Music psychology specialist, Brian d’Souza, has launched a sound wellness business to offer transformative sound experiences to the spa, wellness and hospitality industries.

Called Swell, the company delivers bespoke music and sound solutions combining field recording, music composition, nature and sound therapy to improve relaxation while promoting positive listening habits for deep relaxation.

The Swell team has recently partnered with Scottish spa and skincare brand ishga to create personalised treatment sequences, paired with Swell’s sound wellness concept.

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 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 – which is 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.

The team created nature-based recordings with curated ambient music which adapted to the time of day to complement a guest room decked in green plants and foliage.

d’Souza says this collaboration led to the launch of Swell.

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.