Here’s Why Music Should Never Be An Afterthought
I have a bone to pick with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s new Netflix series, and it has everything to do with the music. “With Love, Meghan” showcases her remarkable lifestyle skills as a “soft life” hostess with the absolute mostest.
For example, Meghan harvests raw honey from millions of bees to whip up a gorgeous honey lemon cake with fresh berries. She also melts down beeswax to make luxurious lavender candles. She prepares a homey skillet spaghetti in a white Le Creuset signature braiser. And she gleefully makes Korean fried chicken, sun tea, gourmet doggie treats, focaccia, fruit “rainbows,” crudités, chicken tinga, plantain chips and more.
All of this is strategically set to a fabulous soundtrack that’s cheery, joyful and full of zest. From Latin jazz to vintage soul to even a touch of the blues, the music in “With Love” matches every delicious scene. Many of the tunes are those you’d want to play in the background of your very own dinner party. I just wish that they’d post some of these songs on the screen so that the audience would know what they’re listening to.
I pay close attention to the music as I watch television shows as well as when I visit restaurants and cocktail lounges. The music played at an establishment sets the tone for the evening.
For instance, Le Colonial, boasting locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston and most recently Naples, Florida, is known for cranking some super groovy sounds. It’s pretty loungy and loud, yet it fits the scene. The operators know the right balance and keep the restaurants just festive enough that diners will want to stick around and order more cocktails and bottles of wine.
The music may be best described as exotica, titillating tunes rooted in global jazz and house. That goes well in a setting that’s dimly lit, decorated in turn-of-the 20th century inspired decor from Vietnam, and aiming to make everyone feel sexy.
The thing about South American establishments is that people assume that they’ll always be lively with festive Latin music. Sometimes these spots try to appeal to everyone by throwing in some classic American pop and rock. That’s a huge mistake. Customers frequent these particular places because they want to escape from the ordinary. They want the full experience of sharing ceviche and dipping into signature moles while drinking authentic new takes on margaritas, sangria and mojitos.
Coabana, in Phoenix, gets it right. Some of my co-workers and I had the pleasure of dining at the tiny venue in December, and the music put us all in a good mood. It loosened us up and we probably stayed longer than we had planned because the vibe was so nice. The music for that evening varied from classic Cuban sounds to Afro-Cuban to standard Latin jazz.
And when it comes to setting the scene, Vegas venues know what’s up. It’s difficult to choose when you’re a consumer, so it’s essential for operators to step up their game in every aspect.
Beauty & Essex, situated in The Cosmopolitan, comes from the same folks behind Tao. Music is the key ingredient at all their establishments, and Beauty & Essex is no exception. Everything doesn’t have to be super upbeat and clubby to make a statement either.
B & E delivers some solid laid-back beats mixed in with more familiar, clubby tunes certain to get diners nodding their heads as they eat and drink. It’s the sort of experience that they’ll want to share with larger groups.
I’m really not that picky. Just choose music that makes sense and helps set the scene for an experience customers cannot get anywhere else.
By the way, I’m looking forward to what Meghan brings in her upcoming second season. I just hope next time we get more intel on the soundtrack.