The DJ industry has always been geared toward a younger demo of, let's say, under-35 folks. A bar traditionally drawing in young clientele is perceived as hipper and more lucrative. That was then, this is now.
In recent years the trend amongst that age group has been house parties or no parties, while the slightly older Gen X and Gen Ys still remember the thrill of dancing with a stranger and getting stranger with a dancer at a nightclub 'til the break of day. In turn, the X&Ys spend money ( vs. pre-drinking or weed ) because, first, they have more money, and second, are living longer and healthier with no children so they can party much later into their decades. Hence, the popularity of bars like Big Chicks and Sidetrack and bar nights like Madonnarama ( Berlin ) and DILF ( Daddies I'd Like to F… ) at The Sofo Tap, the latter of which I'm the DJ and co-creator. I've learned a lot working it for the +35s, and as you slip into the decidedly mature IML weekend, here's a few of my tips for your playlist or selecting a groove to kink to.
1. Don't be afraid of retro: Anyone looking to soundtrack a party will go for Spotify's pure pop playlists or rush to contemporary house or circuit mixes. It's IML. You want subtler, darker, yet familiar. But with retro, don't get too cute. No one wants to hear "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" while sounding. Keep the choices middle-of-the-road obscure, not the first single off the album, but the second or third. Think a-ha's "Train of Thought" vs. "Take On Me." You're not only more likely to get a nice reaction from playing not-the-obvious, but you also weed out the less interesting ones. Don't let the twinks pick on you for not playing Britney or Rihanna. It's our party and we can play Prince if we want to.
2. Stay a bit manly: Nothing wrong with tossing in some female vocalists, especially your Grace Joneses and Florence + The Machineses of the world, but make sure your choices trend to men. Nothing will throw off that pending boner like Deniece Williams shouting "Let's Hear It For The Boy!"
3. Remix vs. 12": There's a difference: Remixes are fun for the club with everything turned up to 11, and you might be turned up also to 11 ( see Spinal Tap if you're not following me. I'll wait ), but the classic 12" mixes are always more subtle and true to the songs. 12" mixes are usually an extended jam on the original, whereas a remix is usually a hyped up backing track, sometimes with less vocals and lots of ups and downs … imagine edging vs. a line of blow. While a remix will pull you out of the situation and lift you up, the old 12" ( and who doesn't love a good old 12" ) will just extend your pleasure.
As a final rule, just remember the daddies are a tad more serious, but no less fun. Don't disturb your daddy's groove and you'll soon get into his.
DJ Moose will be spinning for the daddies at The Sofo Tap's legendary IML DILF party, Saturday, May 28, starting at 9 pm. No Cover.
