During the summer I enjoy playing music around the pool. I am frequently asked, “How do you set a good playlist?” To me, a lot depends on how long you are going to be playing music. It also helps to know your audience. I frequently DJ at Umstead Pines Swim & Golf club. When I am there I try to keep everyone around the pool happy. There are kids, teens, young adults, Parents and Grandparents there. So I play a little bit of everything. I break down the music into mini sets. I try to keep it around 30 – 45 min per genre. This equates to about 10 songs per mini set. I usually start with the current Top 40. These songs don’t have to be in the Top 40 but they will be songs that the teens and young adults are listening to on the radio. Next, I like to put on Beach music or Shag music. Not only is it summer appropriate but it often gets the older generations up and dancing. I then do a set of top 80’s hits and then I go back to current top 40. Next, I play the Country top 40 and then 60’s and 70’s mix of hits. Finally, I will play more current music. I always enjoy taking requests. Not only does it help find new songs I might not be playing but it also lets me connect with the crowd.
