Helpful Hints on Song Selections for Mixes

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive  is “What songs will sound good in my Mix?” While everyone has their opinion as to what sounds good as well their own musical preferences, there are certain elements that we look for when selecting songs for our song library and to suggest to you when we are creating custom music.
Below are some points to consider when creating a mix:

TEMPO
• Most cheer music has a tempo around 144 BPM (Beats per Minute). For reference, this is the tempo of Cascada’s Everytime We Touch” and  Bruno Mars’ “Marry You.” A great tool to help you practice at this tempo is a click-track (a metronome-style song that has a counting voice) which we offer for free upon request.
• When choosing a song, be aware that the tempo will likely be adjusted. If the song is a non-cheer tempo (e.g. 90bpm or 170bpm), it will not sound as it is intended to after time-stretching because it will have either been sped up or slowed down too much to match the cheer tempo.

• Sticking to one generation when selecting songs helps to make the mix flow smoother. Older music does not have the same sonic quality as newer songs have. Also, the contexts are not aligned when there are large generational gaps between music choices.
• Try to have at least two song selections in mind when creating a mix so that the music producer has an idea of the music you prefer. Music producers can always assist you with making selections based on your preferences.

VOICE OVERS
• Voice Overs emphasize your team and make an impact on the judges. Be sure to include as much information as possible when sending over your team information so the producer is able to create the most unique Voice Overs possible. Some ideas include:
o Organization Name
o Colors
o Mascot
o Goals( i.e going to Worlds)
o Accomplishments( i.e Six Time National Champions)
• Producers can turn seemingly bland information into exciting voice overs the team can be proud of! For example, the information “red, black and gold/tigers” can be turned into “ The red means power and we don’t play mice, that’s the blood of the tiger and we’ve earned these strips.”
• Blending “I’m Every Woman” with aggressive rap voice overs makes an audience feel disconnected rather than engaged. Captivate your audience by ensuring your Voice Over phrases that are memorable and relatable.
• Leave it to the pros. If you are not sure what to say, not a problem! Vocalists love making your Voice Overs.

THEMES
• Occasionally, teams will choose to have themed music. When choosing a theme for your routine, be sure it is not overly obscure. Judges may scratch their heads trying to figure out “themes” based on topics such as time, war or weather. A theme should be blatantly obvious to the audience. As cute as a “Days of the Week” theme may be for a young group, the songs used to create this theme probably have no business being in cheerleading music. A mix made filled with The Beatles’ “8 Days a Week”, The Mama’s and the Papas’ “Monday, Monday” and “The Happy Days Theme Song” will not produce the energy and sound needed for cheer.
• Don’t try to fit random songs into a mix just because they are relevant to your theme. The judges will not be notified that you have a theme and may interpret the attempt as bad music. If you are struggling to fit songs into a theme, they should probably just be left out.
• Have someone outside of your organization hear the selections for your themed mix. Can they follow along? Is the theme clear? If not, there may be something to consider changing. Remember, the judges do not know your organization or your music. The more straightforward, the better.

OBSCENITY
• Obscenity is another area to avoid when choosing songs. Not only can a large deduction from competition judges occur due to crudity within lyrics, but it does not create a good overall image for your organization.
• Dancing in the “grey area” is not wise either. Everyone understands the implications of the song “Bang Bang.” Most parents and judges do not view it as cute!
• Don’t tarnish your good reputation with a song does not reflect the values your organization stands for. Leave your audience with lasting impression by making a selection that you want them to associate you with.