With the poignant one year anniversary of MJ's death, I thought it was appropriate to dedicate this weeks MFLT to one of my favorite Jackson songs, Man in the Mirror.
It was hard to pick one particular set of lyrics, because there really isn't anything too profound, each verse tells it like it is. But I love this song so much because of the melody and the climax when the choir starts to sing along. It's an inspiring song with an incredible beat.
And it's these lines that really start to pick up the emotion:
A willow deeply scarred
Somebody's broken heart
And a washed out dream
They follow the pattern of the wind ya' see
'Cause they got no place to be
That's why I'm starting with me
Did you just start tapping your toes?
On the Sunday after Michael passed away, I closed out my gig with this song. It was amazing to see everyone singing along and holding candles in the air that they had grabbed from the tables. It's one of the most memorable moments I have ever experienced as a DJ.
Here's a cover version I found from an episode of The X Factor. I like the acoustic vibe: (If you're reading this on Facebook, be sure to view the original post, since embedded videos do not import into Facebook "Notes.")
June 28, 2010
Where's All My Soul Sista's
A scan of pop radio and a peek at recent wedding videos shows that the catchy song du jour is Train's "Hey Soul Sister." It's feel good, with a nice beat and a sweet message.
For those that know my DJ'ing style, I live for a climatic end and a perfect last dance. Throughout the years I have played the obvious (Last Dance, Closing Time, Time of My Life). And over the past few years, I've had a handful of go to songs to close out an evening. By the time a gig is about to end, I've put my finger on what the crowd is really into, so based on that, I'll play the last dance accordingly.
I'm always looking to add more and I think I have found it in "Hey Soul Sister." My pre-requisites for a good last dance is that it cannot be cliche (like the ones above), it generally should be upbeat (no "Unchained Melody") and it's nice to have a long instrumental ending (so I can talk over it and give one last shout out to the bride and groom).
This track seems to have all of those and I can't wait to use it soon. Check out this lip dub of the song at the Universitat de Vic in Spain.
**If you're reading this on Facebook, be sure to click on "view original post" to go to my blog and see the embedded video.
djkanoya.com
facebook.com/djkanoyaproductions
For those that know my DJ'ing style, I live for a climatic end and a perfect last dance. Throughout the years I have played the obvious (Last Dance, Closing Time, Time of My Life). And over the past few years, I've had a handful of go to songs to close out an evening. By the time a gig is about to end, I've put my finger on what the crowd is really into, so based on that, I'll play the last dance accordingly.
I'm always looking to add more and I think I have found it in "Hey Soul Sister." My pre-requisites for a good last dance is that it cannot be cliche (like the ones above), it generally should be upbeat (no "Unchained Melody") and it's nice to have a long instrumental ending (so I can talk over it and give one last shout out to the bride and groom).
This track seems to have all of those and I can't wait to use it soon. Check out this lip dub of the song at the Universitat de Vic in Spain.
**If you're reading this on Facebook, be sure to click on "view original post" to go to my blog and see the embedded video.
djkanoya.com
facebook.com/djkanoyaproductions
June 27, 2010
A Nickleback Song Worth Listening Too
Maybe it hasn't been in this space, but certainly among my friends I've made no secret that Nickelback isn't one of my favorite bands. But I gotta tell you, their latest cut, "This Afternoon," is pretty catchy.
I grew up in the Midwest and spent some time in Texas. And as much as I beleive "California Gurls" is the perfect sound for San Diego, I imagine that "This Afternoon" fits quite well for a backyard, Missouri barbecue.
And the video for that song ... wow. Now that must have been a interesting casting call.
I grew up in the Midwest and spent some time in Texas. And as much as I beleive "California Gurls" is the perfect sound for San Diego, I imagine that "This Afternoon" fits quite well for a backyard, Missouri barbecue.
And the video for that song ... wow. Now that must have been a interesting casting call.
June 22, 2010
My Favorite Lyric Tuesday
You and I Both - Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz is an amazing lyricist and I have a feeling he will make his way onto many, My Favorite Lyric Tuesday entries. I have so many favorite lines of his, but I thought I'd pick this line from You and I Both, a cut that Mraz had been singing in San Diego coffee houses many years before his 2002 debut album was released.
