Frank Zappa once said, “Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.” And yes – he had a point. Music is emotion, movement, atmosphere – hard to capture in words, and yet I keep trying. When I describe music, it’s usually in context: for event & labelconcepts, as short descriptions for digital releases aimed at DJs, or as part of a text that frames an event where sound and space come together.
The event-related texts tend to be more poetic, atmospheric, and expressive – while the descriptions for digital releases are often kept short and to the point: precise, focused, and tailored for DJs who are navigating the fast-paced world of digital music. Below is a selection of such musical descriptions – sometimes emotional, sometimes functional, but always an attempt to put sound into words.
Examples of music description for event and label concepts
MUSIC DESCRIPTION CONCEPT APRÉS CHIC AUSTRIA & SPAIN
German: Die Musik sollte ein sehr exquisiter Mix verschiedener nahestehender Genres rund um urbane zeitlose freundliche “Listening Music” sein. Geschickt gemixte Ausflüge in Genres wie Latin, Trip Hop, Jazz, Classic Soul, Songwriter, Hip Hop, Lounge aber auch Deep House und Disco sollten mit jedem Übergang mitreissende Überraschungen sein. Es ist wichtig das die Musik im Stile der großen alten Dj- Tradition Geschichten erzählt die das Publikum abholt. Dabei sollte die Musik eine echte Ausgeh- Alternative zwischen dem sehr monotonen Clubsound und dem andererseits sehr kommerziellen Trendsounds bilden.
Die Musik sollte zudem niemals gegen das Publikum spielen. Das heisst der Dj muss auch spüren welches Publikum er vor sich hat. Bei einem tendenziell älteren Publikum sollte die Musik entsprechend anders sein als bei einem überwiegend jüngeren Publikum. Aber immer mitreissend, unterhaltsam, entspannt und anspruchsvoll.
English: The music should be a refined mix of closely related genres, centered around urban, timeless, and friendly listening music. Skillfully blended journeys through genres like Latin, trip-hop, jazz, classic soul, singer-songwriter, hip-hop, lounge, as well as deep house and disco, should offer captivating surprises with every transition. It's essential that the music – in the tradition of great DJs – tells stories that truly resonate with the audience. It should create a real nightlife alternative – somewhere between monotonous club sounds and overly commercial trend-driven music.
The music must also never work against the audience. This means the DJ must be able to sense the vibe and recognize who is in front of them. If the crowd is generally older, the musical journey should differ accordingly from that for a younger audience. But in all cases, it should remain engaging, entertaining, relaxed – and sophisticated.
MUSIC DESCRIPTION CONCEPT HOTEL VUE | FAB BAKERY | PINK RABBIT RESTAURANT | MOON BAR - CLUB BEIJING, CHINA
German: Gerade in der Musik wird der Kontext: Hotel: oftmals seitens der Manager unterschätzt oder nur sehr selten im gesamten gesehen. Klar ist: in unserem Markt geht es nicht darum die “eine” Musikrichtung oder den “einen” Geschmack zu forcieren. Die Zielgruppe der Hotel- Gäste liegt zwischen 4 Jahren und 100 Jahren. Und die Musik muss allen gefallen ohne sich anzubiedern. Gerade in dem Segment der Luxushotels ist es schade wenn ein Manager nur seine Lieblingsdisko imitiert. Ein teures Steak zu bezahlen während im Hintergrund billige Chart- Musik spielt ist ein Widerspruch in sich. Und in der Qualität unserer Partner. Zumal alle Gäste die sich unsere Angebote leisten können: so welterfahren sind, das gerade die alles gefallenden Musik- Nischen wichtig sind um die gesamte Zielgruppe “abzuholen”. Das betrifft Stilrichtungen wie: Pop, Lounge, Jazz, Blues, Chill Out, Songwriter, Latin, Samba, Flamenco, Reggae, Deep House, House, Hip Hop, Disco etc. Wichtig ist hier nicht der Stil: sondern der richtige Musik- Mix. Musik muss multipel sein und überraschen, Assoziationen schaffen und ohne Langeweile unterhalten. Ohne dabei aufdringlich oder zu laut zu sein. Wichtig ist: das die Musiker und Dj’s Geschichten erzählen und ernsthaft den Gast “abholen” und nicht nur “das eigene Gehalt”. Wichtig ist: wenn wir mit der Musik etwas erreichen wollen geht es darum: so gross und ehrlich zu denken dass man mit Stolz verkünden kann: bei uns geht es nicht um “copy and paste”! Bei uns geht es darum: eigene für das Publikum unvergessliche Akzente am gesamten internationalen Markt zu kreieren!
