Valentine's Day Music Playlist

It's that time of the year to show love and appreciation for our significant others. In addition to the chocolates and flowers, why not present a custom Valentine's mix CD? Custom mix CDs are inexpensive, and unlike roses, will last for many years!

Listed below are 20 suggestions. For an additional enhancement, consider recording a personalized voice message and adding it as a track to your project. Ready to pop the big question and propose? Record your proposal and add it to the playlist. The following track can be the Dixie Cup's "Chapel of Love" for when she says yes!

Cupid- Johnny Nash (reggae)
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face- Marcia Griffiths (reggae)
Don't Look Any Further- Dennis Edwards (R&B)
Crash Into Me- Dave Matthews Band (modern)
My Funny Valentine- Chet Baker (jazz)
I'm Yours- Jason Mraz (modern)
If I Should Fall Behind- Bruce Springsteen (rock)
Fade Into You- Mazzy Star (alternative)
Nothing Compares to You- Sinead O'Connor (80s)
Lost Without You- Robin Thicke (R&B)
The Way You Make Me Feel- Michael Jackson (pop)
Wicked Game- Chris Isaak (80s)
Lotus Flower Bomb- Wale f/Miguel (hip hop/R&B)
Lovesong- The Cure (80s)
Heaven- Bryan Adams (classic)
Wonderful Tonight- Eric Clapton (classic)
Do You Realize? The Flaming Lips (alternative)
Faithfully- Journey (classic)
Drive- The Cars (80s)
True- Spandau Ballet (80s)

For additional song ideas, see our 2011 Valentine's Day song suggestions here.



About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is a full-service mobile DJ entertainment company based in Central New Jersey. We enjoy collaborating with clients to create unforgettable family celebrations. For more info, visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com

Lessons for Disc Jockeys from Steve Jobs

In 2011, the world lost a modern day pioneer and visionary, Steve Jobs. Jobs, the driving force behind Apple, fought cancer for a number of years but not before linking up with renowned biographer Walter Isaacson. The resulting biography of Steve Jobs is a riveting story about a creative genius who leaves behind an enduring legacy.

This book will appeal to many readers: to Apple fans, to those interested in business and personal success, and to those fascinated with Jobs’ intense personality that frequently clashed with those around him. This blog article explores takeaways from Steve Jobs relevant to Mobile Disc Jockeys. What can we learn from the life of Steve Jobs?

Make a Commitment to Excellence- Jobs was a perfectionist who paid great attention to details. He drove his staff extremely hard, taking them to levels of achievement they never could have imagined. Jobs is quoted as saying, “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.” As extremely busy working DJs, it easy to get lulled into a sense of complacency and to lose the drive for improvements in customer service, performance and innovation.

Create Products that are Intuitive, Easy to Use and Fun- As a designer, Jobs was fond of the Japanese Zen minimalist style. Despite having a simple and intuitive design, Apple products were designed to be fun, not cold. For example, Jobs was integrally involved with the intuitive jog wheel for the iPod and touch screen for the iPad. As DJs, we should strive to keep our services and planning services fun and intuitive. This is particularly the case as we are in the entertainment industry!

A Commitment to Great Products - Jobs has frequently been compared to Bill Gates of Microsoft, and the two frequently clashed before making amends later in Jobs’ life. Jobs asserted that during his tenure at Apple it was all about the product, while at Microsoft it was all about profits. Jobs believed that “You always have to keep pushing to innovate.” In the case of Apple, phenomenal products resulted in breathtaking profits and growth. As Mobile DJs, by starting with a focus on the quality of our services, profits and growth can follow.

Don’t Be a Music Pirate - Apple revolutionized the music industry with the rollout of the iTunes store in 2003, allowing consumers to legally purchase high-quality digital files of their favorite songs. The iTunes store was an alternative to the illegal filesharing sites that had proliferated. Jobs stated that “If protection of intellecutal property begins to disappear, creative companies will disappear or never get started. But there’s a simpler reason: It’s wrong to steal. It hurts other people. And it hurts your character.”

Don’t Rely on Market Research, Innovate!- Jobs did not believe in conducting market research, instead opting to develop innovative products that met a need that he perceived. For example, Jobs and his design team were avid music lovers, and developed the iPod around features that they wanted to see in a new product. In the Mobile DJ industry, it is easy to adopt a follower mindset in terms of equipment and services. But what opportunities exist in your local market that are not currently being provided?

It’s OK to be a Little Prickly, But Not a Prick- Steve Jobs saw the world in binary terms - he either loved something or hated it. Jobs was brutally honest, to a fault. Isaacson concluded that “The nasty edge to his personality was not necessary. It hindered him more than it helped him.”

In the final chapter of the book “Legacy,” Isaacson writes about Jobs, “Steve Jobs thus became the greatest business executive of our era, the one most certain to be remembered a century from now. History will place him in the pantheon right next to Edison and Ford. More than anyone else of his time, he made products that were completely innovative, combining the power of poetry and processors. With a ferocity that could make working with him as unsettling as it was inspiring, he also built the world’s most creative company. And he was able to infuse into its DNA the design sensibilities, perfectionism, and imagination that make it likely to be, even decades from now, the company that thrives best at the intersection of artistry and technology.” As Disc Jockeys, we also exist at this intersection, and how well we balance artistry and technology will determine the long-term success of our businesses.

Chapter 32, “Music Man,” is a must-read for DJs, as Jobs revealed which songs are on his iPod! He was particularly fond of Bob Dylan, as well as of The Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is a full-service mobile DJ entertainment company based in Central New Jersey. We enjoy collaborating with clients to create unforgettable family celebrations. From time to time, we also are industry innovators! For more info, visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com.

5 Tips to Avoid Spoiling a Teen Dance Party

A teen dance party such as a Sweet 16 is a highly anticipated life event. Unfortunately, these parties can be spoiled by the unfortunate actions of a few. Left unchecked, these negative elements can result in a party being shut down early by the banquet staff (or police). Below, we offer five tips to ensure that your party is a stunning success!

Here are five party planning tips to ensure a smooth evening:

Tip #1- Acknowledge that teenagers are growing up fast, and that some may be experimenting with alcohol. Both the party celebrant and their parents must make it clear from the get-go that alcohol will not be tolerated at the party.

Tip #2- Regulate your guest list by quantity and quality. Often times it is the "fringe" friends, and not the inner circle, who cause trouble. That is because the inner circle realizes how special this day is, and would never ruin the evening for their friend.

Tip #3- Make it clear that no water bottles will be allowed to the party, as these are probably vodka-waters in disguise! Teenage guests should also not be allowed to leave the building until the party is over.

Tip #4 - If your banquet hall does not require you to utilize one of their security officers, consider hiring a security officer to police the event. Or, have a family member or friend serve as a vigilant chaperone. If anything, their presence may serve as a deterrent.

Tip #5 - Dance styles have evolved, and hip hop-style "bumping and grinding" is popular among some teens. Discuss in advance to what extent you will or will not allow a little bump and grind. Left unchecked, the dance floor could come to resemble a circus freak show that reflects poorly upon the family.

Keep it safe, keep it classy, and you will have an unforgettable Teen Dance Party!

About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is a full-service mobile DJ entertainment company based in Central New Jersey. We enjoy collaborating with clients to create unforgettable family celebrations. For more info, visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com.

25 Recommended Songs for a Video Slideshow Presentation

One of our most popular upgrades is the "Video Slideshow." A slideshow of 5-7 minutes long (recommended length) is projected onto a large screen, with the audio for the presentation run through our professional sound system.  To maximize the emotional impact of a slideshow, you will need to select the perfect accompanying music.  