See I'm all about them words
Over numbers, unencumbered numbered words
Hundreds of pages, pages, pages forwards
More words then I had ever heard and I feel so alive
I selected this not only because it really is one of my favorite Mraz songs, but I recently was watching his "Tonight Not Again" DVD, and he talked about writing the song. I was always intrigued by the pattern and how he managed to romanticize the word "words." And the word "unencumbered" also always struck me.
Mraz explained that he wrote the song for an ex-girlfriend, someone who inspired his path to songwriting. She loved the word "unencumbered" and he tossed it in there as a salute to her; so she would know the song was for her.
And as sweet as the song is, it has its bittersweet ending.
And it's okay if you have go away Oh just remember the telephone works both ways And if I never ever hear them ring If nothing else I'll think the bells inside Have finally found you someone else and that's okay Cause I'll remember everything you sang
Great song ... enjoy the video; one of my favorite live version of the song. The "unencumbered" line is at 1:10.
See I'm all about them words
Over numbers, unencumbered numbered words
Hundreds of pages, pages, pages forwards
More words then I had ever heard and I feel so alive
I selected this not only because it really is one of my favorite Mraz songs, but I recently was watching his "Tonight Not Again" DVD, and he talked about writing the song. I was always intrigued by the pattern and how he managed to romanticize the word "words." And the word "unencumbered" also always struck me.
Mraz explained that he wrote the song for an ex-girlfriend, someone who inspired his path to songwriting. She loved the word "unencumbered" and he tossed it in there as a salute to her; so she would know the song was for her.
And as sweet as the song is, it has its bittersweet ending.
And it's okay if you have go away Oh just remember the telephone works both ways And if I never ever hear them ring If nothing else I'll think the bells inside Have finally found you someone else and that's okay Cause I'll remember everything you sang
Great song ... enjoy the video; one of my favorite live version of the song. The "unencumbered" line is at 1:10.
June 21, 2010
Coming Soon - My Favorite Lyric Tuesday
I'm pretty proud of my blogging habit lately. I've blogged more this month than I did all of last year. Actually, I think I've blogged more this week than all of last year.
A few new tools have given me a reason and purpose to blog and I know my wife is happy that I'm finally putting my thoughts to paper, er, digital paper at least.
So I thought to myself, what else could inspire me to sit down at the computer each week and spit out 200 words? While I have plenty of commentaries on my own pet peeves, the latest episode of the Bachelorette and food, it only makes sense to keep this strictly about music.
I've always been intrigued by song lyrics. The nice thing about this is that even bad songs can have good lyrics. Case in point:
My anaconda don't want none unless you got buns hun
Great lyric, bad song.
So starting tomorrow, or June 22 (depending on when you read this), I'll be starting a weekly feature called "My Favorite Lyric Tuesday." MFLT if you're nasty. All songs, good and bad, are fair game. I will explore the sweet, weird, romantic, dirty, interesting and just about any adjective you can throw at the world of song lyrics.
I'll present -- yep you guessed it -- some of my favorite lyrics ... on Tuesdays. And I'll tell you why and you'll think, "wow, that Justin is much more insightful than I thought." I look forward to sharing with you, starting tomorrow with some Jason Mraz.
A few new tools have given me a reason and purpose to blog and I know my wife is happy that I'm finally putting my thoughts to paper, er, digital paper at least.
So I thought to myself, what else could inspire me to sit down at the computer each week and spit out 200 words? While I have plenty of commentaries on my own pet peeves, the latest episode of the Bachelorette and food, it only makes sense to keep this strictly about music.
I've always been intrigued by song lyrics. The nice thing about this is that even bad songs can have good lyrics. Case in point:
My anaconda don't want none unless you got buns hun
Great lyric, bad song.
So starting tomorrow, or June 22 (depending on when you read this), I'll be starting a weekly feature called "My Favorite Lyric Tuesday." MFLT if you're nasty. All songs, good and bad, are fair game. I will explore the sweet, weird, romantic, dirty, interesting and just about any adjective you can throw at the world of song lyrics.
