Skip to content

News

RSS
  • Sansula On Stage with Jazz! Featuring violinist Gwen Laster and the Travelguides jazz ensemble
    May 14, 2024

    Sansula On Stage with Jazz! Featuring violinist Gwen Laster and the Travelguides jazz ensemble

    World-renowned jazz violinist Gwen Laster adds a captivating touch to her live performances by incorporating the Sansula, an intuitive instrument from Hokema Kalimbas, sold by We Play Well Together.

    In a highlight video from her performance at the Beacon Bonfire Arts Festival, Gwen and her ensemble create mesmerizing interludes using the Sansula, adding a sense of space and expanded time to their set.

    The Sansula, a variation of the kalimba, is easy to play and introduces extra creativity to any musical act.

    Gwen's innovative use of this instrument, along with her poignant violin playing, showcases why she has performed with some of the world's most influential artists. Explore the various Sansulas and their accessories to enhance your own musical repertoire.

    Read now
  • A Personal Tour of of the Elemental Soundscapes WATER Collection
    November 13, 2023

    A Personal Tour of of the Elemental Soundscapes WATER Collection

    Since 2020, Sound Artist Joule L'Adara has been the Creative and Community Director at WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER, bringing her unique vision to the Elemental Soundscapes Water Collection.
    This series showcases a harmonious selection of musical instruments, inspired by natural elements and designed for intuitive play. In the inaugural 10-minute video, Joule introduces the WATER Collection instruments, all tuned to a D-minor scale, demonstrating how they complement each other in sound meditations, therapy, or artistic settings.

    The video features instruments like the Monolina D Monochord and Tinka Tong Aqua from feeltone, various Kalimbas by Hokema Kalimbas, and Zenko Element Aqua by Metal Sounds, among others, including a Quartz Crystal Singing Bowl to illustrate the synergy between these instruments.

    A second, sound-only video provides a 4-minute demonstration on layering these instruments for solo sound artistry, highlighting the Monolina D and suggesting vocal additions.

    The final 8-minute video offers an in-depth look at the Elemental Soundscapes concept, detailing the collections' intended audience, usage, and tuning specifics, encouraging viewers to explore the Water Collection further.

    Read now
  • Creating Joy with Rachel Nelson of Conscious Soundscapes in Alberta, Canada
    August 23, 2023

    Creating Joy with Rachel Nelson of Conscious Soundscapes in Alberta, Canada

    In the "Creating Joy with Conscious Soundscapes" feature on the We Play Well Together blog, we dive into how thoughtfully crafted sound environments can be a source of joy and wellness in our lives.

    A carefully chosen soundscape can have on transformative experience in our personal spaces and create relaxation and creativity.

    Instruments like the Koshi Chimes and Monolina Monochords are spotlighted for their ability to create these immersive, soothing auditory experiences.

    The article is packed with expert insights and actionable advice, guiding us on how to weave our own soundscapes filled with mindfulness and positive vibes. It really brings home the idea that sound has a profound ability to enrich our daily experiences, echoing the site's dedication to fostering a sense of harmony and well-being through music.

    Read now
  • 😌World Drum Club: People are loving Kalani & Brandon together
    June 29, 2023

    😌World Drum Club: People are loving Kalani & Brandon together

    The World Drum Club at We Play Well Together features the collaboration of Kalani and Brandon, both know for their percussion sessions.
    Their work combines various rhythms and engaging presentation. The duo's approach has  been noted for offering both entertainment and educational insights, reflecting We Play Well Together's focus on musical innovation and community engagement.
    Read now
  • Kalimba Electro: Techniques for the Studio and Live Stage!
    March 6, 2023

    Kalimba Electro: Techniques for the Studio and Live Stage!

    Here is a cool 83-second video showcasing the Kalimba Electro by Hokema, a game-changer for studio and live musicians. This unique kalimba comes with a piezo pickup and a 6.35mm jack socket, eliminating the need for an external mic and perfect for integrating crystal-clear percussive notes into your tracks.

    The video highlights Connor Shafran and Sia Mozaffari (Sia Seeds), demonstrating innovative uses of the Kalimba Electro in live and studio settings, from pitch-shifting in Germany to triggering samples and loops in Oakland. Featured is the B11 Kalimba Melody Electro, tuned to G-Major, alongside its variants in a-minor and C-Major pentatonic scales – all adjustable with Hokema's tuning tool.

    Dive into the fusion of traditional African rhythms with modern music production. Hokema's Kalimba Electros, with their built-in pickups, are a seamless fit for live performances and digital setups, offering a warm, gentle sound that complements any musical ensemble. Check them out for a versatile addition to your instrumental arsenal.
    Read now
  • Our newest Kalimba:  The B17 "Mini" by Hokema
    November 13, 2022

    Our newest Kalimba: The B17 "Mini" by Hokema

    Just in time for the holiday season, we're thrilled to unveil the B17 "Mini" Kalimba by Hokema Kalimbas, crafted with smaller hands in mind. This model caters to children, young adults, and anyone with smaller-sized hands, offering a more comfortable playing experience.

    The B17-Mini stands out not only for its size but also for its closely mounted metal tines, simplifying the creation of glissandos. This musical technique, involving a smooth slide across notes, is effortlessly achieved on this kalimba, allowing for a seamless blend of sound that's both enchanting and fun to produce.

    Matching the musical layout and tuning of its larger counterpart, the B17 Kalimba, the Mini version is constructed from American Cherry wood and spans two-and-a-half octaves in the C-Major diatonic scale. Its unique design facilitates easy chord formation and song accompaniment, making it an ideal instrument for both beginners and seasoned players. Additionally, it includes "chord magnets" for marking desired chords, enhancing the learning and playing process.

    Kalimbas, with their rich history originating in southern Africa, have evolved into a diverse range of instruments celebrated worldwide. The B17-Mini, alongside other variants like the Sansula and Kalimba Electro, is available on our site, ready to bring the timeless joy of kalimba music into more hands this holiday season.

    Read now
  • Why were 118K Souls Soothed by this B15 Kalimba video?!
    September 14, 2022

    Why were 118K Souls Soothed by this B15 Kalimba video?!

    Introducing the B15 "Mini" Kalimba from Hokema, designed specifically for smaller hands, this new model promises easier playability for children, young adults, and anyone with smaller-sized hands.

    Its unique feature, closely mounted metal tines, simplifies playing glissandos, allowing a fluid transition between notes for a mesmerizing musical effect. Echoing the layout and tuning of its predecessor, the B17, the B15 Mini is crafted from American Cherry wood and spans two-and-a-half octaves in the C-Major diatonic scale. This layout supports easy chord formation and intuitive play, enhanced by "chord magnets" for marking chords, inviting players of all ages to explore its harmonious potential.

    With origins rooted in southern Africa, the kalimba's soothing tones are now accessible in this compact, versatile instrument, enriching our diverse collection of kalimbas, including the Sansula and Kalimba Electro, available for discovery and delight.

    Read now