Listed below are 25 suggestions for songs to be played during a video slideshow that will emotionally move the celebrant and guests - perhaps to tears.  In parentheses, we have listed what type of party the song would be best suited for.  Note that songs that typically are "over the top" for  general party music (think Celine Dion), are often excellent candidates for slideshows!  Please comment with your own song suggestions.

1) 100 Years - Five for Fighting (weddings)
2) Marry Me - Train (weddings)
3) The Graduation Song - Vitamin C (graduations)
4) In My Daughter's Eyes - Martina McBride (coming of age, girl)
5) Daughters - John Mayer (coming of age, girl)
6) Through the Years - Kenny Rogers (milestone birthday or anniversary)
7) The Times of Your Life - Paul Anka (milestone birthday or anniversary)
8) What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong (milestone birthday or anniversary)
9) Memories - Elvis Presley (milestone birthday or anniversary)
10) Silly Love Songs - Paul McCartney (milestone anniversary)
11) As Time Goes By - Frank Sinatra (milestone anniversary)
12) My Baby You - Marc Anthony (wedding or child)
13) A Whole New World - Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle (child)
14) Secret Garden - Bruce Springsteen (multi-purpose)
15) I Will Be Here - Steven Curtis Chapman (multi-purpose)
16) Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion (multi-purpose)
17) Hero - Mariah Carey (multi-purpose)
18) Longer - Dan Fogelberg (anniversary)
19) I'll Always Love You - Taylor Dayne (anniversary)
20) Only Time - Enya (multi-purpose)
21) Forever Young - Rod Stewart/Alphaville/Jay-Z (coming of age)
22) The Best is Yet to Come - Tony Bennett (coming of age)
23) The Time of Your Life (Good Riddance) - Green Day (multi-purpose)
24) Time - Alan Parson Project (in memoriam)
25) Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton (in memoriam)

In a future episode of the Ambient DJ blog, we will offer tips for maximizing the success of your Video Slideshow.

ABOUT AMBIENT DJ SERVICE

Ambient DJ Service is a full-service mobile DJ entertainment company based in Central New Jersey.  We enjoy collaborating with clients to create unforgettable family celebrations.  For more info, visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com.

Old School Hip Hop - Playlist

As per Wikipedia, "Old school hip hop (also spelled "old skool") describes the earliest commercially recorded hip hop music (approximately from 1979–1984), and the music in the period preceding it from which it was directly descended. Old school hip hop is said to end around 1983 or 1984 with the emergence of Run–D.M.C., the first new school hip hop group.  However, some old school rap stations cover 1980s hip hop in general, occasionally extending even into the mid 1990s.  The image, styles and sounds of the old school were exemplified by figures like Afrika Bambaataa, The Sugarhill Gang, Spoonie Gee, Treacherous Three, Funky Four Plus One, Kurtis Blow, Fab Five Freddy, Busy Bee Starski, Lovebug Starski, Doug E. Fresh, LL Cool J, The Fat Boys, The Cold Crush Brothers, Kool Kyle, and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five,and it is characterized by the simpler rapping techniques of the time and the general focus on party related subject matter."

Below we list some of our favorite "old skool" party jams (defined as 80s hip hop), but paying particular homage to the early 80s.  Please leave comments with our own favorite selections!

Rapper's Delight - The Sugarhill Gang

Fat Boys - Fat Boys

Beat Street - Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five

Rockin' It - Fearless Four

Rockit - Herbie Hancock

The Message - Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five

That's the Joint - The Funky 4 + 1 (the first hip hop group to appear on Saturday Night Live!)

Rappin' & Rocking the House" - The Funky 4 + 1

Sucker M.C.'s - Run-D.M.C.

Roxanne - U.T.F.O.

Planet Rock - Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force

Hard Times - Run-D.M.C.

The Breaks - Kurtis Blow

At the Dixie - Cold Crush Brothers



Paul Revere - The Beastie Boys

Warm it Up, Kane - Big Daddy Kane

The Bridge - MC Shan

The Show - Doug E. Fresh

Mona Lisa - Slick Rick

The Whodini Mega-Mix (5 Minutes of Funk/Friends/Freaks Come Out at Night) - Whodini

Larry's Dance Theme - Grandmaster Flash

One For the Treble - Davy DMX

Breakers Revenge - Arthur Baker (featured in breakdance battle from Beat Street in video below!)



Al Naafijsh - Kashim

Freedom - Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five

Adventures of Rhyme - Jimmy Spicer

Wild, Wild West - Kool Moe Dee

The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel - Grandmaster Flash

Rapture - Blondie (her rap verse payed deference to Grandmaster Flash and Francois K.!) (sure, the record doesn't fall exactly into the genre, but does capture the feeling of the time!)

I Can't Live Without My Radio - LL Cool J

White Lines (Don't Do It) - Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel

Don't Believe the Hype - Public Enemy

Basketball - Kurtis Blow

8th Wonder - The Sugarhill Gang

Brass Monkey - The Beastie Boys

It's Like That - Run-D.M.C.

Jam Master Jay - Run-D.M.C.

Iron Mike and I catch up with the Cold Crush Crew!

Catching up with the legendary Grandmaster Flash!

Ideas for Wedding Cocktail Hour Music

A wedding cocktail hour is a time to set the mood.  It is a transition point between the formal ceremony and the convivial wedding reception party that is to follow.  Ingredients for a winning cocktail hour mix include:  1) atmospheric selections that put guests in a great mood,  2) a mix of current and classic music appropriate for guests of all ages, 3) an increasing energy level as the cocktail hour progresses (and the drinks kick in!);  and 4) intelligent song selections that include re-inventions of classics and some international spice.

At Ambient DJ, we do not use stock cocktail hour mixes, but rather custom program each set to reflect the unique style of the event.  The list below is organized into mini-sets by genres, that can be mixed and matched to reflect your own tastes in music.  Thematically, no 'breakup songs' are allowed, but the most important factor is the "feel" of the song, so even if there are occasionally "bittersweet lyrics," these tracks are fine.  This track list would also work well for the softer moments of a wedding reception while guests are eating and conversing.

Crooners
Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
The Best is Yet to Come - Tony Bennett
You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You - Dean Martin
Quando, Quando - Michael Buble w/Nelly Furtado

Chanteuses
Peel Me a Grape - Ramsey Lewis w/Nancy Wilson
Speak Low - Cybill Shepherd with Stan Getz
Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson
I Put a Spell on You - Queen Latifah
Besame Mucho - Diana Krall

80s
The Promise - When in Rome
Take My Breath Away - Berlin
Drive - The Cars
Eyes Without a Face - Billy Idol
You Get What You Give - New Radicals

R&B/Soul

My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder

Valerie - Amy Winehouse

P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care) - John Legend

Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars

If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys

Cherish the Day - Sade

Set Fire to the Rain (Moto Blanc Dance Remix) - Adele 

Electronic
All I Need - Air
I Only Have Eyes for You (cover) - Jamie Cullum
Whatever Lola Wants (Verve Remixed) - Sara Vaughan
So Come Voce - Thievery Corporation
Walking on a Dream - Empire of the Sun
54B - Mudd

International
The Girl From Ipanema - Bebel Gilberto with Kenny G.
Aganju (Latin Project Remix) - Bebel Gilberto
Mas Que Nada - Sergio Mendes f/The Black Eyed Peas
Un Simple Histoire - Thievery Corporation


Classics (Oldies)
Best of My Love - The Eagles
Crazy Love - Van Morrison
Michelle - The Beatles
Love's Theme - The Love Unlimited Orchestra
Rise - Herb Alpert
Feels So Good - Chuck Mangione

