Tip One - Take time to think about what you want
It is important to have an idea of what you want before ordering music. You know your team best! Spend 15 minutes to think about the flow and energy of the routine. This will result in the mix that you want. You don't have to plan out every detail, but we recommend the following:
- The section order
- The number of 8-counts per section
- The song(s) you want for each section
- The location of Voice-overs
Then fill out an 8-count sheet and Email or Fax it to us!
Tip Two - Team style
Every team naturally develops their own style. Identify the team's style and find songs that match the attitude. Whether your image is "we are really cute" or "we are better than you", it can be translated into music. Matching your music's attitude to your team's attitude gives a solid impression. You of course don't have to do this, you can pick themes or a different style as well.
Tip Three - Music style
This goes hand-in-hand with Team Style. The only additional tip about music style is make sure all of the songs are somewhat compatible. Mixing country, rap and oldies together results in a bizarre mix. Mixing songs from 1984 and 2011 usually sounds poor as well.
An easy to way determine if the songs are compatible with each other is to create a playlist and listen through it. If a song seems out of place, it may seem that way in the mix as well.
Experiment with the song order to find what you think is best!
Tip Four - Songs that work
Not all songs are meant for cheer music. There are two key elements for determining if a song works:
- Tempo - Can you count your 8-counts to the song without it feeling too slow or too fast?
- Our Cheer mixes are usually 130-150 bpm
- A song with a tempo of 120-150 is preferable
- Speeding up is usually better than slowing down
- Changing the tempo too much sounds terrible
- Energy - Pick songs that get your adrenaline flowing!
- Don't lose sight of cheer and dance. Choose songs that make you want to cheer and dance!
- Don't pick sleepy time music, or depressing emo.
Tip Five - Personal song selection
In a world where everyone wears the same boots and sunglasses, you might feel inclined to pick the same songs as everyone else. But cheering - and cheer music - should have a personal element to it. Ask your teammates for song suggestions to create variety. Billboard 100 usually has songs that work, but isn't always the best place to start for your team. Take pride in your music!