Elevator music is a pejorative term used to describe a genre of background music characterized by its unobtrusive, pleasant, and often instrumental nature, designed to be heard but not actively listened to. It is typically intended to create a soothing or neutral atmosphere in public and commercial spaces, such as elevators, waiting rooms, shopping malls, and offices.
Characteristics
The defining characteristics of elevator music include:- Subtlety: It is designed to blend into the environment and not demand conscious attention from the listener.
- Instrumental focus: Often orchestral, synthesized, or piano-based, lacking prominent vocals to maintain its non-intrusive quality.
- Simple melodies: Melodies are generally straightforward and harmonically uncomplicated, aiming for broad appeal and avoiding anything that might evoke strong emotions or distract.
- Repetitive structures: Tracks often feature predictable arrangements and repetition, contributing to their ambient quality.
- Low volume and tempo: Typically played at a low volume and moderate tempo to maintain a calm and steady mood.
- Blandness: Often criticized for its perceived lack of artistic merit, originality, or emotional depth, leading to its pejorative connotation.
Purpose
The primary functions of elevator music and similar forms of background music include:- Filling silence: Mitigating awkward or uncomfortable silence in confined or shared spaces.
- Anxiety reduction: Creating a calming environment, particularly in situations that might induce stress, such as elevator rides, dental offices, or waiting rooms.
- Ambiance creation: Shaping the mood or atmosphere of a commercial space, encouraging relaxation, productivity, or a particular customer experience.
- Noise masking: Drowning out unwanted ambient noises without becoming a distraction itself.
History and Terminology
The concept of piped-in background music emerged in the early 20th century. The term "elevator music" gained currency due to its widespread use in elevators, particularly during the mid-20th century, where it served to make short, enclosed journeys more pleasant.A prominent pioneer in this field was Muzak Holdings, a company founded in 1934 (originally named Wired Radio, Inc.). Muzak developed sophisticated programming techniques to deliver specific types of background music designed to influence mood and productivity in workplaces. The company's name became so synonymous with this type of music that "muzak" is often used generically, and often pejoratively, to refer to any bland, inoffensive background music.
Other related terms include easy listening, mood music, lounge music, and corporate ambient. While these genres share some characteristics, "elevator music" specifically emphasizes the utilitarian and often derided aspect of its deployment.