Turn Your Soundtrack into Sales: How Cafés, Lounge Bars, Hotels and Spas Can Sell Their Background Music

In hospitality, atmosphere is everything, and music plays a vital role in creating it. 

The right soundtrack can turn an ordinary visit into a memorable experience, setting the tone for relaxation, connection, and comfort.

But have you ever noticed customers asking, “What’s this song?” or “I love your playlist. Do you sell it?”

That question signals an opportunity: turning your background music into an additional revenue stream.

Why Music Matters to Your Brand

Music isn’t just something playing in the background, it’s part of your brand identity. A well-curated soundtrack:

Encourages customers to stay longer

Enhances their emotional connection to your business

Shapes their perception of your style and values

When people enjoy the music in your café, bar, hotel or spa, they associate it with the comfort, calm or energy they felt in your space. Offering the same music for sale lets them take that feeling home — and gives you a new way to connect with them.

Selling CDs or Digital Albums

You don’t need to stock hundreds of titles — just a small, carefully chosen selection that reflects your venue’s atmosphere.

Cafés and coffee shops:

Display a few “Café Vibes” CDs near the till or on a shelf beside your merchandise. Include acoustic, indie or lo-fi chill albums that complement your brand.

Lounge bars:

Feature smooth jazz, soul, or chillout collections. Create a “Music from the Bar” corner, complete with candlelight and QR codes linking to digital playlists.

Hotels:

Stock curated CDs or download cards in reception or gift shops. Guests often want a memento of their stay — your hotel soundtrack could be exactly that.

Spas:

Your calming playlists can easily become “Spa Sounds” albums. Offer relaxation music for home use, perhaps bundled with aromatherapy oils or gift sets.

Get the Licensing Right

If you already play licensed music through PPL PRS, you’re covered for playing it on-site, but not for reselling recordings. You’ll need to stock officially licensed CDs or work directly with labels, distributors or independent artists. Many will offer wholesale pricing and even promotional materials for display.

Partner with Local Artists

Supporting local musicians benefits everyone, you, your customers, and the artists themselves. If your background music includes regional talent, invite those musicians to sell CDs through your venue. You could even host “acoustic evenings” or listening sessions to draw in more footfall.

Go Digital QR Codes and Playlists

If physical stock isn’t practical, go digital. Display QR codes at tables or near reception linking to your Spotify or Apple Music playlists. You can even earn affiliate income from downloads or streams while enhancing your brand’s digital presence.

Why It Works

It creates an emotional connection between your atmosphere and your guests.

It enhances your brand, turning your venue’s “vibe” into something tangible.

It supports artists, especially if you feature local or independent talent.

It adds a revenue stream with minimal setup.

The Sound of Success

For cafés, lounge bars, hotels and spas, music is part of the sensory experience. By selling your soundtrack, you extend that experience beyond your walls — giving customers something to remember you by and turning ambience into opportunity.

So next time a customer says, “I love this music,” make sure your reply is:

“You can take it home with you.”