Let the Music Play
The Drinks Aren’t a Patron’s Only Concern

By Jenny Adams

   Have you ever gone to a bar and had a terrible drink? After taking that first sip, you most likely handed it back to your waitress and requested something else.
   Now, have you ever walked into a bar and realized from the first five minutes inside that the music was terrible? You most likely left the bar.
   A bad music selection, or just catering to a specific genre of music, can turn people off from as far away as the sidewalk outside your establishment. There is always the question of which to promote harder — music or drinks. But a bad music program is likely to leave a lingering more unpleasant aftertaste. In this month’s Buzztime report, Nightclub & Bar asked some pertinent questions about patrons’ musical preferences and learned that the song indeed should not remain the same.


Nightclub Sound
   In the first question of particular listening preferences inside of a nightclub, at 28 percent, the ‘80s ranked highest. This possibly is explained by the fact that the peak club ages in attendance now were born between 1981 and 1985. However, following close behind were the categories of Rock/Alternative and Hip-Hop. This should stand as a warning to nightclub owners. Sticking to one segment is unwise.


Tavern Tunes
   The second question addressed bar and tavern music selection. Rock/Alternative earned 44 percent of the vote, followed by the 1980s again at 29 percent. This questions adds to the validity and promotional power of these musical genres. Electronic goes over well with some, but the majority of the target nightlife market ranging from 21 to 35 seems to enjoy music from the by-gone era when MTV used to actually show music videos.


Live & Kickin’
   Another shocking realization came in the form of the 45 percent who claimed they preferred live music. The rising costs of live bands is correlated to the rising gas costs of travel and the highly driven  DJ craze recently. The DJ trend was bound to level off at some point, and it finally appears to be. Our suggestion? Still mix it up. You can’t go wrong with a DJ and a band. Have the DJ entertain  when the band is taking a break.


Variety –– But Not Too Much
   The final question points out plain-as-day that people desire variety. Thirty-eight percent of those polled this month answered that a slight mix in genres keeps the night moving. This does not mean your selection should slide from Barry Manilow into Megadeth back into Patsy Cline. Let your patrons know what range to expect, but then add some variety. A suggestion would be promotions based around the iPod craze or new local bands. Have your patrons bring in their iPods to DJ an evening or host a Never Heard Before night.