Music isn’t just an entertainment tool - it has the power to make us behave and feel a certain way. Whether you’re looking to relax your customers, influence spend on products, or boost employee wellbeing, perfecting your music can drive your objectives and make your spa environments sing. 

We’re here with the lowdown on why music in spas is so important, and how to get it right. 

‍

Contents:

1. Why do spas have background music?
2. How should I choose the music for my spa?
3. Do I need a music license for my spa? How much is it?
4. Can I play Spotify in my spa?
5. How can technology help me with the music in my spa?

‍

Why do spas have background music?

Step into any spa, and you'll likely find yourself enveloped in a soothing melody, carefully curated to create an atmosphere of peace and harmony. But why exactly do spas incorporate background music into their environments? 

1. Setting the mood 

Picture this: you walk into a spa, and you’re greeted by silence - no gentle hum of music to ease your mind, no soft melodies to help you drift away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Not great, is it?

It’s undeniable that music has a profound impact on our mood, emotions and behaviour. In the context of a spa, the right selection of background music can instantly transport guests into a state of relaxation. Whether its the gentle strumming of a guitar, the ethereal sounds of nature, or the calming notes of classical music, the right melody sets the stage for a relaxing experience, helping customers to unwind and destress. 

2. Masking external noise

While spas aim to create a peaceful environment for their guests, they’re not immune to the sounds of the outside world. Whether it’s traffic noise, conversations in other rooms, or even the mechanical hum of heating and cooling systems, background music can serve as a subtle veil to mask these noises. By providing a consistent auditory backdrop, a sense of tranquillity and privacy can be achieved and allow guests to fully immerse themselves without distractions. 

3. Enhancing the mind-body connection 

The concept of holistic wellness lies at the heart of many spa experiences. A key part of this is the mind, body and spirit connection for customers. Certain rhythms and melodies have the ability to synchronise brainwares, induce relaxation, and even alleviate physical tension. The right choice of music can even amplify the therapeutic benefits of the treatments on offer. 

4. Cultivating a memorable experience

We’re a bit biased with this one - creating amazing customer experiences is our bread and butter. 

In the competitive landscape of the wellness industry, spas are constantly seeking ways to differentiate themselves and leave a lasting impression on their guests. Thoughtfully chosen and curated background music contributes to the overall atmosphere, creating a distinct sensory experience that sets it apart from the rest. The perfectly curated background music, alongside amazing scents and relaxing lighting can create the perfect atmosphere. 

‍

Music has the incredible power to actually help us physically de-stress, and therefore contributing to an incredible spa experience. 

‍

How should I choose the music for my spa?

This is obviously quite a subjective question, and one that our music team tackles every day with different customers. There’s a lot of elements to consider, for example:

• What type of spa are you?
• What type of services are you offering?
• What type of brand are you trying to portray?
• What type of ambience exists in the spa?
• Who is your target market?

It’s very important that your spa’s background music matches the brand and the atmosphere you’re trying to create. 

But, the characteristics of the music chosen can have an impact on the customer experience. 

• Tempo impacts the way we feel when we listen to music. Current findings indicate that music around 60 beats per minute can cause the brain to synchronise with the beat causing alpha brainwaves (frequencies from 8 - 14 hertz or cycles per second). This alpha brainwave is what is present when we are relaxed and conscious.
• Volume also has an impact. Volume that is too jarring can create a distressed response in spa guests. Some have suggested that background music in a spa is like audio wallpaper - completely necessary, but works well enough that it fits flawlessly into the atmosphere. 
• Genre is important. Each music genre impacts customers differently. For example, researchers suggest that Native American, Celtic, Indian stringed-instruments, drums, and flutes are very effective at relaxing the mind even when played moderately loud. Sounds of rain, thunder, and nature sounds may also be relaxing particularly when mixed with other music, such as light jazz, classical (the "largo" movement), and easy listening music.

It’s also important to keep your background music fresh, of course for your guests, but also for your staff. There’s nothing worse than hearing the same songs for months on end, so keep staff morale high by keeping the soundtrack exciting (even relaxing music can get repetitive). 

We’ve got over 100 regularly updated Startle playlists spanning genres and eras for you to choose from, or we offer a bespoke music profiling service to perfectly match your brand. 

‍

Do I need a music license for my spa? How much is it?

You’ll usually need to get a Public Performance License if you:

• Play recorded music in public or at your business (including background music on a CD, radio or music channel).
• Stage live music events in public (for example, a concert or festival).
• Play live music or recorded music in a theatre.
• Use sound recordings in a theatrical production (including on-stage and off-stage effects).

Music is so important to creating the perfect atmosphere, so it’s only fair that we follow the rules and make sure money is going to the artists. You could also be sued for copyright infringement if you don’t.

If you’re in the UK, you can contact PPL PRS to check if you need a license, or check out their sector page for information more specific to restaurants.

How much your license will cost depends on a few factors, like the size and type of venue you’re looking to play the music in, and how the music is used. Below are some examples of licensing costs, just to give you an idea of what you might be spending. 

‍

‍

For a guide on music licensing, head here.

‍

Can I play Spotify in my spa?

Unfortunately not. 

Streaming platforms like Spotify are great consumer music services that are designed for personal consumption. They’re affordable, easy to use, and often highly personalised. 

But unfortunately, they’re not intended for commercial use. They don’t cover the licenses for commercial use, or ensure that artists, songwriters, composers, recording labels, music publishers and rights holders are properly paid for music played in a business environment. In simple terms, you’d be guilty of copyright infringement, and denying an artist the payment they’re entitled to by using it without the necessary permissions. 

That’s why professional music services like us are here (and we can import your Spotify playlists, if you really love them). 

‍

How can technology help me with the music in my spa?

The technology you’ll need to play music in your spa will depend on the size of your sites and what capabilities you have. 

Firstly, you’ll need somewhere to schedule and manage your background music. Startle Studio is built to be easy - it can equip each site with a set of powerful tools to control the music and atmosphere from just a few clicks, or set up different permissions to leave your staff doing what they do best - greeting and relaxing customers. With Studio you can schedule playlists in advance, drag them across multiple days if needed, and you know you’re in safe hands. You can access Studio on your laptop, PC, or phone, so it’s available wherever you are.

It’s also good to note the benefits of using digital signage alongside your background music. Digital signage can also help reduce frustration in waiting times, showcase promotions, and sync with your music to create an even more synchronous brand experience. You could show relaxing videos in the waiting room to really get your guests in the mood of a relaxing experience. 

Once the music is scheduled, there’s no doubt that the stereo equipment you choose plays an essential role. Your choice of set up might include speakers, amplifiers, and mixers. For example, the Startle player can integrate with Sonos and Chromecast speakers. Chat to an expert about the technology requirements for your spas.