Hey, Mr. D.J. …
What music-industry insiders requested at their own nuptials.
 |
Illustration by Micah Lidberg
|
Andrew W.K., Musician and Motivational Speaker, and Cherie Lily, Performance Artist
Married October 2008
Music by D.J. Andy, Spencer Sweeney
Cerrone
Supernature
Andrew W.K.: “Cerrone’s songs are really good for that deep-in-the-night feeling that keeps the dancing vibe going.”
The Notorious B.I.G.
Hypnotize
“The classic-soul samples in this song appeal to an older audience, and Biggie’s charisma makes people feel safe enough to risk looking silly while dancing.”
Andrew W.K.
Really in Love
“We had our first dance to one of my songs. It was the first time I was able to apply it to an actual person. Before Cherie, it was just an idea, something I wished for.”
Adam Shore, Music Manager and Concert Producer, and Kendel Ratley, Director of Marketing and Outreach at Kickstarter
Married September 2012
Music by Optimo
Spiritualized
Spread Your Wings (Instrumental)
Kendel Ratley: “The string arrangement in ‘Spread Your Wings’ is traditional, but the song is an unusual choice for a processional. It’s ethereal and sweeping, but also a little trippy, which captured the depth of the moment.”
My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult
A Daisy Chain 4 Satan
“It’s not a song a lot of people know and not one you’d expect to hear at a wedding, but it’s one of my favorites. Optimo got a few high fives for it, but admitted it was ‘bride’s choice.’ ”
Carl Newman, Singer for the New Pornographers, and Christy Newman, Former Marketing Manager of Matador Records
Married August 2007
Music by Neko Case, Mates of State
Shocking Blue
Out of Sight Out of Mind
Carl Newman: “My bandmate Neko and I listened to a lot of Shocking Blue when we first started hanging out, so this was a touching tribute.”
The Velvet Underground
I Found a Reason
“This played as Christy walked down the aisle. The lyrics describe what it was like when we met—the couple whose paths crossed many times before they fell in love, leaving an old life behind for a new place.”
Beyoncé
Crazy in Love
“The crowd just exploded.”
Piotr Orlov, Music Writer and Editor, and Kate Orlov, Photo Director at Billboard.com
Married September 2007
Music by D.J. $mall ˘hange, Carl Craig
The Vaselines
Son of a Gun
Piotr Orlov: “Once the officiant pronounced us ‘man and wife’ and we kissed, $mall hange dropped this, which begins with the roar of a motor. It’s a punky pop tune that we both love, and it set the tone for the rest of the festivities.”
LCD Soundsystem
All My Friends
“This song had been our anthem that year. When we played it, a 300-person pogo party exploded. That housey piano line got everybody up: parents, relatives, even folks who had no idea what the song was.”
Josh Madell, Co-owner of Other Music, and Dawn Sutter Madell, Music Supervisorat Agoraphone
Married May 1999
Music by Jim and Jennie and the Pinetops, Six Layer Cake
The Carter Family
Over the Garden Wall
Josh Madell: “We had a bluegrass band called Jim and Jennie and the Pinetops play during the ceremony and dinner, and we walked down the aisle to ‘Over the Garden Wall.’ It was mostly a lyrical choice; it’s a sweet love song and seemed to fit the event. The band later got signed to a label by one of our wedding guests.”
Elvis Presley
Can’t Help Falling in Love
“Dawn says her favorite song of the night was when I took the mike and serenaded her with this.”