We’ve all heard it—the soft, soothing melodies that fill the air as we wait for an elevator to arrive or as we move between floors in a shopping mall or office building. It’s known by many names: “elevator music,” “muzak,” or “background music.” While often dismissed as a benign or even irritating feature of our daily lives, elevator music plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere of public spaces. But what exactly is elevator music, where did it come from, and why does it still have a place in modern society?
What Is Elevator Music?
Elevator music refers to a genre of instrumental, often slow-paced, easy-listening music played in public places like elevators, malls, airports, and lobbies. It typically features soft melodies with smooth arrangements, often using synthesizers, orchestral instruments, and soft percussion. The aim is not to draw attention but to provide a calming and unobtrusive soundscape.
The term “elevator music” became synonymous with the genre, although it extends far beyond just elevators. It’s designed to be background music—an auditory filler that complements the environment without overwhelming or distracting people from their activities.
A Brief History of Elevator Music
The origins of elevator music date back to the early 20th century when businesses started to recognize the importance of creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for customers. The story begins with the invention of Muzak, a company founded in 1934 by Georgie Price, which is now often associated with elevator music.
Muzak originally provided background music through a cable service, broadcasting tunes to businesses, stores, and public spaces. The music was engineered to be relaxing and non-intrusive, designed to soothe customers and encourage them to linger longer in stores or elevators. This type of music, composed primarily of instrumental covers of popular songs, became so ubiquitous that it became synonymous with the genre itself.
The Purpose of Elevator Music
The main goal of elevator music is to create a calm, pleasant atmosphere in spaces where silence or overly loud noise would be uncomfortable. It serves several functions:
- Reducing Anxiety: For many, elevators can be anxiety-inducing, especially when they’re in crowded or high-rise buildings. The soothing background music helps reduce feelings of claustrophobia and tension.
- Filling the Silence: The ambient sound prevents awkward silence, making spaces feel less sterile or uncomfortable. This is particularly important in places like hospitals, offices, and waiting rooms, where long periods of stillness can feel unnerving.
- Enhancing the Shopping Experience: In retail environments, elevator music has long been used to create a relaxing and enjoyable shopping experience. It encourages customers to browse leisurely, helping set a pleasant mood that can influence their purchasing decisions.
- Creating Brand Identity: For businesses, the type of music played can align with a company’s brand identity. Some upscale hotels or restaurants might play more sophisticated instrumental music, while fast-food chains might opt for more upbeat, pop-inspired background tunes.
The Evolution of Elevator Music
Over time, elevator music evolved, shedding its outdated and often cheesy reputation. In the 1980s and 1990s, the rise of ambient, chill-out, and instrumental genres led to the incorporation of more contemporary styles in background music. Today, while traditional elevator music still exists, many modern businesses opt for more diverse soundtracks that include everything from lo-fi beats to instrumental jazz.
Some innovative musicians have even turned the concept of elevator music into a form of artistic expression. For example, the genre has been reinterpreted by experimental artists who take the soothing, easy-listening sound and blend it with electronic music, creating a hybrid genre known as “chillwave” or “ambient music.”
The Psychological Impact of Elevator Music
Though it’s often seen as harmless or simply background noise, elevator music has a significant psychological impact. Research in environmental psychology shows that the right kind of music can influence mood, behavior, and even cognitive performance. The calming nature of elevator music can encourage relaxation, reduce stress, and improve concentration.
For example, a study found that customers in retail stores that played soft, soothing background music tended to spend more time shopping, which could result in increased sales. Similarly, elevator music in elevators and office spaces can help lower stress levels, making employees and visitors feel more comfortable.
Criticism and the “Muzak” Effect
Despite its benefits, Elevator Music is often criticized for being monotonous, bland, or even annoying. Some people view it as a symbol of artificiality, a way to manipulate emotions or encourage consumer behavior in an overly passive manner. The term “Muzak effect” has even been coined to describe the dull, insipid effect that background music can have on people’s energy and mental state.
As a result, many businesses and venues have begun experimenting with more diverse and dynamic soundscapes, seeking to break free from the cliché of traditional elevator music.
Elevator music may have started as a simple tool to fill space and create a calming environment, but its impact on our daily lives goes far beyond just background noise. Whether you love it or loathe it, elevator music is an integral part of our public spaces, subtly shaping the atmosphere of places where we spend our time. As music continues to evolve, so too does the role of elevator music—finding its place as both an ambient soundtrack and a cultural artifact. So next time you step into an elevator or enter a shopping mall, take a moment to appreciate the unassuming power of the music that surrounds you.