DJ Jim Q's Playlist: Movement

This month’s theme, Movement, was selected by the Wellington, New Zealand chapter. It’s a fitting theme for art and music, and for those of us in the opposite hemisphere, spring is upon us and post-hibernation movement is afoot.

Music has the most bizarre hold on our subconscious. It seems as if we are preprogrammed to involuntarily respond to musically arranged sounds. I have touched on this idea in previous posts, specifically on the emotional reactions and the visualizations music can evoke within us, but what about the reflexive physical movement it provokes? There is scientific evidence to support the idea that we have an innate need to move along with music, specifically rhythm. Through brain imaging, studies have demonstrated this physiological connection between the brain’s motor regions and external auditory stimuli. We don’t really need the lab coats and MRIs to tell us that, just remember the first time you heard AC/DC’s Back in Black. If you didn’t move your head, I would suggest maybe you didn’t actually hear it. When we hear music, especially music we like, we move.

I have always been fascinated and slightly bemused by the objectively absurd ritual of dancing. The gyrating, convulsive, ideally on-meter movements are really quite ridiculous, especially taken out of context. If you have ever watched behind-the-scenes footage of a dance being filmed with no music, you know exactly what I mean. And then there is this gem of an example where someone has removed the music from an 80’s David Bowie and Mick Jagger music video, leaving the two over-bloused gentleman hopping around sans musical accompaniment. The choreography is questionable to begin with, but without the music taking the edge off, it’s down right clownish.

Who am I to create distinctions, all dancing is weird am I right? Yet all of us do it to some degree, even those of us who profess not to dance will still unconsciously tap our feet or bob our heads in synchronicity with an infectious groove. I would say I’m not a dancer but when I’m DJing I’m in constant motion, bouncing up and down, tapping my fingers on the faders, stepping side to side to the music. I can’t help it, the urge to move is irresistible and I bet I look as exuberant and ridiculous as Mick in that video.

Action-packed and on the go, this month’s playlist is all about Movement. Head-bobbing, toe-tapping, hip-swinging, booty-bouncing and hands waving, these songs are sure to inspire movement. Kelela is On The Run, AC/DC suggests we Ride On, The Basement Jaxx Breakaway and Lil Silva takes us To the Floor. From Locomotion to Sailin’ On, actions speak louder than words, so stop reading, listen in and Shake Your Rump.

Thanks for listening. If you like these playlists please let me know, I would love to hear from you on Twitter . Also be sure to like and follow on Spotify. See you next month with another themed playlist.