What’s Happening, Manu Delago?

Having helped shape the history of the handpan almost since the instrument’s birth, Manu Delago has become one of its most distinctive and internationally acclaimed voices. In this interview, he reflects on his journey with the handpan, the inspiration he draws from nature, his sustainable cycling tours across Europe, and the projects awaiting him as he approaches 20 years of creating and performing his own music.

What’s happening?

Thanks I’m good. Lots of grown up stuff happening (second child, new house) so I’ve been home more than usual. But I’m looking to the Autumn tour with Max ZT and finally playing in Finland – the only time I’ve played there was with Björk.

You are certainly among the best-known handpan players in the world. But you had to start somewhere, too, even if you are originally a percussionist. What was your first encounter with a handpan? How did you choose it to be your current instrument or did the handpan choose you?

My dad told me about it in 2003, it was really new then. We ordered one together, but I ended up being the one playing it. I was a drummer and percussionist then and had to find my own voice on the handpan (Youtube did not exist then).

At first it was only one more instrument in my percussion collection but over the years it became more important and I started composing for the instrument and lots of different line-ups around it. It’s still exciting to be part of such a young instrument’s journey.

Handpan is a very young instrument with a short lifespan. No wonder you’ve described it as a “blank slate” in terms of history and tradition. In this sense, what are the pros and cons of making music with handpan, being a professional handpan player?

I love the fact that it is not rooted in a tradition and that one can enter lots of unknown territories. In the first years I had to explain a lot but now it’s fairly well known. Youtube and social media sped up that process.

Even though it is a percussion instrument, it is fairly quiet so there limitations when it comes to volume and amplification. So I’d say my music and general volume has come down a bit since my rock drumming days.

You have made two bicycle tours: 1200 kilometres on cargo in bikes in Austria and 1425 kilometres on cargo bikes from Innsbruck to Amsterdam. Obviously, you share our concern about sustainability and climate change and probably want also to inspire. How were the tours on a personal level and a musical level? And: how much do you draw inspiration from nature?

We are currently planning the third edition of the ReCycling Tour and I’m trying to do touring as sustainable as possible – transport, diet, waste reduction etc. But the ReCycling Tour is also an exciting project on a personal level since it’s more like an adventure. Cycling around Europe with your band & crew creates more life stories than sitting in a van or an aeroplane.

And yes, I’m from the Alps and spend a lot of time in the mountains and nature. I can’t tell how much it inspires me but I’m definitely enjoying my time out there and it leaves space for ideas to arrive.

What’s going to happen?

Next year will be my 20th anniversary creating and performing my own music. I’ll play some nice tours – one ReCycling Tour on bicycles, one tour with my large 12-piece-ensemble which is a best-of 20 years tour, and more shows with Max ZT including a concert run in the USA. And hopefully enough family time in between…

Manu Delago & Max ZT
Sat 31 October at 23.30, Pakkahuone