How Much Does It Cost to Book a Music Artist in India?

The type of event has a big impact on cost. A club show will be priced differently than a wedding, and a corporate event has its own vibe altogether.

For example, one of our clients booked an indie band for a beach wedding in Goa. Since it was an intimate setup with limited equipment, the total cost was under ₹1.5 lakhs. But another corporate brand launch in Mumbai needed a big-name DJ, complete with lights, visuals, and backup dancers. That setup went upwards of ₹12 lakhs.

Here’s a rough cost range depending on the type of event:

So, before you even pick an artist, understand the setting, the crowd, and the purpose of your event.

Artist Category and Fame Level

The more popular the music artist in India, the more they charge. Pretty straightforward, right?

Here’s how they’re generally categorized:

a) Upcoming or Local Artists

These are budding singers, indie bands, or DJs who have a solid following in their city or niche. They’re perfect for cozy settings like family get-togethers or local club shows.

1. Cost: ₹30,000 to ₹1.5 lakhs
2. Example: A Mumbai-based acoustic duo, often booked for Sunday brunch gigs.

b) Mid-Tier Artists

These include reality show contestants, playback singers, or mid-level DJs. They’re often a great fit for corporate events or mid-size music events.

1. Cost: ₹2 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs
2. Example: A former Indian Idol finalist who now performs across India.

c) Celebrity or Bollywood Artists

These are big names who’ve had chartbusters, millions of streams, and a pan-India presence. They bring the crowd, the vibe, and the glam.

1. Cost: ₹10 lakhs to ₹1 crore (sometimes more)
2. Example: Think of someone like Badshah, Neha Kakkar, or Armaan Malik.

The higher the artist’s demand, the earlier you’ll need to book them—especially during wedding season or festival time.

Location and Travel Costs

Where your event is happening makes a big difference.

If the music artist in India is based in your city, great—you’ll save on travel, accommodation, and logistics. But if you’re calling an artist from Mumbai for a show in Jaipur, you’ll need to budget for:

1. Airfare (business class for A-list names)
2. Hotel stay (minimum 4-star, often 5-star)
3. Local travel (pickup-drop in luxury cars)
4. Crew travel (sound engineers, manager, etc.)

A friend once tried to book a Delhi-based singer for a wedding in Kerala. The artist’s fee was ₹4 lakhs, but logistics added another ₹1.2 lakhs to the final bill.

Always factor in these extras, especially if your event is outside a major city.

Duration of the Performance

A 30-minute set costs less than a full 90-minute concert. But it’s not just about time—it’s also about energy and preparation.

1. For weddings, artists usually do 2-3 songs or a short medley.
2. For club shows, DJs often play a 90-minute to 3-hour set.
3. Corporate events prefer quick, engaging 30-minute sets with minimal setup.

If your artist needs to rehearse, bring in a band, or do multiple sets, that adds to the cost. So make sure you’re clear about how long and what kind of performance you need.

Technical Setup and Rider Requirements

Every music artist in India comes with a technical rider—a list of things they need to perform.

This could include:

1. Sound system and mixers
2. LED wall and lighting
3. Stage setup
4. In-ear monitors
5. Dressing room requirements
6. On-stage security

Some artists even ask for specific green room setups—think scented candles, certain snacks, or even room temperature preferences.

For example, one popular DJ asked for a full Pioneer CDJ setup and extra cooling fans behind the console. The venue didn’t plan for it, and last-minute rentals added ₹75,000 to the bill.

Tip: Always check the rider when finalizing the artist.

Day and Date of the Event

Fridays and Saturdays are high-demand days, especially for club shows and DJ events. So naturally, the rates are higher.

If you’re hosting your music event mid-week or during the off-season, you might get better pricing. Many clients negotiate great deals for Sunday brunches or weekday brand activations.

Weddings in November-December? Expect peak pricing.

Booking Through an Agency vs. Direct

You can try to contact artists directly through social media, but it’s often hit or miss. Most established artists work through managers or booking agents.

Booking through a trusted platform like BMT Agency ensures:

1. Transparent pricing
2. Contractual safety
3. Artist availability checks
4. Backup plans if things go wrong
5. Professional handling of logistics and rider

Agencies also help match the right music artist in India for your vibe and budget.

A client once booked an indie band for a corporate dinner and later realized the artist didn’t have experience in formal crowd engagement. With the agency’s help, they quickly swapped to a jazz trio that completely transformed the event.

Tips to Save Money Without Compromising on Experience

Not every great event needs a celebrity face. Some of the best music events we’ve seen had lesser-known but incredibly talented artists who just clicked with the crowd.

Here are a few smart tips:

1. Book early. Last-minute bookings cost more.
2. Choose local talent when possible.
3. Be flexible on performance time or duration.
4. Ask for package deals if you’re booking more than one act.
5. Host your DJ event or family get-together on weekdays to avoid weekend premiums.

Final Thoughts

Booking a music artist in India is not just about cost—it’s about finding the right vibe for your event. Whether you’re planning an intimate family get-together or a massive corporate celebration, there’s an artist out there who fits both your style and budget.

You don’t need to break the bank to throw a memorable event. You just need to match the right artist with the right moment.

If you’re not sure where to start, give us a shout at BMT Agency. We’ve helped hundreds of clients across India plan unforgettable nights, from rooftop acoustic gigs to high-energy DJ events.

Let’s make your next music event legendary—without the confusion or chaos.

Need help picking the perfect music artist in India?
Drop us a message and we’ll send you a handpicked list of artists that fit your event style and budget.