In the early 2000s, several 7-Eleven stores across the United States began playing Barry Manilow songs outside their storefronts to discourage loitering and vandalism. The idea was simple: youth groups that might gather in the parking lots were less likely to linger when confronted with soft, sentimental ballads like "Mandy" and "Copacabana." Store managers reported a noticeable drop in loitering, with some calling it the most cost-effective deterrent they had ever used.
Transport for London (TfL) conducted a program where classical music was played on certain Underground platforms with high crime rates. The result? A significant reduction in assaults and vandalism. Riders reported a calmer atmosphere, and authorities noted fewer incidents and complaints in music-equipped stations.
In some cities like Portland and Minneapolis, local municipalities experimented with ambient jazz music in public parks after dusk. The goal was to discourage disruptive activity without police intervention. Feedback from residents indicated that the parks felt safer and more relaxed during these trial periods.
Studies published in journals like Psychology of Music and Journal of Applied Social Psychology have confirmed that music can modulate emotional states, promote prosocial behavior, and even alter time perception in commercial or public spaces. Music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a behavioral tool.
These real-world examples and academic findings underscore the power of music to influence public behavior. The Keep the City Calm project builds on these lessons—using peaceful sounds to gently shift the emotional climate of city streets.