Articles by Toby Hoyte
Digital jukebox holograms?
The hologram of Tupac Shakur rapping on stage at Coachella was a landmark occasion in the history of live music. The incredible five minute performance saw the iconic rapper, who was killed in Las Vegas in 1996, on stage with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre in front of a fanatical Coachella audience. The ‘appearance’, which…
Background music linked to memory functions in the brain
At Soundnet, we consistently stress the importance of having the right music. The appropriate background system music can shape the atmosphere of a pub, restaurant or spa. Songs have the power to influence the mood of clientele, while also creating the perfect ambiance for your drinkers or diners. But a new study from an American institution…
On the Live Music Act and background music systems
A new act of Parliament will soon allow pubs to hold small live music gigs without a license. The new ruling, passed in the Live Music Act, will give pubs the opportunity to hold performances of live music if the audience is fewer than 200 people. The legislation is set to come into force around…
Background music helps to soothe the soul
New research from Oxford has found that music helps reduce anxiety and improves the healing process. The investigation from Dr Apul Parikh, a cosmetic surgeon at John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford, claims that music played to patients undergoing minor treatments helped ‘improve anxiety levels’. The trial of 100 individuals discovered that those patients played music under…
Pubs go online
Mitchells & Butlers, the managed pub and restaurant owner, has signed a deal with O2 to offer its customers free Wi-Fi across its 1,600 sites. The deal, which is set to last for three years, will allow restaurant and pub goers to access free Wi-Fi from their laptops and mobile phones, regardless of their provider….
Celebrity restaurants – background music systems for the stars
This week, Mick Fleetwood, the legendary drummer (and namesake) of the rock and roll band Fleetwood Mac, declared his intentions to open a restaurant in Haiwaii. Mick, who plans to launch his venue in Maui, is the latest artist to step into the gastro business, joining the likes of Bono, Justin Timberlake and Moby. While…
Reading and Leeds line ups set to increase digital jukebox plays
The line ups for the Leeds and Reading Festivals were announced this week with Foo Fighters, The Cure and Florence and the Machine all set to appear during the infamous August event. The bill, which also included The Shins, Mystery Jets and Kasabian, was positively received by fans and sales were said to be strong…
More information on the revolutionary VHub Last.fm digital jukebox app
Earlier this year, Sound Leisure and Soundnet unveiled the latest in digital jukebox innovation with the exclusive VHub Last.fm app, a landmark development in music entertainment for pubs and their customers. The app, developed by Sound Leisure, offers pub goers the ability to enjoy their favourite Last.fm tracks in a VHub venue of their choice. The app,…
AMS gives the latest in digital jukebox technology a glowing review
Automatic Machine Services, an operator with over 50 years’ experience in the service industry, has given the ‘Vhub’ digital jukebox a glowing recommendation in a recent article on Coin-op Community. The feature, which you can read here, sees Jason Jarrett, director at AMS, discuss the company’s satisfaction with the VHub and the outstanding service provided by…
Background music of the Brits
Last week, millions across the country tuned in to the Brit Awards 2012, the infamous awards show which honours the best and brightest in the UK music industry. As ever, the ceremony wasn’t without its memorable moments. The big winner of the night (and deservingly so) was Adele. The 23-year-old singer, who is a regular…