Entertainment
Christmas Music for Retailers: The 2022 Guide to Boost Holiday Shopper Sales
Every year as we approach the holiday season, retail stores of all shapes and sizes start to fill up with scores of customers looking to score the best holiday shopping deals possible. You want to offer your customers a great experience that will keep them coming back time and time again. To do this, you’ll need to give your retail store personality and offer an experience that makes it someplace worth going to, and even better, telling your friends about too.
Music can be the key to adding this personality, but you need to make sure that the songs and playlists you choose are in line with the type of brand you have established first. When you can make your holiday music fit within your brand experience, it’s easy for customers to feel like they belong there, which will help them enjoy their Christmas shopping even more so.
But did you know you need to license the background music you play at your retail location(s)? You’re not alone if you’ve never heard of royalty-free music. Most people know what many things are but aren’t that familiar with the terms associated with them. If you need to learn what royalty-free means, here’s a quick definition. To license music for your business means that you can directly use it for your own benefits without having to pay any form of royalties to the owner(s). It’s a bit more complicated than that, which is why it pays to have some of the basics under your belt if you’re thinking about going this route.
Timing Is Everything – Don’t Start Playing Christmas Music Too Soon
The holidays are the most important time of year for retailers, and music is one of the most important elements that can help make or break your season. But if you don’t start playing your Christmas music too early, you can avoid losing customers who might be annoyed by too much Christmas music being played in October and November. You want to start playing your holiday songs closer to or right after Thanksgiving has passed along with Black Friday too. You want to start playing your holiday background music when people start thinking about what they want for Christmas, but not before they’ve finalized all the details.
Use a Music Streaming Platform That Is Legal for Businesses
The last thing you want is for an attorney to come into your store because they heard Christmas music being played from your store and then find out that it was being played illegally without proper business music licensing. That could prove to be pretty for business, especially if you get slapped with a cease & desist order, or worse, a lawsuit! Make sure that whatever music streaming platform you use has permission from artists and labels to let businesses play their music legally (e.g., Spotify).
Work Christmas Music into Your Streaming Music Without Letting the Christmas Music Overtake Everything
Christmas music for retailers is typically playing everywhere during the holiday season. You are guaranteed to hear it playing in the background at mom & pop retail shops, department stores, shopping malls, restaurants, schools, corporate offices, and more. This makes it difficult to stand out from the crowd with your Christmas music playlist choices. You don’t have to go overboard with Christmas tunes either — just keeping them in the background is enough to get shoppers in the holiday spirit.
Stay On-Brand by Playing Your Typical Genres
The best way to keep customers returning throughout December is by staying true to your brand identity and using genre preferences as an indicator of that identity. For example, if your store predominantly sells children’s toys and clothes, then playing classical music might not be appropriate because it doesn’t reflect who you are or what your brand stands for.
Try Alternatives to Overplayed Classics
Many people associate certain Christmas tunes with their childhoods or other special moments. But all too often, these same songs become so ubiquitous that they lose their charm. Try alternatives if you’re sick of hearing “White Christmas” every time you walk into a store or restaurant.
How Can You Legally Stream Spotify Playlists?
The popularity of streaming services has made it easier than ever for retailers to play quality music without breaking copyright laws. Services like Spotify allow you to create playlists based on artists and genres licensed for commercial use — meaning, with proper commercial licensing, they can be played in stores without getting sued by record labels or publishers.
Why Do You Need to License Music?
To start off, here are just a few reasons why licensing music matters. You’re responsible for protecting your brand’s image, reputation, and integrity — ensuring everything you do is within the law.
You want customers to have a positive experience when they enter your store or visit your website. Your brand’s image plays into this as well. If people associate your business with certain songs or artists and then listen to them while shopping elsewhere, you could lose business and customers because they’re already “in the mood” for something else when they walk into your store!
Music is a powerful way to engage customers, create an emotional connection, and boost holiday sales. It’s also the most cost-effective way to differentiate your brand from competitors. That’s why many retailers are already using music in their stores. And there are many ways to use Christmas music for retail that can help you grow sales at your store this holiday season.
