Smokey Robinson has denied allegations of sexual assault that were made by four unnamed women, all of whom worked as housekeepers for the Motown legend, earlier this week. In the lawsuit, which also names Robinson’s wife Frances, the women accused Robinson of rape, sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, and a hostile work environment, among other things.
In a phone call with The Daily Mail on Wednesday, May 7,Robinson briefly addressed the allegations, saying, “I am appalled.” He added, “I can’t speak about this right now.”
In a statement (via The New York Times), the 85-year-old’s lawyer Christopher Frost described the charges as “vile,” “false,” and “an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon.” He added, “We will have more to say in the coming days as we make our legal response, and in time Mr Robinson will respond in his own words. We ask anyone following this case to reserve judgment as the evidence comes to light and all the actual facts of the case unfold.”
Erika de Casier has surprise-released a new album, Lifetime, to follow up last year’s Still. The Copenhagen-based artist wrote and produced the LP between August 2023 and November 2024. Alonzo Vargas (Eartheater, Gaika) mixed and Joe Laporta (Beabadoobee, Kilo Kish) mastered the record, which was teased via a very limited run of untitled cassette tapes. Stream it below.
Moses Sumney and Hayley Williams have teamed up for a new single called ‘I Like It I Like It’. Moses Sumney co-wrote the woozy, scintilating track with quickly, quickly and co-produced it with quickly, quickly and Rob Bisel. Though it’s more in Moses Sumney’s sonic lane, the Paramore singer has no issue flaunting her R&B chops. Check it out below.
In 2025, the online casino industry is experiencing significant growth due to the emergence of mobile gaming, virtual reality (VR) and blockchain-based systems that are creating new opportunities for players to have a more immersive and secure gaming experience. Online casinos are no longer just a digital version of traditional gambling; they are evolving into dynamic platforms that offer everything from live dealer games to cryptocurrency-based gambling.
However, along with this growth comes a growing need for transparency and regulation. Players are becoming more cautious than ever and are looking for trustworthy platforms that offer fair gaming, secure transactions, and responsive customer support. As online gambling continues to expand globally, the importance of reliable reviews and ratings is becoming paramount. These platforms help players navigate the many options available, ensuring that they choose safe and trustworthy online casinos to enhance their gaming experience in 2025.
Top 5 sites with the best online casinos in 2025
As online gambling continues to grow in 2025, choosing the best casino may seem like a daunting task, but there are websites that specialize in reviewing and rating casinos based on factors such as game variety, bonuses, payment methods, security, and user experience. These comparison sites help players find the best casinos, ensuring that they have a safe and enjoyable time :
● SlotsSpot.com
● SlotsUp.com
● CasinosAnalyzer.com
● AskGamblers.com
● Casino.org
In an ever-expanding industry, it’s essential to rely on trusted sources like these to navigate the many options available. By using these websites to compare casinos, you can confidently choose the best platforms that align with your preferences, ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. With the right resources, players can maximize their chances of success and avoid the risks associated with untrustworthy casinos.
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Casinos Analyzer has a clear interface with easy site navigation.
Dozens of operators debut on the gambling scene every year. Our mission is to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
The page with games is one of the main attractions here. Available in demo mode, they show their full potential and features as if you were playing for real money.
CasinosAnalyzer is an online platform dedicated to evaluating and comparing the best online casinos in 2025. It offers players access to many casinos, slots, and bonuses, making it easy to find reliable and safe sites to play for real money. Each casino is examined according to rigorous criteria to guarantee players a reliable and enjoyable gaming experience. In addition, CasinosAnalyzer provides up-to-date information on popular payment methods, including deposit and withdrawal options available to local players.
CasinosAnalyzer also provides information on live casinos, allowing players to enjoy an immersive gaming experience with live dealers. Platform is committed to promoting responsible gambling by providing resources and advice to help players maintain healthy gaming behavior. With its unbiased reviews and comprehensive resources, the site is a valuable resource for players looking for the best online casinos in 2025.
