Under the Sun Walmart Song Unveiling the Soundtrack of Your Shopping Trip

Under the sun walmart song – Ever found yourself humming along to a tune while navigating the aisles of Walmart? Chances are, you’ve encountered “Under the Sun” or something similar. But have you ever stopped to consider the story behind the music, the reasons for its presence, and its subtle influence on your shopping experience? We’re about to dive deep into the world of in-store soundtracks, examining the role of the “Under the Sun” song, its impact on shoppers, and the strategic thinking that goes into Walmart’s musical choices.

From identifying the artist and release date to understanding the genre and emotional tone, we’ll explore the song’s place within the Walmart universe. We’ll uncover how the music contributes to the overall atmosphere, influencing everything from your mood to your purchasing decisions. Get ready to have your ears and your perceptions opened to the unseen force shaping your shopping adventures.

Table of Contents

Song Identification & Context

Let’s delve into the sonic landscape of Walmart, specifically focusing on the tune often heard playing in the background as you browse the aisles. We’ll explore the details of a common soundtrack choice: “Under the Sun.”

Artist and Release Date of “Under the Sun”

The specific version of “Under the Sun” commonly played in Walmart is by the artist,

NoMBe*. The song was released in 2017 as part of his debut album,
They Might Kill You*. This information can be readily verified by searching music databases like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

General Style and Genre of “Under the Sun”

“Under the Sun” by NoMBe is characterized by a blend of genres. The song can be categorized as a combination of indie-pop and electronic music, with elements of soul and R&B woven throughout. The instrumentation often features a mellow beat, synth pads, and a smooth, soulful vocal delivery. This musical style aims for a relaxed and approachable feel.

Atmosphere and Emotional Tone Evoked by the Song

The primary aim of “Under the Sun,” and similar selections, is to create a positive and inviting shopping atmosphere.The song’s tempo and melodic content typically evoke feelings of:

Calmness: The gentle tempo and soft instrumentation work to soothe and relax shoppers.
Optimism: The lyrics, often focused on positive themes, and the overall musical feel contribute to an optimistic mood.
Approachability: The relatively simple song structure and familiar genre blend make the music accessible to a broad audience.

The overall effect is designed to encourage customers to spend more time browsing and, hopefully, increase sales.

Walmart’s Music Selection Strategy

Walmart’s strategic use of music, exemplified by tracks like “Under the Sun,” is a carefully considered aspect of its in-store experience. The goal is to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that subtly influences customer behavior and enhances their overall shopping journey. The music selection is not random; it’s a deliberate effort to contribute to a positive and engaging environment.

Rationale for Music Choice

The selection of songs like “Under the Sun” by artists such as Parachute is a calculated decision rooted in several key objectives. Walmart aims to create an environment that encourages customers to linger, browse, and ultimately, spend more time and money in the store. Music with a positive, upbeat, and non-intrusive character is preferred. This type of music is designed to be pleasant background noise, blending seamlessly into the shopping experience.

Contribution to Customer Experience

The music selection is a critical component in shaping the customer experience at Walmart. The aim is to make the shopping environment feel less transactional and more enjoyable. A carefully curated playlist can:

Reduce perceived wait times at checkout.
Create a more relaxed and less stressful atmosphere.
Influence customer mood and encourage a positive association with the Walmart brand.
Subtly encourage longer shopping durations, leading to potential increased sales.

This approach contributes to a more positive shopping journey, making customers more likely to return.

Similar Musical Styles

Walmart could incorporate a variety of other artists and songs that share a similar musical style to “Under the Sun” to maintain a consistent and appealing atmosphere. Here are some examples:

Jack Johnson: Known for his laid-back, acoustic-driven melodies and feel-good vibes, his music fits perfectly with Walmart’s desired ambiance. Imagine “Better Together” playing softly in the background as customers stroll through the aisles.
Jason Mraz: With his upbeat tempos and positive lyrics, Mraz’s music offers a similar appeal to “Under the Sun.” Songs like “I’m Yours” create a cheerful and engaging atmosphere.
Colbie Caillat: Her light and airy vocals, along with her pop-infused acoustic sound, create a relaxing atmosphere that is ideal for a shopping environment. Imagine the pleasantness of “Bubbly” in the background.
Train: The band’s positive and accessible pop-rock sound, particularly hits like “Hey, Soul Sister,” offers a similar energy to the existing playlist, maintaining the upbeat feel.
John Mayer: His more acoustic and mellow tracks, such as “Free Fallin’,” can create a calm yet engaging backdrop.
Michael Franti & Spearhead: Their music, which blends reggae, funk, and hip-hop with positive messages, aligns with the goal of creating a cheerful and welcoming environment. Songs like “Say Hey (I Love You)” can brighten up the shopping experience.
The Lumineers: With their folk-pop sound and uplifting melodies, songs like “Ho Hey” could be a good fit.
Plain White T’s: Their music, with a mix of upbeat and mellow tracks, provides options for varying the pace of the in-store soundtrack.

Customer Reactions & Perceptions

The soundtrack of a shopping trip can be as influential as the layout of the store or the price tags on the shelves. “Under the Sun” at Walmart, with its specific sonic signature, is no exception. Understanding how customers respond to the song, and how that response might translate into behaviors, is crucial for assessing its overall impact.

Common Customer Reactions

The experience of hearing “Under the Sun” varies greatly from person to person. Some shoppers may find it a pleasant addition to their shopping environment, while others may react with indifference or even annoyance.

Positive Association: Customers who enjoy the song may experience a boost in mood. They might associate the music with feelings of relaxation or nostalgia, particularly if it reminds them of summer or a carefree time. This positive association can lead to a more favorable view of the store and a more enjoyable shopping experience.
Neutral Response: Many shoppers may simply tune the music out, treating it as background noise. For these individuals, the song may have little to no impact on their shopping behavior. They may not actively notice or remember the music playing.
Negative Reaction: Some customers may find the song irritating, repetitive, or simply not to their taste. This could stem from the music style itself, the volume level, or the perceived lack of variety in the playlist. Negative reactions can lead to feelings of frustration or a desire to leave the store.

Influence on Customer Behavior and Purchasing Decisions

The subtle influence of music on consumer behavior is well-documented. “Under the Sun,” with its specific musical profile, is designed to tap into these psychological effects. The goal is to create an environment that subtly encourages customers to spend more time in the store and, consequently, purchase more items.

Extended Shopping Time: A pleasant auditory environment can encourage customers to linger longer in the store. This increased dwell time provides more opportunities for impulse purchases and browsing of merchandise.
Mood Enhancement: Music that aligns with a customer’s mood can lead to a more positive shopping experience. This can make them more receptive to advertising and promotions.
Brand Association: Consistent music can help reinforce the brand identity. If the song resonates with customers, it can create a positive association with Walmart.
Potential for Disengagement: Conversely, music that clashes with a customer’s taste can cause them to feel uncomfortable and hasten their departure from the store. This can result in lost sales.

Potential Impacts of the Song on the Shopping Experience

The following table Artikels the potential positive and negative impacts of “Under the Sun” on the shopping experience. These are not definitive outcomes, but rather, they represent a range of possibilities based on various factors, including individual preferences, the volume of the music, and the overall shopping environment.

Impact	Description	Example	Potential Outcome
Positive – Enhanced Mood	The song creates a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, making the shopping experience more enjoyable.	A customer hears the song and is reminded of a sunny day at the beach, putting them in a good mood.	Increased likelihood of browsing and impulse purchases.
Positive – Increased Dwell Time	The music encourages customers to spend more time in the store.	A customer finds the music unobtrusive and pleasant, leading them to browse the aisles for a longer duration.	Greater exposure to products and increased sales opportunities.
Neutral – Background Noise	The song is not noticed by the customer and has little to no impact.	A customer is focused on their shopping list and barely registers the music.	No significant impact on purchasing behavior.
Negative – Annoyance and Irritation	The music is perceived as unpleasant or repetitive, causing irritation.	A customer finds the song too loud or dislikes the musical style.	Reduced dwell time, decreased sales, and a negative perception of the store.

Music Licensing & Usage Rights: Under The Sun Walmart Song

Navigating the legal landscape of music in a retail environment like Walmart is a complex dance of agreements and royalties. Ensuring compliance with copyright law is paramount, and the process involves understanding various licensing types to legally broadcast music, like “Under the Sun,” to millions of shoppers. This section delves into the specifics of how Walmart can play music in its stores and the benefits derived by artists and copyright holders.