Alternative Rock
Awake My Soul - Mumford & Sons
Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop - Landon Pigg
Marry Me (First Dance Mix) - Train
Baby I'm Yours - Arctic Monkeys
First Day of My Life - Bright Eyes
Such Great Heights - Iron & Wine
Thank You Too - My Morning Jacket

Rock
If I Should Fall Behind - Bruce Springsteen
Walking on the Moon - The Police
The Wind Cries Mary - Jimi Hendrix
One - U2 f/Mary J. Blige
Low Light - Pearl Jam
The Pump - Jeff Beck
Big Yellow Taxi - The Counting Crows f/Vanessa Carlton

New Age
Paint the Sky With Stars - Enya
Only Time - Enya
Bellissimo - Ilya

Reggae/Tropical
No Woman, No Cry - Bob Marley
Close to You - Maxxi Priest
Red, Red Wine - UB40
Never Ever Worry - Lord Pretender
Jump in the Line - Harry Belafonte

Country
Why Don't We Just Dance - Josh Turner
People are Crazy - Billy Currington
Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not - Thompson Square
Highway 20 Ride - Zac Brown Band
Lost in This Moment - Big & Rich




ABOUT AMBIENT DJ SERVICE

Ambient DJ Service is an award-winning mobile DJ service based in Central New Jersey.  Our company prides itself on its deep musical knowledge and programming skills.  To learn more about our wedding, corporate and private party services, visit our website at http://www.ambientdj.com

DJ Gregg Ambient's Top 25 Dance Tracks - Winter 2012

A regular feature of the Ambient DJ blog is the submission of quarterly playlists.  These songs reflect selections that a particular DJ is currently using in his party sets. To kick off the New Year right, Ambient DJ's head honcho "DJ Gregg Ambient" chimes in with his Top 25 favorites!  They are listed in no particular order:

1) Dance (A*$) (Nicki Minaj) - Big Sean f/Nicki Minaj (hip hop)

2) T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) - Will.I.am with J. Lo and Mick Jagger (dance) 

3) I'm Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO (Dance)

4) Rack City - Tyga (Hip Hop)

5) The Motto - Drake f/Lil Wayne (Hip Hop)

6) Good Feeling - Flo Rida (dance)

7) Moves Like Jagger - Maroon Five (Pop/Dance)

8) Ladi Dadi - Steve Aoki with Wynter Gordon (electro)

9) Set Fire to the Rain (Moto Blanc Remix) - Adele (dance)

10) Lotus Flower Bomb - Wale w/Miguel (R&B)

11) Lovumba - Daddy Yankee (Reggaeton)

12) Take Over Control - Afrojack f/Eva Simons (dance)

13) Shuri Shuri (Crazy) (Bodybangers Remix) - Denis Naidanow w/Juan Nagan (Latin Dance)

14) Turn Me On - David Guetta w/Nicki Minaj (dance)

15) Give Me Everything Tonight - Pitbull w/Ne-Yo and Nayer (dance)

16) Love You Like a Love Song - Selena Gomez (dance)

17) You Da One - Rihanna (dance)

18) Lick It - Kaskade & Skrillex (dance/dubstep)

19) Levels - Avicii (dance)

20) The One That Got Away - Katy Perry (dance)

21) It Will Rain - Bruno Mars (dance)

22) Young, Wild & Free (f/Bruno Mars) - Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa (hip hop)

23) Paris - Jay-Z and Kanye West (hip hop)

24) Don't Stop (Color on the Walls) - Foster the People (alternative)

25) Una Vaina Loca - Fuego (Latin)

Throwbacks:

1) I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) - Hall & Oates (80s) 

2) Don't Stop Til You Get Enough - Michael Jackson (80s)

3) Just a Friend - Biz Markie (90s)

4) Heaven Scent - Bedrock (raver music)

5) Fat Boys - Fat Boys (Old Skool Hip Hop)

To book DJ Gregg Ambient for your next party, visit our new and improved website at www.ambientdj.com.  One love!

What is Video Fusion Karaoke?

Several years ago I coined the term "Video Fusion Karaoke" to refer to a new entertainment service being offered by Ambient DJs.  Fusion refers to a melding of individual components.  So what exactly is Video Fusion Karaoke?

Video Fusion Karaoke is:
    1 part Music Video party
    1 part Karaoke party
    1 part Dance Party, and
    3 parts Excitement!

The genesis of this idea was that since a karaoke DJ is already using a screen (we use high end plasmas), why not use these screens to play current and classic music videos, bringing the music and fashions to life?  Video stimulates the senses and creates a true multi-media experience.  Our software is also able to display custom slides and shout-out popular singers.

The second leg of the stool - karaoke, is an interactive entertainment style beloved by many Americans.  Guests take the main stage and become a star!  Karaoke nights are great fun, but can become dull if the quantity and quality of performances drops.

The third leg of the stool - dance party, means just that.  Guests are encouraged to dance throughout the evening - during a live karaoke performance, or during one of the DJ's karaoke intermission sets where a long string of singers is broken up by playing several high-energy, current dance tunes.  At my weekly residence at Brewster's Pub, guests always look forward to dancing popular line dances such as the Cupid Shuffle or Electric Slide.  It is a delight to see a packed Saturday night dance floor - but on a Wednesday night!

Video Fusion Karaoke - at a Wedding!

Of course Video Fusion Karaoke is exciting... it's provocative and really gets the people going!  Depending on the mix of guests on any given night, the proportion of Video, Karaoke, and Dancing can be fine-tuned to the taste of the crowd!

Video Fusion is great for bars, but it also works well for sundry events including corporate parties, Sweet 16s, Community Events and even weddings! 

For those located in Central NJ, please check out my weekly Wednesday Video Fusion Karaoke party at Brewsters Pub in East Windsor.  The set begins at 8 PM, with the real action starting after 10 PM and usually winding down around 1 AM.  Brewsters is located at 529 Route 130 North in East Windsor, NJ - just past the Dairy Queen.  For private party bookings, visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com and find out why our slogan is "The Art of the Party"!

DJ Iron Mike Wins 2011 Ambient DJ Service Quiz

The Ambient DJ Service Annual Quiz is a fun, highly-anticipated event where Ambient DJ's staff members are forced to jog their memory on the year's past events and bountiful blog entries.  Congratulations to DJ Iron Mike for posting the highest score this year and winning a cash prize!   Congrats to Mike as well for being on the verge of celebrating his '5 Year Anniversary' as an Ambient DJ Music Mixologist (DJ).  Shout-out to runner-up, DJ Austin!

DJ Iron Mike Rides to Victory in the 2011 Ambient DJ Quiz!

Here are the questions and answers that Mike successfully navigated.  Perhaps you will learn a new fact or two about out company!  Most of these stories were covered in the 2011 blog.  As you may observe, we work very hard, but also try to have fun along the way!

1) Ambient DJ recently struck up a strategic alliance with which national brand?
  a) Red Bull
  b) Relatainment
  c) David's Bridal http://blog.ambientdj.com/2011/12/ambient-dj-service-joins-vendor.html
  d) WeddingWire

2) In the maiden installation of "The Ambies" which song took the crown for Top Dance Song of 2011?

  a) Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
  b) Give Me Everything Tonight - Pitbull http://blog.ambientdj.com/2011/12/best-music-of-2011-ambies.html
  c) I'm a Boss - Rick Ross f/Nicki Minaj
  d) Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan

3) A superlative party experience at Ambient DJ is known to have met what standard?

  a) The Schmaltz Standard
  b) The Schlitz Standard
  c) The Smauz Standard (Explanation: The Smauz wedding of years past was 'off the chain' and set the standard!)
  d) The Gold Standard

4) Ambient DJ's most financially successful month in history occurred in which month during 2011?
  a) May
  b) June
  c) October
  d) December

5) Which of the following geographic locales did Ambient DJ NOT perform in during 2011?
  a) Brooklyn
  b) Manhattan
  c) Philadelphia
  d) Cape May

6) Ambient DJs' 2011 photo shoot featured all of the below, except for:

  a) freezing temperatures
  b) a hot post-shoot lunch at Panera Bread 
  c) crazy co-eds rocking "the monacle" pose
  d) Gill howling "Oh Yeah" on the Princeton campus
  e) standup comedy by Larry Sargent

Enter the Monacle!

