Tips for Picking Corporate Band Songs Everyone Will Love
Planning a corporate event takes effort, and music is a key factor that can make it a success or not. If you’re hiring a live band, choosing the right songs is essential. The right playlist can create a lively, memorable atmosphere, but poor song choice might leave guests feeling less engaged.
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Here are some easy tips to help you choose corporate band songs that everyone will enjoy.
1. Understand Your Audience
The very first step in choosing songs is knowing who will attend the event. Think about the age range, professional roles, and preferences of your guests. For example, if you’re planning a tech startup’s party, the crowd might enjoy upbeat pop or indie hits. On the other hand, for a more formal corporate dinner with senior executives, jazz or soft rock might be more suitable.
To cater to a wider audience, consider picking timeless classics. Songs like “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison or “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond are great for getting everyone to sing along. You can also throw in modern tunes like “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake to keep things fresh.
2. Aim for a Balance of Genres
Variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for corporate event music. Sticking to one genre may leave some guests feeling excluded. Instead, work with the band to curate a playlist that spans multiple genres.
A well-rounded selection might include upbeat pop hits, classic rock anthems, funk grooves, and even a few R&B chart-toppers. For example:
- Pop: “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
- Classic Rock: “Take It Easy” by Eagles
- Funk/Soul: “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
- R&B: “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars
3. Create a Lively Yet Professional Atmosphere
Corporate events aren’t the same as wild parties. The music needs to energize the crowd without crossing boundaries, so aim for fun but professional vibes. Avoid songs with explicit lyrics or overly negative themes. Instead, focus on tunes with positive energy and uplifting messages.
For example:
- “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves is a great feel-good pick.
- “Happy” by Pharrell Williams can kick off the party and set a cheerful tone.
- Instrumentals or jazz renditions of popular songs are great for mingling or cocktail hours.
Keep the event’s purpose in mind too. If it’s a team-building event, opt for songs that bring energy and excitement. For awards ceremonies or dinners, lean into elegant and classy tracks that suit the tone of the evening.
4. Collaborate with the Band
Your band is made up of professionals who know how to read a room and create the right energy. Don’t hesitate to collaborate with them early on. Share your ideas and explain the atmosphere you want for the event.
Many corporate bands offer pre-set songlists, which can help you understand their vibe. Review the list carefully, but don’t be afraid to request specific songs that would resonate with your team or match the corporate culture. For example, if your company has an inside joke tied to a specific song, like “Eye of the Tiger,” make sure to include it.
5. Organize the Playlist by Timing
The order of songs matters a lot. Think about the different parts of the event and match the mood with the timing:
- Cocktail Hour: Start with smooth and mellow tracks, such as jazz standards or acoustic favorites, to encourage conversation.
- Dinner Time: Choose low-key background music that’s easy to listen to while eating, like light piano or soft rock classics.
- Main Event or Dance Floor: Once dinner is over, it’s time to turn up the energy. Pick upbeat, danceable hits that everyone can enjoy.
6. Consider Theme or Branding
If your event has a specific theme, use that as inspiration for the song choices. A retro-themed party can include ‘80s hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper or “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson.
Similarly, consider tying songs to the company’s brand if the event celebrates a milestone or product launch. If your brand focuses on energy and innovation, pick upbeat and lively songs that match those ideas.
7. Don’t Forget Crowd Favorites
While originality is important, don’t shy away from crowd-pleasers. Some songs are bound to get people onto the dance floor no matter the occasion. Consider including these timeless hits:
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
- “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
- “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
8. Test the Playlist
If you’ve finalized a playlist, test it out! Create a playlist on a music streaming platform and listen to it from start to finish. This exercise can help you figure out whether the flow feels right and whether any songs feel out of place. It can also give you a better sense of how the event might feel on the big day.
9. End on a High Note
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen finale. The last few songs are your chance to leave a lasting impression. Go for something that’s upbeat and celebratory, ensuring everyone heads home with a smile.