How much does a troubadour cost? Prices for pub nights, after-work drinks and parties
Short answer
A troubadour usually costs SEK 6,000–15,000 per night in Sweden. The price depends mainly on playing time, the day of the week, whether the troubadour brings their own sound and how much the evening demands in terms of repertoire and crowd interaction.
A troubadour, an acoustic singer-guitarist and a staple of Swedish pubs, is one of the most flexible artists you can book. The same person can play gentle background music during dinner and have the whole pub singing along two hours later. That's exactly why prices vary: the gigs can look very different. Here we go through what a troubadour usually costs and what decides where in the range your evening lands.
How much does a troubadour cost?
A troubadour usually costs between SEK 6,000 and 15,000 for a night. That range covers a typical gig of three to four hours with breaks, such as a pub night, after-work drinks or a birthday party. The amount is the troubadour's fee and may or may not include sound equipment.
The lower end of the range is common for shorter weeknight gigs, such as after-work drinks at a pub that already has a microphone and speakers. The upper end is common for weekend nights, private parties and corporate events where the troubadour plays all evening, brings their own sound and is expected to keep the singalong going.
What affects the price of a troubadour?
| Factor | Brings the price down | Pushes the price up |
|---|---|---|
| Playing time | One or two sets | The whole night with few breaks |
| Day of the week | Monday to Thursday | Friday, Saturday and Christmas party season |
| Sound | The venue's microphone and speakers | The troubadour brings their own sound |
| Repertoire | The troubadour's usual set list | Requested songs that need to be learned |
| Travel | A local troubadour | Long journey or an overnight stay |
The day of the week matters a lot for troubadours, because Fridays and Saturdays are when pubs and restaurants book the most. If you can book a Thursday, you'll often have more to choose from. The repertoire also plays a part: a troubadour who has to learn songs specially for your event puts in time that shows up in the price.
Different types of troubadour gig
Pub night
The classic troubadour night is all about singalongs and connecting with the crowd. Here it matters more that the troubadour can read the room and bring the audience with them than that every song sounds like the original. Expect two to three sets with breaks.
After-work drinks
At after-work drinks, people need to be able to both chat and sing along. The music often starts gently and builds through the evening. The gig is usually shorter, which brings the price down. Read more in our guide to after-work drinks with a troubadour.
Dinner and party
At a private party or a corporate event, the troubadour often plays more softly during dinner and then takes charge of the atmosphere once coffee has been served. That calls for a broad repertoire and a feel for when to turn it up.
What's included when you book a troubadour?
Most gigs include the performance itself, instruments and a set list tailored to the crowd. Whether sound is included depends on the troubadour and the venue, so it should always be in the quote. Also ask whether the troubadour takes requests during the evening and whether it costs extra to learn a particular song.
How to get the most out of the night
A troubadour night thrives on the atmosphere in the room, and you can influence that. Put the troubadour where the guests can see them, not in a corner behind a pillar. Turn down the background music before the first set and let the staff introduce the evening, so guests understand that something is happening. Let the troubadour know in advance if there's a celebration, such as a birthday or an anniversary, so they can mark it. And give the troubadour a contact person who can answer questions about volume and timings during the evening. Little things like these often decide whether guests stay and sing along or move on after one drink.
How to compare quotes
Compare playing time, number of breaks, sound and travel rather than just the total. Ask for a clip from a previous gig, ideally from a similar event, so you can hear how the troubadour handles a crowd. When you book through Jocky, you see profiles, clips and prices in one place, and the agreement and invoicing are handled in the platform. You can book a troubadour directly or compare with what a DJ costs.
Frequently asked questions about booking a troubadour
How much does a troubadour cost for a pub night?
A troubadour for a pub night usually costs SEK 6,000–15,000, depending on playing time, day of the week and whether the troubadour brings their own sound. A shorter weeknight usually lands at the lower end of the range. Weekend nights with singalongs all evening come in higher.
How long does a troubadour play?
A typical troubadour night is three to four hours, split into two or three sets with breaks. For after-work drinks the gig is often shorter. Settle the playing time before you ask for quotes, as it affects the price the most.
Does the troubadour bring their own sound?
It varies. Many pubs and restaurants have a microphone and speakers the troubadour plugs into, while a private party usually means the troubadour brings their own sound. The quote should say which applies.
Can you request songs from a troubadour?
Yes, requests are a big part of a troubadour night. Feel free to send a list in advance of songs your crowd loves. If a song needs to be learned specially, it may cost extra, so ask about it when you book.