7) Ambient DJs' 2010 holiday party featured which celebrity impersonator:

  a) Rick Ross
  b) Robert DeNiro
  c) Barack Obama
  d) Tony Soprano

8) Which of the following is a key corporate strategy for 2012?

  a) increased emphasis on internet marketing
  b) the establishment of a branch office in Short Hills
  c) a major equipment overhaul and focus on intelligent lighting
  d) the creation of a PhotoBooth segment

9) In 2011, Ambient's Bar & Nightlife segment was coronated:

  a) REG - Renaissance Entertainment Group
  b) PURE - Pure Ambience
  c) AA - Ambient Aesthetics
  d) REL - Relatini's

10) Prince William and Kate Middleton used which of the following songs for their grand entrance at the Royal Wedding?

  a) Pomp & Circumstance - Elgar
  b) Canon in D - Pachelbel
  c) The One - Sir Elton John
  d) I Was Glad - Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry http://blog.ambientdj.com/2011/05/royal-wedding-processional-song.html

11)  Match the DJ with the correct fact

1. DJ Larry Sargent (f)   a. owns a trailer
2. DJ Greg Nice (d)       b. DJs wearing a hat.
3.  DJ Iron Mike (e)       c. has a fetish for the color orange
4. DJ Garrett B. (g)        d. drives the same car as Horatio Cane, known for long speeches      
5. DJ Spinzy (c)             e. "the hardest working DJ in Central NJ"
6. DJ Jesse (a)                f.  "Now Dance, that's an Order!"
7.  DJ Austin (b)            g.  blasts dubstep from his whip  

12) In 2011, Ambient DJ Service was featured in all of the following publications EXCEPT FOR:

a) DJ Times Magazine
b) The College of New Jersey Alumni Magazine
c) Mobile Beat Magazine
d) NJDJN Newsletter

13) Tiebreaker - name my favorite club in New York City.  Answer- Cielo for its deep house and dub courtesy of resident DJ Francois K.! http://blog.ambientdj.com/2010/01/monday-night-outing-dj-francois-k-in.html

To view the 2010 Holiday Quiz, click here.

Top 10 Reasons to Join the New Jersey Disc Jockey Network

To those unfamiliar, the New Jersey Disc Jockey Network (NDJN) is a premier disc jockey organization whose membership includes professional DJs primarily from the East Coast.

In David Letterman-style, here are the top 10 reasons that you should consider joining this fine organization!

10. The NJDJN holds regular monthly in-person meetings that include a networking and educational component.  Some members find the meetings so valuable that they travel from out-of-state to attend!

9. Enjoy high-quality educational content to keep your business on the cutting edge.  Recent topics have included "Audio Branding" (Tony Tee Neto), "Social Media Strategies" (Hurricane Productions), "DJ Sales/Marketing Techniques" (Steve Moody), "Mitzvah Production" (Randi Rae), "SEO Strategies" (Steve Cie) and many more!

8. Resident Comedian DJ Mike Wieder is always good for a zinger or two!  He also likes to showcase his latest gadgets.

7.  Be part of a prestigious and fast-growing organization.  President-elect Steve Cie and VP Chris Atwood have ambitious plans, continuing the tradition of excellence of outgoing President Jake Jacobsen.

6. Strike up a casual conversation and pick the brains of any one of the "heavy hitter" members of the NJDJN who run some of the top mobile DJ companies in the country.

5. Enjoy exclusive NJDJN discounts on an array of DJ gear and business services.

4. Make lifelong friends and enjoy social outings such as last year's Halloween group trip to a haunted penitentiary!

3.  Earn more money by generating referrals or promoting your value-added services.  While it seems counter-intuitive, DJs regularly generate income from other DJs!

2.  The diner food in Edison is outstanding!  Many members gather for a pre-meeting dinner at the Skylark Diner on Route 1, about five minutes away from the Crowne Plaza.

1.  Invest in yourself and the future of your business!  The Annual Membership Fee, currently $150, is a pittance relative to the benefits that you will derive.  The NJDJN is a very inexpensive form of continuing education.

Ambient DJ Service joined the NJDJN some three years ago, inspired by the many successful individuals in the organization.  It's been said that if you hang out with dogs, you get fleas.  However, if you surround yourself with the "top dogs" of the NJDJN, you will be inspired to take your business to levels that you never dreamed possible!

The organization typically meets the second Tuesday evening of each month at the centrally-located Crowne Plaza in Edison, NJ.  Tomorrow night's meeting (Tuesday January 10, 2011) is a Mini-Expo followed by a presentation on "Audio Branding" by Tony Tee Neto.  Also, enjoy a live performance by Party Percussionist John Donovan from 6:30 PM!

To learn more about the NJDJN and view the current membership, visit its website www.njdjn.org.  

Party Percussionist John Donovan - Artist Profile

This is the first article in a new series for 2012 that introduces our Recommended Professionals.  We are pleased to kick off the series by profiling Party Percussionist John Donovan!  John is a fellow member of the New Jersey Disc Jockey Network (NJDJN).  He also provided a high-energy performance at the Kick-Off Party for the 2011 DJ Times International DJ Expo held this past August at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.  

An Introduction to Party Percussionists

I first experienced party percussionists in Las Vegas clubs like Studio 54.  The DJ was the pilot of the dance floor, with a "Latin-style" percussionist serving as an accompanying player to the mix, drumming away on instruments such as bongos and timbales.  Not only was this presentation novel, but it added a visually pleasing element to the performance.

John Donovan practices an entirely different style of drumming known as Rudimental "Corps-Style" Drumming. After pursuing traditional drum lessons from the age of 4, Donovan discovered the drum and bugle corps at age 17 and immersed himself in the world of competitive drumming.  His talent and hard work culminated with his winning a Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championship.  In 2007, Donovan moved to Long Island and shortly thereafter carved out a niche in the private event market, performing at high-end weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s and corporate events.

In recent years, Donovan has made a splash in the private event market, entertaining guests at formal events with his visually stunning presentation.  Typically, Donovan performs alongside a disc jockey.  John believes that he is "the only full-time, commercial, freelance, individual Multi-Tenor player in the world."  What this means, is that given his high-velocity drumming, Donovan has been able to commercially express himself through the Multi-Tenor instrumentation (i.e., a set of drums that contains 5 or 6 drums), before anyone else in history.  To help this description come to life, check out the video clip of Donovan in action!

I recently caught up with John, and below are highlights from the Q&A:

Q:  How do your performances differ from that of a Latin-style percussionist?

JD:  While Latin-Style percussionists focus on a vocabulary of conventional patterns to support the rhythm of the music, because of my regimented drum corps training, I am not just able to play the conventional patterns, but I directly support the melody and framework of the music just like someone who is composing percussion parts for an advanced percussion ensemble.  Basically, I bring a high level of artistically sound intellect and physical prowess to all the events I am part of. To top it all off, because of my drum corps training, I am also able to produce visually hypnotic material, which tends to drop jaws and open eyes right on the dance floor. So while guests are dancing away enjoying the pre-recorded music which is mixed and beat matched properly by the DJ, they are also feeling the vibe of what I am contributing to the mix, AND they get an actual show at the same time.  The client truly gets a one of a kind entertainment package.

