The Lounge Experience

Popularised in the 1950s and 1960s, lounge music came up as a genre for easy listening. It is meant to evoke in the listeners the feeling of being in a place, usually with a tranquil theme, such as a jungle, an island paradise or even outer space.

The catalogue of lounge music comprises of a variety of sub-genres, including exotica, space age pop, and some genres of easy listening music popular in that time.

While blues and country music influenced rock and roll, lounge music was influenced by jazz and other musical components taken from around the world. Naturally, there was a strong emphasis on the use of instruments, making instrumental music a large portion of lounge. (i.e.,no main vocal part, although there could be minor vocal parts).

The Father ofLounge Music – Juan Garca Esquivel

One of the most recognised names in lounge music – Juan Garca Esquivel, for example, is most renowned for his quirky instrumental pop from the late 1950s and early 1960s, which is now recognised as lounge music. Esquivel’s musical approach was very distinctive, and while certain aspects sounded similar to those of his contemporaries, numerous stylistic qualities set him apart and made his work easily recognised.

Exotic percussion, wordless singing, virtuosic piano runs, and exaggerated dynamic shifts were among the elements used. He incorporated numerous jazz-like elements, but there is no improvisation aside from Esquivel’s piano solos, and the compositions are meticulously structured by Esquivel, who considered himself a perfectionist as a writer, performer, and recording artist.

Lounge music lives on today. Adding ambience and feel to laidback ‘lounge bars’ where dancing isn’t the focus. Instead, people come by to sit back with a few drinks, some great food, conversation and most importantly light music meant for easy listening.

If you’re keen to learn how to play lounge music & other genres of music at a club, bar or restaurant, you might be interested to check out our DJ courses. We also have a range of electronic music production courses for people looking to explore the world of music production.