When people talk about commercial music strategies, they usually mean the main floor – the bar, the dining room, the retail area. But walk through almost any venue, and you’ll find something strange: silence. Hallways, restrooms, entryways. They’re often overlooked, even though they make up nearly a third of the guest journey.
At Control Play, we believe your music shouldn’t stop where your guests keep walking.
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Why the Quiet Matters
Silence in transitional zones breaks continuity. Guests notice when the vibe they’ve been enjoying suddenly disappears. It creates psychological gaps; moments when they’re no longer immersed in your brand.
And when sound does exist in these areas, it’s usually an afterthought: a forgotten playlist looping too loud or quiet, elevator music that feels out of touch, etc.
What These Spaces Communicate
Every part of your venue sends a signal. Hallways suggest flow and pace. Bathrooms convey comfort, cleanliness, and attention to detail. If your brand is energetic, ambient, refined, or playful, that personality should carry through to the “edges”.
Matching the tone in these areas builds trust. It also prevents jarring transitions that can make guests feel like they’ve stepped out of your brand momentarily.
Building Audio Zones That Work
You don’t need every zone to feel the same. In fact, contrast can be strategic. Here’s how music genres can support different purposes:
- Restrooms: Soft ambient or lo-fi tracks create a sense of calm and cleanliness. Think spa-inspired without being too slow or sleepy.
- Hallways: Mid-tempo instrumentals work well here, warm background presence that nudges flow without distraction.
- Entryways: A pared-back version of your main vibe introduces guests to the mood ahead while allowing room for conversation.
Hold music and elevator soundtracks historically filled “dead zones” but they rarely matched the brand experience. Today, these moments are an opportunity to extend your atmosphere, not compromise it.
A Quick Audit: Is Your Audio Strategy Complete?
Here’s how to spot missing zones and gaps in your soundscape:
- Music abruptly stops in bathrooms, entryways, or corridors
- Volume shifts dramatically between areas – Though lower volume doesn’t necessarily mean less impact. It can mean subtle reinforcement.
- Your audio system was only mapped for front-of-house
- You’ve never walked your space specifically listening for coverage gaps
Why It Matters
These forgotten areas aren’t just technical blind spots. They’re touchpoints. Filling them with intentional sound means creating a full experience, one that feels immersive, seamless, and well-managed.
Control Play works with you to build custom audio strategies that include every part of your venue. Not just playlists for public zones, but zoning plans, automation schedules, and the tools to make your brand feel cohesive from start to finish.
- Zoning strategies that match music to each area’s purpose and energy level
- Automation tools that adjust volume and style based on time of day and traffic flow
- Custom playlists that extend your brand voice into every space, from the front door to the back hallway
Whether you’re running a restaurant, bar, retail store, or entertainment venue, we help you create a seamless soundscape that supports your business goals and covers the entire guest journey.
