The Time Marvin Refused To Sing Unless The Incense Was Lit

April 2, 2025

Marvin stood by the window of his small studio apartment, staring out at the bustling city below. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow over everything, but he was lost in his thoughts. Tonight was the night of his big performance at the local community center, a chance for him to showcase his music to an audience that had come to appreciate him over the years. But there was one thing holding him back: he needed the incense lit.

Marvin had always been particular about his creative process. To him, music was not just a series of notes and rhythms; it was an experience that engaged all the senses. The smell of sandalwood incense filled the air with a calming scent that helped him focus and unleash his emotions. It was a ritual he had developed over the years, one that connected him to the very essence of who he was as an artist. But his bandmates didn’t understand. They laughed when he insisted on lighting the incense before a show, and that made him doubt himself.

As the minutes ticked away on the clock, Marvin felt the pressure mounting. The other musicians were pacing, trying to warm up their voices and instruments, but he stood firm. “I can’t perform unless the incense is lit,” he declared, his voice unwavering despite the teasing from his friends. He knew it sounded strange, but he was adamant. His heart raced—not just from the nerves of performing, but from the insistence of his own beliefs. The band exchanged glances, and finally, one of them, Jess, rolled her eyes but reached for the incense stick anyway.

When the thin plume of smoke began to curl upward, something shifted within Marvin. The familiar aroma wrapped around him like a comforting embrace. He closed his eyes, took in a deep breath, and let the scents guide him back to moments of inspiration and joy. With the incense burning, he felt an extraordinary surge of confidence. The tension melted away, and in that moment, he knew he could give his best performance yet. When he stepped on stage, the audience’s faces lit up, and the energy in the room was electric.

As he sang, Marvin poured every shred of his passion into the performance. Each note resonated deeply, telling stories of his struggles and triumphs. The audience was captivated, swaying with the rhythm, completely entranced by the music he had crafted. By the end of the night, he received a standing ovation that left him breathless. The incense had turned out to be more than just a preference; it was a symbol of his commitment to his artistry.

That night marked a turning point in Marvin’s career. The performance opened doors for him, leading to collaborations and opportunities he had only dreamed of. More importantly, it solidified a lesson that he would carry throughout his life: sometimes, you have to stand firm in your beliefs to truly connect with your art. Marvin learned that embracing his unique rituals not only empowered him but also inspired others to be true to themselves. As he continued to pursue his music, he always made sure to light that incense, a small but powerful reminder of the resilience and passion that defined him as an artist.