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 to describe is why.
Maybe it's a café 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 can have a big impact on how a space feels and whether people want to come back.
Most businesses spend months thinking about the details: the furniture, lighting, menu, branding, and atmosphere. Then someone opens Spotify and hopes for the best.
There's nothing wrong with streaming playlists, but they often create a disconnected experience. The music changes depending on who's working. The energy feels inconsistent throughout the day.
When music is done well, it becomes part of a business's identity. That's where I come in.
Why Work With Me
I'm Dylan, founder of Outer Frequencies.
For years I've helped people discover music through a record shop, newsletter, playlists, and social media community that now reaches 200,000+ music lovers worldwide.
The same curatorial approach that I use to help someone find their next favorite album can also help a business create a soundtrack that feels distinctive and memorable.
What I Do
- Custom playlists for cafés, bars, hotels, restaurants, and other spaces
- Day-to-night music programming that evolves with the space
- Periodic ongoing curation, updates, and playlist refreshes
- Feedback and recommendations for improving existing playlists.
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 without feeling like three completely different spaces.
I built three core playlists with more than 40 hours of music 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 complete.
Interested in working together?
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 - email me 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.