You know that creating the right atmosphere is key to keeping your customers happy and coming back for more. One of the most effective ways to set the mood in your café is through music. You can either play live cafe music by calling artists or play music through your phone or laptop. I know that you have questions like- what kind of music should I play? Can I just plug in my Spotify and go, or do I need to worry about royalties? This blog will guide you through the essentials of choosing and playing music in your café, so you can create the perfect ambiance without breaking any rules.
Why is Music important in cafes?
Music has a powerful impact on the atmosphere of your café. The right background music can enhance the customer experience, making your space feel cozy, relaxing, or even energizing, depending on the vibe you want to create. For instance, playing relaxing café music can encourage customers to linger longer, perhaps ordering another cup of coffee or a dessert. On the other hand, more upbeat music can create a lively environment that keeps the energy high during busy hours.
The connection between café and music is crucial. The right soundtrack can turn a regular visit into a memorable experience, making your customers more likely to return. But before you start curating the perfect playlist, there’s an important question to consider: are you allowed to play popular songs in your café?
Can You Play any music in Your Café?
You might think it’s as simple as firing up your favorite playlist on Spotify or Apple Music, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. Playing popular songs in your café without proper licensing can get you into legal trouble. This is because most popular songs are protected by copyright, and playing them in a public space like your café requires paying royalties to the rights holders.
Can you Play Spotify in a Cafe?
Even if you have a Spotify Premium, these are for personal use only. Spotify has listed that it is not for commercial settings like your café. To play popular songs legally in your café, you need to obtain the right licenses. But where do you get these licenses, especially in Malaysia?
What license is required for music in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, the main organization responsible for collecting and distributing music royalties is Music Rights Malaysia Berhad (MRM). This organization represents several music licensing bodies, including MACP, PPM, and RPM. To play copyrighted music in your café, you’ll need to obtain a license from MRM.
Getting a license from MRM is a straightforward process. You can visit their website, fill out the necessary forms, and pay the required fees. The cost of the license will depend on the size of your café and the type of music you plan to play. Once you have this license, you can legally play popular songs in your café without worrying about infringing on anyone’s copyright.
Where to Find the Best License Free Music for Cafes?
If you’re looking to avoid the hassle of licensing fees, you might consider playing royalty-free music in your café. Royalty-free music is music that you can play without needing to pay ongoing royalties, though you may need to pay a one-time fee or subscription.
There are several sources where you can find royalty-free music:
- YouTube Audio Library: A vast collection of royalty-free music and sound effects that you can download and use for free.
- Epidemic Sound: A subscription-based service offering beautiful cafe music across various genres.
- Artist: Another popular subscription service that provides a broad range of ambient cafe music for commercial use.
- Free Music Archive: A free platform where you can find a variety of royalty-free music suitable for café settings.
Royalty-free music can be a great option if you’re on a budget or if you want to create a unique atmosphere in your café that’s different from what’s playing on mainstream radio.
Choosing the right music for your café is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s a key part of creating the perfect atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. Whether you’re opting for popular songs or exploring royalty-free options, make sure you’re doing it legally and thoughtfully. Another thing to keep in mind is that the theme of the cafe and music playlist should match so that you can create a unique vibe for your brand.
By carefully curating your playlists, you can create an environment that complements your café’s brand and makes your customers feel at home. So go ahead, pick out the perfect tracks, and let the music play!
Remember, whether it’s Spotify Premium, or a collection of royalty-free tracks, the right café background music can make all the difference in creating an inviting space where customers love to spend time.
