### Why Do DJs Play a Large Number of New Dance Cover Songs?
In the dynamic world of DJing, the art of playing new dance cover songs has become a significant trend. This practice is not just about keeping the music fresh but also about engaging the audience in a unique and emotionally resonant way. DJs are increasingly incorporating a wide range of new dance cover songs into their sets, and there are several compelling reasons behind this trend.
#### Emotional Arcs and Storytelling
A great DJ set is akin to a well-crafted story, complete with emotional highs and lows that captivate the audience. DJs who play a variety of new dance cover songs can create these emotional arcs more effectively. Cover songs often bring a sense of familiarity while introducing a fresh twist, which can evoke strong emotional responses from the audience. This blend of the known and the new helps in maintaining the audience’s interest and engagement throughout the set.
#### Ecstatic Dance: A Unique Format
Ecstatic Dance is a format that has gained popularity among DJs and dancers alike. This freeform dance practice emphasizes a journey through different emotional states, facilitated by a diverse range of music genres. DJs in Ecstatic Dance events are expected to play music that spans various tempos and styles, often including new dance cover songs. This diversity is crucial for guiding the dancers through the different stages of the dance, from gentle beginnings to ecstatic peaks and reflective endings.
#### The Flow of Ecstatic Dance
A typical Ecstatic Dance session follows a specific flow, starting with low-energy, ambient tracks that help dancers warm up. As the session progresses, the tempo and energy increase, leading to moments of catharsis where the group peaks in energy and movement. After these high points, the energy gradually subsides, allowing dancers to reflect and integrate their experiences. New dance cover songs fit perfectly into this structure, providing the necessary variety and emotional depth.
#### Musical Diversity
One of the key aspects of Ecstatic Dance is the encouragement of musical diversity. DJs are expected to weave together a wide range of styles and tempos, from electronic genres like Bass, House, Tribal, and Trap to softer, more introspective pieces. New dance cover songs offer a rich resource for this kind of musical tapestry. They allow DJs to introduce familiar melodies in new contexts, keeping the music fresh and engaging.
#### Stages of Ecstatic Dance
The journey of an Ecstatic Dance session can be broken down into several stages, each requiring different types of music:
1. **Arrival**: Gentle, ambient tracks that help dancers feel present and grounded.
2. **Buildup**: Driving, percussive tracks that get the energy moving.
3. **Peak**: High-tempo, assertive tracks for moments of catharsis and climax.
4. **Cruise**: Steady, deep tracks that provide a break from the intensity.
5. **Landing**: Airy, lyrical tracks that bring the energy down gently.
6. **Integration**: Peaceful, reflective tracks that help dancers process their experience.
New dance cover songs can be used effectively in each of these stages, providing the necessary emotional and musical variety.
#### Personal Connection and Creativity
For many DJs, including myself, playing new dance cover songs is a way to reconnect with the joy of music. After years of playing the same popular tracks in clubs, the opportunity to explore a wider range of music is refreshing. It allows DJs to play high-quality music that they personally love and want to dance to, rather than being confined to commercial hits. This personal connection to the music often translates into more passionate and engaging performances.
#### Community and Consciousness
Ecstatic Dance events are typically more grassroots and community-oriented than traditional club gigs. They attract a diverse crowd of people who are there to connect with themselves and each other through music and movement. The absence of drugs and alcohol, along with the emphasis on sobriety and consciousness, creates a unique environment where the focus is purely on the music and the dance. New dance cover songs, with their blend of familiarity and novelty, resonate well with this conscious and engaged audience.
#### Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits of playing new dance cover songs are numerous, there are also some challenges. DJs are often expected to bring their own equipment, and the pay for these gigs is usually lower than in bars or clubs. Crowd sizes can vary, and the grassroots nature of these events means that they may not have the same level of infrastructure as more commercial venues. Additionally, the eclectic and sometimes unconventional nature of the music and dance styles can be off-putting for some.
#### Conclusion
In conclusion, the trend of DJs playing a large number of new dance cover songs is driven by a desire to create emotionally engaging and diverse musical experiences. Whether in the context of Ecstatic Dance or other DJ sets, these songs offer a way to connect with the audience on a deeper level, providing a fresh and dynamic soundtrack for their journey. For DJs, this practice not only revitalizes their own passion for music but also fosters a sense of community and consciousness among the dancers.
Source: Ecstatic Dance, DJ Tech Tools, Mixed in Key
