sign-up for early access, special offers, and curated music you won't find anywhere else!

Event Music Curation

A man standing in front of the ocean with a sunset
A man standing in front of the ocean with a sunset
I had no idea what was going to happen, but I decided to go anyway.

I remember walking into a house party in Long Island, NY. It was full of people I didn’t know all that well. I just moved from Hawaii, in my early 20s, and just accepted a new job as a Spanish teacher. It was the end of a long work week, and I was looking forward to meeting new people. But as I wandered through the room, I couldn’t find a way to talk to others. Most of the guests already knew each other—they'd worked together for years—and as the new guy in town, I felt that all-too-familiar nervousness about how to introduce myself.

Normally, I’d use music as my way to make small talk. But that night, the music just wasn’t my style. And without that connection, I felt awkward. If I didn’t figure out something soon, I was going to spend the whole evening talking to myself.

As I headed toward the drinks table, hoping a little liquid courage would help me loosen up, I overheard two people nearby talking about how bad the music was. I almost laughed out loud. Finally, a conversation I could join. I actually remember one of them casually said, This song makes me feel like I don’t want to stay any longer than I have to.

I started paying closer attention to the music at events—how the right playlist could turn strangers into friends, fill awkward silences with shared laughter, and transform dull parties into memorable nights.

In fact, it’s not just about the music—it’s about the feeling it creates. Music helps guests feel relaxed, connected, and comfortable—especially when they don’t know each other well. Just like me,  in that party where I barely knew anyone.

A great playlist sets the tone. It gives people permission to be themselves. And when the night ends, it’s what makes them say,  Ahhhh… now that was awesome. When’s the next one?

I did laugh, maybe a bit too loudly, because they turned to look at me. After an awkward glance, I made my way over to them, apologizing for eavesdropping. But I was in. We started talking, and quickly bonded over how music could make—or break—a vibe. We had different tastes, but we all agreed: the playlist didn’t have to be this bad. It just needed to make people feel comfortable, like they belong there.

That moment sparked something in me.

A young man thinking pensively
A young man thinking pensively

At Press Play, we curate your personalized playlist that creates a welcoming atmosphere for your guests and gives you more time to focus on you. So you can make sure you look your best, and the wine is perfectly chilled before your first guest arrives.

  • Customized Music Intake Form
    A short, thoughtful form to capture your event details, music preferences, vibe, and anything you don’t want to hear.

  • Up to 3 Hours of Curated Music
    A seamless, handpicked playlist carefully selected to match the rhythm of your event—from arrival to final goodbye.

  • Delivery via Your Preferred Streaming Platform
    Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or another—just let us know where you listen.

  • Event Cue Sheet
    A simple breakdown of timing, transitions, and featured tracks—great for DJs, MCs, or AV (audio visual) teams who need structure.

  • Speech/Toast Music Cues
    We’ll recommend the perfect background music for toasts, speeches, or important highlights—never too loud, always on point.

  • Custom Transitions or Mood Swaps
    Want to shift from cocktails to dancing? We'’ll map out the music flow to match your event timeline.

  • 48-Hour Edit Window
    You’ll have 48 hours to request any changes after receiving your playlist.

  • Optional 1:1 Music Chat
    A quick consultation if you'd like help fine-tuning the mood, energy shifts, or key moments.

  • Post-Event Follow-Up
    We'’ll check in after the event to hear how it went. We'd love to hear any comments or suggestions to improve the experience of our customers.

  • Lifetime Access
    Keep the playlist forever—revisit the vibe anytime or reuse it for future events (for as long as you subscribe to their service).

Add-Ons & Upgrades

  • Extended Playlist
    Need music for more than 3 hours? Add-ons available up to 6 hours. For events longer than 6 hours, custom quote available. Just contact us.

What You Get with a Curated Event Playlist

If you’re tired of wasting time looking for the right music, hearing the same old songs, or have no idea of what music to play, buy now and get ready to change the way people remember your events. All you’ll have to do is Press Play. Your guests will thank you.

DJ & MC

It was a beautiful summer evening. Lights were strung, guests were mingling, and everything felt perfect. I’d just arrived at a retirement party at a restaurant in Glen Cove, NY—out back by the fountains with a view of the Long Island Sound, surrounded by endless trays of hors d’oeuvres. I was thrilled that the school year was finally over. There’s just something about summer that makes these moments feel even better. The sun was setting, I was chatting with colleagues. I may or may not have been on my fifth round of pigs in a blanket. Life was good.

And then, the DJ hit play.

What followed, I’ll never forget. To this day, I’m not quite sure who he thought his audience was, but it definitely wasn’t me, and judging by the collective confusion amongst us, it wasn’t anyone else either.

Look, I’ve got nothing against DMX or 50 Cent, but let’s just say they weren’t exactly what a hundred middle-aged teachers were looking for after a long school year. And then, it happened: not one… but two rounds of the “Cha Cha Slide.” Back to back. Intentionally.

People still talk about that night—but not in a good way.

