As a wedding DJ, it is part of our jobs to be well versed in a huge variety of music. From the big band era through modern dance music, international styles and more, we must have a very large library and at least basic knowledge of many genres. But, I often get asked by the couples I’m working with about what I listen to personally. The answer is: just about anything. For me, music follows either the mood I’m in, or want to be in. In the past few weeks, here are just a few of the things I’ve found myself listening to:

Gregory Porter – Liquid Spirit

As far as jazz goes, I have really been enjoying the music of Gregory Porter.  While jazz hasn’t been very mainstream in recent years, his music has even translated beautifully into Claptone’s house remix of the very track above.  With a crisp powerful voice and a fantastic band, I enjoy everything I hear him and his band perform.

Major Lazer – Light it Up feat. Nyla & Fuse ODG

Major Lazer had a breakout hit with Lean On, but this combo of Diplo and Switch has a bunch of great dance rhythm tracks.  As the weather is warming up again, I find myself really loving the reggae inspired feel of Major Lazer’s dance music.

311 – Amber

Growing up in the 90s, 311 is among my favorite bands of all time.  I’ve seen them live a couple of times, and they recently announced a tour date in the Washington DC area at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, in a much smaller venue than they normally visit (tickets sold out almost immediately).  While I haven’t decided if I’m going to pay the StubHub premium and buy tickets on the secondary market, I have found myself nostalgically enjoying their catalog of work.

A Tribe Called Quest – Can I Kick It

The music community is mourning the recent loss of Phife Dawg (Malik Taylor), and that has brought a lot of Tribe’s music back to people’s playlists.  Classic hip hop has influenced DJ culture in a major way and is the genesis of many of the techniques that we are still using today.  While Bela Sono puts those techniques to work in a way that is polished and refined as we entertain wedding guests, I respect the heritage and the contributions of an iconic MC that has left us too soon.

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This is just a tiny sample of some of the things I’ve been listening to recently.  As you might imagine, music plays a huge part in my life, and I spend tons of time listening both casually as well as critically.  Finding new ways to put this powerful art together for my wedding guests requires a constant ear towards what is out there, and creative exploration.

I’d love to hear what you’ve been listening to and has caught your ear recently, just leave it below in the comments!