House Band

In the context of mass media, a house band provides accompanying music to a television variety show or talk show. Formed by a group of musicians who are centrally organised by a bandleader, the term originated with musicians and bands who would often play the same venue at regular intervals. The term was also used to refer to bands and musicians who would perform as session artists for specific recording studios.

House bands that play on live television shows play a variety of music, although it largely covers songs rather than original repertoire. House bands not only provide musical accompaniment and sound effects for the television show’s host, guests, and audience during on air filming, they also play during recording intervals—thus forming a core entertainment [Page ...