Music Curation Services
Helping cafés, bars, hotels, and other spaces find their sound.
Most people can tell when a space has good music.
What's harder is to describe is why.
Maybe it's a coffee shop where you end up staying longer than planned. A bar that somehow feels right from the moment you walk in. A restaurant where the music never pulls focus but would be missed if it disappeared.
Music has a huge impact on how a space feels.
When it's done well, it becomes part of the atmosphere.
That's where I come in.
[Get in Touch]
Why I Started Doing This
For years, people have come to Outer Frequencies looking for music recommendations.
While curating the record shop, newsletter, playlists, and social media, I've spent countless hours digging for records and helping people discover music they might not have found otherwise.
Eventually, I realized the same care that goes into curating a record shop or building a great playlist can also help shape how a physical space feels.
When people open a café, bar, restaurant, or hotel, they spend months thinking about the details. The chairs. The tables. The lighting. The artwork on the walls. The plates, the glassware, the paint colors.
Every decision helps create a certain feeling.
Then the music often becomes an afterthought.
But music has a way of tying everything together. It influences how a space feels, how people move through it, what they remember when they leave, and if they want to come back again.
It's often one of the last pieces of the puzzle, but sometimes it ends up being one of the most important.
My Approach
Every space has its own rhythm. Music that works at 10 AM usually isn't the music that works at 10 PM. Instead of creating one giant playlist, I curate music systems that can evolve throughout the day while still feeling connected.
Maybe that's:
- Morning coffee and conversation
- Afternoon browsing and lingering
- Early evening drinks
- Busy weekend service
Every project is different.
The goal is always the same: Create a soundtrack that feels natural to the space and the people spending time in it.
Most guests won't consciously remember every song they heard.
What they will remember is how the space felt.
The right music can help a place feel welcoming, relaxed, energetic, intimate, or alive. It becomes part of the atmosphere in the same way lighting, design, and hospitality do.
When it's done well, people don't necessarily notice the music.
They simply want to stay a little longer, and come back again.
Why Work With Me?
My name is Dylan, and I've spent the better part of my life helping people discover music.
What started as a personal passion eventually became a record shop, Outer Frequencies, where I curate records, playlists, and editorial recommendations for a global audience of music lovers. Today, more than 200,000 people follow Outer Frequencies across social media, newsletters, and music discovery platforms.
The same skills I use to help someone discover their next favorite record can also help your café, bar, hotel, or restaurant develop a soundtrack that feels distinctive, welcoming, and true to its identity.
I bring the same approach to every project: curiosity, attention to detail, and a genuine love of music.
Case Study: KLARA (Nuremberg, Germany)
One of my first music direction projects was for KLARA, a new café and bar inspired by the atmosphere of a Milan-style aperitivo.
The owners wanted the space to feel equally comfortable for a morning coffee, an afternoon aperitivo, or a late evening drink. The music needed to support all three vibes without feeling like three completely different spaces.
Together, we built three core playlists:
- Day
- Aperitivo
- Weekend
More than 50 hours of music was carefully selected to create a gradual shift in energy throughout the day while maintaining a consistent identity.
The goal wasn't to make people notice the music.
It was to make the space feel unique and complete.
Services
Full Music Direction
Custom playlist systems built around your space, your customers, and the atmosphere you're trying to create.
Playlist Reviews & Consultations
Already have playlists in place? I can review what you're currently using and provide recommendations for improving flow, consistency, and overall feel.
Ongoing Curation
For businesses that want fresh discoveries, seasonal updates, and ongoing support over time.
Let's Talk
If you're building a space and need help with the musical side of things, I'd love to hear what you're working on.
Tell me a little about your project, and we can see if it feels like a good fit.
— Dylan
Drop me a line at: info@outerfrequencies.net
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of spaces do you work with?
Mostly cafés, bars, restaurants, hotels, retail spaces, and other hospitality-focused businesses. That said, if atmosphere is important to what you're building, I'm always happy to have a conversation.
What does the process look like?
We start with a conversation about your space, your customers, and the kind of experience you're trying to create. From there, I'll develop a recommendation for the project and build a music system tailored to your needs.
Can you work with existing playlists?
Absolutely. Some clients want to start from scratch. Others already have a foundation and just need help refining it.
How long does a project take?
Most projects take between two and four weeks, depending on scope and how many playlists are involved.
How much does it cost?
Every project is different, so pricing varies depending on the size of the space and the amount of curation involved. After an initial conversation, I'll put together a proposal tailored to your needs.
Do you offer ongoing updates?
Yes. Many clients prefer to keep things fresh with seasonal updates, new discoveries, and periodic playlist refreshes.
Do I need a music license?
Businesses are generally responsible for obtaining any licenses required to publicly play music. I focus on the curation side of things and don't provide legal or licensing advice.
What platforms do you use?
Most projects are delivered through Spotify or other major streaming platforms, though I'm happy to discuss other options depending on your setup.