Keys / Vocalist
Always the Band Leader — the front person and musical director of the ensemble.
Non-Reading Band.
A four-piece that plays by ear — not from charts. Creative freedom, tight ensemble work, and the Keys player leads. If you thrive as a front person and perform by instinct, this is your gig.
4 MusiciansNon-Reading4–6 Month Assignments
[ 01 ] — What the Role Involves
This is a non-reading live band — a four-piece deployed exclusively in smaller venues. Unlike the reading band formats on the fleet, this band doesn't perform from charts. It plays by ear, brings its own energy and identity to the stage, and creates something more organic and personality-driven than a reading format allows.
The Keys player is always the Band Leader. If you're a Keys player and vocalist who can front a band, communicate naturally with an audience, and lead four musicians through a live show night after night — this is the role that was built for you.
For the other three musicians in the band, the brief is equally creative: you're an ensemble player in a non-reading context, which means the dynamics, feel, and spontaneity of the show come from you — not from a chart. Whilst reading is not a requirement, exceptional musicianship is, the standard is high!
How this differs from a reading band In a reading band, musicians execute arrangements from charts. Here, there are no charts. You're co-creating a live performance every night. The repertoire is yours to shape within the product brief, audience interactions are more spontaneous, and the personality of the band comes through directly. If you've built your career in function bands, touring acts, residencies, or original music — performing by ear in live band contexts — this format is likely the more natural fit.
[ 02 ] — The Lineup
Four musicians. The Keys/Vocalist is always the Band Leader — this is fixed to the role, not allocated flexibly.
Bass
Drums
Guitar
[ 04 ] — What We're Looking For
All Roles
- Strong non-reading musicianship — you play by ear, by feel, and by instinct. Charts are not part of this format.
- Experience in live band contexts where the arrangement evolves in real time.
- Adaptability across styles — pop, rock, soul, dance — without written parts to guide you.
- Strong interpersonal skills — you'll be living and working closely with this band for months. Ensemble chemistry is not optional.
- The professionalism to sustain quality performance across a long assignment on one of clients flagship ships.
Keys / Vocalist — Band Leader
- Versatile, performance-ready pianist and vocalist. The Band Leader is the act's identity, and that identity is yours to build.
- Natural ability to engage and lead a live audience — from MC moments to musical direction mid-show.
- Strong male vocal range and technique: you'll be the primary vocalist in every performance.
- Leadership maturity. You're responsible for how the band runs, how it sounds, and how it presents itself — on stage and off.
- Experience as a Band Leader or MD in a function band, touring context, or equivalent live setting.
Bass
- Solid groove and feel across styles — you're the engine of the rhythm section without a chart to follow.
- Responsive playing: a non-reading band needs a bassist who listens and adapts in real time.
- Strong sense of arrangement within a live set — knowing when to drive and when to lock in quietly.
Drums
- Impeccable feel and dynamic control without the scaffold of a chart.
- Experience in non-reading bands — function, touring, residency, or original music contexts all relevant.
- Musical personality. The drumming contributes to the band's identity as much as the front person does.
Guitar
- Versatile tone and technique across pop, rock, and soul material without written parts.
- Comfortable playing a supportive role when Keys is leading, and stepping forward when the arrangement calls for it.
- Strong rhythm playing as the foundation, with lead capability when required.
- Strong Improvisational skills essential
- Ability to solo confidently over chord changes
[ 05 ] — The Deal
Musicians are employed directly by the client under a Seafarers' Employment Agreement — the same employed structure as all other Sonic Artistes placements. PAYE, monthly salary, accommodation, travel, and meals are all included.
Assignment Length
Typically 4 or 6 months onboard, followed by a rest period. Exact length depends on ship scheduling and availability.
Pay
Monthly consolidated salary via PAYE, processed by Fleet Maritime Services. No invoicing required; tax handled automatically.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation, all meals, and laundry provided onboard throughout the assignment.
Travel
International flights and port hotels arranged and covered.
Medical
ENG1 (or approved equivalent) seafarer's medical certificate required. The company covers the cost of pre-employment medicals and renewals.
[ 06 ] — Detail
A Realistic Picture
This is a genuinely creative gig by cruise standards — but it's still a live performance job on a ship, with all that entails. You'll perform regularly throughout the week, share your living environment with your bandmates, and be expected to represent the clients entertainment standard throughout your assignment.
For the right musician — particularly the Keys/Vocalist Band Leader — this is an opportunity to perform at the highest level of the cruise entertainment industry, on two of the most impressive ships afloat, with a band you've helped to build. The musicians who thrive here are those who bring personality and commitment to every show, not just musicianship.
We assemble lineups carefully. Because this is a personality-led product, ensemble chemistry matters more here than in a reading band context — and we take that into account at the audition stage.
[ 07 ] — How the Process Works
- 01
Apply and submit your showreel
Your showreel should demonstrate your live performance ability — not your reading. We want to see you play, front an audience, and perform naturally.
- 02
Discovery call (optional)
A conversation about your background, what you're looking for, and what the role involves day to day.
- 03
Audition
Async video, live online, or in-person. For the Keys/Vocalist role in particular, we're assessing your presence and personality alongside your musicianship.
- 04
Roster approval and compliance
Once approved, we'll guide you through the seafarer documentation process: ENG1 medical, Bermuda ID, Seaman's Discharge Book, and more.
- 05
Assignment
When a position opens and you're the right fit, we'll be in touch. Roster approval is the prerequisite; an assignment follows when the timing aligns.
[ APPLY ] — Next stage
Ready to Apply?
Tell us what you play and show us what you do. We review every application and respond to every musician who fits the profile.