I'll present -- yep you guessed it -- some of my favorite lyrics ... on Tuesdays. And I'll tell you why and you'll think, "wow, that Justin is much more insightful than I thought." I look forward to sharing with you, starting tomorrow with some Jason Mraz.
Amy and Ian Wedding Teaser
San Diego wedding photographer Bobby Earle posted a couple of teasers from the wedding I DJ'd this past weekend. I'll write more about my thoughts on this amazing event when Bobby publishes his full post on it later. For now, here is the tease.
June 20, 2010
Ian and Amy's Wedding Set List
Well this was quite a party at the Lodge at Torrey Pines. Ian and Amy were married there on June 19, 2010. Emily Smiley Fine Weddings and Soirees masterfully orchestrated it and Platinum Pro helped energize the crowd with great lighting and a custom dance floor.
Pictures and video to come soon, but here's a look at the setlist. There was no reason to ease this crowd in. They were ready to dance from the start and you can tell as there wasn't a "slow" song until 12 songs into the set. And even then, I wouldn't consider "Sexual Healing" a slow song.
What a fun dance party!
Pictures and video to come soon, but here's a look at the setlist. There was no reason to ease this crowd in. They were ready to dance from the start and you can tell as there wasn't a "slow" song until 12 songs into the set. And even then, I wouldn't consider "Sexual Healing" a slow song.
What a fun dance party!
| Song | Artist | |
| Intro | Tonight, Tonight | Smashing Pumpkins |
| First Dance | Is This Love/WildFlower | Whitesnake/The Cult |
| Father/Daughter Dance | Unforgettable | Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole |
| Garter Toss | In Da Club | 50 Cent |
| Bouquet Toss | Circus | Britney Spears |
| Dance Set | Let's Dance | David Bowie |
| Bad Romance | Lady Gaga | |
| California Gurls | Katy Perry | |
| Low | Flo Rida | |
| I Gotta Feeling | Black Eyed Peas | |
| P.Y.T. | Michael Jackson | |
| Now That We Found Love | Heavy D and the Boyz | |
| Tik Tok | Kesha | |
| The Way I Are | Timbaland | |
| Promiscuous Girl | Nelly Furtado | |
| Motownphilly | Boyz II Men | |
| Sexual Healing | Marvin Gaye | |
| Let's Get it On | Marvin Gaye | |
| Hypnotize | Notorious B.I.G. | |
| Yeah | Usher | |
| Montel Party Break | DJ Emotion | |
| Old School Jump Off/Jump | House of Pain | |
| Joy and Pain | Rob Base | |
| Rappers Delight | Sugarhill Gang | |
| Just Dance | Lady Gaga | |
| Blah, Blah, Blah | Kesha | |
| Calle Ocho | Pitbull | |
| Jump | Van Halen | |
| Jessie's Girl | Rick Springfield | |
| White Wedding | Billy Idol | |
| Blister in the Sun | Violent Femmes | |
| Just Like Heaven | The Cure | |
| That's the Way Love Goes | Janet Jackson | |
| My Girl | Temptations | |
| The Way You Look Tonight | Frank Sinatra | |
| Brown Eyed Girl | Van Morrison | |
| She Wolf | Shakira | |
| Funky Cold Medina | Tone Loc | |
| Poker Face | Lady Gaga | |
| I Got it from My Mama | Will.I.Am | |
| Get Into The Groove | Madonna | |
| Got To Be Real | Cheryl Lynn | |
| Waiting for Tonight | Jennifer Lopez | |
| Missing | Everything But The Girl | |
| The Way You Move | Outkast | |
| Boom Boom Pow | Black Eyed Peas | |
| Last Dance | Do You Remember | Jay Sean |
| Encore | Angel | Aerosmith |
June 18, 2010
West Coast Cool
About a month ago I declared Katy Perry's "California Gurls" would be the anthem of Summer 2010. With Katy's sexy-ness, Snoop's flow and an infectious dance beat, that prediction was about as bold as calling the sky blue. After all, who hasn't caught themselves tapping their toes to it?
For a DJ, songs like this are golden. Like a moth to a flame. Like a cat to catnip.
