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The Importance of Restaurant Music Playlists

When to Format a Playlist

Before Opening - The easiest time to consider restaurant music playlist is prior to opening. Once a venue is up and running, music playlists are often over looked in the hustle of other responsibilities.
Rebranding - Some restaurants revamp their playlist as a marketing method of revitalizing the venue or franchise. In attempt to attract more business, for example, Olive Garden underwent a redesign that included remodeling, altering dishes and server attire, as well as adding an Italian-inspired soundtrack. It's never too late to spice up your playlist!

Set the Mood

Restaurant background music sets the tone for the experience you want your customers to have. Imagine walking into a dimly lit coffee house to hear heavy metal or rock n' roll. It simply doesn't fit.

Consider these factors when creating your restaurant's playlist.

Emotion - Music impacts the restaurant's energy level and patrons' emotions. You want to create an environment where patrons feel comfortable and engaged.
Volume - Unless you're a sports bar, do not install televisions simply for background noise. In most cases, it drowns out conversation. Feel free to keep televisions for aesthetics, but hit mute and accompany it with a unique music playlist.
Tempo - Patrons' mannerisms and attitudes change throughout the day and your music should too. The music volume and tempo can help regulate patron activity. A faster song encourages patrons to eat quicker; softer music says, "Stay. Relax. Maybe order dessert." Therefore faster music may be used when the restaurant is busy and softer when patron traffic is lighter.

Stay Relevant

Some restaurants change their background music monthly to remain current; it really depends on the venue. If your venue wants to promote a contemporary vibe, you will need to play the current hits.

Today, music is accessible via Internet radio (Pandora and iHeartRadio), music streaming services (Spotify), video-sharing platforms (YouTube) and music downloading providers (iTunes). This easy access creates music-conscious patrons with high expectations.

Also consider the length of your playlist. If your list is short, regulars are likely to hear the same repetitive song line-up. A longer list provides variety without constantly sending you back to the playlist preparation process.

Keep It Legal

Many restaurant owners currently use their own programmed iPods, iPads, CDs and Internet radio sites. But imagine relying on an online stream when the Internet connection fails and the music jumps or stops completely. Dead air is never fun!

Other owners simply turn on the radio – but these DIY methods are not always legal. Playing your own music can be problematic; trying to escape licensing and copyright fees can become an expensive endeavor. Avoid the risk and ensure you are practicing legal music use.

Consider these factors when legally formatting your restaurant's playlist.

Royalties - Commercial music use requires paying royalties. Fees are dependent on how the music is used.
Performing Rights Societies - The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and BMI are America's two largest performing rights societies. These organizations serve as a middleman between music users and performers, ensuring artists are compensated for their work. Licensing fees are dependent upon the type of venue, physical size and seating capacity.
Lawsuits - Verify all music use before risking copyright infringement or lawsuits. It's not worth it!
Legal Options - Your restaurant may want to pursue hiring a company to assist in creation of a custom playlist or explore legal do-it-yourself alternatives. Certain online music services, such as Pandora, have started offering commercial licenses/permissions for businesses. The company saves you the hassle of music licensing and pays ASCAP or BMI directly, taking restaurant owners out of the equation

Let the Patrons Decide

Thanks to modern technology, methods of media distribution are constantly evolving, and commercial music usage is no exception. In the past, classical jukeboxes took up valuable space and provided a limited library for single song selections. Today electronic jukeboxes put more than music in the patrons' hands - now they are generators of free online publicity for your restaurant. Some interactive jukeboxes offer social media sharing capabilities, enabling users to share selected songs and current location with their online network. If friends hear the music is good, maybe they will stop by as well. You're sure to have a full house!

TouchTunes enables bar and restaurant patrons to play their favorite songs on the touchscreen monitor, as well as through the iPhone and Android app, mytouchtunes. Guest can select a song without ever leaving their seat! TouchTunes goes one step further and offers karaoke, photo booth, games, and social media sharing capabilities.

When patrons are not making musical selections, TouchTunes offers Custom Music Programming (CMP) or background music. This enables restaurant owners to select desired, themed playlists for constant music.