I rarely DJ on Independence Day, but who was I to pass up the chance to perform the first DJ set at Austin’s newest hotel and event space, 1 Hotel? When they asked if I was available to play an all vinyl set, of course I said yes!
The hotel is beautiful, and it’s built with corporate events, weddings, and parties in mind. From the massive loading dock and easy load-in to the nature-inspired beauty of the interior, everything at the hotel shows thoughtful planning, and careful implementation, and I look forward to DJ’ing more events there!
Check out the view from the 14th floor balcony. When the fireworks began, guests had a bird’s eye view!
Musically, I tried to take the guests in some interesting directions. I was told the invitees were primarily industry folks, party planners, and others who might want to book the space for their own events. With that in mind, I tried to avoid the music they likely hear all the time, and took full advantage of my large, diverse vinyl collection to build a set for them to enjoy. As always, I had no idea exactly what I’d play until I played it. As each record played, I looked around the room for reactions to help me decide what disc to grab next. Judging by the number of compliments and fist bumps I received throughout the night, I think I did okay!
Here’s what I played.
Sunnin’ and Funnin’ – MFSB
Changes – Vernon Bunch
Gimmie What You Got – Le Pamplemousse
It’s Great to Be Here – The Jackon Five
I Get Lifted – KC & the Sunshine Band
Get Up and Dance – Freedom
Dominoes – Donald Byrd
Space is the Place – Pleasure
Hold On to Your Mind – Andwalla
Everything Good Is Bad – The Politicians
Benzie Box – Danger Doom
Eye Know – De La Soul
I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do) – Hall & Oates
Break My Stride – Matthew Wilder
Breakout – Swing Out Sister
Strut – Sheena Easton
Laid – James
Kids – MGMT
One More Time – Daft Punk
Funky Nassau – Beginning of the End
Soul Drums – Pretty Purdie
Woman – Barrabás
Love Is the Message – MFSB
Vitamin C – Can
Bra – Cymande
Playa Grande [feat. Bomba Estéreo] – Sofi Tukker
Obsessed – Olivia Rodrigo
Over and Over – Hot Chip
Rebellion (Lies) – Arcade Fire
House of Jealous Lovers – The Rapture
Bad Guy – Billie Eilish
Boneman Connection – Nicodemus
Starman – David Bowie
Strawberry Fields Forever – Candy Flip
Moments in Soul – J.T. and the Big Family
Fade Into You – Mazzy Star
Wild Safari – Barrabás
Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
Evan Finds the Third Room – Khruangbin
You Know I’m No Good – Amy Winehouse
Corazon – Creative Source
Venus – Bananarama
View to a Kill – Duran Duran
Heaven Is a Place on Earth – Belinda Carlisle
Apache – Incredible Bongo Band
Step It Up – Stereo MCs
Slave to Live – Bryan Ferry