6 tips for handpan musicians to record and publish music

Very few instruments can rival the handpan for sound quality and therapeutic benefits. Created by Sabina Schärer and Felix Rohner, the handpan is an exotic percussion instrument that can mesmerise and soothe the listener. More and more musicians are falling in love with it, yet it’s still a mystery to most people. Here are six tips for recording and publishing music with a handpan.

4 tips for recording a handpan

To record great-sounding handpan music, there are a few key boxes to check:

Choose the right recording equipment

The equipment needed to record a handpan includes several tools, including a recording microphone, a speaker, a case, and a stand. If you’re not sure which microphone to buy, read my article dedicated to recording the handpan. You’ll learn the pros and cons of each type of mic so you can choose with confidence.

Create a suitable environment for recording

Recording your hang in the right space makes a huge difference to the final result. That’s why you should choose a good room to record in and optimise its acoustics as professionally as possible.

Work on post-production for a professional result

Audio post-production is essential if you want your recorded handpan sound to match your artistic vision. This includes:

• Mixing, to harmonise and balance the sound
• Mastering, which makes the sound consistent, professional, and ready for release
• Sound design, to add a sonic identity to your music

Protect your work and master files

Online, certain tools and resources for music production may be geographically restricted. According to VPN provider ExpressVPN, changing your IP address can help you bypass restrictions and other location-related issues.

Once your music is recorded and ready to release, it’s essential to protect your work from theft or plagiarism. Musicians can seek assistance from the INPI or SACEM.

2 tips for distributing music recorded on a hang drum

Here are a few tips handpan players can use to publish their music and get it in front of more listeners.

Choose the ideal platform for publishing your music

There are several online options for publishing your music, including digital distributors and streaming services. A digital distributor acts as an intermediary between you and the platforms. Some of the best-known options are:

• TuneCord
• iMusician
• DistroKid
• Landr

Streaming platforms, meanwhile, make your music accessible to the general public. Handpan players can choose from several options, such as:

• Spotify
• YouTube
• Apple Music
• Amazon Music
• SoundCloud
• Deezer

Promote your music effectively

To promote their work, musicians can use a variety of marketing tactics. For example, they can stay active on social media and share their exclusive music and creative content. Another option is to get your track onto playlists on streaming platforms or create an original music video around your recording.

Final thoughts: recording and sharing your music beyond borders

Every handpan musician should do everything possible to record and get their compositions heard. That starts with choosing the right recording gear. You’ll also want to be meticulous during post-production and strategic when picking a distribution platform. Every step should lead to a beautiful, professional-quality sound.

Now that you’ve taken these tips into account, you’ll find that choosing a handpan can be fairly tricky, given the sheer number of options out there, especially with the rise of Chinese handpans. Some can be excellent quality—so read my take on the topic.