First, understand the occasion
At a corporate cocktail, people may have come to talk. I can keep the set relaxed and Riviera-inspired throughout, without trying to turn it into a party. At a dinner where guests want to celebrate, the music can take more space. Before choosing the tracks, I want to know what brings everyone together and how the host would like the evening to feel.
A dinner needs room to breathe
My restaurant sets often begin with a refined, relaxed selection. When I see that the tables are receptive, a familiar favourite can lift the mood for a moment. Then the music can settle again. These changes of pace give the dinner energy while leaving room for conversation and the service. The timing comes from the room, not from a fixed countdown.
Eyes up, listening to the guests
A smile, a glance, a table reacting to the first notes: these are the signals I follow. I try a direction, watch the response and adjust. If a track does not connect, I move on. My interaction happens through the music and eye contact; I do not use the microphone to lead the party.
Open format, with a house sensibility
House, afro house, tech house, deep house and melodic house are at the heart of what I love to play. Open format gives me the freedom to connect that world with the songs guests recognise. At an international wedding, I prepare around the couple’s tastes and the people attending, then adapt as the dance floor develops. A nationality alone never tells the whole musical story.
Tell me how you want the night to feel
Is dinner the main event, or the beginning of a long party? Do you imagine a house-led set, a broad mix of favourites, or a quiet cocktail reception? A few tracks you love, a few you would rather avoid and a picture of your guests are a useful starting point. We can then discuss the date, venue, timing and coordination with your organiser.