the SOUND INSURGENT
So my friend asked me to help him by covering wedding reception.
Now I have done a few receptions but this is this was on some ghetto hood type stuff where I go play and it's like I'm playing at a club .
This time they want like dinner music and then after the Denham_music I can do what I normally do .
My question is what do I play for dinner music and the guy who hired me he usually just has a station on Pandora playing that's kind of cheesy and cheap in my opinion and I'd rather just play the music myself so if anybody could point me in the right direction as to what type of music I should play for cocktail hour dinner music would be greatly appreciated thanks.
Now I have done a few receptions but this is this was on some ghetto hood type stuff where I go play and it's like I'm playing at a club .
This time they want like dinner music and then after the Denham_music I can do what I normally do .
My question is what do I play for dinner music and the guy who hired me he usually just has a station on Pandora playing that's kind of cheesy and cheap in my opinion and I'd rather just play the music myself so if anybody could point me in the right direction as to what type of music I should play for cocktail hour dinner music would be greatly appreciated thanks.
Posté Tue 23 May 17 @ 3:41 pm
wickedmix
Maybe this can help
https://www.myweddingsongs.com/wedding-song-lists/dinner-music/
https://www.myweddingsongs.com/wedding-song-lists/dinner-music/
Posté Tue 23 May 17 @ 4:56 pm
groovindj
It'll depend on your audience (age group/range, musical tastes etc) but some slower tempo mellow pop, bit of swing (old/new), light jazz, crooners (Sinatra etc) and so on. Anything that's fairly mellow and non offensive. Summertime - Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince (as an example of something you might be a bit more into).
There are some "lounge" covers of well known uptempo tracks too - Barefoot do a cool version of White Lines.
There are some "lounge" covers of well known uptempo tracks too - Barefoot do a cool version of White Lines.
Posté Tue 23 May 17 @ 5:19 pm
the SOUND INSURGENT
Alright cool! Thanks and I was hoping you, Groovin, would chime in.
I got the rest of the week to get this figured out so I'll be good.
I got the rest of the week to get this figured out so I'll be good.
Posté Tue 23 May 17 @ 5:27 pm
groovindj
Maybe some old soul / R&B stuff in there too, bit of Motown, Stax, Atlantic...
Drifters, Chi-Lites, Platters.....the softer kind of stuff.
Drifters, Chi-Lites, Platters.....the softer kind of stuff.
Posté Tue 23 May 17 @ 6:30 pm
A Man and His Music
It all depends on the audience, the same as any other gig. I do a lot of weddings, and usually the ages vary widely but not all the time. The couples ages will be more important, as most of the guest will be in the same age group. However, dinner time is also the best time to satisfy their parents and older guest, if appropriate. My dinner music varies, but the tempo is always increasing. Jazz, vocals, instrumentals, and covers work well. Know your crowd, no need in playing Frank Sinatra when Luther Vandross would be a better fit. On the other hand, you may be able to play both.
I don't do boring, I want to go to sleep dinner music. As I said before, the tempo is always increasing. I want to see feet tapping, so they are ready to dance I'm older so still remember some classics that still work well, Sade, Grover Washington, and love Sun Goddess by Ramsey Lewis and Earth, Wind & Fire. Don't forget todays artist, John Legend, Sharon Rae North, Max V w Reggie Foster Jr. I do not cater to children, as they will not be the ones hiring me. However, none of this will work if everyone has on Cowboy boots and hats, so you will need that music also.
I don't do boring, I want to go to sleep dinner music. As I said before, the tempo is always increasing. I want to see feet tapping, so they are ready to dance I'm older so still remember some classics that still work well, Sade, Grover Washington, and love Sun Goddess by Ramsey Lewis and Earth, Wind & Fire. Don't forget todays artist, John Legend, Sharon Rae North, Max V w Reggie Foster Jr. I do not cater to children, as they will not be the ones hiring me. However, none of this will work if everyone has on Cowboy boots and hats, so you will need that music also.
