Certain songs dictate our feelings and activate specific memories as soon as we hear them. We're amazed at how quickly music can transport you back and trigger those long lost feelings. Luckily for us, music can also help define and mold new exciting memories to last a lifetime. These days sports teams, celebrities, corporations, TV shows, and even presidential candidates all have theme songs. Here at the office, Event Architects and Creative Republic use an array of music when crafting that "moment" at an event. Sometimes music even helps define an event's brand as a whole -- we look for inspiration behind every nook and cranny.
While each event is different and wonderful, there are a few songs that are in our go-to song arsenal. There is something about these songs that help conjure up the moment driving your unique message home to your audience.. with a little extra flash and passion.
Thanks to guest blogger Chase Gooch, from Creative Republic. Follow him @ChaseOnTheFly.
"Little Less Conversation (JXL Remix)" by Elvis Presley
The original is a classic, but this is remixed radio version pumps things up and will definitely get your guests excited! Originally recorded for a 1968 film, this song gained playtime again when it was featured in the film "Ocean's Eleven" in 2002. Elvis may have left the building, but this song certainly has not!
"Viva La Vida" by Coldplay
This song is compelling. This song is invigorating. This song is the perfect start to an opening video for your next conference -- trust us, it;s been done before but it'll surely be used plenty of times again! Also, see "Clocks" for another electrifying song by Coldplay.
"Let's Get It Started" by Black Eyed Peas
This party anthem mixes Hip Hop and bubblegum Pop for a song that has a hook every one of your guests will sing along to. Also, see "Boom Boom Pow" or "I Gotta Feeling" for additional smashing hit options from the Back Eyed Peas.
"Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve
This Indie rock song isn't quite as upbeat as others on this list, but it is a memorable song from The Verve's 1997 album, Urban Hymns. The track begins with a violin theme and progressively builds throughout, adding more musical layers in a very memorable way. "Bittersweet Symphony" is a great track to add to any event's soundtrack.
"Elevation" by U2
Bono was always going to make this list if Erin had any part of writing this blog post. She's a MAJOR U2 fan, but their powerful songs are no joke -- they inspire, they can get a crowd going, those Irish boys can do it all with their music. Featuring a thunderous intro and an easy rhyming lyric of your guests to shout along to, it is a highly effective event song. Also, see "Beautiful Day" for another influential song by U2.
"Stronger" by Kanye West
Yes, he's controversial. Yes, he did that mean little award steal to Taylor Swift. But yes, he has created some really great music. "Stronger" is the perfect song to play to say your event budget may have been downsized last year, or cut completely, but that has only made this year's come back stronger for the next time around. Perseverance people!
"Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus
Ask us to write this list again this time next year and the tween queen's song probably won't make the cut. It's a very catchy up-tempo track though, there's no denying that! This song is sure to get your guests' heads bopping along to the beat... "So I put my hands up, they're playing my song..." Who can resist?
Just about any song by Michael Jackson
From early Jackson 5 to classics like "Thriller," "Bad," or "Billie Jean," we could go on all day with his #1's. Just remember there is always an option for your next event with classic MJ.
"You Get What You Give" by The New Radicals
"One, two, one, two, three..." This song's intro is one of our favorites. This song shot to the charts in 1999 and while the lyrics are kind of all over the place, they're not necessarily what you need to focus on. It's the intro and melody that's timeless and useable for any event.
"Tardy for the Party" by Kim Zolciak
THis song is very popular in pop culture at the moment and while the singer may lack a little talent, the lyrics are really fun. Ok... so we have never actually used this song on any event, but it is a personal goal of ours to find the perfect moment to break it out of our song arsenal.
So now you've peaked into our bag of musical tricks. It's best to keep in mind songs are closely attached to world events and pop culture as a whole. What's fun and amusing today becomes outdated quicker than any of us would like. But the best part is, if you wait awhile it'll all come back in a classic/ironic way. Mmm Bop anyone?