To start the ball rolling, here we have some ideas for music themes, based on what we know works, and from which we can work with you to build a really successful event.
Getting the right music emphasis
Generally speaking, the key ingredient for success is the music. Specifically speaking it's about the right music, getting the right music emphasis and then playing the right tracks.
On average there'll be about 20 tracks an hour. So over three hours that's only 60 tracks. A mobile DJ digital collection might contain around 40,000 tracks, so 60 tracks is only 0.1%. So it's not really about the amount of music, rather choosing the right 60 tracks to best suit the event and guests, and so create the best the atmosphere and enjoyment. As the choice of music continues to increase, so it's even more important to choose the right tracks.
What works
In simple terms, people are most likely to enjoy and dance to music that they both know and like. So the scope of music choice can be broader or narrower depending on the nature and age profile of your guests. We'll work with you to understand your guests as much as we can in advance, to be able to plan the right sort of music emphasis. Also, to help create some extra interest and variety, we'll mix in some other tracks on the basis of "if you liked that then we know you'll definitely like this"....
Music Themes
Below we've described some of the main themes that we know work well. These work as a main emphasis for the celebration, and also be mix-and-match when used in the right way too. These are not intended to be comprehensive but really as a starting point for our discussions. These are themes that we know work well, and the ones we really enjoy too.
1. Disco
This is all about homage to the original days of disco. A lot of this would be reasonably familiar as most of the best music has stood the test of time, and will have some mainstream radio airplay. You'll also get a subtle up to date twist on this.... You'll hear digitally remastered versions, especially extended tracks, and the best upbeat remixes of those original disco classics.
2. Eighties Era
Here we focus on specific eras, and the music which defined them. The 1980's is a great and popular period, and has a real mix of music. There's the birth of electronic music of course, now being reborn 25 years on. Then there's the power ballads, contrasting with the more rebellious tones of the time. In fact, for that really authentic sense, some of our 80's tracks have been digitally recorded from the original vinyl.
3. Classic Dance Anthems
The nineties and then noughties gave us the birth and development of modern dance music through a developing and successful club scene. In fact the UK led the world in the club and dance music scene, and is one of our great exports. You'll hear the classics of those two decades, perhaps with a nineties or noughties emphasis. There'll be some more recent remixes of those dance classics too.
4. Modern Dance Mix
Here you'll be hearing the very latest releases and mixes. Lots of these tracks are only available to DJs, and will include some of the same tracks that will be playing the in clubs that week. This includes some of the best new potential hits, just before they are released for radio, and in their dance mix version too. A general house music emphasis here. So rather than go to the club, let the club come to you....
5. Chart Hits
Here you'll hear an emphasis on the best up to date and recent chart hits of the last few years. This includes the tracks which are featuring and emerging strongly in the current charts. While the official charts have been around for 60 years, these days there are multiple charts, not just for different genres, but also for different formats. The hits we play here can reflect that variety, including the recent downloads as well as what's being listened to most via on-line streaming.
6. Party Party
This is really about the best of everything. Familiarity is a strong feature, and with lots of quality timeless party classics and then best of the current hits destined to become the classics of the future. So there'll be familiar lyrics to sing along to and of course lots of those tracks that involve some of those familiar body moves and grooves.
7. Mood Music
At some point in the event it can be helpful to purposefully slow down the tempo for specific purpose or activity, for example for a sit-down meal, some presentations or speeches. Here we'll play the right mix of mood music to compliment that activity. That might be some dinner jazz, gentle acoustic, or chill out.
8. Chill Out
At some events it can be good to wind down with a final chillout session. Some mellow, consistent, ambient music to relax to. It's the early hours, post club, laid back lounge style.
9. Other Themes
Of course there are a huge number of specific music genres, and they are still evolving. For each of these there are also lots of sub-genres too. We can discuss these with you too.
So there's some ideas that we can explore in conversation to really help us fine tune the music content create that great experience for you and your guests.