4. Casino.org
Over 400 casinos investigated so far
7,900+ of our own free casino games for you to play
Reviews of casinos and gambling services across 200+ countries worldwide
Each review process takes around 6 staff members, 3 hours each
Casino.org is an online platform offering comprehensive information on the best online casinos available in 2025. The site offers detailed casino reviews, focusing on security, game variety, bonus offers and customer service quality. Each casino is reviewed according to rigorous criteria to guarantee players a reliable and enjoyable gaming experience. In addition, Casino.org provides up-to-date information on the legality of online gambling, emphasizing the importance of choosing licensed and regulated platforms to ensure player protection.
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Published Casinos – 3.354
Complaints Resolved – 24.336
Player Reviews – 243.267
Registered Users – 800.305
AskGamblers is a leading online casino platform offering a unique combination of unbiased reviews, expert opinions and authentic player feedback. Since its inception in 2006, the site has established itself as a trusted resource for players looking to navigate the complex world of online casinos. The site also highlights its exclusive CasinoRank system, an algorithm that rates online casinos in real time based on criteria such as security, game selection and customer service.
A distinctive feature of AskGamblers is its Casino Complaints Service (AGCCS), which allows players to submit complaints about issues such as payouts, bonuses or account management. This transparent and independent process provides players with an avenue to resolve their disputes with online casinos. In addition, AskGamblers offers a Responsible Gaming Guide, active community forums and information on affiliate programs, reinforcing its commitment to a safe and informed gaming experience.
How to choose a reliable online casino platform in 2025
The right online casino offers not only exciting games, but also secure transactions, fair play, and transparent customer service. Whether you’re an experienced player or a beginner, understanding what makes an online casino trustworthy is key to avoiding scams and enjoying your online casino experience.
Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a trustworthy online casino platform in 2025:
Licensing and Regulation:
A trustworthy casino must be licensed and regulated by a reputable authority, such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission, or the Curacao eGaming. This ensures the platform adheres to strict standards of fairness, security, and customer protection.
Game Selection and Software Providers:
Look for platforms that offer a wide variety of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. Reputable casinos partner with well-known software providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Evolution Gaming, ensuring high-quality gameplay and fair outcomes.
Payment Methods and Security:
The best online casinos provide a variety of secure payment options, including credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies. They should also use encryption technologies like SSL to protect your personal and financial information during transactions.
Bonuses and Promotions:
While promotions can be tempting, ensure that the casino’s bonus terms are transparent and fair. Avoid platforms with unclear wagering requirements or bonuses that seem too good to be true. Always check for welcome bonuses, free spins, and loyalty programs that add value to your experience.
Customer Support and Responsiveness:
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Reputation and Reviews:
Research a casino’s reputation by reading online reviews and checking independent ratings. The SlotsSpot platform offers thorough reviews and ratings to help you make an informed decision based on the experiences of other players.
A trustworthy platform will not only offer you the best gaming experience but also ensure your safety and security. By following these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the online casino landscape and enjoy a secure and fair gambling experience. Always remember to read reviews, check for regulatory compliance, and ensure the casino uses the latest security measures to protect your personal and financial information.
Conclusion
While there are plenty of online casinos out there, relying on trusted sources like SlotsSpot, Casino.org, AskGamblers and others can provide you with valuable insights. These platforms offer thorough reviews and ratings to help you make informed decisions. Don’t forget to always check for a license, transparent bonuses, and secure payment methods before signing up. This way, you will ensure an enjoyable and safe online casino experience in 2025.
FAQ
How do I know if an online casino is trustworthy?
A trustworthy online casino should be licensed by a reputable authority like the MGA or UK Gambling Commission. Additionally, the platform should offer secure payment methods, a variety of fair games, and responsive customer support.
What should I look for in an online casino bonus?
Look for transparent terms and conditions, including clear wagering requirements. Avoid bonuses that seem too good to be true and ensure they offer real value, such as free spins and loyalty rewards.
Can I play at online casinos on my mobile?
