SEATAC, Washington — Airports are increasingly recognizing the importance of background music and are making efforts to enhance travelers’ experiences by hiring local musicians and choosing thoughtful playlists.
For instance, this summer, London’s Heathrow Airport hosted a stage for up-and-coming British artists, which turned out to be a hit, prompting them to consider bringing it back in 2025. Meanwhile, Nashville International Airport boasts five performance stages and features over 800 live acts each year, celebrating various music genres, from country to jazz. At Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic, passengers are welcomed with the upbeat sounds of live merengue music.
Travelers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport have reported enjoying performances during their layovers. Grace Idiart, a nine-year-old, mentioned how the music could uplift passengers who might be dealing with delays and frustration. “If their flight got delayed or something like that, they could have had a hard day. And so the music could have made them feel better,” she shared.
Beyond live performances, airports are also curating their recorded music selections. For example, Detroit Metro Airport features Motown classics in the tunnel that connects its terminals, while Austin-Bergstrom International Airport includes a playlist of local musicians largely organized by a regional radio station. Singapore’s Changi Airport even commissioned a unique piano piece to accompany its impressive digital waterfall.
While music in airports is not a recent concept—Brian Eno’s “Music for Airports,” released in 1978, is a notable example of ambient music designed to create a tranquil environment—the integration of technology has evolved significantly. Mood Media, the company behind much of the music in these spaces, claims that it can now customize playlists to cater to the vibe of business travelers or families based on the time of day or particular area within the airport.
Barry McPhillips, the international creative director for Mood Media, stated that the company develops playlists with specific moods in mind. For instance, more laid-back tunes might play in security lines, while upbeat tracks zone in on duty-free shopping areas. “We see it as a soundscape,” he described, explaining the deliberate choices made regarding volume, tempo, and musical keys.
In addition to high-tech music experiences, many airports have embraced low-tech by employing local artists to perform live for passengers, enhancing their connection to the locale. Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports see over 100 live performances annually, while Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport launched a live music initiative five years ago, which now features two stages with local talent.
The live music program at Seattle-Tacoma airport started about ten years ago and was inspired by a city commissioner’s experience at Austin’s airport. Tami Kuiken, the program manager, noted that the initial playlist included lesser-known artists alongside established names like Pearl Jam, but the success of their trial with live musicians led to daily performances and the construction of new performance spaces.
“People’s anxiety levels are very high when they’re traveling,” Kuiken observed, adding that feedback indicated a significant reduction in stress among passengers who encountered music after passing through security.
Musicians also reap rewards from these programs, finding paid opportunities and growing their visibility. Upon announcing its live music initiative, Colorado Springs Airport received applications from more than 150 musicians and secured two performances weekly.
David James, a singer-songwriter who performs at Seattle’s airport weekly, shared that learning to adapt to early gigs was a challenge, but he appreciated the chance to connect with fans from around the world. “I get really sweet responses from people all the time, saying, ‘That was so soothing to be able to just sit and listen to music in between flights,’” he reflected, recognizing the therapeutic element music provides.
In Nashville, well-known country artists like Blake Shelton and Keith Urban have engaged with local musicians at the airport, creating memorable experiences, with Shelton even gifting one musician a guitar.
Otto Stuparitz, a musicologist at the University of Amsterdam, advocates that airports need to select their music thoughtfully, as overly engaging tunes can detract from travelers’ experiences in such bustling environments. Some European airports have even opted to eliminate background music totally.
Despite differing opinions on music’s role in airport settings, McPhillips believes that background music can transform the ambiance. “A well-crafted audio strategy is one that people aren’t particularly cognizant of,” he stated. “They just know they’re having a good time and that it’s appropriate.”
