Jazz music is one of the most effective background music choices for restaurants. It creates a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere, supports conversation, and appeals to a wide range of customers.
Better still, by using royalty-free jazz music, restaurants can play music legally without paying for a PRS PPL music licence, saving hundreds of pounds each year.
Below, we explain why jazz works so well in restaurants and how to use it cost-effectively.
Jazz Music: 5 Reasons You Should be Playing It!
Why Is Jazz Music Good for Restaurants?
Jazz is particularly well-suited to hospitality spaces because it enhances ambience without distracting diners.
1. Jazz Creates a Sophisticated, Timeless Atmosphere
Jazz music has the ability to transform the atmosphere of your restaurant. Its mellow and soothing melodies can instantly transport your customers to a world of sophistication and relaxation.
Whether you run a cosy bistro, an upscale eatery, or a trendy coffee shop. Jazz can complement the ambience and make it more inviting. Soft saxophones, smooth piano, and gentle rhythms create a harmonious backdrop. One that encourages conversation and a leisurely dining experience.
2. Jazz is Perfect for Conversation
Unlike other genres of music, jazz doesn’t overpower the room. Instead, it creates a background of sound that enhances the atmosphere. All without being distracting. You can play it at a lower volume without losing its impact. Allowing guests to have conversations without having to shout over the music.
3. It Differentiates Your Restaurant
Setting your restaurant apart from the rest is key to its success. Playing jazz can be a unique selling point that distinguishes your venue. It adds character and depth to your brand, making it more memorable to both regulars and first-time visitors.
In an age where many restaurants focus only on cuisine. Adding this extra layer of sensory experience can be a game-changer for your restaurant.
4. Jazz Appeals to a Wide Audience
One of the remarkable features of jazz music is its universal appeal. It transcends age, background, and cultural boundaries. Jazz enthusiasts, casual listeners, and newcomers alike can all appreciate its unique charm.
By playing jazz in your restaurant, you can attract a diverse clientele. Ensuring that your restaurant remains welcoming to a broad range of diners. This inclusivity can be a powerful marketing tool, helping you expand your customer base.
5. Jazz Music is Relaxing
Dining out is not only about food; it’s an experience. Many people seek to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of their daily lives when they dine at a restaurant. Jazz’s relaxing and melodic tunes create an environment where diners can de-stress and enjoy their meals. This sense of tranquillity can encourage customers to linger longer, savour their food, and, ultimately, spend more.
Royalty – Free Jazz Music
Background Sounds is a specialist provider of royalty-free music. That’s music you can play without a PRS PPL Music Licence. We supply businesses across the UK with background music at a fraction of the cost of a music licence.
Can Restaurants Play Jazz Music Without a PRS PPL Licence?
Yes, if the music is royalty-free.
A PRS PPL licence is required when playing copyrighted commercial music. However, royalty-free jazz music can be played legally in public spaces without paying PRS or PPL, because the artists are licensed differently.
This makes royalty-free music a cost-effective alternative for restaurants.
Royalty-Free Jazz Music for Restaurants
Background Sounds provides royalty-free music for restaurants, including professionally curated jazz playlists designed specifically for hospitality environments.
With a subscription, restaurants get:
- access to a playlist library with over 60 playlists (including jazz)
- regular new music updates
- predictable, low monthly or annual pricing
- Certificate of subscription for PRS PPL records – paid members only.
Music is streamed online and is easy to set up using existing devices.
Jazz Music for Restaurants: FAQs
Is jazz good background music for restaurants?
Yes, jazz is widely regarded as one of the best background music genres for restaurants because it enhances the atmosphere without overpowering conversation.
Do I need a PRS PPL licence to play jazz music in my restaurant?
Yes, if the jazz music is copyrighted. If you use royalty-free jazz music, you can play it legally without a PRS PPL licence.
Will customers notice if I switch to royalty-free jazz music?
Most customers won’t notice the change; they’ll simply experience a relaxed, professional atmosphere. That’s the goal of good background music.
Summary: Why Jazz Works for Restaurants
Jazz music is:
- sophisticated and timeless
- ideal for conversation
- widely appealing
- relaxing for diners
When paired with royalty-free music, it becomes a smart, affordable way to enhance ambience while reducing licensing costs.
Free 7-Day Trial – Royalty-Free Restaurant Music
Try our royalty-free jazz music in your business for seven days! You’ll get full access to our playlist library, and we’ll be on hand if you need any help getting set up streaming your music or if you have any licensing questions.
Click HERE to get your free trial started today.
About Us
We’re Mel and Grant, co-founders of Background Sounds, which is a specialist provider of royalty-free music. That’s music you can play without a PPL PRS Music Licence. We supply businesses across the UK with background music at a fraction of the cost of a music licence because we’re passionate about making high-quality music accessible to all businesses.
