SEATAC, Washington — Airports are increasingly focusing on the role of background music as a way to enhance the travel experience for passengers. Many airports are now employing local musicians and thoughtfully curating playlists to uplift the atmosphere and improve travelers’ moods.
For instance, London’s Heathrow Airport introduced a stage this summer to highlight up-and-coming British talent, and due to the success of this initiative, there are hopes to bring it back in 2025. Nashville International Airport boasts five stages and hosts over 800 performances annually, showcasing a wide range of musical genres from country to jazz. Meanwhile, Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic welcomes visitors with vibrant live merengue music.
Tiffany Idiart and her nieces were charmed by the musical performances during a recent stopover at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Nine-year-old Grace Idiart shared her thoughts, stating, “If their flight got delayed or something, they might have had a tough day, and the music could improve their mood.”
Airports are not just relying on live performances; they’re also meticulously selecting recorded music. At Detroit Metro Airport, travelers can enjoy classic Motown hits in a tunnel that connects terminals, while Austin-Bergstrom International Airport features a playlist created by a local radio station. Singapore’s Changi Airport even commissioned a unique piano score to accompany its stunning digital waterfall.
Though music has long been a part of the airport experience—like Brian Eno’s pioneering 1978 album, “Music for Airports,” which laid the foundation for ambient music—recent technological advancements allow for a more customized auditory experience.
Barry McPhillips, who heads international creative for Mood Media, explained how technology enables them to tailor background music programming to specific environments and times. Mood Media, which was previously known as Muzak, creates playlists that cater to varying groups, whether it be business travelers or families, adapting the vibe as needed. Gentle tunes may play in security lines, whereas more upbeat tracks could enliven duty-free shopping. “We consider it a soundscape,” McPhillips explained. “We’re designing for all these moments.”
Their strategy involves a deliberate science to gauge volume, tempo, and even the emotional tone of the music chosen. “How do we want to affect their mood at that particular moment?” he added. Each selection is carefully curated for specific time segments throughout the traveler’s journey.
In contrast, some airports are embracing a more grassroots approach by inviting local musicians to perform and provide a sense of place. Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports host over 100 live performances each year, while Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix has introduced its own series of live shows over the past five years, featuring local talent.
Tami Kuiken, the manager of airport music in Seattle, remarked that they initiated their live music program nearly a decade ago after being inspired by a similar initiative in Austin, Texas. Initially, Seattle-Tacoma Airport created an eclectic playlist of both up-and-coming and well-known artists like Pearl Jam. After a successful 12-week trial with live performances, the airport decided to offer daily live music and is in the process of adding new performance spaces.
Travel can be stressful, and Kuiken noted the positive feedback they’ve received. “Once they get through the checkpoint and are greeted with music, many mention feeling a significant reduction in their anxiety and stress levels,” she said.
This initiative not only positively impacts travelers but also provides musicians an opportunity to earn income and gain exposure. Colorado Springs Airport saw an overwhelming response when it announced a live music program earlier this year, attracting over 150 applicants for two weekly performances.
David James, a singer-songwriter who performs regularly at Seattle-Tacoma, spoke about the adjustment to his schedule but emphasized the rewards, sharing that he receives heartfelt responses from travelers who find solace in the music during their transitions. “It feels therapeutic for many people,” he explained.
Nashville’s airport has hosted notable stars, including Blake Shelton and Keith Urban, who have engaged with local artists, creating memorable interactions. Otto Stuparitz, a musicologist from the University of Amsterdam, cautioned airports about the importance of their music choices. He pointed out that music designed to attract attention may be distracting in an already bustling environment, and some European airports have opted to turn off background music altogether.
Nevertheless, McPhillips argued that without some form of background music, the ambiance of large spaces like airports can quickly become sterile. “A well-crafted audio strategy is subtle; people may not consciously notice it, but they can feel they are having a good time,” he concluded.