The Story
Why it exists.
John Biebel conceived Gong in 2021 as a sonic‑visual extension of his artistic practice. Inspired by the resonant tones of Chinese gongs and the crisp snap of fresh citrus, he aimed to translate that rhythmic contrast into scent. The name evokes the percussive instrument, while the blend of lime, bergamot and peppery radish mirrors the bright strike followed by lingering reverberation. Released alongside an eight‑track gong‑driven album, the perfume embodies the house’s commitment to multi‑sensory storytelling.
If this were a song
Community picks
Summer Breeze
Mild High Club
The Beginning
John Biebel conceived Gong in 2021 as a sonic‑visual extension of his artistic practice. Inspired by the resonant tones of Chinese gongs and the crisp snap of fresh citrus, he aimed to translate that rhythmic contrast into scent. The name evokes the percussive instrument, while the blend of lime, bergamot and peppery radish mirrors the bright strike followed by lingering reverberation. Released alongside an eight‑track gong‑driven album, the perfume embodies the house’s commitment to multi‑sensory storytelling.
Pairing blueberry’s sweet burst with the vegetal bite of daikon radish creates a paradox that feels both playful and grounding. The green bell pepper adds a crisp, almost aromatic sharpness, while ginger and galanga inject a clean heat that prevents the fruit from becoming cloying. Violet’s powdery veil softens the edge, allowing the base of musk, sandalwood, leather and amber to emerge as a warm, lingering finish that feels like the echo of a gong after the strike.
The Evolution
At first, Gong announces itself with a bright citrus flash, lime fizzing against bergamot’s sun‑lit sparkle. Within minutes the green pepper crackles, and blueberry bursts forward, but the radish’s crisp bite cuts through, keeping the sweetness honest. Ginger and galanga stir a clean, peppery heat that nudges the violet into a soft, powdery haze. As the top fades, the base unfurls: musk settles like warm skin, sandalwood spreads a creamy timber, and leather slips in with a subtle suede texture, finally anchored by amber’s golden glow. The dry‑down lingers for 8‑10 hours, leaving a faint, earthy echo that feels like the lingering vibration of a gong after the final strike.
Cultural Impact
Since its 2021 release, Gong has become a cult favorite among indie fragrance circles, praised for its daring green‑fruit‑spice blend. The accompanying eight‑track gong‑driven album reinforces the brand’s multi‑sensory ethos, turning the scent into a soundtrack for summer outings. Wearers often cite its distinctive blueberry‑radish contrast as a conversation starter, cementing its place in niche perfumery discussions.
The House
United States · Est. 2015
January Scent Project is an independent fragrance house based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Founded in 2015 by multidisciplinary artist John Biebel, the label produces small‑batch artisan perfumes that blend visual art, music and design. The catalogue includes Smolderose (2017), Burvuvu (2018), Ojiim (2020) and Northern Flicker (2024). Each scent is presented as a personal statement rather than a commercial trend, and the brand also offers private scent development and consulting for collectors and creators who want a bespoke olfactory experience.
If this were a song
Community picks
The scent feels like a bright sunrise over a garden, followed by a rhythmic pulse of spice and a lingering warm echo, much like a gong’s resonant strike fading into calm.
Summer Breeze
Mild High Club


















