Performing overseas can be tricky, and finding the correct setlist for an international crowd can mean altering what you would usually play. While musical tastes will change from country to country, there are a few popular standards that you might want to look to. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some top artists and wedding songs for an international crowd…
It’s important to realise that every part of the world is different, and there is simply no ‘catch all’ setlist that will work everywhere.
Similarly, you could be performing as a wedding musician in your home country, but with a particularly international crowd.
This particular list focuses on artists famous in the UK/USA and Europe that will also have a global appeal. Still, it’s advisable for you to do your research on what’s popular in the specific country you are performing in.
If you’re looking for more suggestions, there is a great Spotify playlist of the biggest international hits of 2021 that could be helpful.
Here are some suggestions for top wedding songs for an international crowd…
Adele
Popular in most corners of the planet, it is almost impossible to have escaped Adele’s incredible voice. If you have a client looking for a first dance that will be acceptable to an international audience, there is bound to be something in Adele’s back catalogue that will suit the occasion.
While Adele is famous worldwide, but she is particularly so in the UK and USA.
Big hits include: “Make You Feel My Love (cover)”, “Rolling in The Deep”, and “Someone Like You.”
BTS
BTS are a record-breaking boy band from South Korea. While the arrangements of their tunes may be difficult to replicate live for wedding musicians, it’s by no means impossible, and their dance-pop songs are guaranteed floor-fillers for a late-night set for wedding DJs.
While BTS are particularly popular in South Korea, they have huge followings in the USA and UK.
Big hits include: “Dynamite”, “My Universe” (With Coldplay), and “Butter.”
Coldplay
From relatively humble beginnings, Coldplay have become one of the biggest bands on the planet.
Whether you are looking for an upbeat mid-set tune or a slow first dance ballad, Coldplay has a vast back catalogue for you to pick from.
Coldplay have virtually universal appeal across the globe but have put a lot of effort into securing their popularity in Asia, frequently releasing bonus tracks.
Big hits include: “Adventure of a Lifetime”, “Yellow”, and “Everglow.”
Ed Sheeran
One of the UK’s biggest exports on the musical scene of late has been Ed Sheeran. Ed has written some of the most popular first dance choices for wedding singers over the last few years, and some of them will definitely have international appeal.
Ed Sheeran has a massive following worldwide, but he is still particularly popular in the UK.
Big hits include: “Thinking Out Loud”, “Perfect”, and “Castle on The Hill.”
Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias is almost certainly one of the most prominent Latin recording artists in history, totalling an astonishing 154 number 1 singles across worldwide charts.
While it is probably fair to say much of his UK appeal is based on his 2001 hit “Hero”, he has a vast body of work from which you can select songs.
Enrique is hugely popular in the US and various South American countries.
Big hits include: “Hero”, “Bailamos”, and “Rhythm Devine.”
Måneskin
Måneskin rose to international fame as winners of Eurovision 2021, with their glam-rock tunes bringing a fresh approach to the competition.
Obviously, it will depend a lot on the type of wedding you are playing. However, if your happy couple wants to kick their wedding up a gear, Måneskin have some incredible groove-based rock tunes your wedding band might want to cover.
Måneskin are particularly popular in Italy and across Europe, as well as in the UK.
Big hits include: “Beggin’” (cover) “Chosen” and “Mamamia.”
Shakira
In 2018, Columbian singer, Shakira, was one of the top 10 most streamed female artists on Spotify and is regularly called the “Queeen of Latin Music”.
Shakira is immensely popular around the world, with hits in both Spanish and English.
Big hits include: “Hips Don’t Lie”, “Whenever, Wherever”, and “Don’t Wait Up.”
The Beatles
There are some artists whose names echo across the entire world, and John, Paul, George and Ringo certainly live up to that.
From India to Russia and the UK to Australia, you’d have to go very far indeed to find someone on earth who had never heard a song by The Beatles, making them some of the perfect songs for your international wedding set.
British music is also particularly popular in some countries of South America, particularly Brazil.
Big hits include: “Hey Jude”, “Twist and Shout”, and “I Saw Her Standing There.”
The Rolling Stones
… and, if you don’t like The Beatles, there is really only one band you can turn to on the international stage!
The Rolling Stones are one of (if not “the”) greatest Rock N’ Roll bands in the history of the planet. Their songs are known (and loved) worldwide, but particularly in the UK, USA and Canada.
Big hits include: “Satisfaction”, “Start Me Up”, and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”
Have you played a show to an international crowd? What artists did you find popular? Let us know in the comments below…
