Peter Wallace: Handpan, Healing and Stepping Into the Light

Peter Wallace: Handpan, Healing and Stepping Into the Light

In this episode of Handpan Voices, I’m joined by Peter Wallace, also known as The Simple Scotsman, for a wide-ranging conversation about handpan, sound healing, community, creativity, and stepping into the light as a musician.Peter shares his journey from piano, bass, guitar, didgeridoo and percussion into the world of handpan, including the moment he first discovered the instrument through Daniel Waples. We talk about what it means to stop trying too hard, play with more space, and allow the handpan to breathe.A major part of this conversation explores Peter’s work with sound healing. He explains how different handpan scales can shape a session, why he thinks of a sound bath almost like a full-course meal, and how the instrument can be used to calm, ground and support people in different environments.We also talk about the personal side of playing: self-doubt, failure, vulnerability, open mics, community, and the importance of being gentle with yourself as you grow. Peter shares how asking the question “how can I serve?” changed the way he approached music, performance and opportunities.Later in the episode, we discuss the Neotone, digital handpans, recording, live setups, teaching, and how technology can help players explore more scales and ideas. Peter also talks about building the Kentucky / Cincinnati handpan community, organising local gatherings, and his upcoming Celtic-inspired album Highlander.A thoughtful and generous conversation about handpan as an instrument, a healing tool, and a way of connecting with others.Topics include:Peter’s musical background before handpanDiscovering the handpan through Daniel WaplesLearning to slow down and play with spaceHandpan and sound healingChoosing scales for sound bathsPlaying background music and open micsStepping into the light as a musicianFailure, patience and being gentle with yourselfNeotone, digital handpans and recording ideasBuilding the Kentucky handpan communityPeter’s Celtic-inspired album HighlanderGuest links:Peter Wallace / The Simple ScotsmanWebsite: https://www.assurancesessions.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplescotsman/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AssuranceSessionsBandcamp / Highlander album: https://assurancesessions.bandcamp.com/album/highlanderHandpan Voices is a podcast exploring the people, stories and culture around the handpan world.#Handpan #HandpanVoices #SoundHealing #PeterWallace #TheSimpleScotsman #Neotone #HandpanMusic #HandpanPodcast

Lyndon Forster : When Music Helps People

In this episode of Handpan Voices, I’m joined by Lyndon Forster for a thoughtful conversation about music, care, creativity, and the deeper role the handpan can play in people’s lives.Lyndon shares his journey from growing up surrounded by rhythm in Africa, to discovering djembe, finding the handpan, and eventually using music in schools, hospices, retreats, and mental health settings. We talk about his work through We Need Music and Pankind, the calming and connective power of the instrument, and why handpan can become much more than performance.We also explore improvisation, composition, electronic influences, collaboration, teaching, community, and the people who helped shape Lyndon’s path along the way.This is a rich and inspiring conversation about handpan, but even more than that, it’s about music that helps people.If you enjoy the episode, please like, comment and subscribe. For more information about Lyndon and his music, please visit the following links: https://lyndonforster.bandcamp.com/music https://lyndonforster.bandcamp.com/album/expressions-of-eremos-demo-1st-live-recording We need music CIC : https://www.weneedmusic.org/

Ricky Hillson on Teaching, RAVs & the Changing Handpan World

In this episode of Handpan Voices, I’m joined by Ricky Hillson for a wide-ranging conversation about teaching, songwriting, RAV instruments, and the changing future of the handpan community.Ricky shares his journey from high school English teacher to full-time music teacher and performer, and reflects on how his background in guitar and songwriting shaped the way he approaches both the handpan and the RAV Vast. We talk about the balance between playing for joy and practising with purpose, how melodies become full compositions, and why structure does not have to kill creativity.We also explore Ricky’s long connection with Rav Labs and discuss three of their instruments in particular: the Rav Vast, the Rav Moon, and the newer chord-based Rav Anima. Ricky shares how these instruments differ in feel, sustain, and musical application, and why they have opened up different creative possibilities for players coming from both melodic and meditative backgrounds.A major part of this discussion also focuses on the changing handpan world itself — including affordability, Chinese-made instruments, online gatekeeping, and why inclusivity matters if the community is going to grow in a healthy way.If you care about where the handpan world is heading, and how we can keep it welcoming while it expands, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Dan Mulqueen on New Music, Touring, and Finding His Sound

In this episode of Handpan Voices, Phil speaks with Dan Mulqueen, one of the most respected players, teachers, and performers in the handpan world. Dan talks about his upcoming double album, his creative recording process, the challenges of mixing and mastering everything himself, and how he keeps his sound evolving.He also reflects on memorable festival moments across the world, including Greece and Germany, and shares what made his earlier visit to Japan such a powerful experience — even though he didn’t make the return trip this year.Towards the end, Dan offers valuable insight for players of all levels, explaining why body position and finger strength can make such a difference in your playing.Topics include:• Upcoming projects and recording workflow• Touring and festival highlights• The creative balance between percussion and melody• Japan’s influence and connection to his music• Teaching, technique, and staying inspiredIf you enjoy these conversations, like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring voices from the handpan world.#DanMulqueen [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/danmulqueen] #HandpanVoicesPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/handpanvoicespodcast] #Handpan [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/handpan] #HandpanMusic [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/handpanmusic] #Percussion [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/percussion] #HandpanCommunity [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/handpancommunity]

Bonus: Beginner Handpan Tip – Why Body Position Matters (with Dan Mulqueen)

In this short bonus clip from the next episode of Handpan Voices, world-renowned player and teacher Dan Mulqueen shares one of the most overlooked lessons for beginners: body position. Dan explains why your elbows, shoulders, and posture play such an important role in comfort, control, and sound — and how small adjustments can make a big difference in your playing. If you’re learning handpan, this is a simple but essential tip that can help you build better habits from the start. 🎶 Stay tuned for the full interview with Dan Mulqueen — coming soon on Handpan Voices.