Frequently Asked Questions
Location
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Rachel is based in Perth, Western Australia, and performs throughout the Perth metropolitan area, Fremantle, Margaret River, Dunsborough, Rottnest Island, and various other pockets of regional WA.
For London clients, Rachel has also opened London bookings exclusively for the 2027 British Spring/Summer period.
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Yes, pending availability and notice, Rachel can be booked to perform for special events beyond Perth and WA, including events and residencies across London, the UK, Europe, Singapore and Bali. Enquire directly for further discussion.
Bookings & Payments
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Bookings are typically accepted up to 6 months in advance. For special booking requests, feel free to enquire.
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For one-time events (such as weddings, corporate events and private parties), a non-refundable 20% deposit is required to secure your booking date.
For music residencies, a deposit of your first month secures your booking (note that 20% of this first monthly fee is non-refundable). After that, you can continue to pay monthly, or the full residency amount upfront. -
Payment is via bank transfer. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit is received. Full payment is due no later than 7 days prior to the event.
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Discover indicative pricing on these pages which may be relevant to you:
Rates are subject to change, so the safest thing to do is request a formal quote directly, which is valid for 14 days.
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Yes, a 25% surcharge applies to public holiday performances.
For Christmas Day, a 100% surcharge applies.
Style & Tone
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Rachel curates her set list from her broader repertoire to suit the style of event. This is part of the service, and you are welcome to request a sample song list in advance for your approval, but this is not necessary.
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Yes, with at least 4 weeks’ notice, Rachel will accept up to 3 song requests for any performance. (Please give 5-6 weeks’ notice during busy Summer events seasons.)
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Absolutely. Please provide any event dress codes at the time of booking. If your event has specific styling or a colour palette, feel free to share those details too.
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No need. Rachel provides curated background playlists that maintain the event’s vibe between sets.
Live sets are typically 40-50 minutes, with 10-20 minute breaks as needed.
Performance Requirements
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Most performances only require:
A single power outlet
A stool
Rachel brings her own musical equipment (guitar, microphone, stands) and sound system (a Bose L1 Pro8). This neat sound system packs a large punch for intimate halls, cafés, restaurants, and bar spaces.
For larger venues, such as ballrooms or hotel foyers, you may need to hire additional AV equipment through another supplier, which we can guide you on. -
This is fine, as long as we accommodate in advance. We can help arrange battery-powered sound equipment at an additional fee.
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For good health and safety (and to keep things visually beautiful), ensure Rachel’s performance area and equipment is:
Shaded and protected from direct weather elements (rain, sun, wind),
Equipped with a stool. (A sitting musician, particularly if your patrons and guests are also sitting, adds to the ambient atmosphere.)
Positioned away from guest interference (especially children). Only the artist may handle musical equipment unless agreed otherwise.
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Yes, especially for longer events:
For performances outside Perth, a meal is always required.
For 3-hour performances in Perth, a meal is required.
For shorter performances in Perth, please provide light refreshments (e.g. water or tea).
Sound System Use
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Yes, if arranged in advance. The additional use of Rachel’s PA for speeches and MC duties may incur a small additional fee, depending on time required.
Note that the microphone is not wireless, so factor in whether the live music area is also where you’d like speeches to occur.
Travel & Destination Events
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Additional fees for travel outside Perth may include travel time, accommodation, fuel or flights. These will be quoted upfront.
Live Music Residencies
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Yes. You can start with a one-month trial residency, with the option to extend into a longer arrangement.
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For outside Perth:
Regional Weekender: 3 consecutive days of live music for a standalone booking.
For the Perth metropolitan:
1-month residency
3-month residency
Ongoing monthly residency (cancel any time with 4 weeks’ notice).
Cancellations, Reschedules & Refunds
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Your initial 20% deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable to another date.
Beyond that, you are entitled to a remaining refund within certain time frames (excluding the initial deposit and any prepaid travel expenses):
80% refund if cancelled 4+ weeks out,
50% refund if cancelled 2-4 weeks out,
No refund if cancelled less than 14 days out.
We will do our best to accommodate reschedules due to unforeseen events, pending availability.
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You can cancel or pause an ongoing residency with 4 weeks’ notice, without incurring fees, excluding the initial deposit and any prepaid travel expenses.
Force Majeure
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If either party is unable to perform due to illness, fire, extreme weather, or other force majeure events, we agree to work together in good faith to reschedule or cancel with grace.
Deposits may be transferred to a new date at Rachel O’Brien’s discretion.
Insurance & Liability
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All reasonable care is taken to ensure safe and professional performances. Clients are encouraged to ensure their event or venue has suitable public liability coverage in place.
Book Live Music
Bring modern nostalgia and charm to your space. Rachel O’Brien performs soulful acoustic sets tailored to boutique hotels, design-forward cafés, and curated private events. Contact her directly to book a one-time performance or enquire about live music residency packages.