The World of Handpan Music on YouTube: 10 Popular Musicians to Follow

Tongue drums, also known as tank drums, and similar instruments called handpans, have been around for centuries, but become increasingly popular in recent years due to their easy-to-play notations and soothing, meditative sounds. These instruments are often used in meditation, sound healing, and even mainstream music. Both tongue drums and handpans consist of a circular metal drum with tongues or “notes” on the surface that can be played with the hands or mallets. Both instruments are tuned in the same way, so their tuning modes are mutually adaptive, and their construction is similar, so in this article, we will talk about both types of instruments.
Many talented musicians showcase their skills on YouTube, and in this article, we'll take a look at some of the most popular tongue drum and handpan musicians on the platform.

1.    Hang Massive

Hang Massive have established themselves as the worlds leading handpan duo and promise to deliver many original and unique works in the future. Danny Cudd and Markus Offbeat have been playing together as a duo since the summer of 2010 and since then have performed all over the world. They have gained recognition globally, captivating their audiences with their unique and entertaining performances. Their unique style of music and more recent fusion with electronic production has further set Hang Massive into a world and genre of their own.

2.    April Yang

April is a Chinese musician who has gained a following on YouTube for her tongue drum covers of popular anime and video game soundtracks. Her channel features a wide variety of music, from upbeat pop tunes to haunting ballads. April’s playing style is delicate and precise, making her performances both soothing and uplifting.

3.    Daniel Waples

Daniel Waples is one of the most well-known handpan musicians on YouTube, with over 200,000 subscribers to his channel. He has been playing handpan for over a decade and has performed all over the world. His music is a fusion of different genres, including jazz, world music, and electronic music. He is also known for collaborating with other musicians, both in person and through virtual collaborations.

4.    Dante Bucci

With over 100,000 subscribers, Dante Bucci is one of the most popular tongue drummers on YouTube. His channel features a wide variety of music, including covers of popular songs as well as his original compositions. Bucci’s unique style blends elements of world music, jazz, and new age to create a sound that is both calming and uplifting.

5.    David Charrier

David Charrier is a French musician who has gained a following on YouTube for his mesmerizing performances on the tongue drum. His channel features videos of him playing in various scenic locations, from mountain tops to sandy beaches. Charrier’s music is often described as “ethereal” and “otherworldly.”
   
6.    Rafael Sotomayor

Rafael Sotomayor is a percussionist from Chile who specializes in the tongue drum. His channel features a mix of traditional and contemporary music, with a focus on Latin American rhythms. Sotomayor’s playing style is energetic and dynamic, making his performances a joy to watch.

7.    David Kuckhermann

David Kuckhermann is a German percussionist who is known for his unique approach to the tongue drum. His channel features videos of him playing a variety of percussion instruments, including the handpan and the frame drum. Kuckhermann’s music is a fusion of world music styles, with a heavy emphasis on improvisation.

8.    Sam Maher

Sam Maher is an Australian handpan player who has gained a following on YouTube for her ethereal and atmospheric music. She is known for her use of effects pedals and looping techniques to create layered and textured soundscapes. Her YouTube channel has over 40,000 subscribers, and she has released several albums of handpan music.

9.    Manu Delago

Manu Delago is an Austrian musician who is known for his virtuosic handpan playing. He has released several albums of handpan music, including "Silver Kobalt" and "Circadian." He has also collaborated with other musicians, including Bjork and Anoushka Shankar. His YouTube channel has over 35,000 subscribers, and he regularly posts videos of his performances and collaborations.

10.    Kabeção

Kabeção is a Brazilian handpan player who has gained a following on YouTube for his energetic and upbeat performances. He is known for his use of percussion instruments in addition to the handpan, which gives his music a lively and rhythmic feel. His YouTube channel has over 20,000 subscribers, and he regularly posts videos of his performances and collaborations.

These ten musicians are just a small sample of the many skilled and creative players who can be found on YouTube. Both handpan and tongue drum are fascinating instruments that had inspired many talented musicians to explore their possibilities.  If you are interested in this instrument and its music, their channels are a great place to start exploring.

Picture from Kabeção Youtube channel