Posté Tue 23 May 17 @ 10:40 pm
VDJ Ron
Hm I might do boring as I often drag out every massive love ballad I can find (I do ensure they all sound good together and are in key). What I want is a gentle friendly environment at a low volume so that people can talk. I can kick ass later. The average age of the people, and wishes of the newly wed couple are the dominant factors. If the bride wants Abba all night..then so be it.
Posté Tue 23 May 17 @ 11:17 pm
A Man and His Music
If they want to hear ABBA all night, then they can use a iPod, or let little Jimmy with the home version of VDJ do their reception. When you hire a plumber, or any other professional, you don't tell them how to do their job. I am the same way. You get a few favorites, and some do not play, but I am in charge of the entertainment for the evening. I tell my clients that no one wants to hear what they like. They don't want to hear what I like. They hire me because they want to keep the dance floor packed. They don't tell the photographer which shot to take, or lighting effects work best, why would I be any different. This is a party, a celebration of a union with friends and family. I tell them "Don't be selfish". What if the Grooms side of the family is Latin? Trust me, I know how that will work out.
A long time ago, I did a reception for a DJ. I really don't know if he was or not because he was from another state, and I did not know him. I knew something was wrong, because I have never done a reception, without speaking to the bride to be (red flag). He gave me a list of 200 songs to play, and a list of the standard reception songs, not to play. This was in the late 80's and No Madonna, Michael Jackson, you know all of the songs that make people dance. I swear, the bride looked as if she was on Thorazine. She never said a word, and just sat at the table. The wait staff kept asking when was I gonna kick it up. I showed them the do not play list.
After 30 minutes of playing what he wanted, I told him I could no longer just play his stuff, as the crowd was getting nasty. He agreed and let me do what I do. I vowed never again to be a jukebox. So I will refuse any reception that wants me to play from a play list. That is not the type of reception I'm interested in.
A theme gig is different. Like the time I played Polkas and Obereks all night for my Vets grandmothers 80th birthday party. All of these people were from Poland, and there was only 3 people there under 80. Me, my Vet and her mother.
A long time ago, I did a reception for a DJ. I really don't know if he was or not because he was from another state, and I did not know him. I knew something was wrong, because I have never done a reception, without speaking to the bride to be (red flag). He gave me a list of 200 songs to play, and a list of the standard reception songs, not to play. This was in the late 80's and No Madonna, Michael Jackson, you know all of the songs that make people dance. I swear, the bride looked as if she was on Thorazine. She never said a word, and just sat at the table. The wait staff kept asking when was I gonna kick it up. I showed them the do not play list.
After 30 minutes of playing what he wanted, I told him I could no longer just play his stuff, as the crowd was getting nasty. He agreed and let me do what I do. I vowed never again to be a jukebox. So I will refuse any reception that wants me to play from a play list. That is not the type of reception I'm interested in.
A theme gig is different. Like the time I played Polkas and Obereks all night for my Vets grandmothers 80th birthday party. All of these people were from Poland, and there was only 3 people there under 80. Me, my Vet and her mother.
Posté Wed 24 May 17 @ 12:42 am
the SOUND INSURGENT
Well I got a 3 hour list put together thats covers everything from the classics, country and rnb love songs.
And like you AMAHM I'm starting from the slower tracks and working my way up the BPM scale.
Like I said Ive only done a few of these and they were on some hood type level so I just played as if it was a club but this is pretty much a whole new ball game for me, lmao!!
Anyways Thanks for all the input fellas, Respect!
And like you AMAHM I'm starting from the slower tracks and working my way up the BPM scale.
Like I said Ive only done a few of these and they were on some hood type level so I just played as if it was a club but this is pretty much a whole new ball game for me, lmao!!
Anyways Thanks for all the input fellas, Respect!
Posté Wed 24 May 17 @ 4:18 am
VDJ Ron
I don't mind doing specialist stuff. Recently I did a party with a Summer Theme..it lasted around an hour until they asked me to do my normal thing. I've never had a party where they would let me play Abba all night but I would like to try!
This weekend I have an unusual booking and the music I've prepared is that of the uk bands such as the Killers, Kooks and Oasis.
A few weeks ago I prepared for a South American lady..that was good.
I've even played in a languge school with students from Russia to Brazil. Yes I played the Russian number 1 ..