Legal Aspects of Playing “Under the Sun”

Walmart’s ability to play “Under the Sun” within its stores hinges on securing the appropriate music licenses. These licenses grant Walmart permission to publicly perform the song. Without these, Walmart would be infringing on the copyright of the song’s creators. This permission is typically granted through organizations that manage the rights of songwriters, composers, and music publishers.The process usually involves these steps:

Walmart enters into agreements with performing rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the United States. These organizations represent songwriters and publishers.
Walmart pays licensing fees to the PROs. The fees are calculated based on factors like the store’s size, the number of locations, and the type of music used.
The PROs distribute the collected royalties to the songwriters and publishers whose music is played in Walmart stores.

This licensing structure allows Walmart to legally use music while ensuring that the artists and rights holders are compensated for their work. The specific terms and conditions of these licenses, including the duration and scope of the permitted use, are detailed in the agreements.

Benefits for Artists and Record Labels

The use of “Under the Sun” in Walmart, through proper licensing, generates multiple revenue streams for the artist and the record label. Beyond the initial upfront licensing fees paid by Walmart, ongoing royalties are generated.Here’s how they benefit:

Performance Royalties: When “Under the Sun” is played in Walmart stores, the songwriter and publisher receive performance royalties. These royalties are paid by the PROs to the rights holders.
Increased Exposure: Being featured in a high-traffic environment like Walmart exposes the song to a massive audience, potentially leading to increased popularity and streaming numbers.
Enhanced Brand Association: If “Under the Sun” aligns well with Walmart’s branding, the association can indirectly boost the artist’s image and create positive brand recognition.
Potential for Synchronization Licenses: If Walmart uses “Under the Sun” in any of its advertising campaigns (TV commercials, online ads, etc.), the artist and label could earn additional income through a synchronization license. This license grants permission to use the song in visual media.

These benefits collectively contribute to the financial sustainability of the artist’s career and support the record label’s investment in the artist.

Types of Music Licensing Relevant to Walmart

Walmart’s music choices are governed by several types of music licenses. Each license grants specific rights for different uses of the music.Understanding these licenses is crucial:

Public Performance License: This is the most critical license. It allows Walmart to publicly perform the song in its stores. It is obtained through PROs like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.
Synchronization License (Sync License): If Walmart wants to use “Under the Sun” in a commercial or promotional video, a sync license is required. This license grants permission to synchronize the music with visual media. The license is typically negotiated directly with the music publisher or record label. For example, if Walmart uses “Under the Sun” in a TV commercial, they’d need this license.
Master Use License: This license grants permission to use a specific recording of a song. If Walmart wants to use the original recording of “Under the Sun,” they’ll need this license, typically negotiated with the record label.
Mechanical License: While less relevant for in-store music, this license is required if Walmart were to sell CDs or digital downloads of “Under the Sun” within its stores.

The combination of these licenses ensures that Walmart is legally compliant with copyright laws and can utilize music effectively within its retail environment.

Comparison with Other Retailers

Navigating the sonic landscapes of retail is akin to choosing a restaurant; the ambiance, largely dictated by the music, significantly shapes the customer experience. Walmart’s approach, while aiming for broad appeal, contrasts with strategies employed by other major chains, each striving to create a unique atmosphere that resonates with its target demographic.

Walmart’s Music Choices Versus Competitors

Retailers often curate their playlists to mirror their brand identity and cater to their clientele. Let’s examine how Walmart’s choices stack up against the music selections of its competitors.Walmart typically leans towards a blend of contemporary hits, classic favorites, and country music, aiming for a generally inoffensive and accessible soundscape. This strategy aims to appeal to a wide range of shoppers, from families to individuals.

The focus is often on familiar tracks, promoting a sense of comfort and predictability.Consider Target, a direct competitor. Target often incorporates more indie pop, alternative, and curated playlists with a more sophisticated and trend-conscious feel. This reflects Target’s brand image, which emphasizes design and a more elevated shopping experience.Costco, on the other hand, frequently adopts a more utilitarian approach. Music selection, if present at all, is often subtle, playing a secondary role to the shopping experience.

