"Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life." - Ludwig van Beethoven
Since the early 40s, popular music has evolved tremendously and constantly. It started with Rock & Roll after World War II, which was kind of a mixture blues, country & gospel music. Back then, Rock & Roll was well embraced by some but avoided by others. Comparatively, just like Arts, popular music grows and evolves all the time. As a music enthusiast, I’m able to enjoy new genre/hybrids easily, key here is to lookout for the essence or ‘feel’ in the music. Take the familiar Hotel California by Eagles for example, there is so much ‘feel’ to this big hit of 70’s. A more recent song (2002) with similar ‘feel’ is one by Audioslave call Like A Stone. Nice & eerie…
If there’s one aim in this statement, it is this: Avoid analyzing songs too much, but if ‘viewed’ emotionally, music really can be a great invisible thoughts and emotional guide.
Below are more samples of music that seemed to transcend time & genre. Google them hope you’ll enjoy them k.. :)
Quando, Quando, Quando by Micheal Buble & Tony Renis/Pat Boone (Pop + Italian Jazz);
Cantaloop by US3 & Herbie Hancock (Rap/RnB + Jazz);
Walk This Way by Run DMC & Aerosmith (Rap/RnB + Rock);
Nothing Else Matters by Metallica & San Francisco Symphony Orchestra (Classical + Heavy Metal/Rock);
Adajio for Strings by Samuel Barber 1938 & Paul Okenfold/Tiesto (Classical + House/Trance);
Braveheart by James Horner 1995 & DJ Sakin & Friends (Classical + House/Trance);
Age of Loneliness by Enigma-Enigmatic Club Mix (New Age + House/Trance);
The Look of Love by Nina Simone & Madison Park vs Lenny B Remix (Jazz + Pop/Dance).
Before I conclude this statement, let me share another observation I’ve learned from over the years of live mixing and mic-over. Deejaying is nothing glamorous but full of serious responsibility requiring one to play & mix appropriately for the audience. Many times the Deejay has to sacrifice his or her desired songs with the more appropriate ones instead. Lot’s of juggling and balancing act! Remember, whatever is played over the air affects the listener’s mood, affections, appetite etc tremendously. :)
Lastly, here’s a little formula I cultivated years ago for longer sets (3 hrs above): the DJ should ensure there’s to be mainly ‘soothing’ music/songs and smooth mic-over with constant ‘spice up’ with some really hot numbers from time to time. Relax & exciting at same time. This formula applies to non-stop mixing too. Feel your way through the music and keep your eyes on the crowd! :D
