A Moment With 'CRocQ Music'

ABIA meets Newcastle-based master musician and wedding entertainment specialist Crocqhenri Lucero

Tony Potts Photography

Born into a musical family and growing up watching his mum and uncle sing in a cover band, performing at weddings was a natural progression for talented vocalist and guitarist Crocqhenri Lucero.

“It all started with singing at a friend's wedding, which led to performing at their friend's wedding, and then at their friend’s friend’s weddings,” he explains.

More than twenty years on, having sung and strummed at weddings from Fiji to Florida, Crocqhenri — or Crocq, as he prefers to be known — now offers his entertainment services as a soloist, duo, trio or full-band through CRocQ Music, catering to events and weddings in Newcastle and beyond.

We convinced the experienced entertainer to set down his microphone for a moment to talk wedding music trends, reading the room and impromptu ‘Shaggy’ impersonations.

Nicole Butler Photography

Tell us about your business and wedding entertainment services?

Whether in need of a solo performance, a duo, trio or a full band, we tailor our wedding entertainment services to match each couple’s vision, with a blend of vocals, guitar, keyboard, percussion and deejaying. Our repertoire spans from Elvis to Usher, and everything in between, ensuring we can cater to all musical tastes.

We pride ourselves on reading the room and tailoring the night to suit the vibe of the day. Our entertainment typically begins with easy listening music during live performances and transitions to DJ services as the night progresses. However, we're always ready to get the party started early if the occasion calls for it. Our goal is to cater to every musical element of a wedding day, providing a seamless and memorable experience that will be talked about for years to come.

How did you get started in the wedding industry?

I was born into a very musical family. My mum and uncle were, and still are, in a very popular cover band called 'Talk of the Town’. Growing up, I would watch them entertain people every week, and I definitely learned from their example. I performed at my first wedding more than 20 years ago, and from there everything grew organically. It all started with singing at a friend's wedding, which led to performing at their friend's wedding, and then at their friend’s friend’s weddings. This word-of-mouth journey has allowed me to share my passion for music and entertainment with countless couples on their special days.

Images courtesy CRocQ Music

Where are you based and what locations do you service?

I'm based in Newcastle, but my musical journey has taken me to private functions and weddings both locally and all over the world. I've had the pleasure of performing in destinations such as Thailand, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Zealand, Seattle, Bali, and Florida. Next year, I plan to travel along the east coast of Australia, and I’m excited about the potential opportunities that may arise as I explore new locations and bring my entertainment services to more couples celebrating their special day.

What types of wedding entertainment do you offer?

We offer a variety of wedding entertainment options to suit different preferences and budgets. Our services include:

• Solo performances — ideal for intimate settings and budget-conscious couples.
• Duo performances — perfect for creating a fuller sound while maintaining an intimate feel.
• Trio performances — to add even more depth and versatility to the music.
• Full band — for those looking to make a big impact with lively and dynamic performances.

All packages include DJ services towards the end of the night, ensuring a seamless transition from live music to a dance party.

Tony Potts Photography

At what point in their wedding planning should couples consider entertainment? How far in advance should they book?

I believe that music is something couples should consider in the early stages of their wedding planning. Music, as I've been told and truly believe, can really make or break a celebration. It sets the tone for the entire event and creates lasting memories.
I usually advise couples to book their entertainment about a year in advance. This ensures that they secure their preferred date and gives us ample time to tailor our services to their specific needs. Our calendar tends to fill up quickly, so early booking is key.

What styles of entertainment do you recommend for ceremonies? For receptions? Are there styles that work well for both?

For wedding ceremonies, I recommend acoustic music. It's intimate, elegant and perfectly complements the romantic atmosphere. However, the choice of music is ultimately up to the couple.
For wedding receptions, we aim to cater to all genres. We usually start with easy listening music to create a relaxed atmosphere, gradually transitioning to more upbeat and dance-friendly tunes as the night progresses. If the occasion calls for it, we're also ready to get the party started early, ensuring the music matches the vibe of the celebration.
There are styles that work well for both ceremonies and receptions. Acoustic performances, for instance, can be adapted to suit both the serene ambiance of a ceremony and the lively energy of a reception. Our versatility allows us to tailor our performances to meet the unique needs of each part of a wedding day.

Images Nicole Butler Photography

Do you see certain trends? What’s popular with couples at the moment?

Of late, many couples are seeking a blend of acoustic live performances and DJ services, which we specialise in accommodating. This combination allows for a dynamic and personalised experience throughout the wedding day, from the ceremony to the reception.

What are the most common song and music requests?

The landscape of music requests at weddings and events has evolved over time. Previously, songs by artists like Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars were very popular, but I've noticed a significant shift toward country music in recent times.
I'm always open to accommodating different musical preferences and embracing the popularity of country music is something I enjoy. It adds diversity and a unique flavour to the events I perform at, reflecting the changing tastes and preferences of couples celebrating their special day.

If a couple gave you ‘free reign’ for their wedding day, what would it look like?

Funny enough, most couples do give me free reign, which I greatly appreciate. They often express trust in my abilities, having either seen me perform in person or received glowing recommendations from family and friends. I always take great care to tailor the evening's entertainment to perfectly suit the vibe of their guests, the venue and the overall atmosphere of the evening.
Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the couple's special day with memorable moments and exceptional entertainment that leaves a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

Images courtesy CRocQ Music

What makes your service unique?

There are several factors that set my service apart:

• Personalisation — I take pride in personalising the entertainment experience for each couple. Whether it's tailoring the music selection to their tastes or adjusting the vibe throughout the event.
• My ability to read the room — this allows me to adjust the music and performance style in real-time, ensuring that the mood is always just right.
• Versatility — offering options from solo performances to full bands, and seamlessly transitioning between live music and DJ sets, allows me to cater to different preferences.
• My ‘Shaggy’ the reggae singer impersonation — a fun and unexpected twist that adds an element of humour and entertainment that guests often remember fondly.

How do you describe the couples you connect with the most?

They’re great communicators and are open to discussing ideas and details. They have a genuine love for music and understand its importance in creating the right atmosphere for their celebration, and they approach wedding planning with a relaxed and collaborative attitude, which makes the process enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved.

Tony Potts Photography

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