OSCAR 2021: STAR-QUALITY MUSIC FOR YOUR PARTY

The 2021 Oscars: taken from the soundtracks of films at the world’s most prestigious film festival, here are the most interesting ideas for your next party.

“I don’t tell people when they should feel emotional, but I try to show them that they can feel emotions” he said in an interview Hans Zimmer, one of the most important composers, creator of highly acclaimed and celebrated film scores (Rain Man, The Lion King, Dunkirk and many others).

And here at DJ4 That’s exactly what we want to talk to you about: the importance of music in cinema!

What better way to do this than by looking back on the long period that has just passed the 2021 Oscars?

Let’s start with the winners!

The best soundtrack The original is that of Soul, a Disney Pixar animated film that has been hugely well received by audiences and critics alike (winning, amongst other things, the Oscar for Best Animated Feature). It is certainly music better suited to listening than to partying, but it does contain a few little gems that can serve as background music for more laid-back moments at sophisticated parties. It comprises two main musical strands: the one jazz composed by Jon Batiste, and the electronic (new age) track produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. A complex and truly high-quality work, with a real gem in the closing credits: a reworked version of “It’s All Right”, a 1963 hit by The Impressions.

And speaking of jazz, here at DJ4 we love to feature one of jazz’s signature instruments – the saxophone – alongside our DJ sets to create a special atmosphere, ranging from lounge music to house, perfect for dancing. Here’s one here A taster.

As for the best original songs, R&B by H.E.R. with Fight For You from the film *Judas and the Black Messiah*. H.E.R. herself, who with this coveted award has confirmed her place at the forefront of the R&B scene, had recently had the honour of singing *America the Beautiful* at the Super Bowl 2021.

But apart from the winners, other nominations caught our attention.

“From *5 Bloods*” is Spike Lee’s film set during the Vietnam War, featuring a soundtrack packed with timeless classics from that era. We cannot fail to mention, in particular, Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) and Got To Give It Up by Marvin Gaye, for that extra touch of class that we at DJ4 love to add at just the right moment. For example, in our vinyl DJ sets, designed for aperitifs: Have a listen to a snippet!

A few interludes jazz-swing In true 1930s and 1940s style, however, the soundtrack to *Mank* comes to life (alternating with and interrupting the darker background sounds). Incidentally, DJ4 has put together a bespoke set for a themed party, which captures the swing atmosphere of the era but reinvents it with a selection electro-swing which will get you all dancing!

But the real rising star in the music world to watch out for is the young and talented Celeste.

Some of you may remember her as the lead vocalist on major releases such as the single Touch Me by Avicii. During 2020, Celeste made a name for herself on the British and international music scenes, collaborating, amongst others, with Billie Eilish’s brother and producer, Finneas, on the single I Can See the Change. Right up to the Oscars, with the nomination of “Hear My Voice” for the film *The Trial of the Chicago 7*. What style! Who knows – maybe he’ll treat us to a few tracks to add to our special playlists for your DJ4-branded parties!