So I’ve already been to a few Halloween parties and I have to say, I’ve heard a wide variety of music. Now, I’ve hosted a few parties in my so-far college career and I think it’s time we take a look at the do’s and don’t’s of party playlists, because it’s not enough to just pick a Pandora station and cross your fingers. Oh no, your guests deserve far more than that and you want to be remembered for your awesome party, which won’t happen if your music isn’t on point.
DO: Play things that people know or at least start off with stuff they know. Who will have fun at a party if they don’t know at least one song? I’d suggest something like “Habits” by Tove Lo (Find one of the upbeat remixes) or “Don’t Tell Em” by Jeremih to start off. They’ve definitely reached most of our age group and can be heard at pretty much any club.
DO: Gauge your guests. If the first few songs aren’t going too well, it may be time to make some spur of the moment changes to your playlist.
DON’T: Write down a list of everything in a pop radio station’s Top 20 Countdown, because who hasn’t heard “Boom Clap” by Charli XCX enough times that they sing it in their sleep?
DO: Pick stuff you’ve heard on the radio once. That means it’s up and coming and not everyone can sing the entire song from beginning to end. Something like “Shower” by Becky G or “I Mean It” by G-Eazy.
DON’T: Choose stuff without some sort of beat because whether you’re dancing in the middle of the room or tapping your foot against a wall, nobody wants to hear “Rude” by Magic!
DO: Pick “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj. We’ve all heard it, we all know at least part of it and we’ll definitely dance to it. It’s fast, funny and an excuse to dance however you want.
DON’T: Change it in the middle of the song unless it’s an “Oh no, how did this get on here?” kind of emergency. It’s annoying and you’ll tick off more than a few of the dancers. There’s definitely an awkward silence while the song loads so it’s pretty much a party foul.
DO: Include some Rap/Hip-Hop. Even if you aren’t a fan, it’s on-growing genre with a large fanbase in our age range. “My N*gga” by YG, “Tom Ford” by Jay Z, “Used 2” by 2 Chainz and “Vato” by DJ Mustard are all good options.
DONT: “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift… Or any T-Swift for that matter. This is an adult party, save it for the showers.
DO: Include a throwback or two! “Gold Digger” by Kanye, “Yeah” by Usher or “Low” by Flo Rida for sure. But I’m not talking about “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke…
DO: Find room for Beyonce. No explanation necessary.
DON’T: Worry all night about the music. It’s important to be a good host but you have to have some fun too!
Best of luck to you whether you’re hosting or hopping for Halloween weekend and a word to this who are guests, if the music sucks, don’t be afraid to step in with your own playlist. Everyone will thank you later.