Smoke Signals: Ritual, Scent, and Creating Energy in the Studio

Before a single note is played, before the gear hums to life, I almost always begin with scent. A moment to light incense or Palo Santo, to let the smoke curl around the space like a gentle reminder: this is sacred.

It’s a small ritual, but one that creates a noticeable shift in the studio. The air changes. My body settles. The creative process doesn’t just begin with a sound—it begins with intention.

Why Ritual Matters in a Creative Practice

Over time, I’ve come to recognize that the work we do creatively isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about preparation. And for me, that begins with preparing the space. The scent of Palo Santo or the slow burn of incense becomes a kind of threshold, a way to cross into a different headspace.

It’s a centering practice. A clearing. It tells my nervous system that it’s time to shift from noise to presence, from scattered thought to focused openness.

Much like ambient music, scent works on a level that’s subtle and immersive. It doesn’t demand attention, but it shapes the experience. It holds the space.

Scent as an Extension of Sound

What I love about using incense in the studio is that it feels like a companion to the sound. The scent drifts slowly, like a drone or pad, subtle but expansive. It creates a space where ideas feel more welcome—like the energy has been wiped clean for something new to emerge.

Ambient music thrives in the spaces between, and scent works much the same way. It fills the gaps between thoughts. Between breaths. Between takes. It becomes part of the atmosphere, part of the architecture of the moment.

A Collaboration Rooted in Ritual

As part of the upcoming vinyl release of Without Mind, I’ve partnered with Goyo to create a custom paper incense blend that captures the feeling of this record. Goyo shares the same appreciation for ritual, intention, and sensory experience—and together, we’re crafting something that expands the world of the album beyond sound.

The idea is simple: when you light this incense and drop the needle, it becomes a full-bodied experience. One that’s not just heard, but felt. Smelled. Remembered.

I’ll have more to share soon about this limited edition piece of the Without Mind release, but I couldn’t be more grateful to work with a brand like Goyo that understands how scent can shape presence.

Creating Your Own Ritual

You don’t need a studio full of gear to build a ritual. All you need is intention. It could be incense. A deep breath. A light stretch. A walk around the block. Whatever helps clear the static and create the space.

And if you’re looking for a place to start—musically—I’ve curated Meditative Moments, a playlist of ambient tracks designed to support slow, intentional living:

🎧 Follow & Save Meditative Moments

Let the scent rise. Let the music settle. Then begin.

Until next time,
Your fellow human just being.

– Six Missing