Monko: A Meditative Blend of Scent and Sound by Oaken Lab

In a world full of distractions, moments of introspection have become increasingly rare. Monko, the newest fragrance from Oaken Lab, was created with this very concept in mind – an invitation to pause, reflect, and listen. Inspired by the Japanese art of monkō (listening to incense), Monko merges the evocative power of scent with the warmth of vintage sound systems and the nostalgic hum of dusty vinyl records. This fragrance offers more than just a sensory experience; it creates a space where scent and sound converge, bringing quiet introspection to the forefront.

Monko: Where Scent Meets Sound

The act of listening to incense, a practice known as monkō, is a form of quiet reflection that dates back to Japan’s ancient culture. It’s about appreciating the subtleties of each aroma, the notes that linger, and the meditative atmosphere they create. With Monko, Oaken Lab reimagines this tradition, inviting you to experience a unique blend of fragrance and sound that inspires calm and contemplation.

The Story Behind Monko

Monko was born from Oaken Lab’s dedication to creating perfumes that connect deeply with the human experience. By combining elements of scent and sound, this fragrance encourages you to engage in a personal dialogue with your surroundings, much like listening to the whispers of an old record spinning on a turntable. The fragrance becomes a companion to quiet reflection, inviting you to slow down, be present, and truly listen.

Scent Profile: An Invitation to Reflect

Monko opens with a delicate balance of Neroli, Hyacinth, and Dried Fruit, offering an airy and almost nostalgic feeling, like the first few notes of a favorite old vinyl. These top notes are complemented by the soft warmth of Angelica Root, Saffron, Carrot Seed, and Orris at the heart, which adds complexity and depth to the fragrance, akin to the soothing sounds of a record player gently filling the room.

The fragrance settles into a rich and grounding base of Old Wood, Hioki, Patchouli, Musk, and Amber. These base notes evoke the feeling of worn vintage wood, the comforting embrace of familiar sounds, and the wisdom of quiet moments passed.

The Listening Room Experience

To celebrate the launch of Monko, Oaken Lab brought the fragrance to life in a truly immersive way. During the Art Jakarta and BrightspotMRKT 2024 events, Oaken Lab created a mini Listening Room, where visitors could experience Monko in an intimate setting, surrounded by the sounds of vintage records and the aroma of the fragrance itself. This experience provided a tangible connection between scent and sound, offering a deeper understanding of Monko’s reflective nature.

In a collaboration with Audio Nirvana, Oaken Lab also curated a special playlist inspired by the essence of Monko. The playlist, designed to enhance the sensory journey, features tracks that resonate with the nostalgic, meditative atmosphere of the fragrance. It combines elements of ambient, jazz, and classical genres, mirroring the quiet reflection and emotional depth that Monko evokes.

Visitors at the events were invited to listen to this exclusive playlist while experiencing the fragrance, creating a multi-sensory experience that connected the auditory and olfactory elements in a harmonious way.

A Personal Journey

At its core, Monko is not just a fragrance; it’s a journey. The careful blend of notes, inspired by traditional practices and modern sensibilities, offers a deeply personal experience. Each spritz is an invitation to pause, breathe, and listen – a moment of introspection in our fast-paced world.

As you indulge in the fragrance of Monko, you are reminded that sometimes, the most powerful conversations are the ones we have with ourselves. And in those quiet moments, scent and sound merge to create something extraordinary.