5 Playlists That Make Amazing Coffee Shop Music
in business insights, business music
When was the last time you sat at a coffee shop and slurped down a steaming chai tea latte, surrounded by utter silence?
Probably never, right?
This is because good coffee shops are synonymous with sound. From the low hum of coffee roasters and espresso machines to the indistinct chatter of conversation, melodies are all around us. And while big, cozy couches and community board game collections speak volumes in the ambiance department, the background melodies are what make a coffee shop memorable. Most coffee shop owners know how important in-store music truly is.
Take, for example, Starbucks. You get comfortable chairs, free WiFi, the warming breakfast aroma, and the consistent menu that many are willing to pay a premium for. Their audio identity is also chosen accordingly: soothing enough to allow you to relax and focus on your conversation/work, but not so slow and monotonous that you fall asleep. Their in-store radio is designed this way.
Over the years, the coffeehouse genre has developed into a combination of music for business that is conducive to this type of setting. Making sure your coffee shop's unique sound matches your business goals and overall ambiance is crucial to developing a sustainable and cohesive brand.
The Psychology of Music on the Brain
The Psychology of Music on the Brain
Various studies have found that playing in-house music set to a carefully considered tempo, volume, genre, and valence can influence behavior and decision-making.
- One study found that music at a slower tempo encourages customers to linger and spend more money. Conversely, fast-paced music led to a quicker exit.
- According to a study from Texas Tech, customers want the genre of music to “fit” the context. By playing music for business that complements other elements of your establishment, customers will value your efforts and be willing to spend more money.
Now that the benefits of overhead music are abundantly clear, it’s time to dive into the type of music you should play in your coffeehouse.
Picking the Right Music for Your Coffee House
While there are many factors to consider when selecting your coffeehouse playlist, the style of music you play is paramount to success. (Rage Against the Machine? At a coffee shop? At 8am? We think not…)
Here are six common genres that are best suited for java-fueled overhead listening.
1. Modern Folk
What: Anything from Americana and acoustic to folk-rock and alternative styles
Popular artists/bands: Amos Lee, Iron & Wine, Mumford & Sons, Xavier Rudd, Bon Iver, The Head and the Heart, Joshua Radin
2. Alternative rock
What: Blending elements of conventional rock with influences from other musical styles
Popular artists/bands: Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys, Foster the People, Cold War Kids, Young the Giant, Arcade Fire, Grouplove, Muse, Death Cab for Cutie
3. Electronica/Chillwave
What: Low-to-moderate tempo music characterized by mellow vocals or ambient sounds
Popular artists/bands: Bonobo, Royksopp, Massive Attack, Jon Hopkins, Carbon Based Lifeforms, Flying Lotus, M83, Tycho, Washed Out, Sigur Ros
4. Classical
What: Peaceful piano ballads, lush symphonies, relaxing instrumentals
Popular artists/bands: Bach, Chopin, Mozart, Brahms, Debussy, Khatia Buniatishvili, Yo-Yo Ma, Glenn Gould, Isaac Stern
5. Classic rock
What: Psychedelic rock, funk, soul, and pop tunes of the 1960’s and 1970’s
Popular artists/bands: Creedence Clearwater Revival, Pink Floyd, The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Supremes, Led Zeppelin, The Ventures, The Rolling Stones
6. Jazz
What: Classics of the 1920’s swing era to contemporary songs of the 2000’s
Popular artists/bands: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Sade, Kenny G, Dexter Gordon
We curate stations with the best coffee shop songs!
Whether you’re just opening a coffee shop or you’re ready to make a change to your current café music selection, we’ve got you covered with these top five coffeehouse-inspired Cloud Cover Music stations.
1. Coffee Shop
Cater to a wide demographic? Our original Coffee Shop playlist has a little something for everyone, for every cup of coffee. You’ll encounter only the best coffee shop music – indie tunes like “Marathon” by Tennis, singer-songwriter sounds like “Young” by The Paper Kites and soulful pop tracks like “Strawberry Bubblegum” by Justin Timberlake.
2. Coffeehouse Neo-Soul
Laidback rhythms and soulful lyrics make for calming coffeehouse music. Groove to slow to medium tempo sounds by contemporary soul and R&B artists such as Alicia Keys, Jamie Lidell, Jordan Rakei, Beyoncé, Leon Bridges, and more.
3. Folk Modern
Folk Modern is guaranteed to have both patrons and staff humming along. Blending the latest and greatest of acoustic, folk-rock, Americana, and alternative bands, you’ll hear introspective tunes and mesmerizing vocals from the likes of Amos Lee, Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, Xavier Rudd, and Bon Iver. These coffee shop bands won't disappoint.
4. Classical Mornings
Let’s face it: coffee shop businesses and relaxing instrumentals go hand in hand. If you want to bring a peaceful atmosphere to your business, our Classical Morning playlist boasts soothing sounds from renowned composers like Bach, Chopin, Mozart, Brahms, and Debussy.
5. Electronica Chillwave
Hipster crowd frequent your establishment? Our Electronica Chillwave playlist is exactly what you need. Patrons can relax to a soothing combination of ambient and chillwave electronic tracks such as “Emkay” by Bonobo, “A Walk” by Tycho, and “Fantasy” by DyE. Your mornings will be better with coffee and music.
Ready to create the ultimate coffee shop music playlist?
Cloud Cover boasts over 100+ curated stations so you can create the atmosphere and songs you want. Try us for free today and see why thousands of businesses trust us for their streaming business music solution.
