Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Tracks & Tales is a global sound-led marketplace.
Here’s how it works — and how you can be part of it.
For Venues
What kinds of venues do you include?
Tracks & Tales celebrates spaces built for listening. That could be a hi-fi bar, a carefully curated café, a record shop with decks, a live venue with an excellent PA, or even a gallery where sound is treated with care. We don’t limit by genre or size — only by sonic quality and intent.
How does a venue get listed in the guide?
Venues are added by nomination and real-world review. You can submit your space here, but inclusion is editorial and merit-based. Every venue is visited by a Tracks & Tales team member or ambassador, assessed using our global five-star criteria, and must meet a high standard across sound system quality, sonic intent, and vibe.
Can I pay to be listed?
No. This guide is editorially independent. You cannot buy a listing or a star. We believe credibility comes from trust, not transactions.
What are Tracks & Tales Stars?
Our star system highlights the sonic excellence of a space — from “respects listening” (1 star) to “world-class destination” (3 stars). These are not permanent awards; we revisit and reassess regularly.
What’s in it for my venue?
A presence on Tracks & Tales gives your venue visibility among a global community of music lovers, selectors, and cultural explorers. You’ll be part of a trusted ecosystem where your sound quality and programming are the focus — not your follower count.
Can I use my listing in marketing?
Yes. If you're awarded a Tracks & Tales Star, you’ll receive digital assets and guidelines for use. But we also encourage venues to let the sound speak for itself.
For Contributors
What is a Tracks & Tales Ambassador?
Ambassadors are trusted community members who discover and review venues based on our five global criteria. They’re not influencers — they’re listeners, selectors, DJs, curators, audiophiles, and passionate cultural guides.
How do I become an Ambassador?
You can apply here. We review applications carefully and admit only a limited number per month. We're building a community that’s intentional, diverse, and globally attuned.
What does an Ambassador actually do?
Visit venues. Listen closely. Document what makes the space special (or not). Then submit a review that could lead to a Tracks & Tales Star. Ambassadors also help shape the culture of the platform, from event curation to editorial features.
Is this a paid role?
No. It’s not a job. It’s a calling. But what you gain is credibility, a global audience, exclusive access to features, early drops, community tools, and the chance to shape the future of listening culture.
Can anyone contribute stories?
Yes. Whether you’re an artist, record collector, venue regular, or sound obsessive — if you’ve got a tale to tell, we want to hear it. Share your story here →
What kinds of stories do you accept?
Personal essays, venue experiences, vinyl deep dives, sonic rituals, DJ memories, subcultural history — if it’s rooted in how we listen and where, it belongs here.
For Everyone
Why does this guide exist?
Because great sound still goes unnoticed.
Tracks & Tales exists to raise the standard for sonic experience worldwide — to honour venues that care about listening and to help people find them, city by city, speaker by speaker.
Where do you operate?
We're growing globally, with hubs starting in:
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇯🇵 Japan
🇫🇷 France
🇺🇸 USA
🇩🇪 Germany
More countries will open soon — join the waitlist to be notified when your city is added.
Do you accept brand or venue partnerships?
Yes, but only when aligned with our mission. Sponsorships or collaborations must be rooted in culture, sound, and integrity. Reach out to partnerships@tracksandtales.world.
How often is the guide updated?
Stars can be gained, lost, or retained each year. We revisit key venues, rely on global feedback, and ensure our standards evolve with the culture.
Is this just for DJs or music heads?
No. This is for anyone who values listening. Whether you’re a casual record lover, a deep digger, or just someone who notices when the music feels right — you’re in the right place.
Can’t find what you need?
Reach out to our team: contact@tracksandtales.world
Or apply to shape the guide from within.
🎧 Because the future of listening deserves your voice.