Yes, most reliable online casinos are optimized for mobile devices either through dedicated apps or mobile-friendly websites. This ensures a seamless experience while playing on the go.
How can I find the best online casino for me?
Research online casino reviews and rankings on trusted websites like SlotsSpot, SlotsUp,
CasinosAnalyzer and others. Consider factors like licensing, game variety, payment methods, bonuses, and customer support to find the best platform for your needs.
There’s so much music coming out all the time that it’s hard to keep track. On those days when the influx of new tracks is particularly overwhelming, we sift through the noise to bring you a curated list of the most interesting new releases (the best of which will be added to our Best New Songs playlist). Below, check out our track roundup for Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Fiona Apple – ‘Pretrial (Let Her Go Home)’
Fiona Apple previously scored and narrated a PSA about court-watching, and she hones in on the subject on her first new song since Fetch the Bolt Cutters. As protest anthems go, ‘Pretrial (Let Her Go Home)’ is as raw and to the point as it gets. “I was a court watcher for over two years,” Apple shared. “In that time, I took notes on thousands of bond hearings. Time and time again, I listened as people were taken away and put in jail, for no other reason than that they couldn’t afford to buy their way free. It was particularly hard to hear mothers and caretakers get taken away from the people who depend on them. For the past five years, I have been volunteering with the Free Black Mamas DMV bailout, and I have been lucky to be able to witness the stories of women who fought for and won their freedom with the tireless and loving support of the leadership. I hope that this song, and the images shared with me, can help to show what is at stake when someone is kept in pretrial detention. I give this song in friendship and respect to all who have experienced the pain of pretrial detention and to the women of the group’s leadership who have taught me so much and whom I truly love.”
Nourished by Time – ‘Max Potential’
Nourished by Time has announced a new LP, The Passionate Ones, with the glistening, sumptuous ‘Max Potential’. Marcus Brown worked on the project, which follows 2023’s Erotic Probiotic 2 and last year’s Catching Chickens EP, in Baltimore, London, and New York.
Matt Berninger – ‘Inland Ocean’
The National’s Matt Berninger has shared ‘Inland Ocean’, the sparkling opening track of his upcoming solo album Get Sunk. Co-written with the Walkmen’s Walter Martin, the song features backup vocals from Julia Laws, otherwise known as Ronboy. “God loves the inland ocean,” they sing, “Lost cause, I have no emotion.”
DJ Haram – ‘Voyeur’
DJ Haram has announced her debut solo album, Beside Myself, which features guest spots from Armand Hammer, Bbymutha, her 700 Bliss bandmate Moor Mother, and more. The producer likened its clanging lead single ‘Voyeur’ to“the voices in my head screaming wordlessly while I’m at the center of a moshpit on research chemicals. Someone is like, ‘You’re gonna make it boo, promise, just wait it out’ — but the future doesn’t exist in this mind state, so does that really matter?”
Frankie Cosmos – ‘Bitch Heart’
“My bitch heart is aflutter/ It can be such a fucker,” Greta Kline sings on the latest single Frankie Cosmos’ forthcoming album Different Talking, which is quite a lovely way to describe goosebumps. It comes with a video directed by Eliza Lu Doyle, who commented: “To me, the song is about being torn between the comforts of domesticated life and your innate wildness. There’s a yearning for a more feral time — before you touched your fucking phone all day. So we made Greta into a dog-shepherd, someone who straddles those two realms. Meanwhile, the band performs a line dance that’s somehow constrained and exuberant at once. Everything is shot in the dark, using infrared and thermal cameras, hovering in the not-quite-real.”
Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band – ‘New Threats From The Soul’
Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band have announced a new album, New Threats From The Soul, out July 25, and shared the title track. The rambling, nine-minute country-rock track features backup vocals from former Freakwater singer Catherine Irwin, while Will Oldham, Lou Turner, and Myriam Gendron also feature on the project.
