1. Oldies
Although it’s not strictly a genre, it is often categorized as “a style,” mainly appreciated by an older (or nostalgic) audience, or simply fans of Retro. Older songs that evoke feelings or memories often have significant meaning for people who lived through different decades and experienced the evolution of artists who became icons in jazz, soul, funk, and rock ‘n’ roll.
More rhythmic tracks from artists like Elvis Presley, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Chubby Checker, Ray Charles, among many others, are part of DJs’ playlists. Timeless classics make their way onto the dance floor when private parties cater to a more appreciative audience, at themed parties, or simply when directed by the host.
It’s very common for DJs to receive requests within this musical spectrum when the target audience includes older individuals or those with more nostalgic tastes, especially when it’s necessary to create a more rhythmic atmosphere after a period of ambient music or as an introduction to another phase of the event.
2. 80s
The 1980s were arguably one of the most influential decades in terms of global music evolution. This period is often referred to by the public as “eighties” or “1980s music.” However, these terms don’t refer to a single musical genre but to a range of hits that defined a generation. It was a decade characterized by the irreverent creativity of numerous bands and artists across all musical landscapes, many of whom are known for “one-hit wonders.“
We can find rock, disco, various forms of pop, punk, synth-pop, and new wave, among others. Iconic names from this era include Abba, Madonna, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Queen, Wham!, and Michael Jackson. As such, these diverse styles require careful management of music selection by the DJ. The DJ set tends to be varied, taking into account the hits that resonate with the audience and the temporal evolution or alternation between musical styles.
3. Pop
This is perhaps one of the most requested styles ever, and the reason is simple. Pop is one of the most widely listened-to music styles across any generation, as what is mainstream or more commercial quickly becomes a temporal reference. The songs played on various radio stations are those that are most familiar to people.
While there are numerous radio stations, most feel the need to increase their listener base and are compelled to adopt a more commercial stance, incorporating more well-known songs into their playlists.
Pop music has evolved, as have other musical genres. It’s crucial for a DJ to identify the specific era of pop music that their audience is interested in at each event. Generally speaking, current pop music is a staple at almost any event, though there are also audiences who might prefer less mainstream tunes.
People enjoy new releases, and the latest songs from the radio are obvious choices for a DJ set. From a historical perspective, notable pop acts include Madonna, Britney Spears, Spice Girls, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Major Lazer, and many others.
4. Dance
Dance music is the style that demands the most movement on the dance floor! It’s a very broad genre that can be subdivided into dozens of categories and evolved from classic genres like Disco and Electronic Pop. This is often where the peak of most parties occurs. Though it was once more popular, there are still classic tracks for every generation, such as “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics, “One More Time” by Daft Punk, or “Love Generation” by Bob Sinclar.
The driving rhythm of dance music is a key differentiator, but the construction and production of tracks are so varied that sub-genres—from deep house to drum ‘n’ bass, house, electro, techno, and alternative electronic music—almost always result in lively party atmospheres.
The tempo of the music is highly variable, ranging from 110 to 140 BPM (beats per minute). Some unforgettable tracks include: Supermode’s “Tell Me Why,” Technotronic’s “Pump Up The Jam,” Swedish House Mafia’s “Don’t You Worry Child,” Calvin Harris’s “Feel So Close,” and Kygo’s “Firestone.”
5. Latin
In Portugal, Latin music holds significant weight for a particular market segment. Due to its proximity to Spain and the large percentage of the global population with Hispanic origins, Latin influence quickly reached Portugal and is considered both fun and rhythmic.
Well-known artists such as Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Pitbull, and Jennifer Lopez are key references, and their popular tracks bring a lively atmosphere to the dance floor.
In this context, the musical styles are diverse, ranging from reggaeton and Latin pop to Latin house. Generally, DJs always have some hits ready to play at the right moment, as the audience enjoys singing and dancing enthusiastically to these upbeat tracks, making it a great way to further energize the dance floor.
6. Kizomba
African music has a significant impact on the dance floor. A large part of the Portuguese population has African ancestry, and kizomba is one of the styles that has successfully migrated to Portugal. It is relatively recent and has grown exponentially in recent years, especially in places where bars and clubs primarily feature music from the PALOP (African Countries of Portuguese Official Language) and where the audience demands it.
