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This past summer, We Play Well Together's Creative Community Director Joule L'Adara traveled to Germany to work directly with our instrument builder the feeltone Company, helping to create a series of videos for our new Elemental Soundscapes instrument collections.

Read on to learn more about her adventure.

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.

The We Play Well Together collective, featuring instruments like monochords, tongue drums, handpans, kalimbas, and hanging chimes, has found a significant place in music therapy across various settings and conditions. Music Therapist Katie Down has outlined the instruments' clinical uses, which range from hospice care bedside support to assisting individuals with special needs, and from facilitating early childhood development to enhancing therapeutic group work. These instruments are instrumental in techniques such as clinical improvisation, songwriting, and self-soothing methods, supporting vocal exploration, breath work, and more.

A special highlight video has been crafted to offer music therapists a glimpse into the potential applications of these instruments, showcasing creations by Hokema Kalimbas, feeltone, and Metal Sounds. Notably, feeltone instruments can be treated for disinfection, aligning with current health protocols, ensuring they remain a safe choice for therapeutic environments.

Further resources for music therapists interested in integrating these instruments into their practice are available, including profiles and methods by professionals like Christine Stevens and Joanne Loewy from the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine. These resources demonstrate the broad spectrum of therapeutic possibilities these instruments can offer.

For an opportunity to explore these instruments and their uses in music therapy further, We Play Well Together will be present at the American Music Therapy Association 2021 Conference from October 14th to 17th, inviting professionals to connect and learn more about these transformative tools.

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.

Brandon Blake, a musician, educator, and animal rights activist, showcased a unique musical showcase on Facebook Live during the NAMM 2021 "Believe in Music" week. He demonstrated his versatility with a variety of instruments from the We Play Well Together collection, including Hokema Kalimbas, Metal Sounds Tongue Drums, feeltone Monochords, and Tinka Tongs, alongside his electric bass and live looping techniques. Brandon's approach is innovative, especially his technique with the Hokema Kalimba Sansula, where he simultaneously taps the drumhead and manipulates the metal tines with precision, even retuning on the fly with tiny magnets for instantaneous scale changes.

His live looping sessions create immersive soundscapes that merge the dulcet tones of kalimba, the rhythmic beats of tongue-drums, and the ethereal drone of monochords with deep bass grooves, crafting richly textured musical experiences that resonate on multiple levels. Beyond his musical talents, Brandon's energetic positivity and playful spirit serve as a reminder of the joy and spontaneity of embracing life's "bonus time"—the precious moments we're afforded to live with purpose and passion.

Brandon extends his musical explorations through weekly Facebook Live sessions and by hosting "The Kalimba Campfire" on Clubhouse, inviting all to join and share in the communal joy of music-making. For those interested in connecting with Brandon's work or joining his musical gatherings on Clubhouse, more information is available at his website, www.bonustimemusic.com, showcasing his innovative music and inviting others to explore their own creative expressions within the vibrant community he fosters.