Music for New Cafe

SKH

Hi guys this is my first post- really need some help if there are any Cafe owners here that can assist me!

I am opening a Cafe in Melbourne (ideally opening next weekend but there have been lots of delays- builders driving me crazy!)  :doh:

I am trying to source music to play in my cafe and would love some advice. To obtain a license to play music to the public seems so expensive (approx $2,500 a year), I have been looking at companies that offer royalty free music to you for a fee per month (not as expensive but in the long run will probably be similar). There seems to be a limit on how much music you can download too...and I'm worried the music mightn't be suitable. I'm really stuck.

I'm wondering what do other Cafe owners do for music?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you
Sarah 

Moon

Welcome - Spare a thought for all those Bands/Musicians who need to eat too..

GeekKopi

Hi SKH and welcome to the forum There are plenty of music streaming services (spotify, iheartradio, etc) that have monthly plans (check for commercial) but you need an APRA license. See this site: http://apraamcos.com.au/music-customers/licence-types/restaurantscafes/

Brett H

on 1448327901:

Welcome - Spare a thought for all those Bands/Musicians who need to eat too..

Oh mate, you are the new favorite!  As a Muso who is often asked to justify my fee prior to the gig my only retort is 'you get what you pay for'!  In the after-performance glow fees are never questioned, just availability if you're any good!  Good music draws a crowd! Now that I've vented, I choose a good cafe that has excellent food and coffee.  If it has live music I'll avoid it because I hang with peeps which whom I want to talk.  Ditch the music and focus on the atmosphere, aesthetics and consumable product!

lukemc

Agreed. Ditch the music. You can't please everyone and I too avoid places that play music. I'd rather chat with people I'm at the cafe with.

GeekKopi

I don't mind it as long as it's in the background. Anything louder than that and I would want a beer.

Moon

I like Cafes with groovy music happening .. providing I am not having to compete with it when talking across the table .. which I find very annoying. So that means Dub style music (Beat & bass) works best for me .. simple groove in the background to add to the vibe of the place. Depends on your location and who your main customers are.