Soundtrack Your Brand Can Legally License Music for Your Retail Business
Holiday music has been a staple of retail stores for decades. From a simple radio to the latest digital jukebox, customers can expect to hear holiday tunes in your store as soon as Thanksgiving hits.
Holiday music is a tried-and-true way to create an inviting and festive atmosphere that can bring customers into your store. But how do you choose the right music for your store? And how can you make sure it’s legally licensed?
Soundtrack Your Brand is a leader in this space and can definitely help answer those questions. From the legality of playing Christmas music at your store, to choosing the right sound system for your business, they have everything you need to know about playing Christmas music in your retail business.
If you want to help boost sales, find the right holiday music. When you start playing Christmas music too early, though, it might cause burnout. You need to find the right balance and keep it on-brand. And, if you’re shopping for a music streaming service, ensure you’re following the license rules, so you don’t get sued in 2022 or 2023 for that matter.
Entertainment
Notes from the Heart: Lartist Yan on Music, Motivation, and ‘Second Chance’
By Mj Toledo
US rising singer, songwriter, producer, and beatmaker Lartist Yan has always believed that music is a universal language, and his recent rise in the industry proves he’s fluent in it. With his new hit song “Second Chance” and upcoming tour, fans nationwide eagerly anticipate his old-school soul and contemporary flair, as Lartist Yan blends genres such as Country Blues, Reggae, Pop, RnB/Soul, Ballad, Folk, and Soul/Blues into his captivating performances. The rising star discusses his songwriting process and how he is turning real-life challenges into chart-topping hits that speak to the soul.
Q: Can you share the creative process behind “Second Chance”? What inspired the melody and lyrics?
Lartist Yan: Of course. “Second Chance” was quite an experience for me. It all started one night when I was sleeping, and I suddenly heard this melody playing in my ears, as if someone was playing it to me from afar. It was a mysterious, compelling melody that demanded to be heard. I immediately woke up and started working on it, trying to capture the essence of what I had heard in my dream.
The lyrics were born from a personal experience of betrayal and disappointment. I had been let down by someone I loved at the time, and this song became a way for me to process those emotions.
But more than just expressing pain, I wanted “Second Chance” to offer hope. The message is that everyone deserves a second chance and that failure can often be the beginning of something great.
Q: Your music is like a combination of various genres. How do you balance these different influences in your songwriting?
Lartist Yan: What an interesting question. I really do not have a strict formula. I just let my inner self guide me. Listening to so many genres gave me a broad musical palette to work.
When I write a song, I naturally draw from these influences, picking elements that best express the emotion or story I am trying to convey.
We should not confine music to rigid genre boundaries. Instead, I aim to create a sound that is authentic to me, often resulting in a fusion of styles. For example, in “Second Chance,” you will hear elements of old-school RnB mixed with modern pop production techniques. This honors my musical roots while also creating something fresh.
Q: “Second Chance” has quickly climbed the charts in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Why do you think listeners love it so much?
Lartist Yan: I believe the universal theme of hope and redemption in “Second Chance” resonates most with listeners. We have all experienced setbacks in life, and the idea that we can bounce back and deserve another opportunity speaks to people. I am truly humbled and grateful that “Second Chance” has touched so many people and found its way onto the charts.
Q: You have mentioned multiple times that your music addresses real-life challenges. How do you translate personal experiences into chart toppers?
Lartist Yan: Translating personal experiences into universal themes is at the heart of my songwriting process. I believe that even though our individual experiences are unique, many often share the emotions we feel.
When I write about a personal challenge or situation, I focus on the emotions and the broader lessons learned rather than getting caught up in specific details that only apply to me.
For example, with “Second Chance,” I think about how others might relate to my feelings and what words or melodies might resonate with them. It is about finding the common thread in our human experiences so listeners can see themselves in the music, even if their circumstances differ.
Q: Can you tell us about your upcoming single, “The Wave of Love”? How does it differ from or build upon “Second Chance”?
Lartist Yan: While “Second Chance” focuses on themes of redemption and new beginnings, “The Wave of Love” explores the power of genuine, true love and how authentic love can impact our lives.
