The right music in your shop, restaurant, or office isn’t just background noise — it sets the mood, attracts customers, and strengthens your brand identity. At Studio Impress, we offer professional background music (Muzak) with a choice between two main types of licensed music:
- Background music licensed by Musicautor and PROPHON – popular songs that people recognize from radio and TV.
- Background music from Epidemic Sound – high-quality music by independent artists, specifically created for commercial spaces.
A Bit of History: What Is Muzak and Why Does It Matter?
The term Muzak originated in the U.S. in the 1930s and refers to background music used in commercial spaces, elevators, and offices. The goal has always been the same — to create a pleasant, unobtrusive environment that positively affects both customers and employees. Today, this art has reached a new level — with personalized playlists, music intelligently selected based on time of day, and the ability to integrate commercial messages.
Who Are Musicautor, PROPHON, and Epidemic Sound?
Musicautor and PROPHON are the Bulgarian organizations responsible for managing copyrights and related rights to musical works. They represent the interests of both Bulgarian and international artists, granting the right to use popular music in exchange for licensing fees.
Epidemic Sound is a Swedish company founded in 2009 that offers music by independent artists with cleared rights. It was created to simplify the use of music in both online and offline environments by eliminating the complexity of traditional licensing. One of its major advantages is that it doesn’t require additional payments to organizations like Musicautor and PROPHON.
Key Differences Between the Two
1. Popularity and Style
- Musicautor & PROPHON: Well-known hits.
- Epidemic Sound: Original, often instrumental music that supports the atmosphere without dominating it.
2. Licensing and Rights
- Musicautor & PROPHON: More complex licensing, priced from 99 BGN/month when combined with radio spots and customized playlist management by Studio Impress. More info HERE.
- Epidemic Sound: All rights are cleared, with prices starting from 29 BGN/month, also including radio spots and curated playlists from Studio Impress. More info HERE.
3. Pricing Tiers
- Musicautor & PROPHON: Suitable for venues with higher budgets that require recognizability.
- Epidemic Sound: Ideal for affordable yet professional soundscaping.
4. Atmosphere and Impact
- Musicautor & PROPHON: Creates an impressive, dynamic environment.
- Epidemic Sound: Calm, stylish, and unobtrusive ambiance.
Music That Works for You
Regardless of which option you choose, here’s what you also get:
- A fully personalized and controlled music and ad environment – preventing the broadcast of competitor ads;
- The ability to direct customers toward specific products, promotions, or services;
- The power to influence purchasing decisions at just the right moment;
- Potential to generate additional revenue through advertising messages from your business partners;
- The broadcasting of specially selected music according to time of day and calendar — for example, more active or calm hours, or seasonal playlists such as summer or Christmas music;
- A pleasant and welcoming atmosphere in your venue.
Suitable Types of Venues for Each Music Type
Music from Musicautor & PROPHON:
- Shopping centers and malls – where popular hits capture and hold customer attention.
- Luxury stores – where prestigious music enhances the brand image.
- Gyms and sports centers – energetic tracks for motivation.
- Bars and clubs – where an energetic and memorable vibe is essential.
Music from Epidemic Sound:
- Cafés and restaurants – where customers prefer a calm and pleasant setting for conversation and relaxation.
- Boutiques and interior stores – where background music should be stylish yet subtle.
- Offices and receptions – to maintain a productive and calm work environment.
- Spas and wellness centers – which require relaxing and harmonious sounds.
How to Choose the Right Music for Your Business?
If you want recognizable hits that create a sense of modernity and luxury — choose music licensed through Musicautor and PROPHON.
If you prefer calm, high-quality music that doesn’t distract and is more budget-friendly — choose Epidemic Sound.
We’ll Take Care of Everything
- Consultation and selection of the most suitable type of music
- Delivery and installation of all necessary equipment
- Ongoing support and playlist updates based on seasons or your specific needs
Get in touch with us to discuss how we can create the perfect musical atmosphere for your venue!