Non-musical sound branding – a conceptualization and research overview

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to advance the understanding of sound branding by developing a new conceptual framework and providing an overview of the research literature on non-musical sound. Design/methodology/approach: Using four mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive types of non-musical sound, the paper assesses and synthesizes 99 significant studies across various scholarly fields. Findings: The overview reveals two areas in which more research may be warranted, that is, non-musical atmospherics and non-musical sonic logos. Moreover, future sound-branding research should examine in further detail the potentials of developed versus annexed object sounds, and mediated versus unmediated brand sounds. Research limitations/implications: The paper provides important insights into critical issues that suggest directions for further research on non-musical sound branding. Practical implications: The paper identifies an unexploited terrain of possibilities for the use of sound in marketing and branding. Originality/value: The paper identifies a subfield within sound-branding research that has received little attention despite its inevitability and potential significance.