I know that when the Guns N’ Roses’ song “Sweet Child O’ Mine” comes on, your blood starts flowing and the energy in your whole body goes up. But just because it’s happening to you, doesn’t mean it’s happening to everyone else in the room. If you’re not the same age as your audience assume that the music that you grew up with that gets you pumped is not the same music that will get them pumped. And, if you are the same age, it is still possible that the music you rock out to isn’t the same music they rock out to.

Start with the goal first. If the goal is to increase the average level of energy in the whole room, then your job is to find an upbeat song that is going to connect with the most number of people in the room. Even if that song happens to be the one song that just makes your teeth grind. It’s not about you, it’s about them.

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Ripple by Greatful Dead (Cover)

Ripple by Grateful Dead (Original)

In full disclosure, this is my brother who’s written and preformed a ton of amazing music and continues to impress and inspire me with his creativity.

Matisyahu – One Day (h/t @goaltribe)

Granted the song was written specifically for Gatorade, and isn't commercially available, but it's still a darn cool song.