It's been fun sneaking the song onto an unsuspecting dance floor especially when it is already full of party girls. It's even more fun seeing more of those party girls flock to the dance floor.
I'm fortunate to actually get to play the song in California, to some genuine Californa gurls (does anyone know the meaning behind that spelling?) I'm even luckier to play it in Southern California. For some reason, I just don't see this resonating with the ladies in NorCal.
But I digress .... at some point we will all be sick of it (if not already), and it will make its way to the discard pile that includes Beyonce's "Single Ladies," the Spice Girls' "Wannabe" and Gwen's "Hollaback Girl. But let's enjoy it while it lasts.
For a look at the ridiculous video (although I love Katy's candy button mini dress): California Gurls video on YouTube.
And here's one behind the scenes video during the video shoot.
For a DJ, songs like this are golden. Like a moth to a flame. Like a cat to catnip.
It's been fun sneaking the song onto an unsuspecting dance floor especially when it is already full of party girls. It's even more fun seeing more of those party girls flock to the dance floor.
I'm fortunate to actually get to play the song in California, to some genuine Californa gurls (does anyone know the meaning behind that spelling?) I'm even luckier to play it in Southern California. For some reason, I just don't see this resonating with the ladies in NorCal.
But I digress .... at some point we will all be sick of it (if not already), and it will make its way to the discard pile that includes Beyonce's "Single Ladies," the Spice Girls' "Wannabe" and Gwen's "Hollaback Girl. But let's enjoy it while it lasts.
For a look at the ridiculous video (although I love Katy's candy button mini dress): California Gurls video on YouTube.
And here's one behind the scenes video during the video shoot.
June 16, 2010
Ashley and Patrick's Wedding Video
A little something I have added to my repertoire is a post gig video highlight package. Now, don't expect much. After all, I'm still spinning tunes and need to concentrate on that, but technology has enabled the art of multi-tasking a little easier.
To do this, I set my Nikon D90, digital SLR camera on top of booth and shoot away at various points in the evening. The purpose is to capture a few moments on the dance floor. Hopefully it gives my future clients a little insight into what I do. But most of all, I'm happy to provide the video to the respective bride and groom, many of whom may not have had hired a videographer at all (as was the case in this video).
Below is Patrick and Ashley's wedding at the Thursday Club in Point Loma (San Diego). Just two days after the gig, I posted it to my Facebook and shared it with Ashley.
"That is awesome," she said. "We were just talking about how we wished we had some videos. Thanks so much for a great party. We had a wonderful night!"
To do this, I set my Nikon D90, digital SLR camera on top of booth and shoot away at various points in the evening. The purpose is to capture a few moments on the dance floor. Hopefully it gives my future clients a little insight into what I do. But most of all, I'm happy to provide the video to the respective bride and groom, many of whom may not have had hired a videographer at all (as was the case in this video).
Below is Patrick and Ashley's wedding at the Thursday Club in Point Loma (San Diego). Just two days after the gig, I posted it to my Facebook and shared it with Ashley.
"That is awesome," she said. "We were just talking about how we wished we had some videos. Thanks so much for a great party. We had a wonderful night!"
June 14, 2010
Patrick and Ashley's Wedding Setlist
Without a doubt, one of the best parties of the year for me. There's always a few weddings each year that just click and Patrick, Ashley, their friends and family were so much fun. Here's the setlist.
