Ambiance

As I have said before, music is everywhere.  One thing I didn't mention, and have noticed lately is ambiance.  Ambiance is defined as the character and atmosphere of a place.  Music plays a big role in this.  It adds an aspect that you don't really think about.  You don't realize it's there until it's gone.

Think about going to Starbucks.  You walk in, you order your Grande White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha, sit down at a table, and just hang out for a bit.  You might be with friends, or studying, maybe even just people-watching.  You don't think about it, but you hear the soft music.  It's not the today's hits that you just turned off in your car.  It's more alternative, not well known, but still good.  It could be considered "hipster" music, but isn't that what most people think of when they think of people that sit in Starbucks?  Having this mellow music sets the mood, and makes the experience complete.

Now think of going to your favorite "themed" restaurant, like a Mexican restaurant or a southern themed steak house.  You don't go in and hear classical music playing, or no music at all.  Hearing the Mexican music in a restaurant that is Mexican themed  makes the experience more complete.  It makes it feel like you are in Mexico, eating authentic Mexican food.  This makes the restaurant more real.  At a southern style steakhouse, you always hear country music playing loud and proud.  This isn't because the owner loves country music, it's because having country music playing in a restaurant that has southern themes makes sense.  It again completes the experience, and rounds out the satisfaction.

Another place we hear a good example of ambiance music is at sports events.  When you go to a sporting event, you often hear music playing while the athletes are getting armed up and pumped up, and while people are finding their seats, or maybe getting a quick snack.  You hear fast tempo, upbeat songs, a bit harder than what is most popular.  It wouldn't make sense to be playing slow, soft love songs or ballads.  That won't add to the experience, and it won't get the players pumped up.

Ambiance is a crucial part of a setting, and music accounts for, in my opinion, the biggest part of that.  You don't pay close attention to the music, it's a more subconscious awareness.  You're busy doing other things, and you can't just turn off your ear, but because your busy, you most likely don't pick up on it.  It sets the atmosphere into perfect balance, creating the perfect ambiance for a specific setting.