Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Matise.
Joseph, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Each member of the band has a long history of playing with numerous live and cover bands. The Walk-ins originated as a cover band playing bars all over the Midwest and in college towns. The same qualities that allowed the band to stand out amongst other bar bands are the same qualities that launched the group into the wedding industry. The Walk-ins have always been able to ignite a crowd and set the scene for an event. Our performances can act as a light backdrop when the time calls for it, but we also harbor a natural ability to light up a crowd and start a party when it’s time. Most importantly, we love what we do and that sentiment carries across to all of our brides and grooms as we seek to make their special day a perfect day.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The initial challenge we were presented with involved changing the mindset that a DJ is more versatile and cost-effective than a live band. Luckily, this trend has largely converted on its own, but we have managed to create a new generation with new expectations by providing all of the DJ’d songs a couple might want in addition to our live show.
When you think about the notion of creating a unique and memorable experience for your guests, you simply can’t lose with a live band. The energy that emanates from the band members as we hit the ground running simply cannot be emulated by the pre-recorded material. The chemistry amongst the musicians, the pulsing beat of a drum kit, and the roar of the horn section is infectious, not to mention the crowd interaction and dynamic vocals of our singers. Guests simply can’t help but get on their feet! When guests see us at one wedding and then see us at your wedding, there is no mistaking how distinctly different each event is. We will make sure that our attention to detail honors your unique individuality.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
In the Walk-ins, we pride ourselves on being the most versatile all service wedding band in the industry! For over ten years we have been met with glowing reviews that describe how “stress-free” events are when we are on duty. For the majority of the weddings we play, we provide live music and sound for the ceremony, live acoustic music for cocktail hour, an hour-long live piano show for dinner and full reception services including: Master of Ceremonies and announcements, live and Dj’d music, customizable set lists for all music.
In addition to these duties, we are able to officiate your wedding, learn any specialty songs, and we arrange songs to suit their purpose. One of the details our couples love is when we arrange songs with unique instrumentation to set an appropriate mood for their ceremony or first dance. Our instrumentation includes but is not limited to: male/female vocalists, a capella vocals with up to five vocalists, acoustic/electric guitar, piano, mandolin, ukulele, brass, percussion, etc.
What were you like growing up?
As a kid, I loved sports, music, and working. I’ve been working multiple jobs at a time since I was 12. Playing music was a big part of my life and has been for the last 25 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thewalkins.com
- Phone: 708-257-8424
- Email: thewalkins@comcast.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkinsRock
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSrMIa7obGuesYpT__tdy4A
Image Credit:
Victoria Sprung Photography, LLC
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