Last May, we were thrilled to participate in the inaugural US-based Women's Handpan Gathering, Super Bloom, nestled in New York's Catskill Mountains. Celebrating this unique assembly, we crafted a 9-minute highlight reel showcasing the joy and connections formed at this empowering event.

Super Bloom welcomes all who identify as women, offering a space for learning, rejuvenation, and music-making, with a special invitation for others to witness this unity through our video.

This year, we're excited to return, offering amazing prizes and an array of We Play Well Together instruments for participants to explore. Super Bloom stands as a testament to the strength and creativity of women united by music, set against a backdrop of nature, with a program designed for relaxation, exploration, and shared musical experiences.

We're excited to announce a new Livestream series for 2023, featuring our friend Kalani Das from the WORLD DRUM CLUB on YouTube. Kickstarting this series, a recent livestream showcased Kalani playing our instruments alongside a live looper. This collaboration is set to continue with a monthly livestream event, offering our audience and customers unique interactive opportunities.

The first session in this series, happening on Sunday, January 29th, will see Kalani joined by We Play Well Together's Joule L'Adara. They'll dive into the instruments played in the initial video, provide live demonstrations, and host a Q&A segment for any questions about playing intuitive instruments.

Mark your calendars for the last Sunday of each month to catch these special livestreams on our YouTube Channel and Facebook Page. This initiative is part of our ongoing collaboration with Kalani, aimed at enhancing our connection with the community and sharing the joy of music. Whether you're interested in Koshi Chimes, Zenko Drums, Tinka Tongs, Kalimbas, feeltone Monochords, or more, these sessions promise a wealth of musical exploration.

If you can't join live, no worries—the recordings will be available on our YouTube Channel and Facebook Page. We're looking forward to playing well together with you in 2023!

Discover the exquisite line of Metal Sounds' steel percussion instruments, skillfully crafted in Southern France and now available in the American market through WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER. This includes the Zenko Drum, a top-tier tongue drum likened to the "Porsche" of tongue-drums for its refined sound and elegant design, and the Spacedrum, available in both Evolution and Nitro versions, offering unique sounds suited to various musical and therapeutic applications.

The Zenko Drum, with its variety of tunings, and the Spacedrum, with its chromatic range and responsive qualities, exemplify innovation in musical instrument design. Metal Sounds, established from a collaboration between Philip Maignaut and the Djoliba Music Store, prides itself on quality and integrity, handcrafting instruments that resonate with musicians, therapists, and enthusiasts alike.

As the exclusive North American distributor for Metal Sounds, WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER ensures a seamless experience for customers, from expert advice to after-service support. This partnership not only brings these unique instruments closer to the American handpan community but also fosters a global network of players united by the joy of music.

Curious about the enchanting world of handpans and tongue drums? If you've ever pondered the unique tonal qualities of these instruments or how to integrate them into your musical or therapeutic practice, including singing alongside these melodious percussions, then you're in for a treat.

We're thrilled to feature an insightful interview with Kalani Das of the World Drum Club, a celebrated YouTube channel with over 200K followers that delves into percussion instruments through tutorials and reviews. In this detailed discussion, Kalani explores Metal Sounds' Spacedrum Evolution and Zenko Drum, offering a captivating demonstration that highlights the harmony between these instruments.

Kalani's expertise shines as he employs live looping techniques to blend the distinct sounds of the Spacedrum Evolution and Zenko Drum, illustrating the seamless interaction possible even for solo performers. This interview is a testament to the synergy of We Play Well Together's curated instrument selection.

Highlights from the interview include:
- The distinctions between handpans and tongue drums and their unique applications.
- The Zenko drum's exceptional quality, likened to the "sportscar" of tongue drums for its refined sound.
- The Spacedrum Evolution's notable sustain, making it a standout choice among handpans.
- Tips on using live looping for creating layered soundscapes.
- The importance of investing in the highest quality instrument possible.
- The dynamic duo of singing with pitched percussion for an enriched musical experience.

Deciding between a handpan and a tongue drum is significant, with many opting to dream about and list these instruments as coveted additions to their musical repertoire. Metal Sounds' handcrafted instruments from France demand patience, often requiring weeks to perfect, but the result is an unparalleled sound companion worth the wait. Explore our collection of Spacedrum and Zenko Drums to find the one that resonates with you.

Percussionist David Naylor's remarkable journey through music began after a severe illness left him with no memory of his past, including his musical talents. Rediscovering a photo of himself surrounded by drums, with a Zenko Drum at the heart of his setup, sparked a reconnection to music and a path to self-reinvention.

In an Instagram Live conversation with We Play Well Together's Joule L'Adara, David shared insights into living fully in the present, embracing the state of wonderment arising from fragmented memory and mindfulness. He expressed appreciation for his memory loss, viewing it as a clean slate that freed him from traumatic past experiences.

David also discussed his neurodivergence, finding a special connection to rhythmic patterns that align with his interest in specific number sequences, particularly a 3-6-9 Afro-Cuban rhythm. This connection to rhythm and the Zenko Drum, which he feels links him to his past while transporting him to other worlds, highlights the healing power of music.

This conversation underscores the profound impact music can have on recovery, mindfulness, and personal growth. David's story is a testament to the therapeutic potential of musical exploration and the Zenko Drum's role in his musical and personal rediscovery. For a deeper understanding of David's journey and the Zenko Drum's significance, watch the edited IG Live interview on YouTube, which includes discussions and demonstrations of David's percussion setup.

Zenko Drums, touted as the "Porsche" of Tongue-Drums, are a testament to high-quality craftsmanship and innovative design, produced by Metal Sounds in the South of France. These metal tongue drums stand out for their intuitive playability and superior sound quality, crafted from two stainless steel shells welded together and precision-tuned to produce melodic tones through laser-cut "tongues." Lightweight and portable, Zenkos come with a protective padded bag complete with a mallet holder, making them perfect for musicians on the go.

What sets Zenko Drums apart in the crowded tongue drum market is their exceptional material quality and the meticulous attention to detail in their creation. The Zenko offers a sonic experience akin to handpans, with pure, uplifting bell-like tones and pitch-perfect tuning that invites meditative exploration and enhances sound meditation and music therapy sessions. Designed for professional use, Zenkos can be mounted on a cymbal stand, integrating seamlessly into drum kits or percussion setups.

Recognizing the Zenko as a premium instrument, Metal Sounds offers a diverse range of tunings, from chromatic scales to unique musical modes, catering to both traditional musicians and adventurous explorers of sound. A special video featuring percussionist Conny Sommar showcases the variety of Zenko tunings, providing a glimpse into the drum's versatility and the meticulous process behind its creation in Toulouse, France. This dedication to quality ensures that Zenko Drums not only meet but exceed the expectations of professional musicians and sound practitioners, offering a sound experience that is as refined and sophisticated as a Porsche.

Metal Sounds:

Handpans Handmade in France

 

SPACEDRUM®, the intuitive handpan, is a metal melodic instrument inspired by the original steel drum (aka the steelpan) and by the Hang® invented by PANArt® in 2000. Metal Sounds' handpans have been designed and handcrafted since 2006, and were the first handpan producer in France.

As requirements, tastes, and desires vary, Metal Sounds offers two different lines of handpans:

"This particular handpan by Metal Sounds is one of the most beautiful that I've personally played before!" - Todd Boston, January 2021

Want to know how to record a handpan?

 

Todd Boston, demonstrates the difference between a spacedrum Nitro and a spacedrum Evolution.