everyone on cloud nine.
I’m best known for…
Co-creating the world’s first opera band with Amici Forever, signed to RCA Victor and Sony BMG in 2002. No one was doing what we did at that time. Sometimes it doesn’t pay to be first though and Il Divo went on to greater global fame after following our lead. But I’ve been able to mix my career with putting my family first which, to me, is much more a measure of success. Incognito Artists also pioneered the ‘singing waiters’ act in the UK and Europe and we turned it into something authentic, diverse and meaningful.
My biggest achievement to date is…
My two daughters (now teenagers) and being married to my beautiful wife, and best friend, for 23+ blessed years.
My top three tips for any couple would be…
For marriage (ha!):
Honesty is always the best policy. Your state of mind is inner work, not a reflection of outer circumstances. No one else and nothing else is responsible for your happiness, except you. Try to focus on the positive of each other for a long, love story. In life, energy flows where attention goes.
For entertainment:
- When you begin planning, think about the atmosphere you are trying to create. Do you want impact? Do you want them to feel moved, or relaxed, or pumped and ready to party? Choose entertainment based on the feeling you want to leave your guests with.
- So often, entertainment is thought of as an ‘add on’ luxury that isn’t worth the expense. Not so. The entertainment can make, or break, your special day in terms of your guests’ experience. (We’re a master at engaging with an audience, surprising and dazzling guests. The bride and groom are part of the performance to whatever degree you want to be! The most common thing we hear from our clients is, ‘you MADE our wedding! They can’t stop talking about you!’)
- Last but definitely not least: singers, bands and DJs live and die by their sound equipment and engineer. Do not scrimp on your sound system. A professional PA system and a reliable, efficient sound technician are must-haves.
The current performance trends I’m loving are…
Anything that focuses on crowd participation and the major need to get people connected! Guests are desperate to sing, dance, touch and participate in the joy of the moment, after 18 months of being physically separated and emotionally depleted.
The podcast I’m listening to is…
Russell Brand’s Under The Skin. He’s insanely intelligent, eloquent and funny at the same time. He opens my eyes every time by debating current issues – from politics to plants – in his inimitable way.
My favourite place in the world to skip the crowds is…
New Zealand because that’s where I’m from. NZ is as far from the madding crowd as you can get and we pride ourselves on the jaw-dropping nature, nice people and adventures to be found there.
My most memorable event ever was…
I’m blessed to have performed for heroes and legends, all memorable! Highlights include Nelson Mandela – his energy was incredible! And the Queen, at the top of the list. There have been many ‘pinch myself’ moments involving stars like Pink, Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli, Olivia Newton John and Keith Urban at surreal events. One of the first superstar events I sang at with Incognito Artists was Sir Elton John’s White Tie and Tiara Ball at his home in Windsor years ago and it was certainly an eye opener to lifestyles of the rich and famous. One memorable wedding was at Cala di Volpe in Sardinia where the bride arrived by speedboat and then we sang her down the watery aisle… but all weddings, big or small, are memorable for us because we feel the LOVE and we’re privileged to share in it. They’re the perfect reminder of why we all exist – to love and be loved in return.
And finally, what’s next for Incognito Artists is…
Our industry has been badly affected by governments’ covid restrictions worldwide, even though you’d think music is an essential service for health and wellbeing. We strive to do what we love to do more than ever and make a difference – let’s get the music, events and entertainment industries back on their feet 100%. We continue to be devoted to celebrating and enhancing the magic of love and connection.
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