What Does a Music Curator Do?
Music curators have a distinct role in creating memorable soundscapes and exciting sonic experiences. They are not the same as DJs. In fact, although both music curators and DJs can be involved in sonic branding, music programming, and event production, music curators are unique.
They focus on creating bespoke sounds and playlists for brands, events, venues, and installations. And music curators can craft the perfect soundtracks to engage clients, distinguish brands, and create next-level experiences.
Here’s how they do it.
4 Things Music Curators Do
Music curators don’t juggle live beats or spin records on turntables. Instead, they are more behind the scenes, using a combination of music knowledge, marketing strategy, psychology, and data to produce the best soundtracks for any scene. That usually means music curators do things like (but not limited to) the following.
1. Listen to Music
Music curators stay at the cutting edge of new music, constantly listening to the latest releases from independent and major labels. This gives them remarkable knowledge and a wide catalog of genres, artists, and musical stylings to choose from when it’s time to select the best options and weed out inappropriate ones.
On top of the latest music industry trends and up-and-coming talent, music curators know that different brands, venues, and situations call for their own custom soundtracks. And the best music curators are geniuses at crafting one-of-a-kind soundscapes that set the ideal mood, create a specific atmosphere, and help tell the right story.
2. Key into the Brand Needs & Goals
The only way music curators can deliver the perfect playlists is by getting to know the brand, its vision, and its goals. That can involve asking various questions to dial into the brand DNA, client demographics, and so much more. Some of those questions can include:
What is the look, feel, and ambiance of the space where the music will play?
Why are clients visiting this space? What are they looking for and what type of experience do they expect? What could enhance their experience from a sound perspective?
What time(s) of the day and/or day(s) of the week will music be playing?
How should the sound engage, motivate, or complement the staff working a space?
Does the sound need to mask confidential conversations or allow for people to converse over it?
What type of client behavior(s) should the music inspire? Should clients want to stay longer, buy more, relax, socialize, or do something else?
The answers to these and other questions can reveal the right strategies and tracks to use in curating an exceptional selection of music for any business or event.
3. Create One-of-a-Kind Playlists
Music curators, equipped with the background information they need, can now choose the best sounds and tracks to make the perfect playlist. There are no templates or formulas to follow here. Instead, music curators start with a blank canvas to put together rich, thoughtful soundtracks that truly amplify the brand's personality, values, and culture while setting them apart from competitors.
This part of the music curation process often involves strategic thinking, research, and expert insights. In assembling these soundscapes, music curators can grapple with complex but key questions like:
What’s the best ratio of new, unknown tracks versus popular, well-liked music?
What’s the ideal balance of male-to-female artists?
Should tracks include vocals, instrumentals only, or some combination of the two?
The goal is to put together the sounds that do far more than simply make some background noise or entertain clientele. It’s to produce a soundscape that evokes an emotional response while inspiring certain behaviors and moods from clients and staff.
4. Manage Content & Keep Playlists Fresh
Curated playlists are not a set-it-and-forget-it deal. In fact, once a soundscape has been created, music curators often revisit and update those collections to keep them fresh, interesting, and inspiring. That can happen routinely, as seasons change, or with new events or product launches.
As part of this service, music curators commonly manage extensive content databases, programming algorithms to make ideal music recommendations while responding to new requests and rotating in new tracks. That’s how music curators keep soundscapes current and engaging.
Talk to a World-Class Music Curator for a Custom Quote
Discover how music curation services can transform your brand, event, venue, or installation.
Contact The Music Trust for a no-obligation quote for music curations services in Chicago, San Francisco, Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, and beyond.
Our experienced music curators have decades of experience and a long-standing record of producing exceptional sound and turnkey sonic solutions.
Find out for yourself why The Music Trust is a 5-star music curation and music programming agency by contacting us today.
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