SD’s Music Trends
By: Kristen Castillo

Making your wedding playlist can be a lot of fun! From sentimental first dance songs to country hits and party jams to your favorite club tracks, the music possibilities seem endless.

As San Diego DJs explain to San Diego Style Weddings, the major theme these days is anything goes. Hope you’re ready to dance!

Fresh Beats. “Music is getting fresher,” says Jerry Beck of Beck’s Entertainment & DJ Service, who details how couples in their 20’s and early 30’s are in touch with pop culture and want the newest music at their event.

In the Club
“The last hour or so of the night, the younger guests and family members want to hear more hip hop like Fetty Wap, The Weeknd and future mixed with producers like Diplo of Major Lazer, Dj Snake and Chainsmokers,” says Mike Beltran, Vice President of SGM Events, explaining young professionals getting married want a “club vibe once the older folks start to leave.”

Inspiration. Getting inspired is easier now than ever. Pinterest, blogs and podcasts allow couples to see playlists and get ideas from what other couples have done.

“Today’s couples have better access to resources of inspiration,” says DJ Frank Pompeo. “They get more exposure to a wider variety of music.”

Variety. “I’m seeing such a variety of music, especially a lot of Latin and festive, upbeat music,” says Lady DJ Merrilyn of Artistic Productions, citing popularity of artists like Pitbull, Beyonce and Rihanna.

Feeling It
“DJs play songs that invoke emotion and feeling,” says Beck, encouraging couples to choose music that’s personal to them.

Wireless App Uplights
Battery operated uplights “are so clutch and so complementary at every single venue,” says Beltran.

The DJ can set a palette mixer on his or her phone to change the lighting on the spot. “You can control the lights,” says Beltran. “Colored lights change the mood.”

Making a Request List
The right DJ will read the crowd and play what works at an individual moment but they also want to know what music you love. “It all starts with a request list,” says Beck. “It’s what the couple thinks is good music.”

Party Time
Lady DJ Merrilyn says couples and guests are ready to party. “I can play the Twist at every wedding,” she says, noting LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It” and “Party Rock” are also still very popular party tracks.

Improved Access
Couples are looking beyond Top 40 radio. If they love an indie band or a folk singer, it’s not a problem to play those tunes during the celebration.

Nowadays with better access to all kinds of music, it’s easy for DJs to play niche artists and songs without much fuss. “I am seeing more selections from independent and lesser-known artists,” says Pompeo. “This gives couples a chance to express their unique taste and style.”

Country is King
Pop music and R&B/Hip-hop are popular but guess what? “Country music is also big because often times the lyrical subject matter is so fitting for the occasion,” says Pompeo.

Plus, since so many country artists, like Taylor Swift for example, are crossover artists, the appeal of country is on the rise.

Line Up!
Line dances are still trendy too. “They’re as strong and popular as ever,” explains Lady DJ Merrilyn, who says the “Cha Cha Slide” and “Cupid Shuffle” are perfect for getting people moving. “People who are not dancing will get out on the dance floor as part of a group to participate.