You’re a band, not a DJ which means you can’t play anything. Most bands only have a repertoire list of around 50-80 songs and usually bands are only hired perform two sets for a gig. This means you have to perform roughly 30 songs a gig.
This might not seem a lot, but crafting a perfect setlist can seem really overwhelming, so where do you start?Speak with your client, to find the yes and no songs
Every client is different, and some songs will be a big hit with the client and others an absolute no. Finding this out before you design your set will help narrow your song library down.
This is where tools like Design My Setlist comes in great, it allows users to go down your repertoire list and categorise them into ‘yes’ and ‘no’ columns so you know which songs from your library to include in your set.
Doing this will also allow the client to feel like they have control in the music selection. Remember, a wedding cake creator wouldn’t just serve random flavours – they ask the client which flavours they want, so why shouldn’t you!
Creating your setlist
Once you have your ‘yes’ songs you can then craft these into a setlist.
Creating your setlist will come naturally the more gigs you perform at. After a few gigs you know which songs are a big hit and get everyone dancing and which songs might not attract the big crowds!
Setlist order to follow
Your setlist should be split into three sections. The open, the middle and the end. If you're playing a 45 minute set you'll probably need around 12-15 songs to fill the time, so placing each song correctly in the order is important. I've included song example songs in this to help you know the type of vibe you need.
Opening your set:
Your first 3-4 songs need to be big hitters! These songs will get everyone in the mood to dance and start the party.
- "Shut Up and Dance" – Walk the Moon
- "I Gotta Feeling" – The Black Eyed Peas
- "Mr. Brightside" – The Killers
- "Uptown Funk" – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Middle:
Your next 8 songs, or the middle of your set needs to both keep the audience dancing, but allow them to take a break. It’s ok if people aren’t dancing all the time, quite often they just want to sit back and enjoy the music and have a chat with their friends and family. Don’t be offended if people walk off the dance floor, it’s natural and will happen at every performance.
Having said this, you must keep the middle section of your set lively. Don’t play slow dance after slow dance, group your songs and create a nice flow of different genres and speed of songs.
- "Can’t Stop the Feeling!" – Justin Timberlake
- "September" – Earth, Wind & Fire
- "Valerie" – Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse
- "Thinking Out Loud" – Ed Sheeran
- "Crazy in Love" – Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z
- "Sweet Caroline" – Neil Diamond
- "Dancing Queen" – ABBA
- "Don’t Stop Me Now" – Queen
End of your setlist:
The last 3-4 songs are the most important aspect of your performance. You need to play songs which everyone will know and be able to sing and dance along to. You may want to encourage people to return to the floor for the ‘last song’.
- "Livin’ on a Prayer" – Bon Jovi
- "Wonderwall" – Oasis
- "All the Small Things" – Blink-182
- "Don’t Stop Believin’" – Journey