I have been a guest at events where the DJ played music seamlessly and on point. Those parties were awesome! I can talk about it year after year. I have also been to events where I was looking at my watch more often than not, waiting for the moment that I could politely excuse myself and head home. I get it. The best events build off of a great music playlist that is intentional, thoughtful and inclusive to the people in the room, and delivered by a DJ who knows how to run the show.

At Press Play, we are in the room with you, every step of the way. Your Press Play DJ can read the crowd, set the tone, and create the kind of atmosphere where your guests feel relaxed, connected, and totally in the moment. Wouldn't that be nice?! Let’s make sure your guests are talking about their experience—for all the right reasons.

The DJ played Cha Cha Slide twice—back to back!
  • The choice of an English or Spanish speaking DJ.

  • Sound equipment for indoor and outdoor events.

  • A collaborative music request form to share with your guests before the event, so they too have a say on what kind of music will be played in your event. Yes, grandma will get the chance to dance to her favorites.

  • A curated event music playlist. A playlist built from scratch. No AI, ever. We never use the same playlist twice. We build our playlists with you.

  • An exact copy of the playlist from the event to reuse with your preferred streaming platform (for as long as you subscribe to their service).

What You Get with Press Play DJ

When you want your guests fully engaged and dancing, your music perfectly matched to the moment, and everyone talking about your event long after they’ve left, Press Play DJ is here to deliver.

Book your Press Play DJ today and give your guests a celebration to remember. And you can have your moments of joy and fun with your loved ones.

Business Playlists

  • Customized Music Intake Form
    A quick, streamlined form to learn about your brand, clientele, energy levels, and time-of-day variations.

  • Hours of Seamless, On-Brand Music
    Carefully selected to support your space and create a consistent atmosphere—whether it’s a calm morning or a buzzing lunch rush.

  • Cue Sheet or Energy Flow Notes
    Includes suggested transitions and time-of-day guidance—perfect if you want to make manual adjustments later.

  • Delivery via Your Preferred Streaming Platform
    Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or another—just let us know where you listen.

  • 48-Hour Edit Window
    Want to tweak the vibe after hearing it live? You’ll have 48 hours to request revisions.

  • Optional Check-In Call
    Need to shift the tone seasonally or test something new? We can hop on a call and fine-tune the vibe together.

  • Lifetime Access
    Use your playlist again and again—great for daily hours or recurring weekly events (for as long as you subscribe to their service).

Add-Ons & Upgrades

  • Extended Playlist Options
    Ideal for longer business hours or venues with distinct day parts (e.g., AM yoga vs PM HIIT).

  • Multi-Zone Playlist Planning
    For businesses with multiple areas needing different moods—think lobby vs treatment room, or café vs kitchen.

  • Monthly or Seasonal Refresh Packages
    Keep things fresh and on-brand without lifting a finger—monthly or quarterly updates available.

What You Get with Your Business Playlist

If you’re ready to elevate your work space environment, enhance your customers experience, and maximize your precious time, contact us now. Get your curated business playlist—and create a space your customers would want to come back for and are excited to share .

The routine was the same: drop-off child, lobby chair, AirPods in.

Let me tell you another story. Yes, another story.

I remember sitting in the lobby of my daughter’s dance studio. She was 6 years old. I sat there in that same lobby three times a week, sometimes more, with all the other parents, mostly moms and their little ones, and a sad looking receptionist. The walls were covered with trophies and sparkly posters, and through the monitor, I could see the kids attempting their pliés and sautés, or at least that's what I think they were. But every time I sat down to wait, the same playlist would come on. Literally, minute by minute. You know the type, those endlessly looping, “safe” tracks that were probably chosen months ago, probably years ago if I'm being honest. It got to the point where I could predict what song was next, forcing a half-hidden cringe face before the song even started.

And honestly? I started tuning everything out. I’d pop in my AirPods, doom-scroll my phone, and count down the minutes. But after a while, something about that felt… exhausting. I don’t know about you, but as a busy parent, I want those small moments of downtime to count. I wanted to steal a moment to relax and recharge.

I could only predict that most parents in that lobby to some degree were feeling the same. The mood was uninviting. It didn’t make me want to relax, spark up a conversation, or enjoy the moment. It was just one more place to check off the to-do list for the day.

A young girl in a ballet outfit
A young girl in a ballet outfit

There has been numerous studies on how music influences various aspects of business. Music can significantly enhance consumer behavior, employee performance, and overall brand perception. But don't take my word for it. It's impact is context-dependent. Inappropriate music choices, such as loud volumes or genres mismatched to the setting, can lead to customer dissatisfaction or decreased employee performance. (Pizzolitto, 2023).

At the end of the day, you want an environment for your costumers to enjoy and return to over and over, while maintaining your employees' job satisfaction and productivity.

At Press Play, we provide carefully curated playlists that align with your business objectives and audience preferences. So you can turn every visit into an experience your customers want to repeat. All you have to do is Press Play.