July 2025’s music curation matters because it reflects how retailers can intentionally shape mood, energy, and emotional connection through sound. As brands increasingly compete on experience rather than price or product alone, curated music becomes a strategic lever for influencing dwell time, brand perception, and customer recall.
This month’s selections demonstrate how thoughtful curation aligns cultural moments, seasonal shifts, and audience psychology to create environments that feel relevant, human, and commercially effective rather than generic or passive.
It's been a big music month with plenty of releases coming out for the Northern hemisphere Summer, and some cracking Aussie winter releases too. Here's the July Top 10, from our dedicated music curation team:
-
Nice to Each Other, Olivia Dean
-
Boyfriend, Justin Bieber
-
Loves Me Not, Ravyn Lenae
-
The Hit, Aleksiah
-
Blessings, Calvin Harris
-
Just Keep Watching (From F1 The Movie), Tate McCrae
-
We Groovin (Radio Edit), Jamie Jones, Jazzy
-
Better Be Home Soon, Budjerah & WILSN
-
Fall, Inkabee
-
Suzanne, Mark Ronson & RAYE
Why does “Nice To Each Other” by Olivia Dean set the tone for july?
Olivia Dean is a name to familiarise yourself with. Her soul infused pop is cool, calm and serene. Nice to Each Other is the first single from her upcoming album The Art of Loving due for release in September.
This is a smooth and elegant track that expresses the joy and possibility felt at the beginning of a relationship. Olivia’s lyrics are unafraid of the realities of dating but showcase the beauty of learning and growing as you meet and let go of relationships.
Why does Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend” still resonate in 2025?
‘Swag, swag on you…’ let Storeplay bring you back to 2012; Call Me Maybe is an unironic pop sensation, and all we knew of Jack Antonoff was that he’s in this band called FUN. Justin Bieber is releasing his new single Boyfriend and the Believe Era is ramping up.
In 2025, JB just dropped his new album SWAG. 2012 us would be in hysterics! We recommend spinning this throwback to pay respect to Justin's swaggy origins.
Why has “Love Me Not” by Ravyn Lenae become an in-store favourite?
Maybe you don’t know the name, but you’ve heard this song. Ravyn is an American R&B singer who toured Australia earlier this year, including a show at our beautiful Opera House. This R&B/Pop track plays with the nostalgic game of picking petals off a flower to answer if your affection is reciprocated; “he loves me now, he loves me not…”
Staff and customers alike will be caught singing along to this playful, entrancing and romantic track.
Why is Aleksiah’s “The Hit” a breakout moment for aussie pop?
Aussie Pop girlies are here and thriving.The Adelaidian’s music has been picked up online for its alternative pop with synth filled production and honest, self-depricating lyrics. The Hit expresses her anxious filled relationship with herself and quest for perfection, reflecting on the toxic train of thought. It’s poetic that her catharsis through song makes The Hit, a hit!
Aleksiah has been headlining across Australia this month in fast-selling venues. If you’ve missed a ticket you can catch her opening for Kelsea Ballerini in December. Keep an ear open for Aleksiah!
Why does “Blessings” signal Calvin Harris’ return to form?
It’s been a while since we’ve had a big Calvin Harris song. He was a reigning hitmaker in the 2010s electronic dance-pop movement. Blessings returns closer to his EDM beginnings with an energetic, steady and inviting sound. As you can imagine from the name, Blessings captivates all with a rhapsodic beat that will charge up energy in store.
Why is Tate Mccrae the perfect fit for high-octane soundtracks?
Fast cars need fast songs, so you get Tate McCrae. Tate never misses and is queen of dance-pop so it was unsurprising she made a song for this blockbuster film. If you’re unfamiliar, Tate is a Dance Moms veteran and has been in the Gen Z spirit for years.
She knows how to make something that is catchy, fast paced, and attractive so, of course, she is in the new Formula 1 soundtrack. We’re waving the checkered flag at this one as our winner of the racecar soundtrack!
Why will “We Groovin” drive energy on the retail floor?
We know this will be a retail hit; it’s groovy, high energy and beat driven. It’s a house track that moves you. The confidence of the music is contagious and your customers will feel like they’re entering a store with apparel presented at high fashion shows across Milan, Paris and NYC.
We love including songs like this one in our curated libraries to enforce an atmosphere of luxury, elegance and prominence in store. Perfect for brands that seek chic and refined customers.
Why does “Better Be Home Soon” offer a nostalgic reset?
It’s a bit of a throwback, a bit of an Aussie classic reimagined. Crowded House’s track Better Be Home Soon is covered by Budjerah and WILSN with a twist of soul. Perfect for warming your customers hearts and a quiet singalong.
Why is “Fall” by Inkabee an important inclusion?
Australians are a talented group and we don’t think that should be shied away from. We have included Fall by Inkabee, a 12 year old from Boorloo/Perth WA. Inkabee won the Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative in 2023.
Fall will be connecting to young audiences with its tween-pop perfection. Listen out for the fun tune in kid’s stores.
Why does “Suzanne” close july’s list on a sophisticated note?
When Mark Ronson pairs up with a vocal powerhouse we get songs like Flowers and Valerie, now we have Suzanne. Sung by the extremely talented RAYE, a multi-genre vocalist from the UK. This song has a seductive and smooth sound that features impressive vocal runs, jazzy horns and intricate guitar riffs.
As the lyrics will tell you, Suzanne will be the object of your affection. Sway away in store with this one!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is music curation important for retail environments?
Music influences mood, pacing, and perception, making it a powerful tool for shaping customer experience and brand identity.
How often should retail music playlists be updated?
Most brands benefit from monthly or seasonal updates to stay culturally relevant without disrupting familiarity.
Does curated music impact customer behaviour?
Yes. Music affects dwell time, emotional engagement, and even purchasing pace when aligned with brand intent.
Can one playlist work across all store locations?
Only if the brand identity is tightly defined. Otherwise, curated variations are more effective.
How do brands balance trendiness with timelessness in playlists?
By blending current releases with familiar tracks that reinforce emotional comfort and brand consistency.
Is music curation more important for certain retail categories?
Yes. Fashion, hospitality, lifestyle, and experiential retail benefit most, but all physical spaces are influenced by sound.
