#United States #Nashville #music #Tennessee #Culinary

Tennessee's New 'Sound Bites' Campaign

Tennessee is making waves in the tourism industry with its innovative Sound Bites campaign. Launched by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), this initiative celebrates two of the state’s most beloved traditions: food and music. Unlike any typical dining experience, Sound Bites emphasizes music as a crucial element that can enhance our perception of taste rather than mere background noise. The aim? To offer visitors a completely new way to enjoy their meals.

This exciting campaign pairs talented chefs with incredible artists to create exclusive dishes accompanied by original music that has been specifically designed to be experienced together. At its core, Sound Bites hinges on a fascinating concept known as sonic seasoning. According to research conducted by Dr. Charles Spence, an experimental psychologist at Oxford University, the attributes of music—such as tempo, pitch, and instrumentation—can greatly influence how we experience flavors like sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.

The Films

To give life to this delightful concept, Sound Bites showcases three original short films, which are now accessible at TNSoundBites.com. Each film highlights a unique collaboration between a Tennessee chef and a musical artist. Here’s a glimpse into the featured artists and chefs:

• - East Tennessee: Country artists Lee Brice, David Tolliver, and Billy Montana join Chef Jeff Carter from Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro in Townsend.
• - Middle Tennessee: Singer-songwriter Ben Rector collaborates with Chef Philip Krajeck of Rolf and Daughters in Nashville.
• - West Tennessee: DJ Paul, co-founder of Three 6 Mafia, along with Southern Avenue, rapper Lil Wyte, and producer Boo Mitchell, team up with Chef Felicia Willett of Felicia Suzanne's in Memphis.

Mark Ezell, the TDTD commissioner, encapsulates the essence of this campaign by saying, “For centuries, people have paired food with wine. Now, we’re asking, ‘Why not food and music?’” Through Sound Bites, Tennessee aims to blend bold flavors with unforgettable music, crafting experiences that imprint lasting memories for any visitor.

Interactive Experience

Sound Bites doesn’t just exist on screen; it provides everyone—whether travelers or local restaurants—the chance to explore sonic seasoning for themselves. An interactive music pairing tool, available at TNSoundBites.com, allows users to craft their own music and food pairings using an authentic Tennessee soundtrack. Users can easily input a dish and let the tool analyze its primary flavor profiles. The resulting playlists offer curated soundtracks to enhance the dining experience, showcasing how music can subtly alter the perception of flavors.

To dive into the short films and experience the interactive pairing tool, visit TNSoundBites.com today!

About TDTD

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is dedicated to boosting economic growth and tourism across all 95 counties in Tennessee. Through innovative marketing strategies, TDTD works tirelessly to attract visitors to Tennessee, enhancing tax revenues, creating jobs, and inspiring new investments throughout the state. Renowned as a prime global destination, Tennessee offers visitors a wealth of experiences—from world-class music and live entertainment to family-friendly activities, picturesque communities, and culinary masterpieces. Vacations in Tennessee truly sound perfect! For more travel inspiration, visit TNVacation.com and follow @TNVacation on social media.