The London Vegetable Orchestra has turned fresh produce into working musical instruments for a new original composition. The group recorded the track, titled “From Ground to Sound,” at Abbey Road Studios’ Studio Two in London. Chipotle Mexican Grill partnered on the project to highlight its restaurant ingredients in an unexpected way. ([1])
Instruments Built from Restaurant Produce
The orchestra constructed every instrument from ingredients commonly found in Chipotle locations. A trombone came from an onion, while corn stalks formed flutes. Jalapeños became trumpets, and a horn combined peppers with an avocado pit. Lettuce served as percussion, and an onion provided the bass line. Each piece required careful selection at peak ripeness because moisture and texture shift quickly once produce is harvested. The musicians had only a narrow window to assemble, tune, and record before the materials changed.
Three Months of Experimentation
Building the instruments took three months and dozens of prototypes. The London Vegetable Orchestra specializes in vegetable-based instruments, drawing on classically trained players who refine their craft through repeated trials. Fresh produce demands constant adjustment. A slight change in humidity or ripeness can alter pitch and playability, forcing the group to work fast once the final versions were ready.
Recording Session and Release
The full piece was captured in Abbey Road Studios’ Studio Two, the same space long associated with landmark recordings. Beacon Street Studios composed the music, with creative direction from the agency KIDS. The track draws inspiration from the growth cycle of vegetables, from seed to plate. A short excerpt first appeared in Chipotle’s 100 Creators advertising campaign last August. The complete song is now streaming on Spotify and Apple Music, and a documentary film about the making of the project is available on YouTube.
Exploring New Sounds from Familiar Ingredients
“Millions of people know Chipotle’s ingredients by how they look, taste and smell. Very few have ever stopped to ask what they sound like. That question led us somewhere no one expected,” said Icaro Doria, founder and chief creative officer at KIDS. The resulting composition serves as a signature sound for select future campaigns. Chipotle operates more than 4,200 restaurants across several countries, yet this project shifts attention from taste and appearance to an entirely different sensory experience.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.