One Step Closer – ‘Jinx’
One Step Closer’s latest single ‘Jinx’ starts with a melancholy guitar line, but it doesn’t take long to ramp up. It arrives with a video directed by the band, whose guitarist Russ Thompson said: “I was inspired by director Andrei Tarkovsky: come up with a strange concept and make it look pretty. My goal was that if you paused the video at any moment you could print it out and hang it on your wall. Just make a pretty video with my pretty friends. This was all done within two weeks. Three days of filming (one day, one half day, then four hours) and then the rest was editing. I made the first rough draft in iMovie as the demo, then my friend Layne, who also shot it, translated everything into Premiere. This was a group effort and fun project to work on with all the homies.”
Cola – ‘Mendicant’
“What was that the pope just said?” guitarist/vocalist Tim Darcy wonders on Cola’s new single, ‘Mendicant’, which features a delightfully surprising woodwind section. “’Mendicant’ came together quickly for us in our usual writing flow, but it was really asking for another element in the mix,” Dacy explained. “Ben gamely took a stab at tracking whistle and Uilleann Pipes, an instrument he’s been learning in his spare time. Add that to his discogs profile, friends, because he laid down the heat. The lyrics are a playful investigation of being a humble beggar of sorts, a person freed from need with their aura primed to headnod to some whistle.”
Lifeguard – ‘Under Your Reach’
Chicago trio Lifeguard are gearing up for the release of their Matador debut Ripped and Torn, and today they’ve shared a dancey yet discordant new single, ‘Under Your Reach’. The accompanying music video, directed by Liam Barton, outlines drummer Isaac Lowenstein’s post-high-school plans and opens with the disclaimer: “This music video was hard to arrange – what with Isaac’s school load, Asher’s bouts of temporal confusion, Kai’s being an on-call surgeon.”
Lawn – ‘Sports Gun’
Lawn – the New Orleans duo of Mac Folger and Rui De Magalhaes have signed to Exploding in Sound, marking the announcement with the fantastic new single ‘Sports Gun’. About it, Rui De Magalhaes shared: “Sports Gun is supposed to be written from the point of view of a coach/parental figure who pushes the subject to their absolute limit without regard for them otherwise. It came from a short story I wrote pre-pandemic. The idea was that any trauma — long or short term notwithstanding — would only be implied, if that, and that we only get to experience the narrative through a very thin, biased lens. It’s a frail attempt at writing something inspired by Julio Cortazar, but I still thought it fit the drive of the song. It is supposed to be more about the lengths some people go to accomplish something, conflating happiness with ambition, and overall being inept at being content.
“I knew that we were going to an actual studio this time around,” he added, “so we built the song around the idea that it would sound ‘heavier’ for us. We had wanted to record with Greg [Obis] and really loved the sound he was getting from his own music, so we were open to the notion of layering as much noise as we could. The original demo had a slightly different beat, and I sort of rapped the lyrics. Once we got into the studio and everyone started adding their own take, I just went for the yell instead.”
No Windows – ‘Tricky’
A few days ahead of the release of their The Great Traitor EP, Edinburgh duo No Windows have previewed it with the strikingly intimate ‘Tricky’. Morgan Morris said it’s “as much of a love song as we’ll likely ever write. Verity and I are quite cynical people so sometimes love songs can seem benign to us. There’s definitely a time and a place though. Sometimes there’s this beautiful cohesion that occurs between us, it was a joy writing this song despite its deceivingly difficult guitar part that I loathe playing live, hence the song’s name.”
Hayden Pedigo – ‘I’ll Be Waving As You Drive Away’
Texas-born and Oklahoma City-based fingerstyle guitarist Hayden Pedigo has unveiled ‘I’ll Be Waving As You Drive Away’, the title track of his forthcoming record. It’s the “least like me” song on the album, Pedigo said, but its sincerity shines through. “The title is based on a 1978 episode of Little House on The Prairie that still crushes me to this day (look up the synopsis if you have never seen it,” he explained. “Actually, just go watch the episode if you can). It’s a lot different than anything I have ever written before. It has this almost Chet Atkins/Merle Travis bounce to it that I’ve never before on a song. It’s pulling from the classic 1950s chord progressions that I’m a sucker for. It’s like Merle Travis’s version of ‘I’ll See You in My Dreams’ flipped on its head. The opening chord clusters are kind of the Wizard of Oz moment where the screen turns to color and it kind of brings the sense of wonder and mystery I really love. It ends the album on the purest/sweetest note possible and feels like the absolute perfect way to end this record.”
