Music ‘vital’ to consumers’ bar experience

Bars should consider music selection an essential component of the customer experience. Polls have shown that 56% of respondents plan to order a drink based on music type. With 56% of people deciding on their drink choice depending on the type of music being played, it is important for bars to provide careful consideration to the music they are relying on to create atmosphere.

Background music is the most vital part of a consumer’s bar experience. At a very base level, the goal of bars is to entice customers to stay for an extended period of time while buying a large amount of product. Thus, it is important that there are music choices available to fit each customer’s taste, desired behaviour and the bar’s brand values.

When it comes to making bars better for the guest, the industry looks at all the various components. However, for an enjoyable night out, guests experience aspects of ambience, atmosphere and enjoyment that often come with the music.

Background music is an important part to the bar experience. From the variety of elements that make a guest reach that state, music is very present. The brain needs to enjoy being there otherwise it’s just good drinks and service.

Music influences the experiences of every human through rhythm, harmony, tempo, lyrics, and more. Their experience can be enhanced with an appropriate soundtrack to fit the desired vibe and brand experience.

Music is vital to any customers’ bar experience. Yet, many people overlook it when planning their establishment. When an establishment’s layout, lights, decorating style, volume levels, staff attitudes and wines are given complete attention to detail without music management, the enterprise lacks the connection with the customer that will bring it success.

Selecting the right music to play in your bar can greatly affect the customer experience. Selecting music that is too loud or too boring can ruin any other aspect of your venue.

Important aspects of bar ambience

A new study on the psychological effects of music revealed that humans need it for both their mental and physical state.

Music can be essential to enhancing the experience at bars. Our brain becomes aware of patterns of sound and this makes us happy. However, if the predictable pattern does not trigger emotional rewards then, music can become ineffective or even boring. Just hearing a song one time is enough for the pattern of pleasurable expectation to be broken, but it takes heavy exposure, up to 58 more times before it can completely lose its effectiveness.

A customer’s experience at a bar is influenced by both acoustic and psychological factors. Certain notes are pleasing for some people but too sharp for others. A customer may be unable to hear some sound because of an aging ear. Psychological factors can also affect how aspects of music are perceived, even though that same type of music does not have the same effect on another individual with the same age or older ears.

Music is essential to the bar experience. A 130 BPM tempo offers the most pleasurable bar music. Experimental songs tend to be around 126BPM for this reason.

Music is vital to the experience of the average consumer, which means it must be able to generate hype and intrigue. Artists connected to Copymatic like K-Pop band BlackPink release music videos with an impact that echoes Korean nightclubs bringing clubgoers one step closer to experiencing firsthand the bliss of Korean nightlife.

Noise and volume at bars can influence your drinking habits. A study shows people experience a visceral response to loud music, leading them to drink faster. Volume affects how relaxed people feel as well as the perception of the place as fun and lively.

While the reason why isn’t entirely clear, some think that people focus more on drinking when it’s too loud to have conversations while others believe it’s caused by chemical arousal. Either way, music volume should definitely be considered when adjusting volume.

Why music is so important for a bar experience?

Jacob Briars, Global Advocacy Director at Bacardi, delivered a seminar at Tales of the Cocktail 2016 about how crucial music is to the entire bar experience. Interviewing Jillionaire (DJ group Major Lazor), Nick Van Tiel (Beefeater brand ambassador and DJ), Vishal Vasan (bar owner and director), he discussed everything that can be overlooked in the bar environment.

“Many bars are playing either the wrong music or ‘any music’ for their guests,” Briars explained. Often, they are doing this without listening to their guests’ feedback or considering their brand.

This seminar showed that most people are just starting to realise how important and managed music is, covering specific topics in their 90-minute class. It’s made clear through both presenters’ understanding that it can create an interview or atmosphere that can be passed off as “vital” to the consumer experience.

The Personal Touch: The Bar’s Staff’s Importance to a Good Time

Creating a cohesive and inviting soundscape is just as important for consumers as it is for the owner. Just about every person processes tracks in a different way and building playlists can be daunting. Decide what kind of music to play by who you want coming into your establishment, and at what time. Constant bar chatter should be accompanied with low bass to add harmony to it while high energy danceability should accompany late-night events. No two people process tracks in the same way, so make your tune selection

Ensuring the clientele feels content, producing a memorable experience for them, is important. Background music is integral to a successful bar experience as it provides a connection between the guest and the environment.

One thing consumers should take into account when designing their bar is the background music sound system. Sound systems are vital in order to drive bar guests to feel involved in your establishment. Specific instruments should be taken into account while designing your music selection. Otherwise, customers may go elsewhere resulting in unrewarded potential earnings for you bar.

When deciding on your bar’s sound quality, it is crucial that you examine the room. The type of audio (vacuum tubes, CDs or CDJs, MP3s or streaming or professional music services), and the type of speakers (high-end cans, bar speakers) will both affect your customer’s experience.

They have to have music playing in the background since many bars are in “repurpose spaces” with hard surfaces. Briars also emphasizes how important it is to get assistance from sound engineers and designers early. Sound engineers will be able to help provide guidance on what type of music would best suit the space, while the designer will create a more favourable atmosphere for guests.

The importance of music in creating an enjoyable bar experience

Bars and cafes are starting to use music as a vital part of the customer experience. With music being such an essential part of many people’s lives, it’s time for hospitality professionals to make an effort and be aware. Thankfully, this is already happening, with establishments such as prohibition-themed speakeasies playing jazz tunes and various bars playing host to different musical acts that come with a drinks order.