What does “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter taste like? How about “Bodyguard” by Beyoncé? Can you smell cigarettes and whiskey? Are you suddenly craving a latte? It might seem odd to think about how we experience music beyond just listening to the melodies and catchy lyrics, but the concept isn’t new by any means. Artists have long understood that the best records make you feel something, and emotions are often tied to moments, flavors, smells—music. It’s what separates the icons from today’s latest trending topic.
Think about it like setting the vibe for a party. The lighting has to be right, the house has to be tidied up just so, candles lit, food artfully arranged, and then of course, there’s the music. Get it? It’s all-encompassing, and music is just the throughline that ties everything together. But that still doesn’t answer the question. What does music taste like? Sure, the more literal songs like “Brown Sugar” by D’Angelo and “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles might evoke the rich, earthy flavor of molasses or the sugary sweet flavor of watermelon, but a song like “Lace Lifters” by Lizzo might be a bit more obscure.
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Regardless of how difficult it might be to imagine music beyond the vinyl, though, that hasn’t stopped artists from pushing the limits of worldbuilding with complementary products that enhance your listening experience. From perfume to spirits, and even a high-fashion collab or two, the goal is a multisensory exploration in sound that takes us from passive observer to immersed participant in the art. Even Ed Sheeran is wading into the waters of creating a multi-dimensional, layered sonic experience, and fans are calling his latest playful move “iconic.”
Related: Sabrina Carpenter Fans Can’t Contain Their Excitement Over ‘New Milestone’ in Her Career
Van Leeuwen Announces Playful Collab with Ed Sheeran
No stranger to capturing our ear with lilting tunes and songs that become instant classics, the “Shape of You” crooner is trying out an entirely new medium in the lead-up to the release of his upcoming eighth studio album, Play, which comes out this Friday. In a move we never saw coming, Ed Sheeran is teaming up with notoriously experimental ice cream brand Van Leeuwen to drop a limited-time Play Pink ice cream flavor inspired by his highly anticipated new album. Starting September 10, the bright pink flavor will be available at most NYC scoop shops while supplies last.
What Does Van Leeuwen’s Play Pink Ice Cream Taste Like
In a nod to the vivid pink hue of the cover art for the new record, the ice cream features a pink punch ice cream base swirled with dragon fruit and pieces of guava cake. Aside from being a close visual match, the bright and joyful flavors also pay homage to the album’s sound, which Sheeran describes as a return to “big pop.” Think groovy tunes that make you want to get up and dance, catchy lyrics, and a general feel-good vibe. Sounds tasty, doesn’t it? Judging by the response from fans, the answer is a resounding absolutely.
What Are Fans Saying
“WAIT I NEEEEEEED TO TRY,” said one enthusiastic fan. “AHHH I WANNA TRY IT 😍😮,” exclaimed another person. There truly wasn’t one negative comment about the collab, save for the few people who begged for the ice cream to make its way to their state. Maybe you can actually taste music after all. As long as it tastes this sweet, consider us fully immersed.
Related: This ‘Love Island’ Star Finally Learns How to Make This Popular Breakfast Staple, and Fans Say It’s ‘Iconic’