Andy Jenkins – ‘Blue Mind’
Richmond, VA artist Andy Jenkins has announced a new album, Since Always, which was produced by Sylvan Esso’s Nick Sanborn. It’s out June 27, and the pensive lead single ‘Blue Mind’ is out now. “Here is a song about falling in love and wondering if it will last,” Jenkins stated. “I tend to be optimistic but we all have spells of darkness, call it the blue mind, the sad mind, the lost mind. Entering into an understanding with another person will not change that, but there’s comfort in camaraderie. Also, it could be a love song for the sun.”
Pictureplane – ‘Heaven Is a State of Mind’
The Depeche Mode comparisons will be hard to avoid on this one, but that’s certainly not a bad thing – in fact, it was Travis Egedy’s intention. “I’ve always been of the opinion and feeling that our external reality is of our own design,” he said of the new Pictureplane song. “The idea of ‘Heaven’ as not some sort of physical destination or place, but as a state of being within yourself. Nirvana basically. I suppose that is what the song is about. Producing this song I was really sort of trying to write a song that sounded like Depeche Mode — a proper romantic, industrial goth pop song.”
Artificial Go – ‘Hallelujah’
Artificial Go have dropped ‘Hallelujah’, the propulsive second single from the Cincinnati band’s new effort Musical Chairs.
CMAT – ‘Take a Sexy Picture of Me’
CMAT calls ‘Take a Sexy Picture of Me’, the second single off her upcoming album EURO-COUNTRY, “one of the best songs she’s ever written.” In a statement, she expounded: “With the internet, every woman is now in the public eye. And no matter who you are, or what you look like, somebody will take umbrage with the fact that you even exist, and there’s no escaping it. ‘Take a Sexy Picture of Me’ was born out of that, because I held back for so long; not out of frustration or sadness for myself, because I AM in the public eye, but I realised it’s actually like this for every woman. It’s all women, all the time. That song is me calling out anyone who criticised my weight or how I looked… and it’s one of the best songs I’ve ever made.”“one of the best songs she’s ever written.”
DJ Haram has announced her debut solo album, Beside Myself, which releases July 18 via Hyperdub. It features guest appearances from Armand Hammer, Bbymutha, her 700 Bliss bandmate Moor Mother, August Fanon, Dakn, SHA RAY, and Jersey club producer Kay Drizz. Check out lead single ‘Voyeur’ below.
DJ Haram described the clanging instrumental as “the voices in my head screaming wordlessly while I’m at the center of a moshpit on research chemicals. Someone is like, ‘You’re gonna make it boo, promise, just wait it out’ — but the future doesn’t exist in this mind state, so does that really matter?”
DJ Haram’s debut EP for Hyperdub, Grace, landed in 2019.
Beside Myself Cover Artwork:
Beside Myself Tracklist:
1. Walking Memory
2. Remaining [feat. Dakn and Aquiles Navarro]
3. Fishnets [feat. Bbymutha, Sha Ray and August Fanon]
4. Lifelike [feat. Moor Mother]
5. Voyeur
6. Do U Love Me [feat. Kayy Drizz]
7. Stenography [feat. Armand Hammer]
8. IDGAF [feat. Abdul Hakim Bilal]
9. Badass [feat. Carmen Nebula]
10. Loneliness Epidemic
11. Sahel [feat. El Kontessa]
12. Distress Tolerance
13. Who Needs Enemies When These Are Your Allies?
14. Deep Breath (An Ending)
Nourished by Time – the project of Baltimore singer-songwriter Marcus Brown – has announced a new LP. The Passionate Ones, the follow-up to 2023’s Erotic Probiotic 2 and last year’s Catching Chickens EP, arrives August 22 via XL Recordings. In addition to Baltimore, the artist worked on the record in London and New York. Its sumptuous lead single, ‘Max Potential’, is out today alongside a video directed by and starring Brown. Check it out and find the album cover and tracklist below.
