Hello, Monday! We are kicking off a brand new week with an inside look at one of our favorite exclusive bands — We Got The Beat. We got together with the band to play 20 Questions and you are going to LOVE their fun answers! But, first, let’s check some basic stats.
Band Name: We Got The Beat
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Members: Brad Cox – Lead Vocals & Bandleader | Jen Ledbetter – Lead Vocals | Pat Valley – Guitar | Chris Irvin – Keys | Rodney Beaufouef – Drum | Nick McQUillian – Bass
Connect with We Got The Beat
Facebook: /wegotthebeatband
Instagram: @wegotthebeatband
Twitter: None. (Pictures are cooler than words.)
Band Website: www.wegotthebeatband.com | www.iwantthebeat.com
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1. How did the band come into existence? How|When did you get your start?
We’ve been together for 4 years. Pat and I have been playing in bands together for over 10 years so there is a ton of chemistry and history between the two of us.
The band came together from an idea I had to change the perception of what a wedding/corporate band is. “Wedding band” has such a cheesy dark stigma when mentioned. I decided to create the next generation party band but still incorporate a few classic songs for the older crowd. We always want guests/attendees to dial in that we are a real band and not hired guns going thru the motions. Every show is unique and no two shows are a like. I love it when people come up to us after weddings and tell me “I’ve been to so many weddings and I have never seen anything like this. I can’t believe you guys are really a wedding band, amazing!!!” or “You played more than 3 hours with out a break.” Guests have great time and it’s a memorable moment for all. We’re not your typical band. Mission accomplished. (Brad Cox)
2. Where is your favorite place you have played (venue|city)? Why?
Although I love traveling and exploring new cities, I think my favorite venues we’ve played are the Tabernacle and Centennial Olympic Park right here in Atlanta. I have lots of memories of seeing great shows at both spots, so it’s always special for me. (Pat Valley)
3. What is special about your band?
The fact that I can truly say we are all friends. Many bands may say it, but we mean it. It shows during our shows. We laugh and have fun with each other. The energy translates to the crowd. We don’t fake it.
The other thing would be our sound. It’s not watered down. Our goal is to make you feel like you are seeing your favorite artist in a sold out arena with all your best friends. The sound and the energy is 100% there. (Brad Cox)
4. What has been your most memorable gig? What made it so memorable?
“This is tough because we are blessed to meet so many wonderful people and see beautiful venues and events. To answer this question, I’m going to make it personal. On my birthday we played an event for an amazing family in Virginia. From the moment we arrived on their beautiful farm, the hospitality they showed us was unbelievable. During our show they found out that it was my birthday. When we were done, one of the family members asked if they could sing me Happy Birthday. And they did! Their whole family sang to me. It was an awesome moment.” (Jen Ledbetter)
5. What are you listening to right now?
I’m really into Tori Kelly. I’ve been listening to her ever since her days of doing YouTube videos. I think she is super talented and her voice is so consistent live and recorded, which is hard to find. (Jen Ledbetter)
6. If you could meet any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?
I’d like to meet Paul McCartney and hear some old Beatles stories. (Rodney Beaubouef)
7. What is your favorite song to play?
That changes all of the time, but I always have fun with our medley of ’90s pop/dance/hip-hop. We put a unique spin on some Salt-N-Pepa, Ace of Base, and others that really have a lot of energy. Also, we’re doing “Bohemian Rhapsody” soon, which is very fun for me on guitar as a big Queen fan. (Pat Valley)
8. What would you sing at Karaoke night?
“Baby Got Back” is my karaoke go-to because its lyrics are timeless, meaningful, and sincere. (No one is admitting to this answer!)
9. If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
Such a hard question… I am an old soul and would love to go back to the 40’s with Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Ginger Rodgers and Fred Astaire. Things seemed a little more simple without all the technology. But on the other hand I am an 80’s/90’s child and had great memories of those days and the economy was booming, so going back now as an adult would be rad. (Brad Cox)
10. What is your all-time favorite movie?
TOMMY BOY! The quotes are endless. (Rodney Beaubouef)
11. What was the first concert you attended?
Grew up around live music on the beach all the time but my first big concert was Jay-Z, 311 and Hoobastank in ATL @ High Fi Buys Amphitheatre. (Nick McQuillian)
12. Which song do people request most often?
No matter what song’s been hot in the past few years, audiences just don’t stop requesting “Don’t Stop Believin’ (Pat Valley)
13. What is the one thing you want potential clients to know about you?
Being professional is top priority. I have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drinking, smoking or anything else could hinder our performance. It’s all about the client having an over the top, exciting, fantastic experience. We may look young, but music is my career for more than 10 years. We perform for Fortune 500 executives, social events, galas, and festivals. Our goal is to exceed all client expectations while always having fun. That’s what life is about. (Brad Cox)
14. What do you never leave home without?
My lucky stuffed turtle. It’s a gift from my wife. (Nick McQuillian)
15. What gets you excited about 2016?
The opportunity is there for growth and new goals. Also, it means another year has passed and I survived. #winning Haha! (Brad Cox)
16. If Hollywood made a movie of your band, which movie stars would play the roles of your band members?
I would pay to watch this movie!
Bon Jovi-BRAD
Ben Stiller- PAT
DJ Jazzy Jeff- CHRIS
Jack Black -RODNEY
Jim Brewer- NICK
Winona Ryder-JEN
(Rodney Beaubouef)
17. What is that one song that is guaranteed to get everybody out on the dance floor?Besides the obvious 80’s classics? Hmmm… I’d definitely say “Shut Up and Dance.” It’s fun to sing and normally everybody hits the dance floor. (Jen Ledbetter)
18. What is one of the things on your bucket list?
To drive the Autobahn (Chris Irvin)
19. If you didn’t play music, what would you be doing for a living?
That’s really tough to say… I have a really strong passion for animals but my other passions are psychology and politics. I already serve on several elected boards for the city I live in, so that would be an easy switch since I have experience. (Brad Cox)
20. What is your favorite snack on the road?
Definitely not chico sticks and or twizzlers. LOL. I would have to say QuikTrip Cinnamon Apple n’ Yogurt Parfait or the Wawa Mango & Yogurt Parfait! (Chris Irvin)
BONUS QUESTION: What is your favorite thing about being a musician?
Meeting new people, seeing new places and being a part of somebody’s memorable event and being able to make it even more special for them. Music is about making people feel good and that’s what I intend to do. (Brad Cox)