Q:  What is the best part of your job?

JD:  I have four answers. The first is the satisfaction from watching a room full of people jump in unison, what we call, “the bounce factor,” and that tells us the team did a great job for the client.  You really have to work well with a crowd, to earn their trust, and to groom them properly during the evening for this to happen, and when it does, it’s pure magic! Second, I appreciate when the client comes directly to me at the end of an event and expresses their gratitude for a job well done. Third, I LOVE when guests whom are also percussionists, as well as other types of musicians, come up to me throughout the evening and express how they are blown away by what I contributed to the music, and how I did it. That’s very humbling, each and every time it happens. Lastly, I enjoy when the event company owner expresses how they much they enjoyed working with me and that they feel further inspired to offer my services in the future.

Q:  Tell me about your practice schedule.

JD:  I practice for about an hour a day just to keep my hands conditioned. When I was in high school, I had zero social life because I was practicing for anywhere from 6-8 hours a day, plus the countless hours while I was in drum corps.

Q:  What is your favorite song to drum to?

JD:  My all-time favorite song is "Boom Boom Pow" by the Black Eyed Peas.

Q:  Why should clients add your party percussionist services to their event?

JD:  Hiring an in-demand, name brand LIVE entertainer adds prestige to an event and makes it stand out. A party percussionist is the perfect option for those groups who love to dance, as the combined effect of the DJ-Party Percussionist Combo raises the energy level, and adds a dazzling visual element to the evening.


Q:  Do you have any upcoming public performances that you would like to tell us about?

JD:  I will be performing at the NJDJN Mini Expo next week on Tuesday January 10th at the Crowne Plaza in Edison  The event runs from 6:30 PM to 10 PM and will feature the NJDJN's corporate sponsors, with deeply discounted gear, party favors, decorations, novelties, group disability insurance, credit card acceptance program, and a presentation by special guest speaker Tony Tee Neto about "Audio Imaging."  The event is open to all working disc jockeys and admission is FREE!  Be sure to attend this New Jersey Disc Jockey Network Event and get there in time to catch my set at 6:30!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JOHN DONOVAN, PARTY PERCUSSIONIST
To be a "World Champion" in any line of work requires superlative talent and dedication.  Now you can have international star John Donovan perform at your private party right here in the NJ/NY/PA Tristate area!  For booking information and to view additional demo videos, visit John on the worldwide web at www.johndonovan.biz.

His Facebook Fan Page can be accessed at http://www.facebook.com/JohnDonovanDotBiz

Winter Wedding Gig Log - Lambertville Station

Winter weddings tend to be memorable.  Yesterday's celebration at the Lambertville Station Restaurant was no exception.  The weather was cold and blustery along the Delaware River in scenic Lambertville.  While we have performed at many private parties at the Inn at Lambertville Station, yesterday was our first time to perform at its sister property, The Station Restaurant located on Bridge Street.

The Lambertville Inn Restaurant contains many zones, including a wine cellar open to the public.  Anna and Sean took their vows in that wine cellar in front of a lit fireplace with some 40 close friends and family members looking on.  Our DJ Gregg Ambient provided a mix of New Age prelude and processional music as per the bride's request.  Anna entered the wine cellar to Enya's "Paint the Sky with Stars."  Later, the couple recessed to the Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony."

Cocktail hour and dinner followed in a private dining room on the second floor.  The decor table centerpieces and decor were in holly red for Christmas, and a beautiful white wedding cake was adorned with Christmas flowers.  The DJ booth was located in a comfortable nook in the corner of the room that we lit tastefully with two LED par cans in red.

The following hours were spent enjoying a modern mix of international music (ranging from French to Brazilian) and lush lounge music. Sample artists included Thievery Corporation, Bebel Gilberto, Manu Chao and Joe Dassin.  Sean and Anna were kind enough to treat me to dinner, and the "Maple Mustard Salmon"was the most delicious that I've ever had! The staff at the restaurant was also exceptional - friendly and attentive.

Congratulations Anna and Sean!  Best wishes in your married life together and thank you for making me feel like a celebrity DJ (even though I am not!).

Scenic Lambertville, NJ on a cool day in January

ABOUT AMBIENT DJ SERVICE

Ambient DJ Service is an award-winning mobile DJ service based in Central New Jersey that provides customized music and entertainment services.  We specialize in multi-cultural events (such as Anna and Sean's).  To learn more, visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com.

The Best Music of 2011 - The "Ambies"

Well, 2011 is nearly a wrap and it's time to take a walk down memory lane.  If we were on the 'Board' of an artistic academy (such as for the Grammys), what artists and songs would we nominate for the 'Best of' 2011?

In lieu of an the Academy, Ambient DJs' staff members - as well as several industry friends, opined on their nominees for the "Best of 2011."  Contributing DJs include DJ Iron Mike, DJ Spinz, DJ AllDay, DJ Greg Nice, DJ Brett Gash, DJ Garrett B., DJ Austin, DJ "Stav the Greek," DJ Gill "the Dream" and myself, DJ Gregg Ambient.  Keep in mind that our esteemed academy is based in Central NJ, a land where dance music and hip hop reign, and country music is seldom heard.

Introducing, the categories and nominations for the first annual "Ambie" awards!  Winners are announced at the bottom of the blog.

TOP DANCE SONG OF THE YEAR
1) Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
2) Give Me Everything Tonight - Pitbull f/Ne-Yo, Nayer and Afrojack
3) Paris - Jay-Z and Kanye West
4) Cinema (Skrillex Remix) - Benny Benassi
5) Barbara Streisand - Duck Sauce

BEST NEW ARTIST
1) Mumford and Sons
2) Foster the People
3) J. Cole
4) Wiz Khalifa
5) Avicii

BEST ALBUM
1) 21 - Adele
2) Watch the Throne - Jay-Z and Kanye West
3) Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites - Skrillex
4) Sorry for Party Rocking - LMFAO
5) Torches - Foster the People

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
1) Pitbull
2) Adele
3) Jay-Z and Kanye West
4) The Black Eyed Peas
5) Chris Brown

BEST HIP HOP/R&B ACT
1) Rick Ross
2) Nicki Minaj
3) Drake
4) Trey Songz
5) Miguel

TOP POP ACT
1) Lady Gaga
2) Katy Perry
3) Rihanna
4) Justin Bieber
5) Bruno Mars

TOP ELECTRONIC ACT
1) Avicii
2) Skrillex
3) David Guetta
4) DeadMau5
5) Afrojack

Based on staff consensus and the executive powers of DJ Gregg Ambient, the winners of the first annual Ambie Awards are shown below!

TOP DANCE SONG OF THE YEAR

Nearly every DJ selected either LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem" or Pitbull's "Give Me Everything Tonight."  In a very close call, the award goes to "Mr. Worldwide" Pitbull... this track really works crowds into a frenzy!

BEST NEW ARTIST

In a close battle against J. Cole, Mumford & Sons takes the Ambie!



BEST ALBUM

As one DJ commented, Adele's 21 has the best production, vocals and lyrics, and most of us agreed.  The album of the year goes to Adele, and let's hope that her voice problems are resolved soon.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

And the Ambie goes to..... Jay-Z and Kanye West for their collaboration on "The Throne"  Their music is "provocative and really gets the people going!"



BEST HIP HOP/R&B ACT

Dancefloors could just not get enough of the barks, grunts and boasts of the Teflon Don, aka Ricky Rosay, aka Big Meech - congratulations Rick Ross!



