Music in Businesses: How to Get Played in Gyms and Cafés

So, you’ve got some great tracks, and now you’re probably asking yourself: how can I get my music in businesses like gyms, cafés, and retail stores where people are actually hanging out? Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a bustling gym, or even your favorite clothing store, getting your music into these spaces can not only boost your exposure but also generate some passive income.

First, let’s walk through exactly how to make this happen, step by step, without getting lost in all the confusing music licensing mumbo jumbo.

Why Music in Businesses Matters

Believe it or not, the music playing in a space can totally shape how people feel. Gyms want you pumped up, cafés want you chill, and retail stores? They want you vibing and shopping. Music sets the tone, and smart business owners know it.

Here’s why they care:

🎵 It makes the place feel good

🛒 Customers stick around longer (and spend more)

✨ It helps define their brand

😌 Even staff are happier with the right tunes

Understanding this makes it easier for you to pitch your music the right way.

🧾 Submission Readiness Checklist

Is your track fully mixed and mastered?

Do you have clean/explicit-free versions?

Is your metadata (ISRC, title, artist) accurate?

Are you registered with a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)?

Do you own 100% of your song or have sync rights?

Basically, be pro-level ready. Businesses won’t deal with messy tracks or legal grey areas.

How to Make Your Music Appealing for Businesses

Before you start pitching your music to businesses, it’s important to ensure that your tracks match their atmosphere and clientele. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Genre & Mood: Make sure your music fits the vibe of the business. For example, gyms often prefer high-energy tracks, cafés usually lean towards soft acoustic or jazz, and retail stores tend to favor catchy, trendy tunes.
• Clean & Instrumental Versions: Some venues prefer instrumental versions of songs to avoid lyrics that may distract customers.
• High-Quality Production: Professional mixing and mastering make your music sound polished and fit for commercial spaces.
• Consistency: Businesses prefer cohesive music styles rather than drastic changes in tempo or mood.

Taking these factors into account increases your chances of getting your music accepted by businesses.

Licensing: Don’t Skip This Part!

You can’t just send someone your Spotify link and expect it to be used commercially. Businesses need licensed music, they can’t legally stream from Apple Music or Spotify.

Here’s how to cover your licensing bases:

• Register with a PRO: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC – these folks collect your royalties when your song gets played. Read more about how to protect your music in our article here.
• Use background music services: Companies like Soundtrack Your Brand or Rockbot deliver licensed music directly to businesses.
• Or go DIY: Reach out and make direct licensing deals with business owners.

Where to Submit Your Music

Here are a few solid platforms that connect indie artists to businesses:

• Mood Media – Used by big brands like Starbucks.
• Soundtrack Your Brand – Think of it as Spotify for businesses.
• Cloud Cover Music – Background music for all kinds of spaces.
• Rockbot – Interactive playlists for gyms, bars, and retail.
• SiriusXM for Business – Yup, they’ve got an artist submission side too.

Each platform’s a little different, some are more selective, some need exclusivity. So read the fine print!

Quick Guide: Best Music in Businesses (Gyms, Cafés, Stores)

Venue Type	Ideal Genres	Tempo/Mood	Preferred Version
Gym	EDM, Hip-Hop, Pop	High-energy, upbeat	Clean, radio edits
Café	Jazz, Acoustic, Indie	Relaxed, ambient	Instrumentals welcome
Retail Store	Mainstream Pop, R&B, Funk	Catchy, feel-good	Polished full versions

Want to Pitch Directly? Go For It.

Sometimes, the best move is to just ask. Here’s how to approach local businesses:

• Pop in and chat with the manager.
• Offer a free trial – a playlist or a few songs.
• Build relationships: Customize playlists, check in, make it collaborative.
• Slide into DMs: Instagram, LinkedIn, email, it all works.

A lot of indie-friendly places love the idea of using music that isn’t mainstream or overplayed.

Pros and Cons of Getting Your Music Played in Businesses

Pros:

✔️ Increased exposure to new audiences
✔️ Potential for royalty earnings
✔️ Strengthens credibility as an artist
✔️ Can lead to future business collaborations

Cons:

❌ Some businesses don’t pay for music, making it harder to earn revenue
❌ Need to tailor your music to fit a specific mood
❌ Requires licensing and approval processes
❌ Can take time to build connections with businesses

Despite the challenges, getting your music played in commercial spaces is a rewarding way to expand your reach.

Once You’re In – Promote It!

Once your music is featured in a gym, café, or retail store, it’s essential to maximize the opportunity.

Ways to Promote Your Music:

• Encourage Listeners to Find You – If possible, ask businesses to display your name or promote your tracklist.
• Use Social Media – Share updates on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, letting fans know where your music is playing.
• Collaborate with Businesses – Offer exclusive content or live performances to strengthen your connection.
• Monitor Royalties – Track earnings from PROs and ensure you’re getting paid properly.

By promoting your music effectively, you can turn business placements into long-term success.

Final Take: Is It Worth Doing?

If your goal is to have more people hear your music in real-world settings and potentially earn passive income, getting your music into businesses is definitely worth exploring. However, success requires the right pitch, high-quality tracks, and a bit of hustle.

Start small: try reaching out to just one business or using a single submission platform. Once you do, momentum tends to build quickly, making it easier to expand your reach over time.

FAQs