This year, BEAM turns 10. A decade of research, recruitment, relationships, problem solving and plenty of memorable moments deserves a proper celebration.
So, naturally, we decided to make a playlist. However, this is not simply a collection of popular songs. It is a soundtrack to the people, parties, projects and experiences that have shaped BEAM since 2016.
We asked the team three important questions. What was your favourite song from 2016? What is your go to karaoke song? Finally, which song reminds you of working at BEAM? Some choices reflect resilience. Others capture the focus needed to solve a complicated project brief. A few take us straight back to the BEAM Christmas party.
Together, they tell part of our story.
THE THREE QUESTIONS
Music has an incredible ability to bring memories back to life. A song can take you to a specific place or moment within seconds. It can remind you of the people around you, how you felt and what happened next.
Therefore, for our tenth anniversary, we asked the team:
What was your favourite song from 2016?
BEAM began its journey in 2016. We wanted to know which song takes each person back to that year.
What is your go to karaoke song?
Karaoke has played a surprisingly important role in BEAM’s social history. Some people approach the microphone willingly. Others need a little encouragement.
Which song reminds you of working at BEAM, and why?
This is where the stories really begin. The answers include lockdown, Christmas parties, complicated quotas and the determination needed to keep difficult projects moving.
Here is what the team chose.
AMY’S SOUNDTRACK
Favourite song from 2016: “This Is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna
Go to karaoke song: “Back for Good” by Take That
The song that means BEAM: “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
Why: “Because, in all honesty, it’s the song of lockdown for me. Keeping BEAM running through that difficult time was paramount. The team massively pulled together and adapted to huge changes.The song therefore reminds me of all the brilliant people who live and breathe BEAM with me.”
KAY’S SOUNDTRACK
Favourite song from 2016: “This Girl” by Kungs vs Cookin’ on 3 Burners
Go to karaoke song: “Boom! Shake the Room” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
The song that means BEAM: “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO
Why: “Because nothing says Christmas like forcing Pat and Alec onto the karaoke stage against their will, only for them to bring the house down.”
G’S SOUNDTRACK
Favourite song from 2016: “Tilted” by Christine and the Queens
Go to karaoke song: “Mr Brightside” by The Killers
The song that means BEAM: “Heroes” by David Bowie
Why: “Because BEAM is full of people who step up when it matters. Whether we’re solving a difficult project or helping each other through a busy week, there are always plenty of everyday heroes in the team.”
ALICIA’S SOUNDTRACK
Favourite song from 2016: “Bongo Bong” by Ed Solo and Deekline
Go to karaoke song: “Like a Prayer” by Madonna
The song that means BEAM: “Get’cha Head in the Game” from High School Musical
Why: “Because I’ve sung it with Amy Cartwright more times than I can count. Also, ‘Get’cha head in the game’ has become a surprisingly useful phrase when trying to make sense of a particularly complicated set of quotas.”
ELYSE’S SOUNDTRACK
Favourite song from 2016: “Heathens” by Twenty One Pilots
Go to karaoke song: “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner
The song that means BEAM: “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John
Why: “Because somehow, despite everything, we’re all still standing.”
COLL’S SOUNDTRACK
Favourite song from 2016: “Cheap Thrills” by Sia
Go to karaoke song: “Mr Brightside” by The Killers
The song that means BEAM: “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
Why: “Because it represents all the twists and turns BEAM has been through over the past 10 years. Through it all, we’re still here. It also feels particularly fitting for those tricky recruits. When things get tough, we don’t give up. We keep going and work even harder.”
CAITLIN’S SOUNDTRACK
Favourite song from 2016: “Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time” by Panic! at the Disco
Go to karaoke song: “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon
The song that means BEAM: “Disco 2000” by Pulp
Why: “Because every Christmas party needs its annual serenade of Deborah.”
KIRSTY’S SOUNDTRACK
Favourite song from 2016: “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon
Go to karaoke song: “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette
The song that means BEAM: “Disco 2000” by Pulp
Why: “For the same reason as Caitlin. It is a truly iconic BEAM memory.”
DEBORAH’S SOUNDTRACK
Favourite song from 2016: “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
Go to karaoke song: “Hello” by Adele
The song that means BEAM: “Smack That” by Akon
Why: “Because it takes me straight back to Christmas karaoke on the barge, one of those BEAM nights that’s pretty hard to forget!”
ALISON’S SOUNDTRACK
Favourite song from 2016: “Hymn for the Weekend” by Coldplay
Go to karaoke song: “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
The song that means BEAM: “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears
Why: “Because I have great memories of the whole BEAM team singing it together.”
PAT’S SOUNDTRACK
Favourite song from 2016: “Redbone” by Childish Gambino
Go to karaoke song: “Colourblind” by Darius
The song that means BEAM: “Them Changes” by Thundercat
Why: “Because if there’s one constant in our projects, it’s them changes.”
OUR SHARED PLAYLIST
Together, these songs tell the story of BEAM in a way that a traditional anniversary timeline never could. There are memories of lockdown and the team pulling together. There are reminders of complicated quotas and challenging recruitment projects.
There are also plenty of Christmas party stories, unexpected karaoke performances and an annual serenade of Deborah. The choices reflect the qualities that have carried us through our first decade. They include resilience, adaptability, determination, teamwork and a sense of humour.
Most importantly, the playlist celebrates the people behind BEAM.
LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST
Want to hear the songs behind the stories? Listen to the BEAM 10-year anniversary playlist on Spotify:
Press play and enjoy the soundtrack to our first 10 years.
In the meantime, we have one question for you:
Which song would you add to the BEAM 10-year anniversary playlist?