Sports DJ Sound Off: 2015-16 Pro & College Basketball Playlist
At 3 Point Productions, we believe the soundtrack to any event is extremely important in providing a first-class fan experience. Our Sports DJ Sound Off series is designed to help you better soundtrack your game nights and understand the impact a DJ can have when building on in-game momentum and developing a home court advantage.
Walk-In Music
Walk-in music starts the moment arena doors open and fans enter. Look to incorporate both new hits and old favorites. These selections really set the tone for the event, so keep it generally upbeat and base your selections on the game theme, marketing promotion or night of the week. Here are some fresh tracks to add to your library this season:
1. "Go" - The Chemical Brothers (edited version)
2. "Bright Lights" - Vice feat. Estelle (edited version)
3. "Freedom" - Pharrell Williams
4. "Downtown" - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (edited version)
5. "Feel Right" - Mark Ronson feat. Mystikal (edited version)
6. "Can't Feel My Face" - The Weeknd
7. "Ain't Gon' Stop" - Sol (edited version)
8. "Heart Is Full" - Miike Snow
Oldies but goodies:
1. "Hey Ma" - Cam'Ron (edited version)
2. "My Love for You" - ESG
3. "Set It Off" - Stafe
4. "Victory" - Puff Daddy & the Family (edited version)
Player Warm-Up Songs
Player warm-up songs are tracks that should be played during formal player warm-ups immediately following the final player run-out. I deem this time as theirs - at least 2 or 3 of their requests. The mood of the music should be "game face" and build anticipation toward tip-off. Here are some songs that the kids are listening to that you should add to your library:
1. "Jumpman" - Drake feat. Future (edited version)
2. "Classic Man" - Jidenna feat. Kendrick Lamar (edited version)
3. "All Day" - Kanye West feat. Theophilus London, Allan Kingdom & Paul McCartney (edited version)
4. "Flicka Da Wrist" - Chedda Da Connect (edited version)
5. "We Made It" - Drake feat. Soulja Boy (edited version)
6. "Energy" - Drake (edited version)
7. "Night Riders" - Major Lazer feat. Travi$ Scott, 2 Chainz, Pusha T & Mad Cobra (edited version)
8. "Blessings" - Big Sean feat. Drake (edited version)
In-game Music Beds
Unlike college basketball, DJs are able to play music beds and fan prompts during gameplay in a professional game. There are limits to what you can play when the home team is on defense, but the rules open up a little bit more when the home team is on offense. The rule states that you can play instrumentals as long as they don't contain song lyrics. Tip: If player song requests are too explicit to play in-arena, see if the instrumental version of the song may work as a good in-game instrumental instead! Here are some fresh examples of good instrumentals to incorporate as in-game tracks.
1. "Gas Pedal" - Sage the Gemini
2. "Oochie Wally" - Nas & Bravehearts
3. "Fight Night" - Migos
4. "Hot Boy" - Bobby Shmurda
5. "Truffle Butter" - Nicki Minaj feat. Drake & Lil Wayne
6. "Versace" - Drake feat. Migos
7. "Organ Donor" - DJ Shadow
8. "The Anthem" - Pitbull feat. Lil Jon
Bumps
Bumps are songs to cue at the end of a timeout, typically late in a game, to build crowd energy leading into an upcoming play. Again, be sure your DJ cues to the point of the song with the highest energy Tip: Game Directors can cue the audio transition in conjunction with a PA/emcee hype for optimal use. Here are some good examples of bumps to add this season:
1. "Turn Up" - Gent & Jawns (Kill the Noise Remix)
2. "S.A.X." - Laidback Luke & Tujamo
3. "Ill Behavior" - CID & Mednas
4. "Bazooka" - Firebeatz
5. "Error 404" - Martin Garrix
6. "Bounce Generation" - TJR Feat. Vinai
A well soundtracked game is sure to improve your overall fan experience. Outside of the songs I've highlighted here, there are plenty of opportunities to be creative in theming your presentation. Take a good look at how you're currently theming in-game prompts, promos and sponsor activations to ensure the soundtrack is fresh and fits the brand(s) you're working with. A great audio experience is built in pre-production - not on game day. Build cues for every possible in-game scenario, so when the time comes, your DJ is a click away from responding with the perfect song or sound effect. Game presentation is an art form and the beauty is in each detail.
Want more? Check out last season's 2014-15 Pro & College Basketball Playlist!
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