TOP POP ACT

Our DJs were most impressed by the efforts of Rihanna in 2011.  Lady Gaga's latest album was good, but not ground-breaking.  Bruno Mars' charisma and talent should take him far.  Bieber and Perry made us yawn.



TOP ELECTRONIC ACT

As a general comment, electronic dance music made great strides in 2011, breaking through into mainstream radio.  But the biggest break-through artist of them all was Skrillex, best known for his bass-heavy dubstep and electro productions.



Thanks to the Academy!

We look forward to partying with you in 2012!  To learn more about our award-winning DJ services, visit us online at www.ambientdj.com.

To view DJ Gregg Ambient's Top 50 songs of 2011, click here.
To view his 25 Recommended songs for New Year's Eve, click here.

25 Songs for New Year's Eve 2011

Listed below, Ambient DJs' lead music mixologist, DJ Gregg Ambient, shares 25 top song selections for New Year's Eve 2011.  The list is composed of a combination of current and classic tracks:

1) New Years' Eve Countdown Tool - The Groove Junkies ("5.4.3.2.1... Happy New Year! Let's take this party to the next level.... DJ, hit me one time"). (drops)
2) Lil Jon New Years Countdown Party Pack - Lil Jon (available to DJs on www.crooklynclan.net) (drops)
3) Auld Lang Syne - Guy Lombardo (classic)
4) New Years Eve Party Medley - Bobby Morganstein Productions (a medley of upbeat marches to welcome the New Year!) (novelty)
5) A Night to Remember - Shalamar (disco)
6) 1999 - Prince (90s)
7)  Love Come Down - Evelyn "Champagne" King (disco)
8) Got to Be Real - Cheryl Lynn (disco)
9) High Energy - Evelyn Thomas (disco)
10) Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond (party classics)
11) Give Me Everything Tonight - Pitbull f/Ne-Yo, Nayer and Afrojack (dance)
12) Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan (dance)
13) Favorite DJ (Disco Fries Remix) - Clinton Sparks f/Jermaine Dupri (dance)
14) I'm Still Hot - Luciana (dance)
15) What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas - DJ Chuckie (electro)
16) The Cupid Shuffle - Cupid (line dance)
17) Wanna Be Startin' Something - Michael Jackson (dance)
18) New Years Day - U2 (80s rock)
19) Set It Off - Strafe (early 80s dance jam)
20) Paris - Jay-Z and Kanye West (hip hop)
21) Love in this Club - Usher f/Young Jeezy (hip hop/R&B)
22) Cut the Lights - Chris Reeder and DJ Skribble (dance)
23) Levels - Avicii (electro)
24) Resurrection - PPK (trance)
25) You Make Me Feel Brand New - The Stylistics (R&B)

7 "Chill" Tracks For the Afterparty

1)  Rapture (Avicii New Generation mix) - Nadia Ali (electronic)
2) Carbonated - Mt. Kimbie (dubstep)
3) Purple Rain - Prince (80s)
4) Becoming X - Sneaker Pimps (downtempo)
5) Gold for the Price of Silver - Kings of Convenience (Chillout)
6) Dirty Laundry (Tom Middleton's Balearic Mix) - Bitter:Sweet (Chillout)
7) Lick It (Kaskade's Ice Mix) - Kaskade and Skrillex (downtempo)

Happy New Year everybody!  Dance up a storm, party safe, and see you in 2012!

Musically yours,

DJ Gregg Ambient

For more ideas, view my top 50 dance tracks of 2011 that can be viewed by clicking here.

Twitter - The Best of 2011

To tweet or not to tweet, that is the question!

Ambient DJ Service (Twitter Handle @AmbientDJs) tweeted heavily in 2011.  We fired off some 4,000 tweets (messages) during the year.  Many of these messages were links to blog entries while others were shout-outs to our favorite Twitter users.  Our most popular days to Tweet were on #MusicMonday and #WeddingWednesday.

I confess that when learning about Twitter a couple of years ago, I though that the concept was stupid.  How much information could be shared in the 140 character limit?  Did I really want to read drivel from the likes of Paris Hilton tweeting "Poppin' bottles at Pure with the Kardashians..."  Well, after giving Twitter a try, I came to love its rhythm, which is very different from Facebook or email.  Limited to 140 characters, the author of a tweet must distill a message to its very essence.

During the year, I purchased goods and services from businesses discovered via Twitter.  Similarly, Ambient DJ Service booked more than a few private events and weddings from those who got to know us on Twitter.  Importantly, Twitter helps to promote "top of mind awareness."

Listed below are 50 of our favorite Twitter Users of 2011. To make the list, users had to exhibit some combination of the following characteristics:

1) Presence - did they Tweet often enough for us to notice?

2) Content - were their Tweets interesting, informative or creative?

3) Interactive - did they take the time to respond to our Tweets or re-tweet our content?  

In drumroll fashion, here is the Best of Twitter 2011 list!  We have listed the Twitter handle followed by a category, and a quick summary.

@JerseyGoods (New Jersey) - Knowledgeable on wide range of NJ topics, great re-tweeter!

@AndrewDarlow (Photography) - Posts great technical tips, and shares awesome content.

@WedOnWheels (Weddings) - South Jersey-based wedding officiant with prolific Tweet action.

@FavorsByDorinda (Weddings) - Well-connected wedding favor pro who is quick to re-tweet (RT).  Also check out Dorinda's daughter Alyssa's Twitter account @Thx4Noticing Me (Social Media).

@njwedding (Weddings) - Erik Kent, head of njwedding.com, has his finger on the pulse of the New Jersey wedding industry, shares great information, and will RT quality content.

@WeddingWireEdu (Weddings) - Great source of business tips for wedding pros.

@Al_Ojeda_Photo (Weddings) - Al and Ida are great wedding photographers who love social media.

@CardBoxDiva (Weddings) - Marni Gold designs creative card boxes & loves to Tweet and RT.

@MondayFlowers  (Weddings/Floral) - Georgianne V. frequently tweets about weddings & Princeton.

@NassauInn (Weddings/Hotels/Princeton) - loves to Tweet on Princeton history, weddings and food.

@SheratonNJShore (Weddings/Hotels) - one of the most engaging banquet hall Tweeps.

@CruiseDivaNJ (Travel/Princeton) - Stacey K. posts great travel tips.

@LisaPhoto2_0 (Weddings/Social Media) - Lisa provides more shout-outs than a DJ!

@WeddingQuestion (Weddings) - learn the ins and outs of wedding etiquette.

@njwedofficiant (Weddings) - Celia Milton never forgets her Wedding Wednesday shout-outs!
@WeddingMusicPro (Weddings) - Gloria and Barbara are great resources for wedding music.

@PRforSmallBiz (Public Relations/Business) - Karina Alvela offers great tips for small business.

@JonMoore (Music Promotion) - Super Promoter Jon Moore helps DJs stay on the cutting edge.

@WehringerandCo (Social Media) - Tracy W. is generous to share tips and give RTs and +ks.

@PhillyCyberGeek (Social Media) - His geekery will improve your results from Social Media.

@RuhaniRabin (Social Media) - Celebrity Tweeter with great lists and tips.

@ScreaminLunatic (Weddings/Social Media) - An edgy and prolific Tweep who makes you think.

@MrsMoNJ (Public Relations/Princeton) - Well-connected Princeton-area Hilary Morris.

@SocialSavvyGeek (Social Media) - Informative articles on timely social media topics.

@kdevito (Social Media/Princeton) - Well-connected Princeton-area Katie DeVito.

