Pick Your Next Perfume Based On Music. An Unexpected Connection That Moves You.

Smell the Notes

Fireworks to the sound of classical music, the aromas during film screenings at the cinema - trying to create experiences that connect the senses is nothing new. However, the senses of smell and sound have not received many attempts. The British chemist and perfume designer Septimus Piesse, who laid the foundations for the pyramid arrangement of fragrances (i.e. the concept of top, middle and base notes), can be considered one of the first pioneers. In addition, he created a scheme in which he matched specific fragrances to 24 musical notes.

Yes, everything was based more on intuition and observation of how certain fragrances (and notes) affect people. But even if it has little to do with science, it would be a shame to dismiss this idea. He points out, for example, that fragrance and music can play with one's mood. The tones of the minor scale have a melancholic, even wistful quality, while those of the major scale are optimistic and joyful.

And it is similar with fragrances. Spicy fragrances create an impression of mystery, citrus fragrances are light, playful and cheerful, rose perfumes are intimate and romantic. And ultimately it's all about quantity and composition. 

What Does the Moonlight Sonata Smell Like?

An interesting attempt to combine music and fragrance was the "Essence in Space" project from 2013. The keys were modified so that when each of them was pressed, a drop of perfume was released into a bottle. To give you an idea - the low notes were associated with woody, oriental and floral fragrances, the higher notes with fresh or aquatic components.

At the end of the performance, a bottle with a unique blend was created and a chance to smell what Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata or Mozart's Turkish March would smell like. An original idea? It certainly is. Is this proof that more fragrant compositions are created this way? Unfortunately, no. 

The Classics and Bangers

Want another likeness between fragrance and music? You got it. The success of perfume and music ultimately lies in how the public perceives them. Some become classics over time, admired across generations. Others turn into evergreens, famous pieces that some people love and others can't stand. And then there are the hits whose popularity skyrockets immediately upon release and you spend the entire summer listening to, or rather smelling, them.

When Musicians Compose Fragrances

Please, no more debating. There is also a direct link between music and perfume - fragrances designed by pop stars. There may be some we don't even remember anymore, but many of them not only enjoyed their few minutes of fame, but even settled themselves onto the market for many years. A prime example is Jennifer Lopez's highly successful fragrance Glow by JLo, which came onto the market in 2004 and made $300 million in just one year. "Jenny from the Block" is simply multi-talented and her blend of vanilla, jasmine and orange is as catchy as her songs. 

Similarly, Britney Spears Curious perfume has been on the market for a long period of time. It generated $100 million in five weeks and the popularity of this blend of magnolia, pear, tuberose and sandalwood is far from over. 

Ariana Grande is behind perhaps the biggest perfume empire built by a celebrity at this very moment. She already has nine different fragrances to her credit, and she can also place several awards she has won for them on her shelf. But it's definitely not a coincidence. The young singer takes fragrances quite seriously and invites experts such as Clement Gavarry or Jérôme Epinette, who collaborate with Byredo, to create them. 

Now, do you think the connection between music and fragrance is greater than what you thought before you clicked on this article? We do too Now let's imagine what our favourite song would smell like.