Mixing the Old and New: Finding the Best Music for Your Coffee Shop

TLDR

You're a coffee aficionado, so you want to make sure your shop plays the best tunes to set the mood and help customers relax. But with such a wide range of music out there, it can be tough to know where to start. Let us help you mix the old and new to create the perfect playlist for your coffee shop.

Surveying the Scene: Current Music Trends in Coffee Shops

If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve in the coffee world, you need to keep an ear to the ground (or, more accurately, an ear to the Spotify playlist) when it comes to music. That's because tunes are a major player in the café game, and they can make or break your business.

A quick glance at the numbers shows just how important music is for coffee shops. Sales at U.S. coffee chains rose 10% from 2021 to 2022, and that growth is expected to continue into 2023. So as you plan for the year ahead, it's important to make sure your playlists are on point.

What kind of music should you be playing in your coffee shop? It depends on your clientele and your vibe. But some general trends include indie rock, soft rock, jazz, neo-soul, folk-modern, classical and electronica-chillwave.

Going Old School: Jazz in the Background

What are the staples of a great coffee shop? Some people might say that it's all about the coffee, while others might say it's the atmosphere. We'd like to think it's a little bit of both. And since we're into mixing the old and new, we've got a suggestion for you: go with some good old-fashioned jazz in the background.

It's a trend that's been around for decades and it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, studies have shown that music has a profound effect on our moods and emotions. So why not use it to your advantage? When people come into your coffee shop and hear soft jazz playing in the background, they'll automatically feel more relaxed and at ease. It'll create a positive and happy vibe that customers will love.

So if you're looking for something to set your coffee shop apart from the rest, why not give New Year jazz music a try?

The Power of Playlists: Curating a Mood With Spotify

You know that music can set the mood, and you want to make sure that your coffee shop has the right sound. You could go the route of hiring a DJ, but that can get expensive—not to mention, it might be hard to find someone who's familiar with your specific genre and playlist.

That's why so many coffee shops are turning to Spotify. With its wealth of playlists catering to every mood and genre, it's easy to find the perfect soundtrack for your cafe. You can create custom playlists for your shop, or choose from one of Spotify's many pre-made focus-friendly playlists.

Having the right music can help create a unique sound and brand for your cafe. It can also set the tone for your customers and help them relax or focus on their work. So why not give Spotify a try?

Keeping It Fresh: Incorporating New Hip-Hop and Rap

If you want to stand out from the crowd, consider incorporating some new hip-hop and rap hits from the likes of Common and Nas. It's important to keep up with the music trends if you want to please your customers.

You don't have to sacrifice modern sound for familiarity though—chill hip-hop is the perfect way to combine classic and contemporary styles. You can always add a few new tracks every month, or create a specific "Fresh Hits" playlist that's updated weekly. This will ensure that your establishment has an unpredictable and dynamic atmosphere that always keeps people coming back for more.

Of course, it's also important to invest in a good online presence as well; when customers hear something they like, they'll be looking you up online so they can listen at home too!

Balancing Ambience: What’s Too Much or Too Little?

Music for a coffee shop can be a tricky balance – too little and you might not be able to differentiate your cafe from the one down the street and too much might be alienating to potential customers.

So, how do you know what’s appropriate? It depends on what type of cafe you are trying to create. Large city cafes that are catering to an active crowd might want their music to help energize customers, while cozy small-town cafes may want something more relaxed.

To help, we curated 5 playlists that will fit the unique sound and brand of your coffee shop. From funky jazzy vibes to indie-pop bangers, we've got it all! What's more, our playlists are updated on a weekly basis so you can keep your customers up-to-date with the latest trends. That way, they'll keep coming back for more!

Finding the Perfect Mix: Achieving That Chill Vibe

If you’re looking to achieve the perfect chill vibe, then mixing the old and the new is key. Try adding classic tunes from the likes of Elvis, The Beatles and Billie Holiday with modern-day top 40s hits. It’s a great way to keep your shop fresh, while also giving customers a nostalgic feeling.

To get started creating your vibe, team up with your local music experts—or maybe just Spotify—and create curated 5 playlists that people won't be able to resist. Think coffee house songs or jazz tunes for a mellow atmosphere, or upbeat pop songs for a more lively atmosphere.

But don't forget about custom requests! Coffee shop customers like add-ins too. Make sure to have a ‘special requests’ playlist where you can add in all of your customer’s favorite syrups and cold foam songs.

Conclusion

You may be wondering what kind of music will give your coffee shop the right vibe. Well, luckily, there is no wrong answer, as long as you are mixing the old and new. Jazz music in the background will give a sophisticated vibe, while hip hop will create a more contemporary and energetic atmosphere. Either way, make sure you have a Spotify account to keep your customers up-to-date with the latest tracks. And most importantly, keep the chill vibe alive by playing mellow tracks when it's not as busy.