Kizomba, with its slow rhythm ranging between 90 and 100 bpm, aims to evoke emotions and feelings, encouraging slow and controlled pair dancing. Renowned artists such as Anselmo Ralph, Nelson Freitas, Master Jake, C4 Pedro, and Matias Damásio support their notable success with hits that are paradigmatic of this genre.
Despite the frequent requests for kizomba music, its execution needs to be carefully measured and timed according to the party’s moment. Given its slower tempo and sentimental nature, it can slow down the rhythm of the party and potentially dampen the mood of the audience, especially if they are not in the right mood. Therefore, it’s crucial for the DJ to find ways to restore the previous energy and rhythm of the event.
7. Bossa Nova
Bossa nova isn’t a particularly danceable style, but it’s worth mentioning due to its universal cultural heritage. It’s one of the most used styles for moments unrelated to the party but plays a crucial role in various events, such as welcome cocktails or mealtime ambiance. Its impact reaches a different dimension when performed live by musicians who can faithfully execute the style or when played by a DJ in a playlist format.
Ambient music is extremely important for setting the tone for the event, as it creates the necessary atmosphere for relaxation and ease, being decisive in shaping the mood of the guests. Bossa nova, a Brazilian style that combines percussion and acoustic sounds from samba and jazz, is highly sought after for this reason. It offers unique characteristics and associates a sense of well-being with the rhythm needed to start entertaining and engaging the audience.
8. Indie Rock
Indie Rock is the branch of rock that has been most popular in recent years. The era of heavier rock, such as heavy metal or punk, has given way to a more alternative rock scene, marked by the emergence of new bands with a more urban and independent identity. New bands and sounds have emerged, and indie rock has become the most appreciated rock genre.
Within this genre, we find artists like The Black Keys, The Strokes, Kaiser Chiefs, The Cure, Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, Tame Impala, among others, as well as some classic tracks like “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers or “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon, which almost make us believe that yesterday’s indie and alternative are today’s mainstream.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the genre has rapidly diversified, partly due to the large number of indie bands featured in major summer festival lineups. This reflects the growing popularity of the genre among audiences who prefer these types of events over traditional musical formats. Consequently, indie rock often dominates the parties frequented by this audience, steering clear of more commercial trends.
9. Hip Hop
Hip Hop is a genre that has evolved from old school to more recent styles, with notable figures including Grandmaster Flash, Naughty By Nature, Eminem, 50 Cent, Will Smith, and Kendrick Lamar, among others. Originating from American culture, hip hop is one of the most requested styles by younger audiences today. The rhythm and lyrics of each track evoke a sense of belonging and connection to the group, while the stories told in the music generate a positive response on the dance floor.
Hip hop is also where we find the roots of sampling, a technique widely used today to reproduce and recreate music. Sampling involves recycling sound elements from previously created musical works, which are then manipulated and sequenced to produce a completely new and distinct piece of music.
Although hip hop does not have a deeply rooted tradition in Portuguese musical culture, there are several Portuguese artists making significant contributions to the genre, such as Orelha Negra, Da Weasel, Valete, Mind da Gap, and Dealema.
DJs specializing in hip hop often use specific techniques to mix tracks, focusing heavily on turntablism. They employ sampling and scratching to enhance their DJ sets beyond just the musical selection.
10. Local music
Local and National Music is not a specific style but refers to the music that represents the culture and identity of each nation. It is common for DJs to include local or national music in their repertoire, especially when preparing for events with audiences from different countries. In private events where the audience is international, it becomes important for the DJ to create a musical identity that resonates with the attendees.
This involves not only understanding but also incorporating iconic tracks from the guests’ culture, which often leads to requests for more music from the audience’s country of origin. This requires diligent preparation and exceptional adaptability from the DJ.
In public events or when an international DJ performs in a particular country, it is also common to play a reference track from that country to engage and motivate the audience at certain moments during the event. Providing specific examples can be challenging, as each country has its own unique musical culture and production of popular music, which may be well-known nationally but not always internationally. DJs can use this to their advantage by creating a closer connection with the audience and strengthening the host’s confidence in their choice of DJ.
