"With A Shout"

Making the Perfect Mix Tape

ericbranscum:

Making the perfect mix tape is easy! Just follow these simple steps and you too can get the dance floor bumping at your next party or dance-related event.

Start if off with a little “Let’s Get it Started” by the Black Eyed Peas so there can be no confusing about whether it has started or not. This will come through most clearly with the lyric, “let’s get it started,” which is repeated multiple times throughout the song, sometimes adding, “in here,” which will reassure party goers they are in the right place. Bada-bing! You’re moving right along!

*important disclaimer - be sure not to play the “Let’s Get Retarded” version of the song. Not only might this offend some potential party goers, but might also create a different kind of party.

Now that it has successfully been started it’s time brighten the moods of everyone on the dance floor by reminding them of all the great things in their lives. Dance parties are not just about moves and dance battles, as a DJ it’s your responsibility to get everyone to think, “hey, life’s pretty great.” Which they will think when you play “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang. Most will be on board right away as they are told to celebrate good times but for those who need a little extra push, whose lives might be more troublesome than others, Kool will undoubtedly get the job done when he tells them to, “COME ON!”

Phew! Your party’s got me working up a sweat already! But we’re not done quite yet. Next you’ll want to blindside them with “River of Dreams” by Billy Joel.

Finally, it’ll all come to an end with the classic Isley Brothers song, “Shout.” This song is a great way to closeout a party. Everyone knows and loves it. They love singing the lyrics and doing all the motions as well. But here’s a trick… as Kyle Isley or Chris Isley or whatever the name of the Isley brother who’s singing goes “a little bit softer now,” when he reaches the softest bit, turn off the music. Everyone will be squatted down, uncomfortable and unsure what to do. This will be amusing to you. Once they figure out what has happened they will become annoyed and leave. It is just as important for a DJ to be able to start a party as it is for a DJ to end a party. Job well done!

For further inquires or training, email partofaPARTYbreakfast@aol.com

I used to LOVE “River of Dreams” when I was in 3rd grade. Definitely good for parties!