Sicher: Musik spielen kann jeder junge DJ. Aber wir reden hier von einem Markt und dem Gespür für das Publikum zwischen 4 und 100 Jahren: dessen Organisation, Umsetzung und Terminierung jahrelange Erfahrung benötigt um dem Erreichen unserer Vision gerecht zu werden. Wir haben die Erfahrung und das Know How.
English: Especially in the world of music, the context of a hotel is often underestimated by managers – or rarely seen in its full scope. But one thing is clear: in our field, it’s not about pushing one genre or one personal taste. Hotel guests span a range from age 4 to 100 – and the music needs to appeal to everyone without pandering. Particularly in the luxury segment, it's a missed opportunity when a manager simply imitates their favorite nightclub. Paying for an expensive steak while cheap chart music plays in the background is a contradiction – and unworthy of the quality we and our partners represent. After all, the guests who can afford our offerings are world-travelled and culturally aware. That’s precisely why carefully selected niche genres that subtly appeal to all become so important. This includes styles such as pop, lounge, jazz, blues, chill-out, singer-songwriter, Latin, samba, flamenco, reggae, deep house, house, hip-hop, disco – and more. What matters is not the genre – but the right musical mix. Music must be layered and full of surprises, trigger associations, and entertain without boredom – all without being intrusive or too loud.What’s essential is that musicians and DJs tell stories – and genuinely connect with the guest, rather than simply playing for a paycheck. If we aim to truly achieve something with music, then we must think boldly and sincerely enough to proudly say: This is not copy and paste. We create unique, unforgettable musical accents – tailored to the audience – and designed to set new standards in the global market.
Of course: any young DJ can play music. But here, we’re talking about understanding a diverse audience from age 4 to 100 – an understanding that requires years of experience in organization, timing, and delivery. We bring that experience – and the know-how.
MUSIC DESCRIPTION FOR A HARDCORE TECHNO LABEL CONCEPT
German: Die Musik von “…………… Records” ist eindeutig Techno in seinen verschiedensten Varianten. Vorwärts, treibend, monoton und niemals langweilig. Unsere Dj’s erzählen Geschichten, unsere Artist liefern die Storys in Form ihrer Tracks. Wir alle wissen Musik ist eine universelle Sprache: und jede gute Seele versteht die Geometrie eines mitreissenden Taktes! Dabei beschränken wir uns nicht auf eine Techno- Stilrichtung. Wir bedienen den ganzen “fucking” Regenbogen an Farben und Nuancen. Nur eben in Elektronischen Noten. Techno ist das Raster: den eigenen Stil des tanzen definiert jeder Artists für sich selbst! Aber wie hat schon Fran Zappa gesagt: Über Musik zu reden ist wie zu Architektur zu Tanzen! So bleibt nur eins zu sagen: hört selbst! And Enjoy!
English: The music of “…………… Records” is unmistakably techno – in all its diverse forms. Forward-driving, relentless, hypnotic – but never boring. Our DJs tell stories, and our artists deliver them through their tracks. We all know: music is a universal language – and every good soul understands the geometry of an irresistible beat. We don’t limit ourselves to one subgenre of techno. We embrace the entire f*cking spectrum of colors and nuances – expressed through electronic sound. Techno is the framework – but each artist defines their own unique style of movement within it. As Frank Zappa once said: “Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.” So there's only one thing left to say: Listen for yourself – and enjoy!
