Kansas in heat: setting the mood

Thursday, October 1, 2009

I’m a strong believer in creating a good playlist of emotive music that really sets the mood for a couple. Music can be a great mood-setter and make the atmosphere even better for a night of intimacy. The ability to even create a good playlist is also a very attractive quality for a lot of people.

Take some advice from Ryan Weaver, my friend and former KU instructor of women, gender and sexuality studies. He studies the rhetoric of music. His tips for creating a great playlist contain many words of wisdom for making the perfect playlist for those intimate nights:

1. The playlist creator should determine at an early point in the production process whether the mix will convey some type of emotion or message. If so, it might be useful to start with a handful of songs that you feel directly convey that message. In a similar vein, the best playlists typically are those that focus on one genre or theme. A theme gives your playlist a loose framework of organization and can serve as a reflection of an individual’s creativity. Remember that how much you enjoy making the playlist will be evident in the final package.

2. As you begin selecting tracks for a compilation, remember to be flexible. Though it is important for a good mix to be reflective of one’s personality and one should always include music he or she enjoys, be on the lookout for music that isn’t familiar but may be perfect for your theme. Ask friends and local music snobs for help.

3. If you have the time, it is a good idea to listen to the finalized mix before putting it to work in the field. After listening to the mix once or twice, often you will think of tracks to add or subtract. You might also notice weaknesses in the initial organization of the mix and decide that complete rearrangement (or minor adjustment) is needed for the desired effect.

4. Audience analysis is always a crucial first step in making a playlist. Choose songs that both of you would feel good about hearing.

Mike Anderson, Dellwood, Minn., graduate student, is the host of Kansas in Heat, a talk show about sex and relationships that airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on KJHK, 90.7fm and at kjhk.org.

*THE OPINIONS OF THIS COLUMNIST DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF JAYPLAY. KANSAS IN HEAT IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP.

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