The focus remains on efficiency and value, with music playing a less significant role in shaping the atmosphere.Kroger, a grocery chain, often plays a mix of pop, country, and adult contemporary music, aiming for a comfortable and familiar feel to encourage longer shopping trips. The goal is to create a relaxing atmosphere that complements the shopping experience.

Comparing Walmart’s Music Strategy with Target, Under the sun walmart song

The contrast between Walmart and Target’s musical strategies offers a compelling study in brand differentiation. Target’s music selections are frequently more carefully curated and trend-driven, designed to align with its focus on design and a more contemporary aesthetic. Walmart, in contrast, prioritizes broader appeal and familiarity.

Target’s Approach: Target often uses a more curated approach, playing indie pop, alternative, and tracks that are considered more “hip” and on-trend. The music is chosen to reflect its brand identity, which emphasizes design and a more elevated shopping experience.
Walmart’s Approach: Walmart typically uses a mix of contemporary hits, classic favorites, and country music, aiming for a generally inoffensive and accessible soundscape. This strategy aims to appeal to a wide range of shoppers.

This difference in approach reflects the distinct branding strategies of each retailer. Target aims to create a shopping experience that is perceived as more stylish and contemporary, whereas Walmart aims to create a welcoming environment for a wider demographic.

The Impact of Music on Customer Experience: A Contrast

The choice of music directly influences the customer experience, shaping mood, and influencing purchasing behavior. Consider this contrasting approach:

“At Whole Foods Market, the curated playlists often feature jazz, world music, and indie artists, creating a sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere. This contrasts sharply with the often more commercial and mainstream music played in many Walmart stores. The music at Whole Foods is intended to enhance the perceived value and quality of the shopping experience, aligning with the brand’s premium positioning.”

This contrast underscores how music acts as a powerful tool in shaping brand perception and influencing customer behavior.

Thematic Association and Branding

Walmart’s strategic use of music, particularly selections like “Under the Sun,” is far from accidental. It’s a carefully orchestrated element designed to reinforce its brand identity and shape the customer experience. The chosen music acts as an aural signature, contributing to a specific atmosphere and influencing customer perceptions.

Alignment with Brand Image

Walmart’s brand image is built on several key pillars: affordability, accessibility, and a sense of community. The music selection plays a critical role in reinforcing these values.

The choice of upbeat, positive, and generally familiar music, such as “Under the Sun,” aligns perfectly with the brand’s focus on a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The music often avoids genres or styles that might be perceived as niche or exclusive, opting instead for broad appeal. This reinforces Walmart’s commitment to being a store for everyone.
The selection of music is usually perceived as “inoffensive” and designed to create a comfortable background ambiance rather than a dominant experience. This subtly reinforces the idea of a relaxed and accessible shopping experience.

Contribution to Shopping Environment

The music creates a specific shopping environment by influencing customer behavior and mood. It’s about more than just filling the air with sound; it’s about crafting a subtle yet impactful experience.

Upbeat tempos can subtly encourage a faster pace of shopping, potentially increasing customer turnover.
Positive and familiar melodies can reduce stress and create a more enjoyable shopping experience, encouraging customers to linger and browse.
The music selection is carefully curated to fit different times of the day or seasons. For instance, you might hear more energetic music during peak shopping hours and more mellow tunes in the early mornings.
The volume levels are typically moderate, allowing for conversation while still creating an atmosphere.

Detailed Description of the Scene the Song Evokes

Imagine stepping into a Walmart on a sunny Saturday afternoon. “Under the Sun,” or a song with a similar vibe, is playing.

The sound isn’t intrusive; it’s a gentle hum of familiarity, like a friendly greeting.

The song’s tempo is moderately upbeat, enough to make you tap your foot but not enough to rush you. The melody is catchy, maybe with acoustic guitars and a hint of a folksy vibe.

The lyrics, if you can catch them over the general store noise, are likely optimistic and relatable – maybe about enjoying life, spending time with loved ones, or simply having a good day.
The overall effect is one of warmth and approachability. The music subtly reinforces the feeling that this is a place where you can find what you need and feel good while doing it.
You might see families browsing the aisles, kids pointing at toys, and shoppers chatting with each other. The music helps to weave all these elements together into a cohesive experience, creating a sense of shared experience.
It’s a soundtrack for the everyday – for grocery shopping, picking up school supplies, or just wandering the aisles, the music makes the environment feel welcoming and familiar.