Hang musicians - Hang Massive are bringing their offbeat music to India!

Not sure what Hang music is?

For starters, the instrument used to play this genre of music – ‘The Hang Drum’ or ‘The Hang’ was only developed in Switzerland in the year 2000 and introduced for the first time in 2001. This unique percussion instrument is played resting on the musician’s lap with the use of hands and fingers.

One look at it and you may think aliens are descending Earth in their UFO, but that’s only the design; however we can’t deny that the music a hang drum produces is otherworldly. The sound of a temple bell, the serenity of the sea, the resonating hum of the mantras, the whispers of the soft breeze and the murmur of the dense jungles – That’s the mystical vibe this music brings with it!

So, who’s bringing this magical experience to you?

Danny Cudd and Markus Offbeat, founding members of the Hang Massive will be coming to Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Bangalore. Having spent almost six months every year for the past decade in India, it’s clear that the duo loves the country and wants to share their music with the people here. The Urban Beat Project that manages Hang Massive and other artists like Dub Fx, The Ska Vengers, Mr. Woodnote & Lil Rhys, Chris Munky (Snareophobe) etc. were more than happy to get them to the Indian audience.

How did the band get a hold of this unconventional instrument?

Danny listened to someone play the instrument for the first time in 2006 and instantly fell in love with the sound and the vibe and decided to get the instrument directly from the makers in Switzerland. He feels lucky he found the instrument and the people are glad for having found them! (thanks to their popular videos online)

Not sure what you're in for?

If you are someone who hasn't heard hang music before and don’t know what to expect from their show, Markus has some tips, “Something new yet old as the hills, a primordial sound in a modern setting. Soothing yet enlivening beats and melodies in a mode of deep relaxation and positive vibes.” We’re already excited about this one! But achieving this is no piece of cake. Making a show that is distinct from other electronic and acoustic acts requires months of research and mastering techniques. The duo spent a lot of time figuring ways to amplify the sound and create music that is almost entirely based on the hang. Having said that, bringing the sound of the hang into any musical setting is a tricky process since it requires a certain amount of sensitivity to maintain the vibe. Danny and Markus have mastered this skill, give a listen to their songs and you’ll know what we are talking about.

Their new album ‘Distant Light’ is the perfect way to understand what their music is about. “All of the music that we make is very spontaneous. The mode that we would like to convey is one of opening and relaxation regardless of circumstance. Both the vocal and non-vocal tracks on the album point to that”, says Danny about the themes they cover in most songs.

Check out these awesome tracks by the band!

And here are a couple of short clips from the Mumbai performance!

During the show, the band regaled us with their time in Goa, and how they were inspired to start Hang Massive while in Dharamshala. It was an intimate gig for sure - and made all the more enjoyable thanks to their banter with the crowd!

What’s next?

Markus and Danny are always up for new collaborations and projects and are more than excited to work with their friend and UK musician J Rokka on their new album. The album, currently in the pipeline is an electro hang fusion that touches upon many genres of electronic music and fuses that with the sounds of the hang and other incredible live instrumentation.

There's still time for their album to come out, until then revel in great music at their show!