The Making of 'Sweet Sixteen (Level Up)'
From a birthday party mishap to a chart-topping celebration anthem: the unlikely inspiration behind DJ Wedoo + the Glitches' hit track.
DJ Wedoo
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The genesis of 'Sweet Sixteen (Level Up)' came from an unexpected place. The band had been hired to DJ at a sweet sixteen party for the daughter of a record executive. In typical Glitches fashion, they arrived at what they thought was the venue, set up all their equipment, and started playing – only to realize they were at the wrong house and had crashed a completely different sweet sixteen celebration.
Instead of being thrown out, the birthday girl's parents were thrilled that a professional DJ crew had 'surprised' their daughter. When they found out it was DJ Wedoo + the Glitches, they insisted the band stay and perform. That night, inspired by the pure joy and milestone celebration they were witnessing, DJ Wedoo freestyled the chorus of 'Sweet Sixteen (Level Up)' on the spot.
The next day, the band got together and developed the track into a full song, capturing the excitement and emotional significance of turning sixteen. When they finally made it to their originally scheduled gig (one day late), they performed the new song, and the record executive immediately offered to feature it on their upcoming album. What began as a scheduling mix-up became one of their most popular tracks, connecting with teenagers and parents alike.
Lyrics
Sweet sixteen Level up Let's go Sweet sixteen now I'm living my dream Got the keys to the world know what I mean What I mean Sweet sixteen yeah I'm part of the scene Grateful for the love that helped me grow my wings My wings Sixteen trips around the sun and I'm just getting started Looking in the mirror like who's that I've been transformed from playground days to finding my own ways New chapter new page turning up the gauge Got my permit in my pocket about to hit the road Independence tastes so sweet that's just how it goes But I ain't forgot who helped me climb this high Mom stayed up late nights dad was by my side Shout out to my day ones who kept it real with me Through the highs and lows y'all kept believing in me Sweet sixteen now I'm living my dream Got the keys to the world know what I mean What I mean Sweet sixteen yeah I'm part of the scene Grateful for the love that helped me grow my wings My wings Now I'm stepping different confidence on ten Not the same person I was way back when Got goals that I'm chasing places I'ma be This birthday just the beginning know what's ahead of me But let me take a moment get sentimental quick Thank you to my people who been there through thick and thin Grandma's wisdom kept me grounded when I needed it Teachers who believed in me when I couldn't see it To my squad who showed up every time I called This celebration bigger than me is for y'all Sixteen candles on the cake Sixteen years of memories made Sixteen chances to appreciate Everyone who helped me to this day Sweet sixteen now I'm living my dream Got the keys to the world know what I mean What I mean Sweet sixteen yeah I'm part of the scene Grateful for the love that helped me grow my wings My wings Level up Sweet sixteen level up Sweet sixteen level up Sweet sixteen thank you for everything For real Sweet sixteen
Listen to the Track
Celebrate your own milestones and level up with DJ Wedoo + the Glitches' uplifting anthem. Listen to 'Sweet Sixteen (Level Up)' on Spotify and feel the joy of growing into your own power.
About the Author
DJ Wedoo is a music producer specializing in custom compositions and audio branding for businesses across various industries. With over a decade of experience, DJ Wedoo helps brands create memorable audio identities that resonate with their audiences.
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