# Why is the music at Starbucks so obnoxiously loud? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 11, 2021, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213 "2021-11-11T22:41:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2021, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/1 "2021-11-11T22:41:16Z")
It’s like walking into a goddamn nightclub whenever I go into a Starbucks. You know, maybe I just want to relax and enjoy conversation with my friends without having to raise my voice; did you ever think of that? Shit! Maybe this should go in the BBQ Pit. ---
**Author:** ![Ranch\_Dip](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranch_dip/32/5238_2.png) [@Ranch\_Dip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranch_Dip)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2021, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/2 "2021-11-11T22:51:03Z")
so you don’t hang out too long? ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2021, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/3 "2021-11-11T23:11:54Z")
It likely depends on the Starbucks - most of the ones I go to don’t have this issue. However, it’s probably a combination of “the people setting the volume are the ones standing next to the espresso machine/steamer and want to hear the music over it” and > [@Ranch\_Dip](#): > > so you don’t hang out too long? ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2021, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/4 "2021-11-11T23:25:41Z")
> [@Ranch\_Dip](#): > > so you don’t hang out too long? There are other ways to encourage brief customer stays. For instance, Chipotle accomplishes it with harsh decor and uncomfortable seating.\* \*with just a touch of norovirus. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2021, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/5 "2021-11-11T23:53:31Z")
We have a chain of coffee houses around here that have removed all the ac outlets from the dining area. Once your laptop or tablet battery dies, it’s time to go. ---
**Author:** ![Ranch\_Dip](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranch_dip/32/5238_2.png) [@Ranch\_Dip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranch_Dip)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/6 "2021-11-12T01:13:13Z")
I mean, it’s probably to get the old fogeys out. Kids never think music is too loud. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/7 "2021-11-12T01:42:39Z")
> [@ekedolphin](#): > > You know, maybe I just want to relax and enjoy conversation with my friends without having to raise my voice; did you ever think of that? I’m sure they thought of that and it’s exactly why they keep it loud. You aren’t making much money for them sitting around - they’d much rather sell someone a $5 milkshake than a cheap refill. As noted, there are lots of ways they get you out. Uncomfortable chairs, no outlets, wifi codes on the receipt that are good for only 30 minutes, etc. Loud music is just another one. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/8 "2021-11-12T02:04:58Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > We have a chain of coffee houses around here that have removed all the ac outlets from the dining area. Once your laptop or tablet battery dies, it’s time to go. Oh really. THAT shite makes me wanna grab an enormous LiIon brick, an inverter and a backpack. Gonna deny ME my amps and volts? Please Lord. I could power my rig for aaaaaaal day. ---
**Author:** ![phs3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8491ac/32.png) [@phs3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phs3)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/9 "2021-11-12T02:49:43Z")
Yep, came here to say “because you’re old”. Like me. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/10 "2021-11-12T15:14:59Z")
I do in fact have a slightly more thought out answer to the O.P. They crank the music as instructed. They remove comfortable chairs, small tables and outlets for the same reason. COVID-19 drove people into their homes but before and now after it ( s.i.c. ), many- tens of thousands- use their local Starbucks as their free office. Bathroom, power, comfy chair, etc. None of this behavior helps the coffee shop to pay its monthly vig. None. You are supposed to go in, buy your seventeen dollar cup of caffeine expertly matched with your eleven dollar cruller, sit for no more than twelve minutes, eat, drink, leave. I appreciate the comforts formerly offered. I also appreciate that they are losing thousands of dollars a day to this kind of space useage. Driving people away by cranking the music is kind of brilliant. Me, I always have a few pair of [Macks](https://www.macksearplugs.com/) so loud noises/ music don’t really present a problem for me. ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/779978/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/11 "2021-11-12T16:30:43Z")
> [@Cartooniverse](#): > > None of this behavior helps the coffee shop to pay its monthly vig. None. You are supposed to go in, buy your seventeen dollar cup of caffeine expertly matched with your eleven dollar cruller, sit for no more than twelve minutes, eat, drink, leave. I thought the founding principle of Starbucks is patterned after the European cafes. Sit and relax as long as you like. ---
**Author:** ![SirRay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@SirRay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SirRay)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/12 "2021-11-12T16:46:02Z")
> [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](#): > > I thought the founding principle of Starbucks Well, it was founded in 1971 after all, and things change over 50 years or so… ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/779978/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/13 "2021-11-12T16:48:35Z")
> [@SirRay](#): > > Well, it was founded in 1971 after all, and things change over 50 years or so… That’s true, but the whole concept of Starbucks was established _in opposition_ to the American “eat and get lost” business model. I don’t think they would totally abandon that. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/14 "2021-11-12T16:54:29Z")
> [@Ranch\_Dip](#): > > I mean, it’s probably to get the old fogeys out. Kids never think music is too loud. The flip side is that older people are more prone to hearing impairment, sometimes due to overexposure to loud rock music. But they retain sensitivity to even moderate volumes if the music in question is execrable. I find the background music at some “fine dining” establishments to be annoying when it consists of Sinatra and Tony Bennett recordings, despite it usually not being particularly loud. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/15 "2021-11-12T17:02:34Z")
I dunno. I’ve found that having [The Girl from Ipanema](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5QfXjsoNe4) playing on constant loop really helps my digestive system. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/16 "2021-11-12T17:02:45Z")
> [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](#): > > I don’t think they would totally abandon that. You’d be surprised at what a business would totally abandon if they thought they would make more money. ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/779978/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/17 "2021-11-12T18:48:51Z")
Still, whenever I hang out at Starbucks, there’s always people sitting there who look like they’ve been there awhile. Including myself. I’ve never gotten the feeling of being given the rush act. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2021, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/18 "2021-11-13T01:19:51Z")
Yeah, I’ve never been rushed out of a Starbucks and I’ve even used it as a meeting spot without ordering several times with no issue. The ones I’ve been to have never had music I recall as being loud. Hell, I barely even remember theee being music at Starbucks. Perfectly fine place to have a conversation. Now I want to go a few and see if I’m just completely oblivious. ---
**Author:** ![epbrown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e47774/32.png) [@epbrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2021, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/19 "2021-11-13T01:57:08Z")
You’ve never seen the offers for obscure music tracks at the drink pick-up station? That’s the stuff they play - world music, the easy listening edition. The only time I’ve noticed the music at Starbucks was the one time they played something I recognized (“Twisted” by Annie Ross). ---
**Author:** ![Tabco](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tabco/32/7644_2.png) [@Tabco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabco)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2021, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213/20 "2021-11-13T02:12:14Z")
I know the last couple of times I went to a Starbucks I _had_ to leave immediately 'cause there was just plain nowhere to sit. One time it was inconvenient 'cause I had arrived on bike so I just sort of milled around outside to finish my drink. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-music-at-starbucks-so-obnoxiously-loud/954213.md?page=2)