The Passionate Ones Cover Artwork:
The Passionate Ones Tracklist:
1. Automatic Love
2. Idiot in the Park
3. Max Potential
4. It’s Time
5. Cult Interlude
6. 9 2 5
7. Crazy People
8. Jojo [feat. Tony Bontana]
9. Baby Baby
10. Tossed Away
11. When the War Is Over
12. The Passionate Ones
Fiona Apple has returned with a new song, ‘Pretrial (Let Her Go Home)’. A protest anthem about a woman unable to make bail, it marks the singer-songwriter’s first solo original track since 2020’s Fetch the Bolt Cutters. The song, which is completely raw and to the point, arrives with a music video filmed by Zealous founder Scott Hechinger. Made in support of the Free Black Mamas DMV initiative, it uses home footage of women who have been detained before trial. Check it out below.
Apple has also launched Let Her Go Home website where you can donate, find local bail funds, and learn more about court-watching. She previously scored and narrated a PSA about the subject. Discussing the new song and the cause behind it, she said:
I was a court watcher for over two years. In that time, I took notes on thousands of bond hearings. Time and time again, I listened as people were taken away and put in jail, for no other reason than that they couldn’t afford to buy their way free. It was particularly hard to hear mothers and caretakers get taken away from the people who depend on them. For the past five years, I have been volunteering with the Free Black Mamas DMV bailout, and I have been lucky to be able to witness the stories of women who fought for and won their freedom with the tireless and loving support of the leadership. I hope that this song, and the images shared with me, can help to show what is at stake when someone is kept in pretrial detention. I give this song in friendship and respect to all who have experienced the pain of pretrial detention and to the women of the group’s leadership who have taught me so much and whom I truly love.
If you’re an avid gamer, then there are always areas in which you can improve your gaming efforts. Whether that’s for the purpose of satisfying your own gaming enjoyment, or you’re looking to play with others, or take it to a professional level.
If you’re looking to amp up your gaming skills, here are five strategies to make you a better player. Even the best can improve their gameplay.
Practice regularly
When it comes to getting better at anything in life, practice makes perfect. As a gamer, it’s a good benefit to practice your gameplay regularly. Even if you’re not playing seriously in the moment, the more time you dedicate to practicing, the better you’re likely to become as a result.
By getting into the practice, you’re going to find new strategies and ways of gaming that will make you better at the game itself. Try to incorporate more time and gameplay where you can in order to improve your efforts. It might be an extra hour here or there that can make all the difference to how enjoyable your gaming becomes when you’re succeeding.
Optimize your setup
Whether you’re doing a word search online or playing on an open map game, there’s always a benefit to optimizing your setup. In general, you want to enjoy your gameplay, and being comfortable in the environment you’re in is highly important.
With that being said, consider what gaming setup you have currently. Perhaps you could do with a new monitor to enjoy the games you’re playing? Or maybe it’s all about the computer you have currently and wanting to update it with a faster and more efficient model?
Don’t forget about adding to the senses too, with certain home fragrances to the space and audible additions like a soundbar or sound system.
Analyze your gameplay
Analyzing your gameplay afterwards is important because it can help you to spot things that you perhaps didn’t realize were there during your gameplay.
Watching your replays instead of skipping past them is a good way to see how well you performed or what improvements could be made to make your gameplay better next time around. It’s even better if you can record your gameplay in full in order to see more of your performance.
Watch others
Watching others is certainly a lot of fun when it comes to gaming. You can also learn a lot more about gaming or gaming in general by watching others play. For some people, learning firsthand is the easiest way of improving, but others might find it beneficial to watch others in order to improve.
Try out new games
Finally, make sure to try out new games when it comes to amping up your gaming skills. Look at what games you could try, and whether these are in a new genre of gaming or not, they will surely help improve your skillset as well as your enjoyment with games in general.
