Curating Luxury Through Sound - Michelangelo L’Acqua - Defining Hospitality
"I truly believe that there are moments I can really tap into unconscious feelings within somebody. And if I can do that… you're gonna walk away from that experience and say that was a great night."
Audio Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Michaelangelo L’Acqua, a global entertainment director and music/lifestyle branding expert, to discuss hospitality as “infrastructure” built through sound, motifs, and emotional arcs across dayparts. This conversation dives into shifting luxury expectations, analog-era craft, and mentoring creatives within business-driven environments.
Takeaways:
Sonic architecture is the infrastructure. Michaelangelo L’Acqua discusses the importance of a Sonic Identity Brand Bible, an intricate strategy that aligns a brand’s sonic elements with its core values, much like architectural blueprints guide building design.
Bridging emotional peaks and valleys. Hospitality is more than heads in beds; it’s about crafting experiences that weave sound motifs throughout a guest’s stay, enhancing their journey emotionally from sunrise to late-night moments.
Analog wisdom holds value in a digital age. Raised in the pre-digital era, L’Acqua emphasizes the value of the rich, textured experiences of analog days that can inform and elevate today’s hospitality landscapes.
Mentorship and legacy building are vital. L’Acqua highlights the value of mentorship in fostering future leaders, suggesting that nurturing talent in younger demographics ensures the preservation and evolution of luxury standards.
Adaptation and timeless style. While trends ebb and flow, human needs remain constant. L’Acqua reflects on how enduring designs and sounds, analogous to timeless furniture pieces or classic tracks, resonate deeply across generations.
Passion is the focus. Even within the structured world of private equity and ROI demands, L’Acqua finds creative freedom by marrying passion with practicality, achieving personal and professional fulfillment.
Cultural agility can drive relevancy. In a world of fast conservation and changing tastes, staying connected to cultural radars through networks of tastemakers helps brands to remain relevant and exciting in diverse contexts.
"I truly believe that there are moments I can really tap into unconscious feelings within somebody. And if I can do that… you're gonna walk away from that experience and say that was a great night. I don't know why, but it was just special." - Michelangelo L’Acqua
Building a hotel, brand, or guest experience? Reach out to Dan on LinkedIn or hit reply on the Substack to share what you’re working on.
Connect with Michaelangelo:
Starwood Hotels: https://www.starwoodhotels.com/
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