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Starships One More Time Wordplay Mix
Here’s a classic one – “Starships One More Time” is what I call this wordplay mix. Instead of just a word, it’s a whole phrase. I use this mix when it calls for it and goes over well every time. The key is to place it in the right spot. Obviously the Daft Punk track, “One More Time” is pretty iconic. It’s a dance track that will be around for quite a while. Even an older crowd that may not be able to place the title can sing along with it because it’s very repetitive. The Nicki Minaj song “Starships” is definitely a recurrent track (meaning, it’s not quite a classic yet but still can be considered “popular”, especially in the private event world).
The key to this mix is setting what I call “bookmarks” (the technical DJ term is “Hot Cues”) with each track. There’s a spot in the Nicki Minaj song where she says “one more time” without music. This works great because I can jump to that spot whenever it feels right to mix out of any chorus. Similarly, with the Daft Punk tune, I bookmarked the acapella portion of the phrase and then jump to where the beat kicks in rather quickly. It’s an easy but an effective mix.
Let me know what you think of this by commenting on my YouTube video.
This Girl by Kungs vs Cookin’ on 3 Burners
This is MY song of the summer – This Girl by Kungs vs Cookin’ on 3 Burners. It’s got such a summer feel. That tropical house sound that is really “in” right now coupled with that opening guitar riff and those sultry vocals makes this a fantastic song. It is one of those underground tracks that may not see much mainstream radio airplay but that you’ll hear often from live event DJs. For me, this is definitely an early set type track. It could work for a cocktail hour, a pool party, or an early club dance starter. It’s a rare one that doesn’t need a remix. It’s good “as is”. If you’re at any of my upcoming shows, you’ll definitely hear it in the mix. I’ve put together an extended preview below. #musicmonday
All I Do All The Way Up | Wordplay Wednesday
Over the next few weeks, I’ll share a few of my go to tracks in a series I’m calling Wordplay Wednesday. Wordplay is one of the many ways I like to segue between songs as a DJ in lieu of using effects (an echo, filter, etc.) or straight mixing. It gives you the some variety as a music mixer and shows that you are thinking outside of just tempo of the song and genre when you’re mixing – you’re thinking through lyrical content as well. Speaking of genres, this actually is a fantastic way to switch between genres.
This definitely takes some prep ahead of time. Not only do you need to think through songs that have similar words but in some cases, you may need to do some pre-production. In this particular example, I took the acapella of “All I Do Is Win” and added that the line ‘everybody’s hands go up’ at the end for a custom edit. Why, you ask?
It would sound weird mixing two “off key” songs musically together. By using the acapella, it’s not noticeable. Also, you can play with the timing a little easier as well by “snapping” (DJ term means playing that part of the song over and over) that phrase in time with the new song’s tempo. There are a lot of premixes with things like this but I like doing it live. Not every guest will make the wordplay connection, but you can always tell which ones do by the “oooh” you hear from them when it happens.
Be As You Are (Jordan XL Remix) by Mike Posner
One of my favorite new tracks out right now is Be As You (Jordan XL Remix) by Mike Posner. It has a catchy chorus, one of Mike’s trademarks, and also has that electronic keyboard riff that is really popular right now in top 40 music. You’ll be hearing this a lot in my upcoming sets. Get ready for radio to give it a ton of airplay as well. It’s one of the latest songs of summer 16 to add to your playlist. #musicmonday
DJ Brian B Instagram Wedding Love
I don’t know why I was looking so serious but I appreciate the DJ Brian B official Instagram wedding love I received from some guests at my wedding this past weekend at the Queens County Farm Museum.
When your couple chooses Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” as the exit song to their CEREMONY, that’s a good indication that the night is going to be off the hook. It did not disappoint. From the first song of cocktail hour through the last song of the night, this crowd was amped! Seriously, one of the best crowds of the year. They genuinely had a lot of love for the bride and groom and they wanted to make sure this was a party for the ages. Non-stop dancing the entire night.
Summer Nights by Tiesto and John Legend
The summer has already produced a few amazing tracks and Summer Nights by Tiesto and John Legend only adds to this year’s hot list. It’s got a very pop feel that you can fit into just about any high energy dance set. This will get a ton of spins from DJs before summer runs out. The word play alone makes it a good track. I love that John Legend lends his vocals to this track. Well done fellas. #musicmonday
Talk by DJ Snake and George Maple
Loving this new track called Talk by DJ Snake and George Maple. I’m a huge of fan of songs that move you emotionally. If it has a great beat, that’s a bonus. The chord structure, the tone of the keyboard/piano and the vocals are just perfect. Yet another to add to the songs of the summer. Good work DJ Snake! This will be a staple in my early sets at events. Be on the lookout for it. #musicmonday
Engage Conference at The Breakers | Day 2 Recap
The Engage Conference at the Breakers Day 2 kicked off in amazing fashion. Breakfast had a New Orleans flair with beignets and all kinds of amazing looking breakfast foods. Of course, we were serenaded by a jazz band who ended the breakfast with the 2nd line. Once breakfast concluded, We all moved to the a different ballroom than day 1 for for the main sessions. Let me just tell you that the room set-up was incredible!
World renowned event designer Preston Bailey opened day 2’s sessions and he was followed by heavy hitters like Cindy Novotny, Mindy Weiss, Lynn Easton and many others. The breaks were full of surprises – a choir, cool looking foods, etc. I met some amazing people at lunch who I hope to remain in contact with well after the conference. That evening we went to dinner and were randomly assigned seats based on our badges. The nightcap was a fun dessert party. I wish I could say I stayed for the late night festivities but I had to get back to the room and knock out some work before a full day 3 of Engage.
Roses (Nomis Remix) – The Chainsmokers feat. ROZES
I know Roses has almost run its course. However, it’s one of those songs that has a ton of staying power due to fantastic remixes that are being done to it. This is one of my favorites – The Nomis Remix. It is a mid-tempo remix (100 BPM) that has a tropical house feel. It is perfect for early sets and will give your crowd a refreshing take on a song that was one of the best in early 2016. Enjoy! #musicmonday
Engage Conference at The Breakers | Day 1 Recap
So when you get on your flight to the elite Engage Conference at The Breakers, you know you’re in for a good week when you have Marcy Blum sitting next to you. This was my first time to The Breakers after hearing amazing things about this particular property. Wow, it did not disappoint. Great first impressions – from having one of the managers greet you at the door, to the lobby decor, to the small little service details. As usual, Engage had a stellar first day of general session speakers. For me, however, the best part was reconnecting with all of the best of the best in this wedding industry. It’s rare that you find an industry of trend-setters who are so humble, gracious and willing to help one another. That is what you find here.
The evening pool event was fantastic. This shot above is from those festivities. Amazing decor, fantastic food, jaw dropping entertainment and the best of the best in the wedding industry in attendance. I can’t wait to see what day 2 holds. It is allowing me to recharge a bit and re-think how I can continue to bring the best in excellence to my amazing clients.
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