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:
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
Now That’s What I Call Ambient - Oct. ’23
Train No. 8: Autumn Excursion by Paul Asbury Seaman
Quiet Indie Songs Fall ’23
For the Love of Iceland
Summer’s End by The Lonely Bell
Summoning The Spirits
Electronic Music 1972
Last Train Home by Paul Asbury Seaman
Favorite Ambient Albums of 2023, so far
Longform Sleepy Time
Aquadream by Fragile X
Electronic Music 1971
Fresh Ambient June 2023
The Lonely Orbit
Between Interval: Instrumental gems (mostly) from 70s rock - by Paul Asbury Seaman
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Resident by Hernan Cattaneo
Markus Schulz presents Global DJ Broadcast