THE POWER OF MUSIC: Why the Right Tunes Can Make or Break Your Bar’s Atmosphere

Ever wonder how much the music in your bar impacts your patrons' experience? It’s easy to think of music as mere background noise, but the truth is, it does so much more than that. Music shapes the entire vibe of your establishment, creating an atmosphere that either invites guests to stay or drives them away. For many people, the right music can make or break their night.

According to the "Value of Music Research" by National Research Group, 73% of patrons say that if the music is good, they expect the overall experience to follow suit. On the flip side, 53% will leave if they don’t like the music, and nearly 80% are more likely to stay longer if they enjoy the tunes. These numbers are staggering, showing just how vital music is to your bar’s success. Great music can turn a one-time visitor into a regular, encourage patrons to stay longer, spend more, and even recommend your bar to their friends. But how do you make sure your music is hitting the right note every night? Here are some tips to elevate your bar's music game and keep your patrons engaged:

1. Curate the Right Playlist for Your Vibe

Every bar has its own personality, and the music should match that vibe. Whether you're a laid-back dive bar, an upscale cocktail lounge, or a sports bar, your playlist needs to reflect that atmosphere. Think about your customer base and what kind of experience they’re looking for. Are they there to relax, party, or focus on a game? Align your music with the type of night your patrons expect, and be sure to vary your playlist depending on the time of day and crowd.

Pro Tip: If your bar uses Spotify, check your "Spotify Wrapped." Does the music in your Spotify Wrapped match the vibe you are going for? If not, this is an indicator that your employees may be playing music that does not align with your bar. It may be good to go through and clean your playlists!

2. Keep the Energy Flowing

One of the biggest mistakes a bar can make is playing the same tempo or genre of music all night. The energy in your bar should ebb and flow, just like the patrons coming in and out. Early evening hours may call for more relaxed tunes, but as the night progresses, you’ll want to build energy with more upbeat tracks. Keep an eye on your crowd—if they’re lively and engaged, it’s a sign your music is doing its job.

Pro Tip: Shoot for a lower BPM of songs before 10PM. After 10PM, start to play songs with higher BPMs!

3. Empower Your Patrons with Song Requests

People love to feel involved in the atmosphere, and music requests are a fun, interactive way to let them take part in curating the vibe. With a platform like Tipzy, bar owners can effortlessly manage song requests without needing extra hardware or complicated setups. By giving patrons a say in the music selection, you keep them engaged and excited, while still maintaining control over the overall vibe.

4. Test and Adapt

Every crowd is different, and what works one night may not the next. Keep track of which songs or genres resonate with your patrons and adjust your playlists accordingly. It’s also a good idea to ask for feedback—both directly and through data insights. Tipzy’s platform, for example, can provide you with valuable data on what songs get the most requests and which genres keep your crowd around the longest.

Ready to Transform Your Bar’s Atmosphere?

The right music does more than fill the air—it drives the energy, creates lasting memories, and keeps customers coming back.

If you have any questions on how you can elevate your bar's atmosphere, please do not hesitate to ask the Tipzy Team.

Cheers!

Source: "Value of Music Research" by National Research Group. Value of Music Research, www.bmi.com/pdfs/publications/2023/bmi-value-music--research-analysis.pdf.