The Handpan, or Hang, is a percussion instrument related to the Caribbean steelpan instrument. It is like a convex version of a steel drum with the two halves attached together. The instrument has been used in a lot of new age music and faux new-age eastern mysticism. Like a lot of new age music instrumentation there is a fine line between enjoyable, relaxing ambient and new age schlock. Unfortunately, many time use of the handpan falls into the latter category.
That being said, I do occasionally like the sound of the handpan and I don't care about healing energy and mystical power crapola. I just like the sound. While relaxing outside on my deck I came across Musical Incense vol. 1 by Laura Inserra. It became my go to music for zoning out in a chaise lounge while doom-scrolling Twitter, a habit I really need to break.
I decided to make an all handpan mix. The vibe is slow and relaxing. Sometimes handpan players can show off with their hands racing around the instrument to create intricate patterns. That style has its place but not in this mix. I tried to keep the pace slow and the vibe relaxing.
I can imagine some folks complaining that it all sounds the same. But that's what I like about this mix - it feels like one long handpan track. I can really zone out to it.
Here are links to all the albums used in this mix in the order in which they appear:
Arboreal Ambient
SLOW/FORM by Tewksbury
Transforming Sorrow by Paul Asbury Seaman
In The Path Of The Eclipse
Now That's What I Call Ambient - March 2024
Infinitely Small by Htennek Niwhsa
Electronic Music of 1973
DUNE - The Storm
Quiet Days by Ann Annie
APRICITY: the warmth of sunshine in winter
Cosmic Guitar
Nightwalk by Paul Asbury Seaman
So Cold Now
Finally...Snow
Favorite Jazz Albums of 2023
2023 Rewind - Favorite Ambient Albums of the Year
Invisible Topologies
Misty Morning by Six Missing
November Moon (for sleep and meditation) by Paul Asbury Seaman
Dia de Los Muertos
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Irish Songs with Ken Murray
Immediately Kinfolk
Turned On
Resident by Hernan Cattaneo
Markus Schulz presents Global DJ Broadcast