This weekend I have an unusual booking and the music I've prepared is that of the uk bands such as the Killers, Kooks and Oasis.
A few weeks ago I prepared for a South American lady..that was good.
I've even played in a languge school with students from Russia to Brazil. Yes I played the Russian number 1 ..
Posté Wed 24 May 17 @ 9:41 am
the SOUND INSURGENT
y'all can lock this thread now.
Posté Wed 24 May 17 @ 11:12 am
visionz5
Can never go wrong with 90's R&B during dinner!
Posté Wed 24 May 17 @ 11:55 am
VDJ Ron
"Can never go wrong with 90's R&B during dinner!"
It would be suitable for some groups of people..but not all.
Mobile DJ's need to create a profile of their audience and tailor the music.
It's a bit like how the FBI create a suspect profile.
AMAHM hit on it crudely when he said his recommendation would not work if cowboys turned up in boots and hats. However it's much more sophisticated than that..and you can get your profile wrong which then means you need to adapt.
Of course some DJ's just play the same songs come what may, and get by!
It would be suitable for some groups of people..but not all.
Mobile DJ's need to create a profile of their audience and tailor the music.
It's a bit like how the FBI create a suspect profile.
AMAHM hit on it crudely when he said his recommendation would not work if cowboys turned up in boots and hats. However it's much more sophisticated than that..and you can get your profile wrong which then means you need to adapt.
Of course some DJ's just play the same songs come what may, and get by!
Posté Wed 24 May 17 @ 1:13 pm
the SOUND INSURGENT
the SOUND INSURGENT wrote :
y'all can lock this thread now.
Posté Wed 24 May 17 @ 2:22 pm
groovindj
Let us know how it goes though - when is it?
Posté Wed 24 May 17 @ 4:54 pm
the SOUND INSURGENT
Yeah for sure and it's this coming Saturday night.
Posté Wed 24 May 17 @ 5:48 pm
A Man and His Music
The OP has requested his thread be locked, as it was going off course. Will leave it open so we can learn how things turned out. Good luck.
Posté Wed 24 May 17 @ 9:13 pm
the SOUND INSURGENT
Well I had a friend who does weddings ( a different guy) look over my dinner list and he says it's golden but then he hit with something I had no clue about.
Well I've seen it done but I didn't know there were specific tracks to played for the "Money/Dollar dance"!!
I've got a decent list for that now but what are some of your favorites and I'll check them against my list.
Again Thanks for the time and info, it is helping me out a ton!! Didn't know it took this much work for a wedding, lol!
Well I've seen it done but I didn't know there were specific tracks to played for the "Money/Dollar dance"!!
I've got a decent list for that now but what are some of your favorites and I'll check them against my list.
Again Thanks for the time and info, it is helping me out a ton!! Didn't know it took this much work for a wedding, lol!
Posté Thu 25 May 17 @ 6:41 pm
visionz5
My dollar dance folder consists of all of these:
http://www.themusicconcierge.com/weddings/wedding-songs/dollar-dance-songs/
Obviously, if the B/G has very specific requests for this dance, I make sure I have them but usually what's in that list linked above is sufficient. I try to tell clients to keep things to 3-4 songs are the most otherwise people get bored and are standing around waiting to dance.
http://www.themusicconcierge.com/weddings/wedding-songs/dollar-dance-songs/
Obviously, if the B/G has very specific requests for this dance, I make sure I have them but usually what's in that list linked above is sufficient. I try to tell clients to keep things to 3-4 songs are the most otherwise people get bored and are standing around waiting to dance.
Posté Fri 26 May 17 @ 11:50 am
the SOUND INSURGENT
Thanks Visionz5, most appreciated.
Well today's the day and for some reason I'm extremely nervous, lmao!!
Anyways big Thanks for all the info and help! It was and is most appreciated!!
I'll report back either Monday or Tuesday.
Well today's the day and for some reason I'm extremely nervous, lmao!!
Anyways big Thanks for all the info and help! It was and is most appreciated!!
I'll report back either Monday or Tuesday.
Posté Sat 27 May 17 @ 6:48 pm
