Music sets the mood and provides the soundtrack (literally) for a memorable and exciting time.
While the right songs can enhance the experience, the wrong event music can throw off the vibe. For example, fast-paced songs probably aren’t the best fit for a formal gala. And smooth jazz is likely to lull your guests at a motivational conference.
That’s why it’s crucial to think about the tone you want to set and choose a playlist that embodies it. We’ve compiled a list of possible tunes to help you pick the best event songs.
Perfect songs to start an event
These jams serve as the warm-up. You want people to feel relaxed and ready to socialize when they enter your event, so opt for upbeat and easy listening. Here are a few songs that help break the ice:
“Lovely Day” — Bill Withers
Get your event off to a lovely start with this classic. Withers’ smooth, soulful vocals on top of a bright musical composition are bound to put attendees in a good mood.
“Send Me On Your Way” — Rusted Root
This track is the ultimate “welcome” song. The peppy flute and whistle solo will give your guests all the warm feels.
“Good as H*ll” — Lizzo
Leave it to Lizzo to instil a sense of confidence in anyone. As the title implies, this breakout hit will make party-goers feel good (as h*ll).
“Fly Me to the Moon” — Frank Sinatra
Choose this tune if you’re going for a classy and snappy welcome. It’s snazzy but cheerful enough to encourage socializing.
“Daylight” — Gregg Karukas
Gregg Karukas supplies a happy, upbeat composition that makes guests feel at home. Play this track to start an upscale gala or soiree.
“I Can See Clearly Now” — Johnny Nash
It’s hard not to feel like you’re walking on a cloud with this piping through the speakers. It’s a soft yet uplifting song that automatically puts attendees in the mood to mingle.
“Happy” — Pharrell Williams
“Happy” is a superb example of feel-good music. The beat and the message help put guests in a positive and party mood.
“September” — Earth, Wind, & Fire
Young, old, Millennial, or Gen Xer, this song is recognizable to nearly all generations — and it’s bound to get toes tapping.
“Watermelon Sugar” — Harry Styles
This top-40 hit is a sweet crowd-pleaser. The energizing beat and enchanting melody provide a warm welcome.
“Kiss Me More” — Doja Cat ft. SZA
You can’t go wrong with a light bubble-gum pop song. Play this for a fun and relaxed vibe.
High-energy songs for business events
The type of music you play at business events is more important than you might think. Music activates the reward and pleasure centres in the brain. Therefore, music can help attendees create positive memories and remember key takeaways.
When it comes to conferences, you want to include music that contributes to the flow of the event rather than detracting from it. Playing non-stop party tunes might be distracting for attendees or potential new clients.
Instead, curate a list of songs for corporate events with a mix of genres that keeps guests energized without disturbing the flow. Below is a sample of a music playlist for corporate events:
“24K Magic” – Bruno Mars
As Bruno says, “Let’s set this party off right” — or in this case, your conference. Leave it up to Bruno Mars to fill the room with energy and enthusiasm. Play this during team-building sections of your event.
“Can’t Stop the Feeling” — Justin Timberlake
The electrifying beat and Justin’s request to “dance, dance, dance” will enliven your conference. This is another jam you can play during team-building activities.
“Levitating” — Dua Lipa
Guests of all ages will appreciate this groovy and modern tune. It’s fast enough to energize the room, and it’s appropriate to play during networking sessions.
“I’m Coming Out” — Diana Ross
This is a business conference classic. The bold declaration in the chorus can give the occasion a greater sense of purpose. Plus, it encourages camaraderie.
“Let’s Go Crazy” — Prince
The “Purple One” encourages listeners to let loose and have a good time. It’s an excellent tune to get your crowd pumped for the festivities.
“High Hopes” — Panic! At the Disco
High Hopes emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself when things get tough. It’s also light and upbeat enough to play during networking and brainstorming activities.
“Dog Days Are Over” — Florence and the Machine
Look to this peppy ballad to motivate guests to focus on their goals despite setbacks. It serves as an uplifting reminder that good days lie ahead.
“Beautiful Day” — U2
This song is filled with positivity and conveys its uplifting message with stunning instrumental harmony.
“Roar” — Katy Perry
“Roar” is all about overcoming challenges and coming out on top. It’s an excellent music choice for a motivational conference or team bonding experience.
“Walking on Sunshine” — Katrina and the Waves
A list of high-energy songs for conferences wouldn’t be complete without this gem. It’s a bright, poppy tune that helps revive your event when things slow down.
Pumped up music for keynote speakers to walk on stage to
Walk-on music might be at the bottom of your list when coordinating the many elements of your event. However, it’s something you should think about. The right track sets the energy and prepares the crowd to receive an inspirational message. It also helps to prepare the speaker. When choosing the best walk-out song, consider the message being delivered. Is it motivational? Does it discuss specific topics?
Below are examples of great walk-out songs:
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” — Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye
The message reminds listeners that whatever happens in life, there’s no need to worry. It’s an inspirational song that brims with emotion and rhythm.
“Independent Women Pt 1.” — Destiny’s Child
The assertive cadence is enhanced by its message of confidence and self-sufficiency. Play this timeless walk-out song for a women’s empowerment speaker.
“Break My Stride” — Matthew Wilder
This pop tune is fun and imbues the room with optimism. It’s a fantastic warm-up track for a motivational speech.
