Before you even read this list, go listen to the first 10 seconds of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye. Go on, we’ll wait. Those first few seconds have so much rhythm and emotion, it’s impossible for your foot to not start tapping juuussst a little, and for your energy to creep upwards.
Event planners have so many elements to coordinate that walk-on music might be at the bottom of your list. But music is one of the best tools you have for setting the right energy as your presenters walk onstage. Combined with great lighting, stage design, and high-quality sound, just a few seconds of the right song sets your keynote speaker or other presenters up for a successful talk that your audience remembers.
Do you Need a License to Play Music at an Event?
First, a note about licensing. For corporate events, you have to make sure you have the correct license to play copyrighted music. There are two organizations that meeting and event planners typically license music from — BMI and ASCAP. Both organizations license songs to businesses and then pay royalties to artists directly. You can usually get blanket coverage for a set amount of time, and the fees are based around how many attendees will be listening to the music.
This might seem like a lot of hassle for just playing just a few measures of a song. But keep in mind you may be able to use a song you license for recurring events you have in different locations. You can also use the song as a presenter walks offstage, so the energy stays strong as the presentation ends.
Plus, if you’re hosting a hybrid event, you can use it for transitions for your hold slides when there are short breaks, or your presenters are walking on or off stage.
Best Walk-On Songs for Corporate Events
1. September, Earth, Wind & Fire
It’s been a long day in a hotel ballroom. Is there a song that can energize people more than this classic?
2. Super Shy, NewJeans
Just plain fun. It’s impossible not to move to this playful, catchy K-Pop megahit. The ultimate earworm that will become the signature sound of your event.
3. Train in Vain, The Clash
Feeling more of a rock energy? This song by The Clash works well as background walk-on music.
4. Bejeweled, Taylor Swift
There’s a reason Bejeweled enjoyed a viral TikTok moment. Taylor Swift’s song about never losing your shine sets the tone for an upbeat, memorable keynote or session.
5. I Ain’t Worried, One Republic
Carefree and confident, this would be a perfect fit for an SKO or any optimistic meeting or conference. Its lyrics highlight soaking in the moment and being present — a perfect intro or send-off for any event.
6. Go Your Own Way, Fleetwood Mac
Instantly recognizable, with a calmer tone than more recent pop songs.
7. I heard It Through the Grapevine, Marvin Gaye
A classic chorus to instantly lift the mood of a room.
8. Espresso, Sabrina Carpenter
Pump some caffeine through the venue speakers. This song contains the year’s most grammatically confounding yet perfect line: “That’s that me espresso.” There’s simply no way for it not to set an energized vibe. Just a note: You may opt for the radio edit on this one.
9. Texas Hold ‘Em, Beyonce
Does your Texas event take place in Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth — or, of course, Beyonce’s hometown of Houston? You have your 2024 walk-on song! And even if not, this fun anthem could work for many cities in the Southwest if your event is embracing any western theme or vibe. You may want to opt for the radio edit on this one as well.
10. Instrumental Pop Covers
If you’re looking for something solely instrumental that still has high energy and your audience will recognize, consider one of the songs from Spotify’s Instrumental Pop Covers playlist. It includes upbeat instrumental classics versions of oldies and recent hits.
Free and Low-Cost Music to Play at Events
If you’re not able to get a license to play copyrighted songs, fear not! Your presenter absolutely does not have to walk on in total silence. There are many options for getting music you can legally play at events.
For example, the Free Music Archive has an incredible selection of public domain music (meaning there’s no copyright restrictions). Buffer also has a great list of places to find free music.
Plus, there are numerous stock music websites where you can purchase instrumental music for an affordable cost. G2 has a really helpful ranking of the 6 best royalty free music sites, complete with reviews and the prices of the sites’ plans.
Finally, your AV provider can help you pick a great song for your event and will make sure it’s cued up correctly so your presenter doesn’t miss a beat.
*Photo credit: Flickr user Open Knowledge Festival 2014
