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:
Best Ambient of 2019 Vol. 2
Best Ambient of 2019
2019 Film Scores
Soft Focus
Mystical Ambience 2: Tactile Ground by Paul Asbury Seaman
Blade Runner Is Now
In Sequencer Euphoria
Ambient Twang
Almost Home
A Rhythmic Passage
Mostly Flute: Ambient New Age by Paul Asbury Seaman
Lost Tribe Sound: The Western Divide
Stranger Synths 2019
Levitate by Innesti
Whitelabrecs 2019(so far)
Sunday Morning Music vol. 18 - Sun Room
The Gentle Space Music of Hollan Holmes curated by Paul Asbury Seaman
An Alternative ARRIVAL Soundtrack
Set The Controls
Subaquatic Universe
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