Tracks & Tales — Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a specific question? Explore the frequently asked questions below.
Our Mission
Our Mission
To redefine how the world listens — one venue, one story, one sound at a time.
We believe listening is sacred.
In an age of noise, music often becomes background, piped through cheap systems, distorted in open spaces, lost in the chatter. But not everywhere.
Around the world, a new movement is growing — bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, and gyms that take sound seriously. Places where music is not an afterthought. It is the experience.
We built Tracks & Tales to find and celebrate them.
A global guide to the world’s best listening venues. Like the MICHELIN Guide did for food, we are doing for music. But not the music itself — the way we experience it.
From a hi-fi café in Tokyo, to a vinyl lounge in Paris, to a backroom bar in London where every frequency is tuned with care, Tracks & Tales Stars recognise spaces where sound is respected, curated, and celebrated.
We send out scouts, sound lovers, and ambassadors to listen, review, and recommend. Not based on trend or hype, but on sonic quality, curation, vibe, and intent.
What makes a great venue?
It is not just what is played. It is how it is played. And where. And who is listening.
Our review system is based on five core criteria:
- Sound system quality
- Sonic intent
- Acoustic environment
- Musical curation
- Consistency over time
Every venue we add to the guide meets this benchmark, whether they get one star or three.
Powered by people who care.
Tracks & Tales is community-led. We are not a content farm. We are not a booking platform. We are a growing global network of listeners, audiophiles, diggers, DJs, and cultural explorers.
Our Ambassadors submit venue reviews. Our team of editors verify and refine. No one pays to be listed. No shortcuts. No bias. No ads.
Why it matters.
We believe in protecting the spaces that protect music. Spaces that shape culture through listening, not just consumption. Spaces that remind us what it means to feel something through sound.
By spotlighting them, we drive footfall, build loyalty, and grow community. We help listeners find the places that feel like home. We help venues become destinations.
More than a guide. A movement.
Tracks & Tales is still early. But we are growing, venue by venue, city by city, ear by ear.
With every submission, every story, every review, we are helping the world listen better.
This is not just where to go. It is how to hear.
Get to know Tracks & Tales better
What is Tracks & Tales?
Tracks & Tales is a global cultural atlas of listening bars and music venues. We explore the spaces where music matters most, from intimate jazz kissaten in Tokyo to contemporary listening lounges in New York.
What are Tracks & Tales Stars?
Tracks & Tales Stars are our highest accolade, awarded to venues that demonstrate extraordinary commitment to sound and listening culture.
- One Star ★: A finely tuned space — worth a stop.
- Two Stars ★★: A profound listening experience — worth a detour.
- Three Stars ★★★: A world-class sound destination — worth a journey in itself.
How long has Tracks & Tales been around?
Tracks & Tales began in 2024 with the idea that the world needed a guide for sound. We were founded to put value back into the act of listening and to celebrate venues that treat sound with the reverence it deserves.
Tracks & Tales Stars
What are the criteria behind the awarding of Stars?
Stars are awarded only on the basis of the listening experience. Our global criteria are:
- Quality of the sound system and acoustics.
- Curation of music and records.
- Harmony between space, sound, and atmosphere.
- Identity and personality of the venue as expressed through its sonic culture.
- Consistency across visits and programming.
When are Stars awarded?
Stars are awarded annually on a country or city-hub basis. Each year we publish announcements and update the selection.
Are there distinctions besides Stars?
- The Green Note: recognises venues that place sustainability and community at the heart of their sound culture.
- The Curator’s Pick: celebrates exceptional music programming or record collections.
Venue selection
When are venues added into the selection?
Our scouts are on the road all year. As soon as a venue meets the Tracks & Tales standard, it is added online. Look for the New filter in our city hubs or use site search to discover recent additions.
Why aren’t Stars introduced during the year?
Stars are annual distinctions, revealed together to give the moment proper weight. New venues may appear on the site at any time and some of these will later receive Stars.
How do I suggest a venue?
Recommend a listening bar or music venue via our submission page. Include the venue name, city, country, a link, and why it deserves recognition.
For venue owners
How can my venue be considered?
Submit details including venue name, contact, team background, website/social links, and weekly opening hours.
How do I update information about my venue?
If you spot errors in your listing, let us know and we will update it.
How can I promote that we have a Star?
Venues in the selection can request a communications kit with plaques, digital logos, and promotional assets.
About the website
How do I book a visit?
Tracks & Tales does not currently take bookings. Use the booking link or contact details on each venue page to reserve directly with the venue.
How do I subscribe for updates?
Subscribe for new venue announcements, Star updates, essays, and curated playlists.
How do I delete my Tracks & Tales account?
Request account deletion and data removal here.
How can I share feedback on the site or suggest improvements?
We value feedback that improves the experience for listeners and venues.
Playlists & albums
Where can I find Tracks & Tales playlists?
We publish a new one-hour listening bar playlist each month, across genres and moods.
Do you link to albums you write about?
Yes. Each album feature includes listening notes and reference links where possible.
Can I suggest a record for review?
We welcome thoughtful suggestions. Share the album, label, year, and why it suits a listening bar.
Press & partnerships
How do I request an interview or press assets?
For media enquiries, quotes, brand assets, and founder bios, contact us below.
Do you offer sponsorships or brand collaborations?
We collaborate with brands that champion listening culture. Tell us about your idea and objectives.
Can venues or labels host listening events with you?
Yes. We partner on launch nights, album playbacks, and residency programming.