Choosing the right soundtrack is one of the most important decisions you will make for your short film. It is a way of connecting the audience with your story and making it memorable.

Research shows music impacts emotions, especially its rhythm, tempo, and pitch. Learn how to create the perfect mood for your scene with a curated soundtrack from Epidemic Sound.

It Sets the Mood

When you enter your local coffee shop, the music will likely be as important to your experience as the delicious jolt from your morning beverage. Music and coffee have become joined at the hip, and many coffee houses offer a special space where live musicians perform for patrons. The right music can make your morning coffee and pastry even more enjoyable, but it is also important to have the right mix of background noise that will not interfere with conversations and work tasks.

Coffee house music has evolved into its genre, and many different radio stations, compilations, and bands are now dedicated to this particular sound. It has been defined by various characteristics, including instrumental diversities, vocal melodies and the overall mood it creates.

Some of the most popular coffee house music includes singer-songwriters such as Ray LaMontagne, Norah Jones and Iron and Wine. Contemporary folk trends have also been a big part of this music scene, and artists such as Sufjan Stevens, Andy Shauf, Fleet Foxes and The Milk Carton Kids are amongst the most popular choices for this genre of music.

Acoustic guitars and instrumental melodies are popular in coffee shops because they can be played at a low volume without interfering with conversations or distracting from the place’s ambiance. These melodies are often simple and repetitive to create a soothing, calming atmosphere for those waiting for coffee or studying for an exam.

It Sets the Atmosphere

Music in coffee shops can be upbeat and uplifting or calm and soothing. Depending on the genre, it can create a sense of ambiance that invites customers to stay longer and spend more. This is a key factor in building customer loyalty.

One of the most popular genres for coffee house music is indie rock. It has a bohemian hipster vibe that matches the coffee shop clientele, and its reverb-soaked chords are ideal for relaxing with a latte or working on a project. Indie artists are often fiercely independent and don’t take orders from record labels or music executives.

Other popular genres for coffee house music include folk, classic rock, pop and alternative. Acoustic and instrumental melodies are also a hit with the coffee crowd. 

Another great genre for coffeehouses is bossa nova. This Brazilian music style is described as a mix of Jazz and samba, perfect for creating a calm, sophisticated atmosphere. Coffee houses that play this type of music are often more sophisticated and modern.

It Sets the Time

If you’re a coffee shop owner or manager, you know that the right music is key to creating the perfect customer experience. Whether energizing staff during busy periods or creating a welcoming atmosphere for relaxing weekend brunches, the right soundtrack can make all the difference.

To capture the unique spirit of a coffee shop, the music must be mellow enough to stimulate but not overpowering. Many people visit a coffee shop to study, write or get work done on their laptops, and they often crave a more laid-back soundtrack that allows them to focus.

As such, it’s not surprising that many people consider coffee house music a distinct genre. While some songs might be categorized as Jazz or soft rock, when taken as a whole, the genre is characterized by a certain vibe that perfectly complements a cup of joe and some quiet conversation.

Some of the best examples of coffee shop music today build upon traditional folk trends of softly finger-picked acoustic guitars and light vocals with various alt-rock instrumentation to produce a mellow yet upbeat sound. Artists like Sufjan Stevens, The Head and the Heart, Andy Shauf, and 

It Sets the Place

Customers entering your coffee shop expect a peaceful atmosphere and an enjoyable experience. Music can help achieve this. The best music for a coffee shop is soft, low to medium-tempo songs with a good melody. It is also a good idea to include instrumental tracks. This way, you can eliminate irritating noises often used in popular music and instead create a calm aura.

Acoustic and instrumental melodies are common choices for coffee houses because they create a soothing ambiance conducive to studying, writing, and chatting with friends. Acoustic artists like Ray LaMontagne, Norah Jones, and Iron and Wine are especially popular among coffee drinkers. They enjoy the mellow and soothing sounds of these artists who don’t rely on record labels or music executives to make it big – they are fiercely independent, just like the clientele that frequents these coffee shops.

Another popular genre of coffee house music is Jazz. It is described as a combination of samba and Jazz with guitar, percussion instruments, piano, strings, and a singer’s melodic tone, creating a soothing vibe suitable for relaxing places like coffee houses. A new trend in coffee house music has been the emergence of Indie Folk, which builds upon traditional folk trends of soft finger-picked acoustic guitars and light vocals with a variety of alt-rock instrumentation to create a mellow yet upbeat sound that is perfect for coffeehouses.