@PREXMusic (Record Stores/Princeton) - The Princeton Record Exchange tweets about music.

@PrincetonAds (Princeton) - Interesting posts, frequent re-tweeter, and great website for free local classified ads.

@DJTimesMag (DJs) - The world's best DJ magazine.

@RollingStone (Music) - Read the stories behind the music.  Great lists!

@AmazonMP3 (Music) - Watch their Tweets for mind-bending bargains.

@KarlDetkenProDJ (DJs) - His Twitter graphic alone is worth the price of admission.  Great info on digital DJing.

@DJSkribble (DJs) - A DJ celebrity who is not afraid to interact with his fans.  Respect!

@DJShiftee (DJ/turntablism/dubstep) - Shiftee shares free mixes and informative blogs.  Get it.

@Nigel611 (DJs/Philadelphia/Real Estate) - Nigel knows techno, and Nigel knows Philly.

@DJCassidy (Celebrity DJ) - See which celebrity DJ Cassidy is rubbing elbows with this weekend.

@PhillyGG (Philadelphia/Music/Current Events).  A witty Tweeter with personality-plus.

@cmcandela (TV/Pop Culture) - prolific & fascinating Tweep who even Tweeted from her own wedding!

@80sMusicGirl (Music) - If 80s music is your guilty pleasure, then follow.

@BalloonsByRenee (Parties/Inspiration) - This fast-paced Manhattan Tweep always has your back.

@SorayaAgency (Bellydancing) - Soraya is not only a professional dancer, but a super-courteous Tweep!

@GSLDJs (DJs) - Get inside the mind of DJ Greg Nice with his rapid-fire, late night Tweets!

@DJChrisAtwood (DJs) - Follow the adventures of DJ Chris Atwood on Twitter #tigerblood

@TonyTeeNeto (DJs) - Voice-over artist, wedding DJ, business guru and quick to RT quality content.

@JasonJani (DJs/Social Media) - Follow the moves of the head honcho of SCE Event Group.

@HurricaneDJs (DJs/Social Media) -  Pioneers of the "new school" DJ movement in performance and marketing

@Manta (Business) - Posts frequent short, inspirational blogs to super-charge your business.

@8pmWarrior (Business) - Thought-provoking tweets on leadership, business, social media.

@Gitomer (Sales) - The King of Sales shares his success secrets.

@Humblebrag (Comedy) - profiles mostly celebrities who disguise boasts in a humble manner.

@BestWorstAdvice (Comedy) - outrageous posts that will make you laugh (or cry).

To follow any of these great Twitter personalities, type in www.twitter.com/ACCOUNTNAME.  For example, www.twitter.com/DJTimesMag.  Please follow Ambient DJ Service on Twitter by clicking here, and follow us on Facebook by clicking here.

Happy Holidays from DJ Gregg Ambient

Each year I enjoy recording a holiday compilation (unmixed) of favorite tracks.  This year's project is called "Switch the Style Up" which is a double-entendre.  First, this phrase is popular in hip hop parlance.  Second, the compilation features a wide range of styles as seen below.  If you are interested in receiving a free copy of the compilation, please send an email to info@ambientdj.com.  For those friends and wedding vendors who have been good boys and girls this year, keep an eye on your mailboxes!  

TRACK LIST AND LINER NOTES

It would have been easy to throw together the hottest dance songs on the radio and call it a day.  Instead, I selected tracks from many different genres - old and new - most of these songs have, or will stand the test of time due to their quality.  The compilation starts on a mellow note, with the energy building up throughout.  Enjoy!

Marooned - Pink Floyd (Psychedelic Rock).  A mysterious start to any holiday listener.

Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop - Landon Pigg (Acoustic Rock).  A mellow, romantic track used for a Brooklyn hipster wedding in the DUMBO neighborhood.

Pumped Kicks - Foster the People (Alternative Rock).  Enjoy this catchy track by a break-through artist.

Rolling in the Deep - Adele (Retro Soul).  Adele’s voice is huge and soulful.

I Can’t Help It - Michael Jackson (R&B) - Written by Stevie Wonder and Susaye Green of the Supremes, this little known track from the Off the Wall album is wonderful.

Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) - Marvin Gaye (Soul). While a protest song, Gaye still makes the song sound beautiful, and I love the sax solo.

Body & Soul - Tony Bennett with Amy Winehouse (Crooners & Chanteuses).  Sadly this was the last song that Winehouse recorded before her untimely death. Notice that when Tony & Amy harmonize, Amy takes the lower notes with her sultry voice.

Feeling Good - Michael Buble (Crooners) - Michael Buble was blessed with a perfect voice and is also a great entertainer. Check out the Youtube video where at a concert Buble is heckled by a mother who wants her son to sing onstage.  Buble plays along, cues up this song, and the results may surprise you!

Bossa Nova U.S.A. - Dave Brubeck (Jazz).  Brubeck, now in his early 90s, is one of my favorite jazz pianists.

Spring - Ursula Rucker (electronica) - Philadelphia-based Rucker, best known for her poetry and political activism, showcases her vocal abilities in this moody electronic soundscape.

Dirty Laundry (Tom Middleton’s Balearic Mix) - Bitter:Sweet (Downtempo/Electronica).  The classically-trained DJ/producer Tom Middleton is an all-time favorite, producing lush electronic soundscapes such as this.

Waiting in Vain - Bob Marley (reggae).  One of Marley’s lesser known tracks, it is among his best.

Come See About Me - Diana Ross & the Supremes (Motown).  Fun Motown track.

You Make My Dreams - Hall & Oates (80s).  Hall & Oates are perhaps my favorite 80s act, and this track is a great party starter!

La Vida Es Un Carnaval  - Celia Cruz (Salsa).  The Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, was a major talent.  Coincidentally, I performed at a party this past year where the client was the doctor who treated Celia Cruz in her final years here in the U.S.

Audio Drop - Luciana.  Thank you to LA-Based “Super Promoter Extraordinaire Jon Moore” for having Luciana record this drop for me!

I’m Still Hot - Luciana (dance) - “I’ll rock your world... like a DJ”.. thanks Luciana for shouting-out the DJ!

Walking on a Dream - Empire of the Sun (dance).  This catchy song was featured in the movie “Hall Pass”

We Found Love - Rihanna f/Calvin Harris (dance).  Euphoric peak hour jam with Rihanna’s high-def vocals.

Sayonara - Ryuichi Sakamoto (international).  Sayonara of course is the Japanese word for “goodbye”... so goodbye until we meet again in 2012!

To check out DJ Gregg Ambient's Top 50 Dance Tracks of 2011, click here.

Musically yours,

Gregg Hollmann, aka DJ Gregg Ambient
Ambient DJ Service
www.ambientdj.com

DJ Gregg Ambient's Top 50 Dance Songs of 2011

Greetings party people!  From a musical perspective, 2011 was an interesting year.  Electronic styles became increasingly popular at the expense of hip hop.  Artists like David Guetta fused the two, using R&B vocalists (like Usher) or rap artists (like Nicki Minaj) over his high energy Euro-beats.  Here are the Top 50 tracks that kept my dancefloors movin' and groovin' throughout the year.

In countdown fashion, drumroll please....

