An insider’s look at the musical tastes of blacksburg kitchen staff.

A bite to eat around Blacksburg is sure to come with a side of ambient tunes. Each restaurant has its own sound that attempts to capture, to some degree, the personality of the establishment.

While we, as patrons, enjoy a belly and an ear full, does anyone wonder what music fuels the kitchen? From a casual Monday lunch to a marquee game day you’d be hard pressed to find a kitchen in the Burg that cooks in silence. So what are our local, working class heroes listening to on the clock?

I took a leisurely walk through the downtown area and visited quite a few kitchens to see if I could get a taste. The initial response to my inquiry was, as expected, the same everywhere. Cooks and prep guys alike would begin by listing every genre they may have ever heard in the heat of battle. Reggae, Punk, Hip-Hop, Underground Rap, Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Bluegrass, Techno, House, and Trance, to name a few.

With the rise of Internet radio, and satellite service providers offering radio as part of the package, some kitchens are subjected to the same music as the rest of the restaurant, which might select a playlist by genre. Joe’s kitchen boasts its own Sirius satellite radio system.

Factors that prevent kitchen staff from creating their own soundscape are the kitchen’s proximity to tables, whether it’s open or closed, and whether or not the staff can keep a working CD Player.

DJ Skyy pointed out that with so many different styles coexisting within a single kitchen one could really get a handle on what people are listening to these days. Wait … what does a DJ have to do with kitchen music?

Turns out that many of the individuals who dare to cultivate their love for music, enlighten and entertain Blacksburg and beyond, are gracing our meals with the hands of an artist. Sculptors, Painters, Digital Artists, Vocal Artists, Guitarists, Bass Players, Drummers, Writers and Poets are preparing our meals.
The ladies and gentlemen in the kitchens that control their own playlist are very tolerant of each other’s musical taste. At least that’s what they would have me believe, but we all know that’s not always the case. The style depends on who’s working. They take turns selecting CDs and stations, and it seems everyone has a fair chance to play what they want.

When it comes to acceptable radio stations in the kitchen WUVT 90.7, Hot 100.7 and 105.3 The Bear are the first to be mentioned. Though sometimes it is more than a task to get good reception on weathered radios.

The Notorious BIG, Orbital, Ween, Frank Zappa, Cex, and Immortal Techniques were a few of the artists mentioned. But I still wondered. With so many Musicians in the kitchen, what are the rules on popping in your own mix tape or jam session? What rules? Music is music if you’ve been practicing.

Like the score to our own made-for-TV movie we seem to be accustomed to some background music. It is the beat to which we drone. If the kitchen ever fell silent I believe these artisans would undoubtedly whistle (while they work). Music is with us at all times, at home, in the car, on your cell phone, mp3 player, at work and in the heart of these 16 Blocks.