Elevator music
Also known as Muzak, lift music, background music
A practical, listener-facing label for the soft instrumental background music that grew out of Muzak and easy listening. The term is more about function than a strict genre boundary, which is why it gathers together music meant to soothe, smooth edges, and sit quietly in public space.
Origins and context
The term is tied to commercial background-music systems and the easy-listening recordings that were widely used in elevators and other public spaces.
The sound
Characteristics
- Instrumental arrangements
- Strings
- Orchestral pop
- Light easy-listening production
How to listen
Listen for
- Steady tempos
- Lush strings
- Familiar tunes reshaped into background-friendly versions
- Minimal rhythmic bite
Mood
- Calm, polished, unobtrusive
History
The phrase points back to the commercial background-music systems that flourished in the 20th century, especially Muzak, which began as an early wired music service and later moved into offices, shops, and other public spaces. By the 1950s, Muzak was actively shaping the feel of workplaces with programmed instrumental music, while easy-listening artists helped define the broader sound that later got lumped together as “elevator music.”
Notable artists
- PFPercy Faith
- MMantovani
- BKBert Kaempfert
Essential listening
- 1
- 2
Percy Faith
- 3
Mantovani
- 4
Bert Kaempfert
Explore connected genres
Sources and further reading
- The Army General Who Invented Muzak
- Easy Listening Style Overview
- Spotify
Percy Faith was one of the popular easy-listening recording artists of the 1950s and 1960s.
- Spotify
Mantovani was one of the most successful easy-listening orchestra leaders and is known for lush string arrangements.
- Spotify
Bert Kaempfert was a major orchestral-pop conductor and arranger with easy-listening relevance.
- Muzak
- Elevator music