What Does Music Smell Like?
In this episode, I’m joined by Lauren Quilloto Benmouvar and Taylor Mills, co-founders of ApothoGothic, to explore the surprising connection between music and the five senses. Their work starts with a playlist, then unfolds into scent, touch, taste, and story, creating products that feel like a full-body experience.
We talk about their origin story, their creative method, and their newest subscription scent, Mirage. Along the way, we geek out on harmony, listening, and why the best ideas tend to show up when you stop forcing them.
Listen to the Episode
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What You’ll Take With You
This conversation is a reminder that listening is a skill, not a passive activity. Lauren and Taylor show what happens when music becomes the starting point for creation, not the background. From playlists on repeat to scent testing in tiny drops, their process is both playful and precise. You’ll walk away thinking differently about how art is built, why collaboration matters, and how the right blend of sound, scent, and story can transport you somewhere entirely new.
Core Threads
Music can be a blueprint, not just inspiration.
When the flow is gone, pause. The answer shows up faster later.
Listening deeper makes everything richer, even if you don’t know the theory.
Great creative work is balance, blend, and a little bit of daring.
The five senses can carry you somewhere new, even if you never leave home.
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