The soundtrack you choose for an event can either make or break the occasion. Whether it’s ambient music or jazz, choosing the right tunes is essential.
We’ve put together some ideas for music at events that are guaranteed to bring in that feel good factor.
Music for corporate events
Background music works best here. You’ll generally want something subtle that guests hardly notice, but that makes them feel calm at the same time. You can use music at meetings, business dinners, conferences and trade shows to enhance the atmosphere. Soundtracks help smooth over mingling and chatting, and can give a corporate event an air of sophistication.
Instrumental music works well at business events too, especially during breaks or pauses while people move from one event to the next. A string quartet, a solo piano player, or even a live singer can all work, just so long as they’re quiet enough that people can hear their conversations.
Party music
As with weddings, the possibilities for a party soundtrack are endless. They can range anywhere from house going through K-Pop to classical. It’ll definitely depend on the theme of the party, as well as who’s going! Some popular party themes and music are:
Songs from the era – 20’s through to current day
- Love songs – great for anniversaries (what about playing the couple’s first dance song from their wedding?)
- Caribbean – reggae, calypso, steel bands…
- Dance – salsa, Latin, tango, merengue, cha cha, waltz, flamenco, ballroom, twist, swing, rock ‘n’ roll…
- Country and western – bring on the line dancing, y’all!
- Sports – official anthems, pop, commercial…
You don’t need a band or a DJ to have an unforgettable party. Create your very own playlist and if you don’t have the time to put one together yourself, choose one of the many that are already featured. Just remember to get a good stereo system!
Award events
Music isn’t just played at awards shows like the Oscars for fun. It also helps keep the event running by letting people know when it’s time to come up to the stage — or to wrap up those thank you’s sharpish.
It’s also great for creating tension and excitement. For example, during the build up to the announcement of the award anticipating music can be played, followed by a blast and fanfare on the announcement. This theme can also be used at corporate events. Your music choices will be dictated by what sort of awards you’re passing out.
Sports events
The opening ceremonies of many international sports events like Olympics, Soccer World Cup, etc that is watched by million viewers worldwide, offer musical shows in order to bring pop culture and sports together.
Another major tradition at the beginning of sporting events is to sing the national anthems of the playing teams’ countries. Not only does it officially begin the activities, but it also boosts morale and evokes national pride.