| Song | Artist | |
| Intro | I Gotta Feeling | Black Eyed Peas |
| First Dance | Everything | Michael Buble |
| Mother/Son Dance | My Wish | Rascal Flatts |
| Father/Daughter Dance | There Goes My Life | Kenny Chesney |
| First Dance Set | The Way You Look Tonight | Frank Sinatra |
| Let's Stay Together | Al Green | |
| Chicken Fried | Zac Brown Band | |
| Boogie Shoes | K.C. & the Sunshine Band | |
| Billie Jean | Michael Jackson | |
| Tik Tok | Kesha | |
| Bad Romance | Lady Gaga | |
| California Gurls | Katy Perry | |
| Love Shack | B-52s | |
| Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) | Beyonce | |
| Yeah | Usher | |
| Montel Party Break | DJ Emotion | |
| Brown Eyed Girl | Van Morrison | |
| Honky Tonk Woman | Rolling Stones | |
| Margaritaville | Jimmy Buffett | |
| Mustang Sally | The Commitments | |
| No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem | Kenny Chesney | |
| Something Like That | Tim McGraw | |
| Say Hey (I Love You) | Michael Franti | |
| Imma Be | Black Eyed Peas | |
| She Wolf | Shakira | |
| Garter Toss | In Da Club | 50 Cent |
| Bouquet Toss | Circus | Britney Spears |
| Just Dance | Lady Gaga | |
| Don't Stop Believing | Journey | |
| Billionaire | Travie McCoy | |
| Sweet Caroline | Neil Diamond | |
| Livin' On a Prayer | Bon Jovi | |
| Summer of '69 | Bryan Adams | |
| Jump | Van Halen | |
| Jessie's Girl | Rick Springfield | |
| U Can't Touch This | M.C. Hammer | |
| Down | Jay Sean | |
| Boom Boom Pow | Black Eyed Peas | |
| Low | Flo Rida | |
| P.Y.T. | Michael Jackson | |
| Wild Thing | Tone Loc | |
| Right Round | Flo Rida | |
| Break Your Heart | Taio Cruz | |
| Last Dance | I've Had The Time of My Life | Bill Medley/Jennifer Warnes |
| Encore | Many The Miles | Sara Bareilles |
June 10, 2010
Arigato
Following Melissa and Loren's wedding I received this nice note from her mom. And since Melissa's father is Japanese, and so am I, her mom tossed in a little Nihon-go.
Kanoya-San
Thank you gozaimasu! Your DJ services at Melissa's reception were very much appreciated.
Marilyn Konishi
Kanoya-San
Thank you gozaimasu! Your DJ services at Melissa's reception were very much appreciated.
Marilyn Konishi
June 6, 2010
Melissa and Loren's Set List
Melissa and Loren were married on June 5, 2010 and celebrated at the Admiral Baker Clubhouse in San Diego, California. They admittedly were not big dancers, nor were their friends and family. So their set list was a pretty wide range of genres. Group dances and slow songs were the most popular this night.
This set list is shorter than normal. With cocktail hour starting at 6 p.m., dinner served at 7 p.m. and an end time of 10 p.m., the evening was one hour shorter than the typical wedding reception. But we still got it all in.
Here's a look at their set list.
This set list is shorter than normal. With cocktail hour starting at 6 p.m., dinner served at 7 p.m. and an end time of 10 p.m., the evening was one hour shorter than the typical wedding reception. But we still got it all in.
Here's a look at their set list.
| Song | Artist | |
| Intro | Rock With You | Michael Jackson |
| First Dance | Forever/Hold On | Ben Harper/Michael Buble |
| Parents Dance | My Wish | Rascal Flatts |
| First Dance Set | The Way You Look Tonight | Frank Sinatra |
| Let's Stay Together | Al Green | |
| Heat Wave | Joan Osborne | |
| Boogie Shoes | K.C. & the Sunshine Band | |
| Billie Jean | Michael Jackson | |
| Love Shack | B-52s | |
| Electric Boogie | Marcia Griffiths | |
| Tequila | The Champs | |
| YMCA | Village People | |
| Cake Cutting | How Sweet It Is | Marvin Gaye |
| Let's Fall In Love | Diana Krall | |
| Love Story | Taylor Swift | |
| Bouquet Toss | Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) | Beyonce |
| Second Dance Set | Break Your Heart | Taio Cruz |
| Sexual Healing | Marvin Gaye | |
| Life Is A Highway | Rascal Flatts | |
| Unchained Melody | The Righteous Brothers | |
| My Girl | The Temptations | |
| Brown Eyed Girl | Van Morrison | |
| Twist and Shout | The Beatles | |
| California Gurls | Katy Perry | |
| Do You Remember | Jay Sean | |
| Bad Romance | Lady Gaga | |
| This Will Be An Everlasting Love | Natalie Cole | |
| This Old Heart of Mine | The Isley Brothers | |
| Last Dance | Sunday Morning | Maroon 5 |
| Encore | Last Dance | Donna Summer |
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