“Girl on Fire” — Alicia Keys
Alicia sings a message of girl power. The hard-hitting drum beat injects the venue with enthusiasm and energy. Cue this song for a woman speaker or for an address on women’s empowerment.
“Another One Bites the Dust” — Queen
A funky bass plays as Freddie Mercury asks the listener, “Are you ready?” — it’s the ideal walk-out song for almost any occasion and speaker. A recognizable classic that primes attendees for a great speech.
“Sirius” — The Alan Parsons Project
Sports fans (namely, Chicago Bulls fans) will automatically recognize this tune. This instrumental is famous for getting basketball fans riled up for a game. It’s sure to pump up your guests.
“All I Do is Win” — DJ Khaled
“All I Do is Win” inspires a victory mindset, and it’ll put your guests in a motivated state of mind to hear the keynote speaker.
“Rock and Roll Part 2” — Gary Glitter
If you’ve attended a sporting event, you’ve probably heard this blasting through the speakers. The iconic drum beat and chants encourage the crowd to get excited.
“Eye of the Tiger” — Survivor
“Eye of the Tiger” embodies the meaning of a pumped-up tune. Famously known as the Rocky theme, this song primes the audience to receive a motivational message.
“Lose Yourself” — Eminem
“Lose Yourself” is about performing and seizing chances — so it’s the perfect intro music for an inspirational address. Plus, the hard-hitting beat automatically gets people hyped.
Relaxing Event Background Music
Sometimes a playlist full of low-key music is ideal for the occasion. More formal settings call for easy-listening tunes instead of uptempo music.
For instance, you might want to consider instrumentals or soft music for a fundraising gala or formal networking event. You want music that gently fills the silence and doesn’t distract from conversations. When creating your playlist, go for instrumentals or piano music. Here are some calm songs that help to create a relaxing mood:
“You’re Beautiful” — Kenny G
Kenny G gives a soothing rendition of James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful”. The sounds of his iconic sax provide the ideal background music for conversations.
“Soul Dance” — Norman Brown
Almost any Norman Brown tune is guaranteed to fill the room with a mellow sound; “Soul Dance” delivers a rich, layered jazz composition.
“Let it Flow” — Eric Darius
Eric Darius provides an uplifting yet soothing jazz instrumental, perfect for a laid-back gathering.
“When I Fall in Love” — Chris Botti
Chris Botti is a legend in the jazz world, so you can’t go wrong with any song from this pro. “When I Fall in Love” is a soft medley of instruments with Chris’ signature trumpet taking the lead.
“Estelle” — Doris Casella
Doris Casella delivers a happy and delicate piano composition — ideal for a fancy art exhibit or silent auction.
“Saying Things” — Emanuel Fremont
This soft piano instrumental beautifully complements an upscale networking event.
“Blue in Green” — Miles Davis ft. John Coltrane & Bill Evans
This jam from the iconic Miles Davis gives off a cool vibe. Jazz lovers in the room will appreciate this gem.
“In a Sentimental Mood” — John Coltrane & Duke Ellington
“In a Sentimental Mood” sets a classy tone for your event. Make this one of your go-to’s to play during a formal sit-down dinner.
“Bridge of Light” — John Fluker
“Bridge of Light” is a dreamy and bright composition that can accompany a sophisticated ambiance.
“F.T.B.” — Robert Glasper
Robert Glasper’s “F.T.B” is a soulful and complex jazz tune that enlivens the venue while setting a relaxed mood.
When the event is over
Like all good things, your event must come to an end. When you’re choosing your exit playlist, think of your objective. To cue the ending of your event, play mid-tempo or slower tracks. If you want guests to leave with a positive attitude, opt for energizing and uplifting songs. Below is a list that gives you an idea of the ideal exit song:
“We Are Family” — Sister Sledge
Keep the convivial vibe going with this timeless tune. Play this to end a community or team-building event.
“Break My Soul” — Beyoncé
If you need a track that leaves a good impression, this just might be it. “Break My Soul” offers an earworm for the ages with its chorus that promotes liberation. Your attendees will leave with a lingering feeling of empowerment.
“About D*mn Time” — Lizzo
This is the second time we’ve mentioned Lizzo, and can you blame us? The girl makes music for almost any mood. This modern disco track leaves guests feeling confident.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” — Journey
Close a motivational business conference with this classic to remind attendees to never stop believin’.
“Last Dance” — Donna Summer
This iconic tune encourages party-goers to get out on the dance floor one last time.
“Lobby” — Anitta
This mid-tempo disco track is fun and chill enough to signal when your event is coming to an end.
“Thinking Out Loud” — Ed Sheeran
“Thinking Out Loud” evokes a mellow vibe, so it’s an ideal song to play to end a night full of high-energy songs.
“Slow Jam” — Euge Groove
Want a jazzier exit song? Then, go for “Slow Jam.” This soft composition is perfect for helping bring upscale events to a close.
“After the Love Has Gone” — David Benoit ft. Russ Freeman
Another slow-paced jazz ballad that reminds guests it’s time to end the night.
Start off on the right note
Any time you need inspiration for your next event music playlist, revisit the selections we’ve provided. You’ll find a variety of genres, music styles, and tempos that fit any occasion or mood.
Now that music is crossed off your list, it’s time to tackle marketing. Sell out your event with Eventbrite Boost — an intuitive platform that makes it easy to reach the right people and grow your attendance. Get started with Eventbrite Boost today!