Very short music descriptions for DJ's for the digital label “HKSYSTM” 2015 | Examples
Artist: Izmelate
Track 1: Lost Soul Crying
Track 2: Love you so crazy
Style: Deep House, Disko
Ktlg. Nr: HKS049
Format: digital
Release: 30.03.2015
Label: HKSYSTM
Distr.: sweet-n-low
http://classic.beatport.com/release/lost-soul/1494440
Izmelate is one of the Mainprojekts of the Berlin Producers Nigur Oza and Inexcess. That´s the first of six Releases in the 2015 for HKSYSTM. Lost Soul is a emotional crossover House Track. Produced after a exzessiv After Hour in Berlin in the Year 2013. The Base is a pumping Garage House Beat which turns into a dark Piano Chord with Disco and Pop Elements. Crazy is a Bootleg Cover Track, produced in 2009. Good for Mixing and made for the Prime Time. Happy Pianos meet an electronic Tech-House Beat. French Filter Loops rule in the Mainbreak which turn into a dark modulated Bassline.
Artist: Izmelate
Track 1: Berlin Bus A1
Track 2: Fos Two
Style: Deep House, Disko
Ktlg. Nr: HKS050
Format: digital
Release: 14.10.2015
Label: HKSYSTM
Distr.: sweet-n-low
Izmelate: We´re two producers / Dj´s from Berlin, busy doing our thing since the early 90ties, looking back on tons of releases and live acts during this period. For our new Alter Ego "izmelate" we committed ourselves to Nu Disco, House and Tech-House. Berlin Bus A1 is a Dj track and a Mix between Garage and Tech House. The Main Break sounds like Old School Trance House. Fos Two is a big Classic dance House Tune. With great stomping beats, Breaks at the point. A Classic DJ Track reduced at Beats, Bass and Vocals...
Artist: Nigur Oza
Track 1: Orbit 100
Track 2: Lotus sing
Style: Deep, House,
Whiskey-Tech
Ktlg. Nr: HKS052
Format: digital
Release: 12.05.2015
Label: HKSYSTM
Distr.: sweet-n-low
Nigur Oza, started DJ-ing in 1992 , inspired by the wild, young club scene in Berlin. He was influenced by Techno and House music of the early 90’s. Nowadays he is actively involved with different projects and productions as Izmelate, Ibana Usa, Onka Baduz and Bolo Niesel. He produced the follow-up series ‘Simple Works’ for Spagat Music. Orbit 100 is Whiskeytech! A must listen! Pumping House Beats meet a wild psychedelic hypnotic Jazz/Blues Theme. It´s Whiskeytech! Made for these Moments in which you don’t drink with responsibility. Lotus sing: Garage House with French Filter and Tech House Elements! Pure Clubmusic! Made for Dj's!
Artist: Izmelate
Track 1: Berlinbus 3
Track 2: eas ter bln
Style: Garage, House,
Nu Disco
Ktlg. Nr: HKS053
Format: digital
Release: 27.05.2015
Label: HKSYSTM
Distr.: sweet-n-low
Izmelate: We´re two producers / Dj´s from Berlin, busy doing our things since the early 90ties, looking back on tons of releases and live acts during this period. For our Alter Ego "izmelate" we committed ourselves to Nu Disco, House and Tech-House. Berlinbus 3 is Garage House with old school elements, french House filter parts, a nervous warm Background, classic House vocals, Deep House organs, Nu Disco basslines and pumping House Beats. Eas ter bln is a DJ Tune. Made by DJs for DJs. Straight beats fall into a classic House filter part, followed by an Old School Euro Dance bassline with stompin Beats.
Artist: Izmelate
Track 1: Berlin Bus A2
Track 2: BLN DAWN E3
Style: Garage, House,
Tech House
Ktlg. Nr: HKS055
Format: digital
Release: 22.10.2015
Label: HKSYSTM
Distr.: sweet-n-low
Izmelate: We´re two producers / Dj´s from Berlin, busy doing our things since the early 90ties, looking back on tons of releases and live acts during this period. For our Alter Ego "izmelate" we committed ourselves to Nu Disco, House and Tech-House. Berlin Bus A2 is a mix between a classic Garage House Track and a Tech House Intro. House Organs meet the big open 909 Hihat. Timeless, Groovy, funny like optimistic Dance Music… BLN Dawn E3 its a Stompin Garage House Track with Tech House Elements. A Track, reduced on Beats, Bass and Vocals. Dance!
