Managing Live Music Volume in Bars and Restaurants for Optimal Experience

The Impact of Loud Live Music on Social Settings

Many bar nights and nice dinners have been ruined by excessively loud live music. Whether it's an unexpected performance in a cozy café or an overpowering band at a local bar, the volume can often make it impossible to converse with friends and enjoy the evening. This issue isn't just about personal preference; it also affects the overall atmosphere and customer satisfaction.

Live music outside of concerts can be so loud that it blows out eardrums and makes it impossible to converse with friends. Imagine trying to catch up with an old friend only to find yourself shouting over a drum solo. The excessive volume can lead to overstimulation, making it hard to eat, talk, and enjoy oneself. This not only disrupts the dining experience but also deters patrons from returning.

The Role of Musicians and Management

Some musicians, like guitarists and singers in coffee shops and bars, prioritize maintaining a decent volume. These artists understand the importance of creating ambiance without overwhelming the audience. However, the issue with loud live music in non-concert settings is often due to business management, not the artists themselves.

Establishments that hire artists to perform rarely have a paid sound engineer on site to monitor the sound levels. Artists are often tasked with setting up their own sound systems with little to no oversight from staff. This lack of professional sound management can lead to inconsistent and often excessively loud performances.

Changes in Staffing and Live Music Management

The restaurant and bar industry has seen changes in staffing numbers since Covid, affecting how live music is managed. With fewer staff members available, the responsibility of managing sound levels often falls through the cracks. This has led to a rise in complaints about loud music and a decline in overall customer satisfaction.

The acceptability of live music in non-concert settings depends on the volume and the ability to get away from it if desired. A single singer and guitar player can provide ambiance without being overwhelming. On the other hand, loud music with a full drum kit can make it difficult to communicate, like asking a waitress for more ranch. The key lies in finding a balance that enhances the experience without overpowering it.

Personal Preferences and Live Music

Some people choose to sit far away from live bands or leave if they didn’t know there would be live music. Overstimulation from loud music can make it hard to eat, talk, and enjoy oneself. However, some individuals love live music so much that they will stay longer if they accidentally find a band playing. These individuals also don’t expect to have conversations in bars during "music time," typically past dinnertime.

Acoustic music is more common during daylight hours in bars and is generally more acceptable. Despite the general dislike for live music in non-concert settings, some buskers and restaurant musicians can be excellent. Exceptional musicians can play in a way that is both pleasant to the ear and non-intrusive to conversation and dining.

The Importance of Sound Management

Personal experiences with live music vary greatly; some people love even bad live music, while others find it intolerable. The volume and quality of live music can significantly impact the overall experience in bars and restaurants. Therefore, management of sound levels and the presence of sound engineers are critical factors in the success of live music in non-concert settings.

While live music can enhance the ambiance of bars and restaurants, it is crucial to manage the volume and quality to ensure a pleasant experience for all patrons. Establishments should consider hiring professional sound engineers and encouraging musicians to maintain a reasonable volume. By doing so, they can create an environment where live music adds to the enjoyment rather than detracting from it.