A melody is similar to a scent in that it triggers the memory or emotion synonymous with that melody. Hence, it’s no surprise numerous songs talk about fragrances, essential oils, and the use of scent. Next, we’ll investigate the exquisite bond between fragrance and music, with songs fashioned by smells and just how and why essential oils — such as those from HBNO — are so entwined in that ancient link.
The Art of Songwriting and Scent Inspiration
Music and scent both trigger human emotion and memory. Much the same way that a melody can conjure memories of nostalgia or joy, there’s a scent of a particular fragrance or essential oil that can make you wish to take a time machine and go back. The fragrance becomes a metaphor of kind for longing, romance, or the intricate dance of human connectivity by way of songwriters. For example, the perfume tracks “Scent of a Woman” by Tom Waits, and “Perfume” by Britney Spears, exemplify how the world of music marries scents into lyrics and, thus, storytelling.
However, with inspiration derived from coconut, myrrh, and sandalwood-infused oils like HBNO, our natural foundation is created. These aromatic flavors tend to have a powerful effect on mood and emotions, so it’s no surprise they’re the perfect muse for musicians who want to add depth and atmosphere to their work.
Fragrance Songs and Iconic References
The allure of fragrance is alluded to so often by so many popular songs, which refer to it as an emblem of memory, allure, or secrecy. Fragrance (or absence of it) speaks its own narrative with The Rolling Stones’ “Brown Sugar” and Nirvana’s “Scentless Apprentice,” for instance. And more subtle scent references such as in the oddity of music of Lana Del Rey, invite to a sensory experience that matches those lyric vintage and romantic themes.
Essential oils evoke images just like these musical interpretations parallel. HBNO’s jasmine, a rich, floral oil that calls to mind the likes of romantic ballads and tender moments is an essential oil. Like their sandalwood essential oil for its connection to grounding properties, their soulful or reflective tunes tend to go a little deeper into the emotional realm.
Essential Oils in the Creative Process
Essential oils serve as part of musicians’ and artists’ creative rituals. Essential oils from HBNO can be supporting players at other times common to the music-making process, whether it’s diffusing lavender oil to calm jittery nerves just before performing or blending herby citrus oils to inspire creativity. Throughout history, the scent has been linked with art in various ways, and the scent of essential oils has been adopted by many artists as another way to find those holistic benefits of enhancing focus and inspiring one’s craft.
Attempting a combination of HBNO’s orange and peppermint essential oil can result in an energizing, reviving environment; perfect for songwriting or rehearsal. More on the calming side, chamomile or myrrh may be diffused during reflective moments and perhaps late-night recording sessions. These are soothing and uplifting oils that help an artist bring his creative flow and evoke the right emotions for his music.
Personal Scent Memories and Music.
There’s an undeniable bond for many between scent and personal memories that parallel music. What song brings you to mind and where, or even more specifically, a time does it put you back at? Closest to the heart, now, imagine a memory, with a signature essential oil. You can get a truly magical combined effect. Music listening can become even more immersive and added to your senses with fragrances such as eucalyptus or frankincense from HBNO.
Have you had a moment where you’ve heard a song and you’ve felt transported to such summer night or winter night? But pairing those moments with complementary essential oils can turbocharge that nostalgia. HBNO’s clove oil is a warm, spicy one that would get lost on a more abrasive style, but works perfectly with the murmurs of folk and acoustic ballads; or their crisp lemon essential oil offsets the sharps and flats of upbeat pop songs.
In addition, combining music with your scent experience can enhance new memories. One example of this technology would be to play a cherished playlist and diffuse HBNO’s ylang-ylang or frankincense essential oil during an important day creating an association with that scent and perpetually linking with his memory of that event. That same fragrance years later will still take you straight back to those moments, on a musical and olfactory journey.
Scent and Music in Cultural Moments
Both fragrance and music have historically played important roles in rituals celebrations, and cultural expressions. Imagine incense burned with fires before large historical events, hymns, or chants. But these sensory combinations weren’t random- they were used to craft a powerful, layered experience that strengthened emotional responses and made memories.
This tradition still lives on today, in simpler ways. It remains a marriage between scent and sound whether it’s a wedding song with the floral scent of roses or a festive song with notes of citrus to highlight summer celebrations. HBNO’s expansive range of essential oils lets you effortlessly create these moments on a personal level or at larger events.
Creating Your Scented Playlist
As a music lover and an enthusiast, why not create a musical playlist with the essential oils maybe? If you are in a certain mood, don’t look for songs to listen to, but rather choose songs that have meaning to you at that particular moment in time and pair them with corresponding oils that will enhance this experience. Here are a few ideas:
- Mood: Reflective
Song suggestion: “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley
Essential oil: Myrrh from HBO for depth & tranquility.
- Mood: Energized
Song suggestion: Katrina and the Waves – ‘Walking on Sunshine’
Essential oil: Peppermint for a zesty boost, or citrus blend.
- Mood: Romantic
Song suggestion: “At Last” by Etta James
Essential oil: An alluring touch with jasmine or ylang-ylang.
Conclusion
Fragrance and music have a relation of some kind to take our emotions and memories away to a different place that is we don’t exist anymore. But whether you can taste it in the lyrics of a song you love, see it in the makeup of a music studio, or smell it in the fragrances that come with your favorite playlist, essential oils can take your music and personalize it. HBNO’s collection of high-quality, diverse essential oils allows you to pair sound with scent and create a multi-sensory experience celebrating the balance between scent and sound. This means that next time you take that beloved track in, ride the wave with a complimentary essential oil and go further into the moment. Use fragrance and music as tools to create memories that can not be forgotten.
