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:
Between These Breaths
Unfold the Universe
Hymns & Voices
Jazz 2021
Best(favorite) Ambient Albums of 2021 part 2
Best(favorite) Ambient of 2021
absolutely ambient
A Tender Loneliness: Native American-style Flute — by Paul Asbury Seaman
DUNE - an alternative soundtrack
The Restless Thrum
always ambient
Out Past Dark
Quiet Indie Songs #3 - Autumn 2021
Music for Covered Airports
The wind blows, just off-kilter
Always Autumn by Paul Asbury Seaman
Slow Road - The Endless Potential of the Pedal Steel Guitar
Vantage - Curated by Time Rival
Moteer - sounds like this
purely ambient
Create your
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It is Free
Irish Songs with Ken Murray
Immediately Kinfolk
Turned On
Resident by Hernan Cattaneo
Markus Schulz presents Global DJ Broadcast