Corporate events are not only meetings and presentations; they can inspire, connect, and make lasting impressions. Live music for corporate events is among the best ways to make an event memorable.
A carefully crafted playlist by talented artists can evoke the right mood, grab the interest of your audience, and leave a lasting impact. However, how do you craft a playlist that speaks volumes to your guests and fulfils the intent of your event? Here's your ultimate guide.
1. Know Your Audience
Knowing your audience is the first step in creating a memorable playlist. Are they young professionals who enjoy modern hits, or are they executives who appreciate classic tunes? Consider the demographics, preferences, and cultural backgrounds of your attendees. For example:
- Millennials and Gen Z might enjoy acoustic covers of popular songs or indie music.
- Older professionals may prefer timeless classics or jazz standards.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, choose a versatile musician or band that can adapt its setlist to the crowd’s energy.
2. Match the Music to the Event’s Purpose
The playlist should reflect the tone and purpose of your event. Here’s how to align your music choices:
- Networking Events: Choose upbeat, background-friendly tracks that encourage conversation without overpowering it. Consider light jazz, acoustic pop, or instrumental covers.
- Product Launches: Choose high-energy, contemporary music that is upbeat and energetic, thus fitting in with your brand's personality.
- Award Ceremonies: Dramatic, uplifting music can create suspense and build anticipation for awards ceremonies.
- Smooth, elegant sounds, such as soft jazz or classical guitar, would be perfect for corporate dinners to create an air of sophistication.
Example: Award-winning live event guitarist Dylan Galvin typically adjusts his playlist according to the nature of the event, whether it is a high-energy product launch or an intimate corporate dinner.
3. Engage with Live Music for a Truly Personal Touch
Live music for corporate events is a personal touch that recorded playlists just cannot compete with. A good musician or band knows how to read the room and adjust their performance to fit the atmosphere and vibe of the occasion. As follows:
- Acoustic guitarists are very good for making the setting intimate and warm for small gatherings.
- Whole bands can be very energetic, perfect for large crowds.
Pro Tip: Use an acoustic performer doing covers of mainstream songs. It's a known, well-familiar setting, but live; it brings something fresh to the game.
4. Curate a Balanced Playlist
The best playlist knows how to mix and balance different tempos, genres, and moods to keep energy levels flowing. This is a basic structure to observe:
- Opening: Welcome the guests by playing light and inviting music
- Main Event: Match the melodies to the event's activity, be it a presentation, dinner, or networking session
- Closing: End with an upbeat, memorable track that keeps the guest on a high
Example Playlist for Corporate Events
- Arrival: "Better Together" by Jack Johnson, acoustic cover
- Networking: "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder, instrumental
- Dinner: "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra (acoustic version)
- Closing: "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars (live band performance)
5. Use Technology for Hybrid Events
Most corporate events are hybrid nowadays—a hybrid, that is, in the sense of including a mix of in-person and virtual attendees. Live musicians can respond to this by:
- Streaming their performances for people attending from home.
- Integrating audience participation with live song requests or Q&A.
Pro Tip: Engage musicians who have experience with hybrid events, such as Dylan, who seamlessly blend live and virtual performances to engage all attendees.
6. Leverage Your Musician
Your live musician or band is a prime partner for perfecting your playlist. Discuss your event's goals, audience demographics, and preferred genres with them. A good musician can:
- Suggest songs that fit your vision.
- Make their performance fit the flow of the event.
- Unique touches, such aspersonalisedd covers or mashups.
Example: Dylan Galvin often works with event planners to create a custom setlist that aligns with the client's brand and event theme.
7. Test the Playlist
Review the playlist with your musician before the event to ensure it flows well and meets your objectives. Consider:
- Timing: Does the playlist fit within the event's schedule?
- Transitions: Are the songs structured in such a way as to create a logical, flows-of-life-like progression?
- Audience Appealing: Will people walk away humming the tunes?
8. Surprise Step
Jolt your guests by having them experience a musical masterpiece they'll never forget. This can be:
- A really outstanding performance for a popular tune in the air.
- A guest performance by another artist.
- A live mashup of well-known tracks.
Example: Last week, Dylan Galvin performed an '80s medley at a corporate event, and the entire room sang along.
9. Don't Forget the Logistics
Finally, make sure that the technical end is taken care of:
- Soundcheck: Have your musician arrive early to test the sound system.
- Lighting: Utilize lighting to enhance the performance and create atmosphere.
- Space: Ensure the performance area is clearly visible and accessible to all guests.
10. Why Live Music Makes a Difference
Live music can make corporate events extraordinary from ordinary. It evokes emotions, creates engagement, and leaves a long-lasting impression on your guests. As Dylan says, "Live music isn't just background noise—it's the heartbeat of your event."
Conclusion
One only needs to know their audience, align the music with your event's purpose, and work with talented musicians. Whether a solo acoustic guitarist sets the tone for an intimate dinner or a full band energises a product launch, live music for corporate events adds a personal touch that will truly last long after the corporate event is over.
Ready to elevate your next corporate event to the next level? Hire Dylan Galvin to bring your vision to life and create an unforgettable experience for your guests.