Artist: Nigur Oza
Track 1: Use Dom
Track 2: BLN Dawn E2
Style: Garage, Deep,
Tech House
Ktlg. Nr: HKS056
Format: digital
Release: 01.07.2015
Label: HKSYSTM
Distr.: sweet-n-low
Nigur Oza, started DJ-ing in 1992 , inspired by the wild, young club scene in Berlin. He was influenced by Techno and House music of the early 90’s. Nowadays he is actively involved with different projects and productions as Izmelate, Ibana Usa, Onka Baduz and Bolo Niesel. He produced the follow-up series ‘Simple Works’ for Spagat Music. Use Dom Strand. Ibiza. Beach. Berlin. Midnight. International. Morning. Dance. And dance... House! Don't Stop the Dj! BLN Dawn E2 is a classic timeless Garage Deep House Track. DJ Intro, lost Sounds, little House Chords in the Background, Disco Basslines and a filtered Vocal Loop as the Main Hook.
Artist: Izmelate
Track 1: Fest Evil Main
Track 2: Fest Evil RMX
Style: Garage, Tech House
Ktlg. Nr: HKS057
Format: digital
Release: 15.07.2015
Label: HKSYSTM
Distr.: sweet-n-low
Izmelate: We´re two producers / Dj´s from Berlin, busy doing our things since the early 90ties, looking back on tons of releases and live acts during this period. For our Alter Ego "izmelate" we committed ourselves to Nu Disco, House and Tech-House. Fest Evil Main is a track that got made for the primetime and festivals and the good times in the middle of summer. Fine stompin House beats giving the basics for warm chords and a great Mainbreak.
Artist: Don Brazo
Track 1: the Point
Track 2: i will get right
Style: Garage, Tech House
Ktlg. Nr: HKS057
Format: digital
Release: 29.07.2015
Label: HKSYSTM
Distr.: sweet-n-low
Don Brazo grown up in a house full of music, Don Brazo started to produce his first beats with the old records of his parents. Even today he emerges samples from Funk classics back to self-produced beats of his Hip Hop past. With his first gig 2010 at “Körperorigami”, he decided straightaway: “I would feel awkward, playing music of other people.” It was that little moment, that sharpened his affinity to sounds, tones and melodies, found in our everyday life. Without a doubt, one thing is clear: There are no borders, and if used consciously even a fart can be transformed into music. the Point sounds like a good pumping Tech House Track. Lost Chords fallen in a oriental Woman Vocal. Sweet harmonies follow. It sounds a little bit like the young trance/House from the early 90’s. i will get right is a funk House Track with a dark synth Bass and a pumping Tech House Basic. A Classical B-Side Mix Tool.
Artist: Nigur Oza
Track 1: Keep Mitte Main
Track 2: Keep Mitte DJ Cut
Style: Garage, Tech House
Ktlg. Nr: HKS059
Format: digital
Release: 12.08.2015
Label: HKSYSTM
Distr.: sweet-n-low
Nigur Oza, started DJ-ing in 1992 , inspired by the wild, young club scene in Berlin. He was influenced by Techno and House music of the early 90’s. Nowadays he is actively involved with different projects and productions as Izmelate, Ibana Usa, Onka Baduz and Bolo Niesel. He produced the follow-up series ‘Simple Works’ for Spagat Music. Keep Mitte Main is a dark pumping House Track! Old School! Nu School! - with dark Garage and Techno parts, spoken words, Electro and Acid elements! Produced for Dj's! Keep Mitte DJ Cut is a dark pumping House track! Old School! Nu School! Tech House with Garage parts, Nu Disco und Acid elements!