Amping up your gaming skills is important, so use these tips to maximize the potential you have.
Music is far more than a pleasant backdrop in commercial spaces. It acts as an invisible yet powerful force that shapes how customers feel, behave, and remember their experiences. Businesses that recognize music’s potential are tapping into an emotional channel that drives satisfaction, loyalty, and brand recognition. Here, we explore how music triggers emotional responses that enhance customer experiences, supported by research and real-world examples, while demonstrating how businesses of any size can use music strategically to strengthen their customer connections.
The Emotional Impact of Music on Customers
Research consistently shows that music profoundly influences emotional states. Studies reveal that fast and upbeat music boosts arousal and pleasure, leading to positive attitudes and more engaged behaviors among customers. In contrast, slower and softer music can induce relaxation and comfort, encouraging shoppers to linger and explore. The tempo, style, and volume of music playing in a business environment can subtly yet significantly alter customer emotions.
This emotional modulation is directly linked to tangible outcomes such as increased dwell time, higher spending, and enhanced customer satisfaction. By choosing the right musical atmosphere, businesses can create environments where customers feel good, stay longer, and are more likely to return.
Music as a Tool for Experience Design
Intentional music selection, known as music curation, plays a pivotal role in experience design. Rather than relying on random playlists or generic background tracks, successful businesses carefully curate music that aligns with their brand identity and customer expectations.
Tailored playlists allow businesses to shape perceptions and guide customer behavior. For instance, lively music in a casual restaurant can encourage faster turnover, while mellow tunes in a boutique can invite customers to browse leisurely. Music becomes an active design element that influences mood, movement, decisions, and memory formation within the space.
Enhancing Brand Recall and Identity Through Music
Music has a powerful ability to reinforce brand identity and improve memorability. When the style and tone of the music match a brand’s image, such as classical music underscoring luxury or indie tracks emphasizing creativity, the business becomes more distinctive and valued in the customer’s mind.
Research demonstrates that congruence between music and brand values enhances perceived value and customer recall. Customers are more likely to associate positive traits with a brand that resonates with their musical preferences. Over time, this alignment strengthens loyalty because customers feel a deeper emotional connection to the brand.
Real-World Examples of Music in Action
Leading brands provide strong examples of music’s impact on customer experience. Starbucks curates playlists that shift throughout the day to maintain a cozy and inviting ambiance, supporting their brand promise of comfort and community. Abercrombie and Fitch plays loud and high-energy tracks to appeal to their young and energetic target audience, creating a dynamic shopping environment that mirrors their brand image. IKEA selects soft background music to promote a relaxed and homey atmosphere, encouraging customers to take their time and immerse themselves in the showroom experience.
Cafés and restaurants of all sizes can benefit from customised music programs that create welcoming environments, encouraging customers to stay longer and order more. Thoughtfully selected playlists tailored to the setting can make a real difference, whether you’re exploringmusic for cafés and coffee shops or looking intostreaming music in restaurants to enhance the dining experience.
Practical Considerations for Businesses
For businesses aiming to leverage music effectively, aligning musical choices with brand identity and customer preferences is critical. A polished music program should feel like an extension of the brand itself, enhancing the experience without overpowering it. Background music for growing businesses can play a pivotal role in shaping the atmosphere, helping to establish a distinctive identity and making a strong impression on customers from the outset.
Gathering customer feedback on music selection can offer valuable insights, allowing businesses to fine-tune playlists and strengthen loyalty. Small surveys or casual feedback conversations can reveal how the music is being received and what adjustments might be needed to better suit the clientele.
Importantly, music is a scalable tool. Whether operating a single boutique or managing multiple restaurant locations, businesses can apply the same principles of curation and customization to create consistent and memorable experiences across all venues.
Conclusion
Music is a powerful and often underestimated element of customer experience design. Businesses that use music strategically can create environments that evoke positive emotions, encourage longer visits, and leave lasting impressions. Whether small shops or multi-location brands, companies of all types can harness the emotional and branding power of music to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.
