Do you think the music at IKEA could be described as reflective, earnest, carefree? Or maybe it feels upbeat and familiar? Whatever it is, it sure doesn’t sound like Muzak … you know, that ubiquitous genericized elevator music played in department stores and (egads!) the dentist’s office? Believe it or not, that’s exactly what it is… Find out more about the music at IKEA and listen to some sample audio tracks after the jump!

IKEA Music

IKEA utilizes Muzak’s satellite music delivery system, giving stores access to hundreds of music programs and the ability to schedule various music programs throughout the day – in the industry, known as dayparting – automagically. That makes for a dynamic experience which is controlled locally, by the people who run your local IKEA store.

According to Joseph Roth, Director of Public Affairs for IKEA in the US, each IKEA store manages their music independently, selecting from the multitude of musical possibilities to jive with their particular demographic, the time of day or the season. So even though Muzak has 350,000 customers and creates musical climates for all sorts of atmospheres, if you like the music at your IKEA, you have something in common with the people who work there!

We’ll highlight two of the Muzak programs that we know we’ve heard in IKEA stores around the country below, but we want to know … have you heard something different? Use the comment link above and tell us about your IKEA music experience!

Muzak’s Hitline Program

Energetic and full of spirit, Hitline is an upbeat modern mix that provides a look into what’s really going on in popular culture. If you’re looking for music that’s on the top of the pop charts, this is it. Expect to hear trends from all over the world of pop music.

Keywords: Popular, Upbeat, Familiar, Hits, Pop
Energy: Medium – High to High
Target Audience: Adults age 18-24. Youthful, popular, professional
Applications: Clothing retail, salons, restaurants, offices.

Sample Playlist:*

• Muzak Played in IKEA Stores – Listen to a sample (1:41)

Michael Franti and Spearhead – Say Hey (I Love You)
Alanis Morissette – Hands Clean
Owl City – Fireflies

Muzak’s Backpages Program

Says audio architect Dean Carlson, of the Backpages program,

Backpages is a hip and dynamic music program featuring three basic music elements. At the core of the program, you will hear the biggest artists in the adult alternative world, such as Sheryl Crow, John Mayer and Tom Petty. We also feature alternative bands like U2, R.E.M. and Guster, who focus more on songwriting and unique instrumentation. Finally, you will hear some of the more up-and-coming artists of the genre like David Gray, Jack Johnson and Norah Jones. The result is a diverse and intelligent collection of both familiar and soon-to- be-discovered acoustic-based rock music.

Sample Playlist:*

• Muzak Played in IKEA Stores – Listen to a sample (1:49)

Big Head Todd and the Monsters – Bittersweet 
Carbon Leaf – Let Your Troubles Roll By
Indigo Girls – Closer To Fine
Jack Johnson – Flake

Tags: IKEA Music, IKEA Songs, Music at IKEA, Muzak, Songs in IKEA

This entry was posted on Friday, February 12th, 2010 at 12:10 AM by Susan and is filed under IKEA Stores. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.