[Column] The intersection of coffee shops and music culture in Amsterdam
Column en Amsterdam CoffeeShop MusicCulture![[Column] The intersection of coffee shops and music culture in Amsterdam](/../assets/images/column-amsterdam-coffee-shop.webp)
Establishment of coffee shop culture and foundation of sound environment
Text: mmr｜Theme: Coffee shops in Amsterdam are not just spaces for taste; they are urban devices that have fostered unique soundscapes while being closely tied to music culture.
“Spaces that tolerate sound” created by tolerance policies
In the 1970s, the Dutch government adopted a pragmatic policy toward cannabis, introducing a ““gedoogbeleid’’ policy that did not strictly control the possession or sale of small amounts. Under this system, coffee shops were born in Amsterdam as a unique cultural device.
The first store, Mellow Yellow, opened in 1972 and is said to have operated inside a bakery. While ostensibly serving coffee, transactions were quietly going on inside. This “double structure” became the prototype for the space design of the coffee shop. (Coffeeshop Relax)
Then, in 1975, the future iconic “The Bulldog” appeared. This store has established a style of openly selling over the counter, rather than the traditional “hidden transactions.” Despite being arrested by the police, he continued to operate his business, and his attitude has become something of an urban legend. It is said that products were hidden in hidden compartments inside the store, and that evidence was immediately destroyed in the event of an arrest. (The Bulldog Seeds)
What was important in this environment was “sound.” The music continued to flow at a constant tempo, enveloping the guests who stayed for a long time. Not too noisy, but not silent either. This delicate balance naturally selects genres such as reggae and dub.
From the beginning, coffee shops were in an ambiguous position between illegal and legal, and this ambiguity was reflected in their music. A sound that is not overly assertive, but one that definitely dominates the space. That was the initial condition of this culture.
The institutional gray area created a unique relationship between sound and space for coffee shops.
1980s-90s: Electronic music and the formation of chillout
Club and coffee shop round trip
From the late 1980s to the 1990s, Amsterdam rapidly developed as Europe’s electronic music capital. Former churches and cultural facilities such as clubs Paradiso and Melkweg became music hubs, and techno and house music spread.
During this period, coffee shops functioned as a “margin” of club culture. It became a part of the rhythm of the city, a place to visit after dancing the night away, or a place to calm down before dancing.
In fact, according to many travelers’ testimonies, the general flow was ““club -> coffee shop -> hotel’’. In the recollections of people who visited in the 1990s, they were left with a strong impression of an atmosphere where people could sink into the sofa and listen to music, and feel comfortable even if the conversation stopped. (Reddit)
It was in this flow that the concept of ““chill out’’ was established. Music to calm the excitement of the club. A sound that slows down the tempo and melts into the space. Ambient and downtempo music took root in coffee shops in this very context.
Also, in this era, the existence of a ““store owner who selects music’’ has become important. Increasingly, music itself becomes the identity of the space, such as stores with record shelves and stores with turntables.
As a place to catch the afterglow of club culture, coffee shops were responsible for another evolution of music.
Interaction between music genres and coffee shops
“Sound character” that differs depending on the store
Coffee shops in Amsterdam are not uniform. There are over 200 stores, each with a different atmosphere and music. (Coffeeshop Relax)
Some stores play mainly reggae music, while others focus on jazz, soul, or hip-hop. Additionally, stores geared toward tourists may play more easily understandable dance music.
Actual reviews have pointed out that the quality of the experience is greatly influenced by the difference in the sound environment, ranging from ““a store for young people with loud trap music” to ““a calm store where you can have quiet conversations.” (Reddit)
This diversity is no coincidence. A coffee shop is a ““mirror of the city’’ that changes its sound to suit its customer base. It reflects the music desired by each demographic, including tourists, locals, and artists.
As a result, genres are not fixed, but rather change flexibly. Techno becomes downtempo and hip-hop becomes lounge. Here, music is not a pure genre, but is reconstituted as a form adapted to the space.
The coffee shop has become a device for dismantling musical genres and re-editing them space by space.
Musical diversity created by cities and tourism
A place where memories from all over the world come together
Amsterdam is a city that welcomes millions of tourists a year, and that influence is directly reflected in the sound of its coffee shops. (eyeflare.com)
For tourists, a coffee shop is not just a store, but an “experience.” One traveler said, ““Just standing outside the store makes me feel intoxicated by the atmosphere,’’ which shows that the boundaries between inside and outside the store are blurred. (ediblethoughts.com)
There have also been reports of guided tours stopping in front of coffee shops and encouraging people to visit. This is proof that it is not just a dining facility, but a symbol of urban culture.
On the other hand, the increase in tourism is also creating challenges. In recent years, the number of stores catering to tourists has increased, and the balance with local culture has become an issue. Sustainability of the city is being discussed, with the city considering restricting use by tourists.
Coffee shops are at the forefront of cities where tourism and local culture collide and mix.
Coffee shop as soundscape
Overlap of sound and city
Music is not the only sound in a coffee shop. The sound of boats on the canal, the bell of a bicycle, the noise outside. Mixed together, they form a unique soundscape.
Amsterdam was designed as a canal city in the 17th century, with the entire city open to water and sound. This structure blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor sounds.
Additionally, conversations within the store are also an important element. Silence is tolerated in coffee shops, but conversation between strangers often emerges naturally. This “semi-public space” makes the layers of sound even more complex.
The coffee shop captures and reconfigures the sounds of the city to create a unique auditory space.
Chronology: Evolution of coffee shops and music
The role of music has continued to change at each historical turning point.
Diagram: Coffee shop sound environment structure
Music forms an experience not by itself but by combining multiple sound elements.
Change and continuity in modern times
The conflict between homogenization and individuality
Coffee shops are now entering the streaming era. While selecting music using playlists is efficient, it can also dilute the individuality of each store.
Still, Amsterdam’s coffee shops are far from homogenized. Historical background, location, and customer base all continue to manifest as differences in sound.
This culture, which once began in secret, has now become a symbol of the city, attracting people from all over the world. But the essence remains the same. Music is not the main character, but continues to be an essential element for creating a space.
Coffee shop music continues to play a role in supporting the space throughout the ages.
