Derrick Gee can read a room. As the host of YouTube interview series Solid Air, the Australian DJ spends his time putting the likes of Lorde and Jamie XX on to new music. It’s high pressure — but then, so is sound- tracking a dinner party. “You’re cooking for people; I think you should also provide them with nourishment for the ears,” he says. “After all, there’s a level of intimacy to playing stuff in your home.” With that in mind, here are his rules for setting the mood for food.

Don’t make a playlist — play albums

You’re already cleaning the house, planning the menu and setting up — building a playlist and trying to orchestrate the night to a T ahead of time is too stressful. And the ones that are pulled together on the Spotify homepage — called stuff like “Raw Power” or “Hot Girl Shit” — are often generic. Just figure out the type of music your guests like and then play stuff that’s in their wheelhouse. Choose a record, put it on and stroll away. And make sure they’re vinyl — it’s more ceremonial and fun. It makes things feel more like an event. Having Spotify on the TV is a bit of a buzz-kill.

If in doubt, choose jazz

Something like Chet Baker or Bill Evans — it’s easy and everyone likes it. Or you could put on Max Richter Piano Works, and new-ish R&B is always palatable. Definitely don’t go for busy music. Steer clear of Led Zeppelin.

Date night needs its own soundtrack

You’ve got to play Stevie Wonder, right? That’s what I did, and I’ve been married for 14 years now. I bought records to play her on our first date. If you want to impress someone, choose music that they share a real connection with. You don’t want to over-egg the romance, though. Don’t be cheesy.

Remain calm

Don’t overthink it or try too hard. It’s not about your music taste — you’re just trying to provide a nice environment for people to be in. It’s meant to convey a feeling. You’re not going to all this effort so that people turn to you and say: “Oh my gosh, you’re amazing.”

Enjoy the process

I think we all feel that thrill of the chase — when you find a song or album yourself, it imbues it with meaning. But you don’t have to go crate-digging; websites such as Discogs are great for discovering new music, or there are these weird websites that post one song a day and have done for years. Playlists that have been curated by artists you like on Spotify are useful, too — you trust their taste, after all.

Originally posted on Esquire UK