50. The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie - Red Hot Chili Peppers (rock)
49. Under the Cover of Darkness - The Strokes (alternative)
48. The Show Goes On - Lupe Fiasco (hip hop)
47. Sugar Sweet (Shiftee Remix) - Aurora Young (electronic)
46. Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win - The Beastie Boys w/Santigold (hip hop)
45. Lotus Flower - Radiohead (alternative)
44. Animals - Neon Trees (rock)
43. Sofi Needs a Ladder - DeadMau5 (techno) Featured in the Hangover 2.
42. Where Them Girls At - David Guetta w/Flo Rida and Nicki Minaj (dance)
41. Raise Your Glass - Pink (pop)
40. S&M - Rihanna (dance)
39. When a Woman Loves - R. Kelly (R&B)
38. Okay (Rum & Red Bull) - Beenie Man (reggae)
37. John - Lil Wayne w/Rick Ross (hip hop)... Ross' grunts and chirps prevailed in 2011!
36. Coma Cat - Tensnake (disco house)
35. Blow - Ke$ha (pop)
34. Take Over Control - Afrojack w/Eva Simons (electro)
33. Levels - Avicii (electro)
32. We Found Love - Rihanna f/Calvin Harris (dance)
31. Don't Wanna Go Home - Jason DeRulo (dance)
30. Teach Me How to Dougie - Cali Swag District (hip hop)
29. Loca - Shakira f/Dizzee Rascal (Latin)
28. Tonight Tonight - Hot Chelle Rae (pop)
27. Barbara Streisand - Duck Sauce (dance)
26. You Make Me Feel - Cobra Starship f/Sabi (dance)
25. Yeah (3x) - Chris Brown (dance)
24. Pumped Up Kicks - Foster the People (alternative)
23. Forget You - Cee Lo Green (party jam)
22. We No Speak Americano - Yolanda f/D-Cup (dance)
21. Hello - Martin Solveig f/Dragonette (dance)
20. Turbulence - Steve Aoki f/Lil Jon and Laidback Luke (electro)
19. Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 w/Christina Aguilera (pop)
18. Someone to Love Me (Naked) - Mary J. Blige w/Diddy and Lil Wayne (R&B)
17. Monster - Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rick Ross & Nicki Minaj (hip hop)
16. Beautiful People (Disco Fries Remix) - Chris Brown (dance)
15. Stereo Love - Edward Maya f/Vika Jigulina (dance)
14. Teenage Dream - Katy Perry (pop)
13. The Edge of Glory - Lady Gaga (dance) (rest in peace Clarence Clemons)
12. On the Floor - Jennifer Lopez f/Pitbull (dance)
11. Favorite DJ (Disco Fries Remix) - Clinton Sparks w/Jermaine Dupri (dance)
10. Time (the Dirty Bit) - The Black Eyed Peas (dance)
 9. Cinema (Skrillex Remix) - Benny Benassi (dubstep)
 8. Down on Me - Jeremih f/50 Cent (R&B)
 7. No Hands - Waka Flocka Flame (hip hop)
 6. Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan (dance)
 5. Danza Kuduro - Don Omar (Latin)
 4. Paris - Jay-Z and Kanye West (hip hop)
 3. Rolling in the Deep - Adele (Retro Soul)
 2. Give Me Everything Tonight - Pitbull f/Ne-Yo, Nayer and Afrojack (dance)
 1. Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO (heavily requested throughout the year.  The group's "I'm Sexy and I Know It" has huge potential to chart in the Top 10 for 2012.



ABOUT DJ GREGG AMBIENT

Gregg is the President of Ambient DJ Service, an award-winning mobile DJ company based in Central New Jersey.  He enjoys performing at a variety of events ranging from Sweet 16s, to weddings, to bar/club engagments... and likes his dance floors HOT.  He also spins music videos.  To review DJ Gregg Ambient's top 50 dance songs of 2010, click here.

To review his top hits of the 1990s, click here.
To review his top picks of the 1980s, click here.
To review his top Motown dance picks, click here.
To review his favorite Old Skool hip hop tracks, click here.

To learn more about Ambient DJ Service, please visit our website at www.ambientdj.com

To view Gregg's bio, as well as the other Ambient DJ music mixologists, click here.

Invitation to Ryan's Quest "Black & White" Dinner Dance Fundraiser

Ticket sales are now underway for the Ryan's Quest in "Black & White" Semi-Formal Dinner/Dance scheduled for Saturday February 11, 2012 at The Westin in the Princeton Forrestal Village.  Guests will enjoy a Land/Sea Duet Dinner, 5 Hour Open Bar, Photo Booth, Live Music (DJ and band) and Silent Auction.  

This year's event also includes an exciting contest called "Ryan's Quest Most Loved Cake of 2012."  Guests, and esteemed food critics alike, will determine the winner from among the 20 entries!  Vincent Buzzetta, aka "Vinny," from the reality show "Staten Island Cakes" on WE TV, will be among the judges!

Tickets can be purchased online through the Ryan's Quest website at www.ryansquest.org (click on 'Upcoming Events') for $125 per person.  There are a limited number of remaining tickets available.  Falling close to Valentine's Day, this event is a great way to enjoy a night out on the town with somebody special!

Ambient DJ Service is proud to be among a list of providers donating their services for this important cause.  Net proceeds from the event will go towards finding a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).  DMD is the most common genetic disorder found in children, afflicts only boys, and currently has a 100% fatality rate.  David and Maria Schultz founded Ryan's Quest in the hope of raising funds to find a cure for their son Ryan and the thousands of other boys diagnosed with Duchenne who find themselves in a race against the clock.

To learn more about Ryan and the quest to save his life from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), click here.  We hope that you can join us for this very fun evening that also benefits a wonderful cause! For those of you who cannot attend the event, please consider joining the mailing list to learn about future events or to make a donation.  Thank you!

Ambient DJ Service Joins Vendor Partnership Program with David's Bridal, Lawrenceville

Ambient DJ Service is pleased to announce that it has joined the Vendor Partnership Program at the just-opened David's Bridal store located in Lawrenceville, NJ.  This beautiful new store is strategically located on Route 1 South, directly across from Quakerbridge Mall. Ambient DJ is honored to have been invited to participate in this program, and during the term of the licensing agreement will be the exclusive DJ entertainment company promoting its services at the Lawrenceville store.

David's Bridal, Inc. is a privately-held retail chain specializing in in bridal gowns. Based in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, David's Bridal offers a wide range of bridal gowns and wedding party dresses which are high on fashion and aesthetic designs. Founded in 1950 as a small bridal salon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, David's Bridal has evolved as one of the preferred shopping destination for brides-to be in America with over 300 stores located across the US and in Puerto Rico.  David's Bridal carries an exciting line of bridal fashions, including lines by Vera Wang and Oleg Cassini.

Ambient DJs' President Gregg Hollmann stated, "We are excited to align our company with one of the top brands in the wedding industry. With a 38% national market share, many brides-to-be will visit a David's Bridal store early in their research process, affording us a great opportunity to introduce them to the Ambient DJ brand.  The icing on the cake is that we will have the opportunity to market our services in the store on a regular basis.  In effect, this program has characteristics of a year-round bridal show.  The store offers a convenient, top-notch location in a shopping center with roadside frontage on the very well-traveled Route 1.  We look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with David's Bridal and the staff at the Lawrenceville store."

ABOUT AMBIENT DJ SERVICE

Ambient DJ Service is a boutique-style mobile DJ company that provides customized music and entertainment throughout New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania and New York City.  Ambient DJ Service is a consecutive year winner of the WeddingWire Bride's Choice Award and has been featured in DJ Times Magazine.  To learn more about our services, visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com.

Let Us Entertain You!

READY, SET, SHOP!

For those brides ready to begin the search for their perfect dress, here is the information for the new store:

3321 Brunswick Pike (Route 1 South)

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Store: 609-216-7323, Alteration: 609-681-2165

Regular Store Hours:

M-F:  11:00AM - 9:00PM

Sat:   10:00AM - 7:00PM

Sun: 12:00PM - 6:00PM