Designer Brian d’Souza launches Swell to create evocative soundscapes for physical environments
by Megan Whitby | 16 Mar 2022
Brian d'Souza creates immersive soundscapes for facility operators in the hospitality, wellness and spa markets / Brian d'Souza
Music psychology specialist, Brian d’Souza, has launched a sound wellness business to offer transformative sound experiences to the hospitality, wellness and spa industries.
Called Swell, the company delivers bespoke solutions combining field recording, music composition, nature and sound therapy to improve relaxation while promoting positive listening habits for deep relaxation.
d'Souza says the traditional linear listening experience can result in 'listener fatigue' if guests and staff hear the same music on repeat.
Swell is aiming to provide therapists with an audio solution to elevate treatments and create more immersive environments. d'Souza also suggests using the audio for standalone wellness experiences or to accompany treatments.
The company designs, develops and supports its own software platform and apps which enable the user to sync music selections and compositions to any kind of physical or therapeutic journey.
Swell is an offshoot of d’Souza’s primary business – Open Ear Music – a music design and playlist delivery service, creating bespoke playlists and on-brand solutions for a range of businesses.
Open Ear recently collaborated with the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow to deliver Scotland's first biophilic hotel room inspired by forest bathing. Nature-based recordings, with curated ambient music, are adapted to the time of day to complement a guest room decked in green plants and foliage.
d’Souza is a DJ, producer, radio host and record label owner with an MA in psychology, an MSc in sound design and sound therapist qualifications.
Open Ear has done work for Google, Hot Pod Yoga, Nike, Nobu, IHG Virgin Gyms and boutique studio operator, Frame.
About Swell Sound Wellness audio
The Swell system combines various soundscapes, including:
Functional sound: tailored therapeutic sound designed to lower heart rate, blood pressure and stress while promoting positive biochemical responses that bring equilibrium to the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system.
Conscious listening: dedicated time for active listening to promote restorative deep relaxation and cognitive clarity.
Authentic process: biophilic sounds and traditional sound healing instrument recordings to create immersive wellbeing experiences.
Tailor-made compositions: field recordings, original compositions and sound therapy tailored to enhance the experience in both intensity and duration.
Brian d'Souza Swell Open Ear Music ishga10 May 2021
Kimpton reveals biophilic forest bathing hotel suite
01 Feb 2021
New study exploring how digital nature experiences support wellbeing
FEATURE: Finishing touch – Watch out
Music psychology specialist, Brian d’Souza, has launched a sound wellness business to offer transformative sound experiences to the hospitality, wellness and spa industries. Called Swell, the company delivers bespoke solutions combining field recording, music composition, nature and sound therapy to improve relaxation while promoting positive listening habits for deep relaxation. d'Souza says the traditional linear listening experience can result in 'listener fatigue' if guests and staff hear the same music
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