I mostly play private parties, and am nearly always a wedding DJ or a corporate party DJ. I also DJ school dances, birthday parties, quinceañeras, and so on, but I rarely play at night clubs or bars. When I was just starting out I played those sorts of venues, but as I gained experience I moved on to more complex and demanding gigs.
Last night I got step back in time to my bar DJ days and play at Group Therapy, a great restaurant and bar located in Hotel Zaza in downtown Austin. I played as dinner wound down, then continued until 1am for the bar patrons. I’d forgotten how much fun a bar gig can be. Throughout the night patrons and staff made their way to the DJ booth to compliment my choice of music. When I was done, the bartenders were full of praise too, thanking me for not playing the same stuff everyone else plays. Even the manager came out to thank me, and said he’d like to make my DJ sets a regular Friday night fixture at Group Therapy.
As fun as that might be, I don’t think it will happen. I’m much better suited to the wedding and private party industry. Plus it pays far better! But still, it was a fun change of pace, and I’m glad I made everyone happy through my music.
My Set List for the Evening
Across the Room [feat. Leon Bridges] – ODESZA
Closer – Khanvict
Midnight Theme [Kenny Dope Rework] – Manzel
Save Disco – PNAU
Superstition [Todd Terje Edit] – Stevie Wonder
Dreamers – Savoir Adore
Ain’t Nobody [Late Night Tuff Guy Rework] – Rufus and Chaka Khan
Play – Alewya
More Than a Woman [SG’s Paradise Edit] – Bee Gees
Deadly Valentine [Soulwax Remix] – Charlotte Gainsbourg
Classic [feat. Powers] – The Knocks
Talk Too Much – COIN
You Know I’m No Good – Amy Winehouse
Evan Finds the Third Room – Khruangbin
If You Want Me To Stay [Funk Ferret Edit] – Sly & The Family Stone
Like Sugar – Chaka Khan
(Are You Ready) Do the Bus Stop – The Fatback Band
Heaven Is in the Back Seat of My Cadillac – Hot Chocolate
Another One Bites The Dust [La Royale Edit] – Queen
Careless Whisper [The Polish Ambassador Remix] – George Michael
Doses and Mimosas – Cherub
Say My Name [feat. Zyra] – ODESZA
Drinkee – Sofi Tukker
Relax [LNTG Says Relax] – Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Give It Up, Or TurnIt a Loose [The Reflex Edit] – James Brown
Someone Great – LCD Soundsystem
Marble House (Rex The Dog remix) – The Knife
Blind – Hercules and Love Affair
Move Your Feet – Junior Senior
London Headache [Purple Disco Machine Remix] – Anabel Englund
Electric Love – BØRNS
Jolene (Destructo Remix) – Dolly Parton
Trouble’s Lovebreak – Paul Trouble Anderson & DJ Booker T
September [Throttle Remix] – Earth, Wind & Fire
Tenderoni – Chromeo
Jimmy – M.I.A.
Cream – Federico Franchi
Mind Dimension 2 – Tiga
Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
Lights and Music – Cut Copy
Illumination – Miami Horror
Jamming [FISHER Rework] – Bob Marley & The Wailers
Shiver [feat. Hayla] – John Summit
Rhythm of the Night – Good Times Ahead
Where’s Your Head At – Basement Jaxx
Barbra Streisand – Duck Sauce
It’s You – Duck Sauce
Acceptable in the 80s – Calvin Harris
Shiny Disco Balls [feat. Jessica Eve] – Who Da Funk
I Believe in a Thing Called Love – The Darkness
I Feel Love – Sam Smith
Fancy Footwork – Chromeo
NY Lipps – Soulwax
House of Jealous Lovers – The Rapture
Paranoiattack – The Faint
Filthy/Gorgeous – Scissor Sisters
An Honest Mistake – The Bravery
Hey Little Girl – Bloodwitch
Another Brick – Sharp Soul
Beam Me Up [Jacques Renault Remix] – Midnight Magic
Thriller [Louis La Roche Mix] – Michael Jackson
I’ll Do Anything for You [Patchworks Remix] – Lee McDonald
Groove Is In The Heart [The Reflex Bootsy Q tip Revision] – Deee-Lite
Our Lips Are Sealed [Peza Mix] – Fun Boy Three
Girls & Boys – Blur
Laid – James