After-work drinks with a troubadour: what you need to know

After-work drinks should feel relaxed but still like something special. Live music is the difference between just staying on after work and going home to tell people about the night. A troubadour suits the format particularly well, because the music can start in the background and grow with the mood. Here is what you need to think about, whether you are organising after-work drinks for a company or running a pub that wants to fill its Thursdays.

Why a troubadour for after-work drinks?

A troubadour is one person with a guitar or piano and a voice, which keeps the logistics simple and makes it easy for them to adapt. Unlike a playlist, a troubadour can read the room, take requests and talk to the crowd. And unlike a band, they do not take over the room, so people can keep chatting until they feel like singing along.

Playing time and format

Two to three hours is enough for most after-work events, which often makes the booking cheaper than a full night. A common format is two sets with a break in between, where the first is calmer and the second builds towards a singalong. Do not start too early: let people arrive, order and chat for a while before the music begins. Agree a clear finish time too, so the night ends when the mood is at its best.

Volume and placement

The most common pitfall at after-work drinks is music that is too loud too early. Ask the troubadour to start at a level where guests can talk without raising their voices, and to turn it up in the second set. Place the troubadour where they can see the room and where those who want to listen can gather close by, while those who want to chat can stand further away. Check whether the venue has a microphone and speakers, or whether the troubadour needs to bring their own sound.

Song choice

The best after-work repertoire is songs everyone knows, from Swedish classics to international hits you can sing along to. Tell the troubadour who is coming: a workplace with several generations needs a different mix from a group of friends. Send a few favourites in advance if you can, and decide whether there is anything that should not be played.

• Playing time and number of sets are agreed.
• The troubadour knows whether the venue has its own sound system.
• You have described the crowd and sent a few song requests.
• There is a contact person on site.

Company after-work drinks or pub night?

Organising after-work drinks for a workplace is different from running a pub with an after-work night every week. For a company, it is about one night, and what matters is that the music suits your colleagues and leaves room to talk. Think about whether there will be speeches, awards or prizes, and if so, ask the troubadour for a microphone and a break at the right moment. If you are hiring a venue, check whether it has sound and when you can get in. If you are planning a bigger party with dancing, read the guide to booking a DJ for a corporate event.

For a pub, an after-work night is a recurring concept. It pays to keep the same day and time every week, ideally with a few troubadours who come back, so guests know what to expect. Promote the night in advance and keep track of how many people come and how long they stay, so you know what the music brings in.

What does a troubadour for after-work drinks cost?

A troubadour usually costs SEK 6,000–15,000 per night. After-work drinks are usually shorter and on a weekday, so the price tends to be towards the lower end of the range, especially if the venue has its own sound. Read more in our guide to troubadour prices. If you run a pub or restaurant that wants a troubadour every week, you can read about how to build a recurring music programme, or book a troubadour straight away on Jocky.

Frequently asked questions about after-work drinks with a troubadour

How long should a troubadour play at after-work drinks?

Two to three hours is enough for most after-work events, ideally split into two sets with a break. The first set can be calmer and the second can build towards a singalong. Agree the finish time in advance.

How much does a troubadour cost for after-work drinks?

A troubadour usually costs SEK 6,000–15,000 per night. After-work drinks are usually shorter and on a weekday, so the price tends to be towards the lower end of the range, especially if the venue has a microphone and speakers.

How loud should the music be at after-work drinks?

Start at a level where guests can talk without raising their voices, and turn it up in the second set as the atmosphere builds. Ask the troubadour to read the room, and place the stage so that people who want to chat can stand a little further away.

Which songs work at after-work drinks?

Songs everyone can sing along to work best, both Swedish classics and international hits. Tell the troubadour who is coming, so the repertoire suits the crowd. It helps to send a few favourites in advance.