Music Arrangement
By Zig Tahir
The music arrangement for the dance is deliberate and intentional. Each DJ will have their unique style and flavor of music to offer. Generally, the music begins slowly and concludes slowly, with one or more peaks of high-energy music.
The type of vocals and instrumentals I choose are a diverse range of world music to create a harmonious balance between masculine and feminine energy, fast and slow rhythms, and high and low energies.
My music journey is like a rollercoaster. It starts with calm and introspective music. I select the appropriate instrumentals and vocals to make you feel safe and connected to your body, the earth, and nature. The messages conveyed in this phase raise questions about yourself, love, and nature. This phase gradually builds up to a grand and energetic rhythmic release—the chaos. The peak is where things become wild, fiery, and brimming with energy!
After the peak, the music gradually decreases in intensity and tempo, leading into a valley of flowing and smooth music. The lower intensity music and the valley zone serve as a time for energy integration and listening to your body and spirit. It’s a period of quiet contemplation as you allow your body to move in a different, softer rhythm.
The valley builds up to a higher second peak before descending into a second phase of integration and meditation. During this phase, I select vocals that convey messages of conclusion, such as “You are loved” and “You are connected to the universe.” Sometimes, I refer to the ending phase as the “Jello Phase” because you may observe many people lying on the floor or sitting in a state of loose, relaxed meditation and reflection.
The type of vocals and instrumentals I choose are a diverse range of world music to create a harmonious balance between masculine and feminine energy, fast and slow rhythms, and high and low energies.
My music journey is like a rollercoaster. It starts with calm and introspective music. I select the appropriate instrumentals and vocals to make you feel safe and connected to your body, the earth, and nature. The messages conveyed in this phase raise questions about yourself, love, and nature. This phase gradually builds up to a grand and energetic rhythmic release—the chaos. The peak is where things become wild, fiery, and brimming with energy!
After the peak, the music gradually decreases in intensity and tempo, leading into a valley of flowing and smooth music. The lower intensity music and the valley zone serve as a time for energy integration and listening to your body and spirit. It’s a period of quiet contemplation as you allow your body to move in a different, softer rhythm.
The valley builds up to a higher second peak before descending into a second phase of integration and meditation. During this phase, I select vocals that convey messages of conclusion, such as “You are loved” and “You are connected to the universe.” Sometimes, I refer to the ending phase as the “Jello Phase” because you may observe many people lying on the floor or sitting in a state of loose, relaxed meditation and reflection.
Structure of the Music Arrangement With Peaks And Valleys
Sample of Songs Arranged on the Peaks and Valleys
Creating the right sequence and combination of music to embody the theme of the dance event as well as the balance of the various energies I envision take a lot of work. I find it to feel very creative and fun and satisfying! It is no different than composing an artwork and figuring out the colors, lines and textures I'd want to use to portray an image and feeling I may want to share.