At Nightlife, our expert team hand-pick songs that will be a good fit for our vast array of clients, creating the perfect atmosphere, connecting with patrons and customers, and bringing spaces to life. With 35 years experience, we specialise in making the best music sound even better when played in any venue.
For artists, if you want to get your music added to Nightlife, this blog explains the types of songs we’re looking for.
If you are a Nightlife client, you’ll also find this blog useful; it details how our curators select the best music to fit your venue and enhance your space.
So, how do we decide what makes a song great for Nightlife?
While the phrase ‘background music’ might conjure thoughts of filler music or elevator tunes, we focus on tracks that are engaging and dynamic. Blind Melon’s “No Rain” is a great example, with its catchy melody and uplifting yet introspective lyrics. It ticks all the right boxes for public performance.
Our tried and tested selection criteria ensures each song on our system belongs on our music lists, but also adds something unique. No more mundane and overly repetitive tunes!

Here are a few FAQs to help us explain in more detail.
1. What makes music suitable for public venues?
Music for public spaces needs to be more than just popular. Although Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” are chart-topping hits and perfect for karaoke, they both have dramatic tempo and volume shifts that can disrupt a consistent background sound. By prioritising songs that have a constant vibe and volume throughout, it creates a more inviting atmosphere where customers feel comfortable and engaged. Music should be memorable but for the right reasons!
2. Are well-known popular songs always accepted?
Not all tracks within a genre are chosen; they must still fit in seamlessly with other songs in that genre – matching tempo and vibe. For example, we sometimes feature lesser-known songs from popular artists, like B-side tracks, which offer familiarity without the impression of being overplayed. These intentional selections mean we keep our music lists sounding fresh and engaging, enhancing a venue’s atmosphere.

3. What are the main criteria to be considered for the Nightlife Music Library?
Put simply, key characteristics of a good Nightlife song include:
• Vibrant Vocals and Instrumentation: Tracks with compelling vocals, interesting lyrics, and clever instrumentation.
• Well Matched Tempo: Tracks with a tempo that suits the genre and flows well with other songs in our library.
• Engaging Melodies: Tracks that feature memorable melodies and rhythms, whether they’re upbeat rock or sophisticated lounge music.
4. Do you edit the music before adding it to the Nightlife library?
To ensure an exceptional playback experience, we remaster each track for smooth transitions, consistent volume, and seamless playlist integration. We cue-point every song, match beats per minute, and pinpoint precise moments for transitions to create a mix that mirrors a live DJ performance.
5. Will I get paid if you play my music?
We ensure that artists receive fair compensation every time their music plays publicly through Nightlife. You can read about our licensing and royalties process.
6. How do I submit my music for consideration?
If you think your music has what it takes to enhance some of the world’s best commercial locations, submit your tracks here. Remember, we subject each submission to a rigorous public performance test to determine if it suits our platform. If your content meets our selection criteria, our team will be in touch.
At Nightlife, we don’t just play music – we transform songs into powerful tools of connection, creating unique vibes and lasting impressions in venues across the globe.
