Choosing a Band Size
Nesta is available as a steel drum soloist, to a 7-piece steel drum and Caribbean band.
Here are some guidelines to choosing a band size - and please know that you can contact us if you need help figuring it out!
Keep in mind that steel drums will be the main instrument. For most events that are looking for a band sound, or more upbeat sound, it's best to have bass and drumset / percussion accompanying the steel drums. They bring the low-end and reinforce the groove of the music. There are two different ways this can be accomplished:
1. A live bassist and live drummer
2. Bass and drumset backing tracks (not live musicians)
What are Backing Tracks?
They are pre-made tracks with music software that play the role of bass and drumset, mainly. But keep in mind that backing tracks do not compare to having a real bassist and drummer. Why? They are static, as they do not interplay with the other musicians, do not have as good tone-quality, do not have nuance, and overall, don't sound as much like an actual band.
Description of Each Size Band
SOLO: steel drums w/ opt. backing tracks, opt. vocals
DUO: Like a solo, but adds another steel drummer.
Possibility of other instruments like guitar for second player, but two steel drummers is most common
TRIO: Like a duo but adds drumset, and uses bass backing tracks.
Other configurations for trios available as well, including one which has all live musicians, no tracks
QUARTET: Like a trio, but adds live bassist, so entire band has live musicians.