Song Requests
It doesn't matter if you're at a dance party or a dinner party, in a frat house basement or on block party pavement. Sometimes, you just know what's best for the crowd. There's this moment of craving, of clarity. You think, "I know what could take this moment from a 7 to a 10." There's just one dude standing in your way.
The DJ.
Requesting a song can be really easy under the right conditions. For instance, if you are responsible for the DJ's salary, if the DJ is trying to date you, if you are much larger than the DJ, if it is your Bat Mitzfah, or if he was about to play that song anyway. Under any other circumstance, holding your breath is not recommended.
The DJ will have myriad excuses for why he simply cannot play said request. He doesn't have it, the vibe isn't right, the song doesn't exist; he'll throw anything at you so he can keep spinning second-rate dubstep while he gears up Jack and Diane or Sweet Caroline to get the crowd really riled in the third hour.
He's never going to play your song.
I've been in this position many times. I've requested songs to revive a dead dance floor and songs to change the pace, songs to take a breather and songs for the birthday girl. No song is ever good enough. Why? Because requesting a song is like a public shaming. The guy has one job, and you're just a dancer or a wallflower or a drink sipper and you think you can do better.
This I understand. But what truly gets me red in the face is when I request a song, am met with skepticism and rebuttle, and then months later everyone is trying to introduce me to that same song. I can do nothing but turn to the disco ball, shake my fists and yell "WHY WON'T YOU TAKE MY SUGGESTIONS IN A TIMELY MANOR??"
I will concede that I already know the answer to this question. Sexual Healing Kygo Remix will not be played until after everyone discovers Kygo at Block Party this spring. Just like my requests for I Love It and Pumpin Blood weren't relevant until both were featured on TV shows. And I'm still met with glazed expressions 60% of the time when I request Tegan & Sara's Closer.
These aren't favorites of mine, but they are damn fun to hear at a party.
This brings me to my final thought. If I had to DJ a party right now, in this moment, here's what you'd hear. I can guarantee you wouldn't recommend me to a friend, or hire me for your 75th wedding anniversary, but that's ok. That's why DJ's don't take requests. They really do know best.
1. Retrograde - James Blake
2. Freak Scene - Dinosaur Jr.
3. Closer Than This - St. Lucia
4. Turn Down For What - DJ Snake, Lil Jon
5. Butterfly - Crazy Town
6. Hold On We're Going Home - Drake
7. Ca Plane Pour Moi - Plastic Bertrand
8. Black Magic - Magic Wands
9. O.P.P - Naughty By Nature
10. Born To Run - Bruce Springsteen
If you have requests I'd love to hear them, share!