Messages and music - evil holding tunes

Although slightly scared, I had to laugh.

I phoned up a potential client today and, while I was being put through to my contact, was put on hold by the operator. The hold music kicked in. Nothing unusual there. Except the music.

When you're held on the telephone you usually hear dull but generally inoffensive piped muzak, or perhaps some soothing classical or laid back R&B tunes.  Occasionally you get those awful broadcast announcements about the latest product offering.

That's fine though. Whichever, it just washes over you and passes you by without punctuating your day. It certainly doesn't affect your mood.

But this global software company (which shall remain nameless) chose the rather chilling title track to the horror movie The Omen.  You know the one I mean - that disturbing, seriously unsettling and arguably evil Gregorian chant. I think it's called Ave Satani, Latin which translates to 'Hail Satan'.

I was surprised, shocked even. I didn't expect such a auditory jolt at 1000am in the morning. It felt like an intrusion into my otherwise relaxed morning.

It's odd isn't it, the power of music?  I spotted this little piece on a blog a few days ago and I've been thinking about it since. Then my experience this morning.

I'm probably thinking far to much about this, but there is no doubting that the music you choose to use in business (or not as the case may be) can convey a message or create a mood or atmosphere. Whether it's the hold music in the call centre, the audio 'wallpaper' in the employee canteen or tracks chosen for videos or events, it has a way of getting through to people on an emotional level.  As such, it can either support or undermine your communication efforts.

Whilst there's something slightly comical about a major software company pumping out the theme to The Omen, I can't help feeling that it was a bizarre choice. It just seems to clash with messages about social responsibility and cutting edge software solutions. Truth is, it probably wasn't a conscious choice at all.