ABSTRACT
This chapter shows the background music in France can be found at the intersection of the evolution of French radio broadcasting, the history of past forms of background music, of Muzak, and the logics of globalization and homogenization, as well as an ecological and artistic value enhancement of geographic territories. Background music would thus be found in the continuity of "easy listening" music, based on two conceptions of musical creation: to be heard rather than listened to, and to accompany activities rather than to exist for its own sake. Under the cover of background music and music played in public places, there is also the intent to create sound identities, transforming music into a marketing and communications tool. The chapter overviews of the various forms taken by so-called background music raises the question of the role of music in our modern communication-based societies.
