To use or not to use background music on websites: that is the question. Although some people might argue that music is only nuisance and parallel to “acoustic pollution”, there is evidence that can prove otherwise. Yes, you read right. True: For those who simply want to find information on the web, music proves to be an added element that makes it hard to multitask. Nevertheless, nowadays there is an added entertainment value that cannot be ignored. The interplay of ambience and effect has an impact on emotions and thus, the decision-making process. Furthermore, in a world where video games have come to encourage the desire for immediate gratification, reading texts is time consuming and tedious. Music plays an important role in advertising, since it sets the mood and serves as fast and effective messaging.
Naturally, not all websites require music, and in some cases it is even discouraged. Although music should be functional, web design is just as important. Take for example news sites, where music would disturb the actual task at hand, namely reading the news. Therefore, it is recommendable to add music only if there is an appropriate application area or where creating an effect would help in the transmission of information; otherwise rely on a good web design. At the end of this discussion, you will find excellent examples from clients who successfully used background music on their websites. The fusion of information and emotion was particularly well done. Towards this goal, the Proud Music Library offers thousands of hand-picked titles that have been proved applicable by our Artist and Repertoire Management.
We are both happy and proud to be able to present you with successful projects of integrating music to websites from our clients on our blog! By the way, this is not by any means the last blog entry about background music; there are more to come.
Andreas Holnburger, interior designer
