© Sven Menschel
At an event for students from over 180 nationalities and of all ages, it is quite the challenge to play music that sets the party mood for everyone. This year, the organization came up with a witty solution: through the AID app, new students could vote ‘live’ which music they felt like dancing to.
Innovative
Dennis Amos-Sam, part of DJ duo Intense 0317, had never done such an interactive show. He instantly thought it would be a cool challenge. ‘The AID board proposed this concept and we thought: great, innovative! While preparing for our set, however, it turned out to be rather tricky. Usually, bodylicious bubbling is our thing, but now we had to prepare all the other genres too.’ He thinks not all types of music are suitable for partying. ‘You don’t dance as crazy to classic rock as you do to house.’
Despacito
Every fifteen minutes, all students could grab their phone to make clear that it was time for some guilty pleasures after a few disco songs. After each voting round, the crowd instantly got what it wished for: within a blink, Despacito came from the speakers. Backstage, however, every switch led to a little bit of stress. Dennis: ‘Every time we had to communicate with the crew what the next outcome was. And then quickly find music to match that outcome.’ Luckily, MC Maikel was there to make sure every transition between genres went smoothly. ‘It was definitely worth the stress. What a crowd, such a good vibe!’
Chicken dance
The AID Board is also very happy with the successful opening party. Amy Kerssens (chair): ‘Despite the rain, people were already partying from 8.30 on. The acts were amazing, and the voting system rocked.’ Sophie Visser (board member): ‘Some groups even performed their own group dance – from chicken dance to Dutch polonaise.’ Is it the future, this jukebox DJ-ing? AID participants think it is. ‘After a lot of dancing you just want to take a break and sing along. Great!’