By Aquamanda
Aquamanda is the stage name of Amanda Greatorex, a Dulwich-based DJ, singer and musician, who is on occasions seen playing at Dulwich Picture Gallery. This article is part of a series offering up an eclectic playlist of trends, bands, gigs, views and opinions all about music and art with a Dulwich and South London theme.
Every significant birthday deserves a celebration. As, of course, does a wedding. You’re going to be surrounded by your near ones and dear ones, tasty food and flowing drinks.
Then there is the music. Special occasions demand your signature sounds. These tend to be from the formative years when music and the opposite sex dominated daily life. In fact, the two were often intertwined. I’ve dj’ed 18th to 80ths this year, and even 5, 7 and 12 year olds. Each party requiring a few thorough meetings to clarify musical direction.
Yes I’m a DJ, though a big part of this is Playlist Consultant. The 5 year olds wanted mainly a medley of Disney films, the 12 & 18 year olds the very latest only-available-to-download R n B. (See left – “latest r n b downloads plus the girls dancing to High School Musical” – 12th ) The 30th/40th/50th’s and weddings (usually covering these age groups) I understand. I was there. These events certainly don’t include Disney soundtracks or R n B but usually end up including a nostalgic retro disco section straight from school and/or uni days. If you fall into the 30-50s category, chances are by now you’ll have a lovely home with a lovely sound system and an ipod which you think will do the job for you.
Although your husband still rates Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms as the best album of all time, this isn’t exactly going to make the party rock at midnight. You need a specific musical prescription to create a night to remember.
Almost every song you can think of is available to download these days. However, like a high street packed full of clothes, a personal musical shopper can be your guide.
Firstly, even if you are not intending to dance, are you expecting others too? If so who are they and what do they like? What is yours and their era? Are you all going to whoop at the first strains of Echo Beach, This Charming Man, Rock Lobster and Don’t You want Me Baby or do you only go as far back as Mr Brightside or Can’t Get You Outta My Head? Do you need some disco funk a la James Brown, classic disco from Sister Sledge, Rose Royce & The Jacksons? Acid House instrumentals (Voodoo Ray) or Ibiza House Anthems (Sing it Back)? (above – sharing the decks with Wayne Hemmingway playing disco-funk on vinyl”- 50th)
I did a wedding recently, ceremony plus the daytime reception. Although we had a variety of lively playlists compiled and ready to go, as it was a laid back sunny affair with champagne and conversation, we stuck to the contemporary chilled vibes of Morcheeba, Moby, Massive Attack (that’s just the M’s). No point blaming it on the boogie if it’s not called for. Being empathic with the guests’ tastes and flexible with the vibe of the “do” is all important. Requests should therefore be considered (though under no circumstances play “I’m Too Sexy For My Shirt” for the one whose had too much champagne and thinks he is just that. Politely say “Unfortunately I’ve left that one at home” or if you are at home “I played it so much the CD got scratched so it wouldn’t download”.