Musically, “The Wave of Love” builds upon the soulful foundation of “Second Chance” but introduces new elements that reflect the song’s theme. You will hear a more expansive sound. I cannot wait for everyone to listen to it and experience this new aspect of my artistry.
Q: You’ve won several prestigious awards before releasing your first single. How have these accolades impacted your career?
Lartist Yan: Winning those awards in Russia was a turning point for me. It was not just about the recognition; it also gave me a huge confidence boost in my abilities as a performer.
When starting, you often doubt yourself, wondering if you have what it takes. But standing on those stages, receiving the Golden Voice of Russia and the other awards, was like a confirmation that I was on the right path.
Those accolades also opened up a lot of doors for me. I got to share the stage with some major stars in Moscow, which was an incredible learning experience. It exposed me to a broader audience and helped me understand what it takes to perform consistently at a high level. But more than anything, it fueled my passion to keep pushing, improving, and bringing my music to an even bigger stage – which is why I am so excited about my move to the U.S. market now.
Q: As both a songwriter and beatmaker, how do you approach the production process for your tracks?
Lartist Yan: It is very organic and intuitive. It usually starts with a feeling or an experience I want to express. Sometimes, like with “Second Chance,” the melody comes to me in a dream, and I build from there.
Other times, I will start with a beat or a chord progression that captures the emotion I am trying to convey. I do not like to force the process. I believe the best music comes when you let it flow naturally.
Q: How do you balance creating personally meaningful and commercially appealing music?
Lartist Yan: That is a great question, and I think about it a lot. For me, the key is to always start with authenticity. If a song is significant to me, if it comes from a genuine place of emotion or experience, then it has the potential to connect with others. That connection is what makes music commercially appealing in the long run.
Of course, I am not naive about the realities of the music industry. I pay attention to trends and what is resonating with audiences. But instead of trying to copy what is popular, I look for ways to incorporate those elements into my style.
Q: You’re preparing for your first U.S. tour. What can fans expect from your live performances?
Lartist Yan: I am incredibly excited about my first U.S. tour. Regarding the setlist, I’ll perform songs from my debut album, including ‘Second Chance,’ some memorable covers, and tracks from my debut EP. I also plan to include interactive elements to connect with the audience.
My band and I have been rehearsing extensively to guarantee that we deliver a tight, energetic show that brings the studio recordings to life. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to my music, I promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
We will start the “Discover Me” Tour in Los Angeles, then head to Washington, D.C., and New York City. After that, we will be in Seattle, Chicago, and wrap up in Dallas in 2024-2025.
Q: What are your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Lartist Yan: My long-term vision is to become a global artist who can touch people’s lives through music, regardless of where they are from or what language they speak. I also want to create music that entertains and brings positive change.
To achieve these goals, I am focusing on a few key things. First, I am constantly working on my craft – writing, producing, and performing as much as possible to keep improving. I am also very committed to building genuine connections with my audience through music and platforms like social media.
The upcoming tour is a big part of this strategy. It is about getting out there and connecting with people face-to-face. It is a long journey, and I am excited about every step of it.
For longtime fans and new listeners, the upcoming US artist’s music provides a fresh take grounded in real experiences. With a new song and an upcoming tour in the pipeline, the world is about to get a “Second Chance” at falling in love with music all over again through Lartist Yan.
-
Tech4 years ago
Effuel Reviews (2021) – Effuel ECO OBD2 Saves Fuel, and Reduce Gas Cost? Effuel Customer Reviews
-
Tech5 years ago
Bosch Power Tools India Launches ‘Cordless Matlab Bosch’ Campaign to Demonstrate the Power of Cordless
-
Lifestyle5 years ago
Catholic Cases App brings Church’s Moral Teachings to Androids and iPhones
-
Lifestyle4 years ago
East Side Hype x Billionaire Boys Club. Hottest New Streetwear Releases in Utah.
-
Tech6 years ago
Cloud Buyers & Investors to Profit in the Future
-
Lifestyle4 years ago
The Midas of Cosmetic Dermatology: Dr. Simon Ourian
-
Health5 years ago
CBDistillery Review: Is it a scam?
-
Entertainment5 years ago
Avengers Endgame now Available on 123Movies for Download & Streaming for Free