By Paul Peavy
For those of you have followed me from the print to blog for SportsEvents, you know I am all about high energy and fun for sporting events. From my daughters’ swim meets and equestrian events all the way to mine and my wife’s Ironman and other triathlons, I have seen many ways to kill energy.
I was recently at a triathlon where the emcee was in his 50s, and it was obvious he was in charge of the music. It was definitely a strong selection of rock, album rock, 80s rock, and rocking chair rock.
I have emceed many a triathlon and was invited to host the age group championships this year and the U.S. Olympic qualifier this year, but I could not make it because of my own racing schedule. But I still have about three kid’s triathlons, a couple of swim meets and at least one adult triathlon to announce at in the next six months.
Many events expect me to handle the music. I actually would prefer to have a vast array of music available. I’d rotate an old AC/DC with a current Bruno Mars, a get up and hoe-down country song with an old school M.C. Hammer. My point is to be very eclectic, upbeat and recognizable so that at least every third song hits somebody strong. One way to keep attracting new athletes into sports is by energizing them with music they love throughout the event.
Here’s my proposal: Since I have moved from print to blog, a blog is supposed to invite people into a community, into a conversation. So I would like your help in helping me and MANY other sporting event directors into finding the least time-consuming way to find clean music. Plain and simply, energized and hip without the swearing.
Don’t tell me “Itunes, the clean version,” or “Itunes, the radio edit.” I trusted that one time, and it had me rushing to turn the volume down like I was running to save a burning doughnut.
If I want to create a two- or four-hour play list, I really don’t have time to sit and listen carefully through each song. I talked with one DJ, mixer and producer, and he says it costs him several thousand dollars in studio time to make a mix.
So, I’m asking for all those people who are putting on smaller events, growing events or events that don’t have the money to hire a DJ. What have you found to be the easiest way to get (and I don’t mean steal or pirate) clean, energetic music to your event.
I can’t wait to hear your responses because you will have helped us all grow our events in a positive way. In the words of Elvis (the king of energetic events) “Thin Q Vurah Much!”
Paul Peavy, paul@paulpeavy.com or www.paulpeavy.com, is a Licensed Psychotherapist who has found a unique and energetic way to help people. As a former stand-up comic he knows one way to get people unstuck is to get them to lighten up, laugh, and live! Paul competes in Ironman triathlons with his wife.
