Sports DJ Sound Off: 2015 College Volleyball 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 understand the impact and value canned music from a DJ can have when developing a theme night, building on in-game momentum or creating a true home court advantage.
Volleyball has become one of my favorite events to produce and soundtrack over the last few years. Even informal warm-ups in volleyball are pretty high-energy and since matches can be as short as 3 sets, I look to build energy from the moment arena doors open and continue ramping it up through formal player warm-ups. The genres of music I recommend are Pop, Electronic, Dance and Party Rock with a dash of Rock and Hip-Hop. Keep your selections upbeat and always play songs with intent and purpose.
Player Warm-Up Songs
Player warm-up songs should be played during formal player warm-ups. Solicit recommendations from your team on what gets them up for competition. Look for these music selections to build a high-energy atmosphere and set the tone for a match. The mood of the music should be upbeat with a little bit of attitude.
1. "Go" - The Chemical Brothers (edited version)
2. "Headlights" - Robin Schulz feat. Ilsey
3. "B***h Better Have My Money" - Rihanna (radio edit / edited version)
4. "Hey Mama" - David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack
5. "7/11" - Beyonce
6. "Trap Queen" - Fetty Wap (edited version)
7. "She Knows" - Ne-Yo feat. Juicy J (edited version)
8. "Heart It Races" - Architecture In Helsinki (Trizzy's Rusty Tin Can Mix)
9. "Anything Could Happen" - Ellie Goulding
10. "Feeling Myself" - Nicki MInaj feat. Beyonce (edited version)
Oldies but goodies:
1. "Doo Wop That Thing" - Lauryn Hill
2. "100 Percent Pure Love" - Crystal Waters
3. "Set It Off" - Strafe
4. "Don't Cha" - The Pussycat Dolls & Busta Rhymes
5. "One More Time" - Daft Punk
6. "Da Dip" - Freak Nasty (edited version)
Hot Songs
Timeout usage is a major strategic component of volleyball, with timeouts typically called to stop momentum or a run from the opposing team. You can create a home court advantage by building off of these opportunities. Here's a general rule of thumb: If the home team calls a timeout, cue the band. If the opposing team calls a timeout, cue a hot song from your DJ. Hot songs should carry momentum for the duration of a timeout and build on fan excitement. Typically these songs are feel good or celebratory. Be sure to have your DJ cue these songs to start "hot". Here are examples that should be added to your music library.
1. "Celebrate" - Pitbull
2. "Tell You (Today)" - Robyn
3. "It's You" - Duck Sauce (Ridiculous Mix)
4. "Shut Up and Dance" - Walk the Moon
5. "I Want You to Know" - Zedd feat. Selena Gomez
6. "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody" - Fergie feat. Q-Tip
7. "Bounce" - Calvin Harris feat. Kelis
8. "Bad" - David Guetta & Showtek
9. "I'm in the House" - Steve Aoki
10. "Bounce Generation" - TJR ft. Vinai
Oldies but goodies:
1. "Zombie Nation" - Kern Kraft
2. "I See You Baby" - Fatboy Slim
3. "Blitzkrieg Bop" - The Ramones
4. "Feel It" - Tamperer
5. "Waterman (What a Bum)" - Olav Basoski feat. Michi One
Bumps
Bumps are songs to cue at the end of a timeout to build crowd energy leading into a crucial upcoming serve. Again, be sure your DJ cues these songs to the point of the song with the highest energy. Here are some good examples to build a home court advantage.
1. "Turn Up" - Gent & Jawns (Kill the Noise Remix)
2. "Overdrive" - Calvin Harris
3. "Bangarang" - Skrillex feat. Sirah
4. "Tell Em" - Sleigh Bells
5. "Fire in Our Hearts" - Swanky Tunes
6. "Monarch" - Lumberjack & Harvel B (edited version)
Oldies but goodies:
1. "Sirius" - Allman Brothers Band
2. "Thunderstruck" - AC/DC
3. "Firestarter" - Prodigy
4. "Come Baby Come" - L7
5. "Come With Me" - Puff Daddy
6. "300 Violin Orchestra" - John Quintero
A well soundtracked volleyball match 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 your 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 that 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.
If you enjoyed this blog entry, you may find these articles useful as well:
Sports DJ Sound Off: 2014 College Volleyball Playlist
Check out our entire archive of past Sports DJ Sound Off Playlists