Interview with ‘Drumkoon’
Professional HANDPAN (Spacedrum) Musician based in a small Danish village called Vorre in Skødstrup. As a small boy (In the 90s) I auditioned for a singing role in the junior school choir. I was rudely and vehemently KICKED out of the audition because I could not hit the high and low notes. I never had the courage to play music after that. Being KICKED OUT in that embarrassing manner made me believe I had no musical talent whatsoever. Many years later (In 2010) I moved to Denmark where I became a father (In 2017) and moved to a small hilltop Danish village of Vorre on the outskirts of Skødstrup. It was there in 2018 that I told Lady Fie (my love) I wanted to learn at least one instrument since I always felt music was taken away from me as a child. That journey has led me to playing the Handpan Space Drum.
There are not many black people who play the handpan for some reason so I am one of the few who play the instrument.I have become a professional Space drum musician. The space drum, popularly known as a handpan was invented in the mid 2000s. It is inspired by the carribean steel pan and the Indian ghatam.
I was always curious about the space drum,but their exorbitant cost kept me from discovering their unique sound. Finally,as Denmark emerged out of the covid-19 I managed to acquire my own SPACEDRUM and as soon as I touched it, I knew this was my musical destiny.
I also noticed that everyone plays the handpan with hands.I play it with mallets because my hands are a little bit short. Many play while seated, but I play while standing up. I have developed a technique that is unique and rare and my music is testimony of the fact.
I also channel my spirituality into music and it’s a profound experience that I can’t describe in words. I dream about the handpan, I wake up and its handpan time. I enjoy playing the instrument so much, It makes me happy and I always record my sessions and that’s how I began to distribute the music because I want to share the beauty of the sound with many others. That is my developing story in a nutshell.
Where are you from?
I am based in Denmark, in a small Danish village called Vorre in Skødstrup. Originally I came from Zimbabwe and I have lived in Botswana and Namibia before moving to Denmark, where I am now based.
How long have you been making music?
Since I first acquired a bongo drum on September 11, 2018. That jorney has led me to the Handpan drum.
How many songs /albums have you released to date?
I have four albums: Handpan Heaven, Handpan Priest, Handpan Gold and The Two Olive Trees. I have two EP’s: Handpan Den Lille and The Dream and Its Interpretation. I have over 60 singles.
Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?
As a small boy (In the 90s) I auditioned for a singing role in the junior school choir. I was rudely and vehemently KICKED out of the audition because I could not hit the high and low notes. I never had the courage to play music after that. Being KICKED OUT in that embarrassing manner made me believe I had no musical talent whatsoever. Many years later (In 2010) I moved to Denmark where I became a father (In 2017) and moved to a small hilltop Danish village of Vorre on the outskirts of Skødstrup. It was there in 2018 that I told Lady Fie (my love) I wanted to learn at least one instrument since I always felt music was taken away from me as a child. That journey has led me to playing the Handpan Space Drum.
How have you ended up in the music industry?
I dared to try and learn one instrument and that journey has led me to professionally playing the Handpan Spacedrum.
What do you think of the music industry in 2020?
I think music is now in the digital age and that gives upcoming artists many advantages but the reality is that about 90% of music is dominated by the Big 4 major labels. I also think many artists should learn more about copyright law and maximize on their sound recording copyright through platforms like Sound Exchange and performance copyrights as well.
Who do you think the most influential artist?
I would nominate myself and time will tell.The music I am making is timeless. Its not a trend, the music has a long term even eternal perspective.
Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?
My only collaborator is the Holy Spirit who guides me in my everyday life. He alone is God Most High.
How do you think you differ from other artists?
I do not have time to compare myself to others. I am sure there are many talented artists out there.
Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?
I already have my dream collaboration with the Holy Spirit who guides me, He alone is God Most High.
What was the first album you bought?
I have no recollection.
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
My favourite songs are on the Spotify Playlist titled HANDPAN GREATEST HITS.
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?
I would NEVER sell my music rights. I would leave all my music in my draw, for posterity.
What is your favourite saying?
The Light came into the world, but the world loved darkness more than the light…
What other hobbies or interests do you have?
I enjoy peace and quiet in the forest. I am also an antiquarian, award winning film maker and I used to write a lot but that has been replaced by the Handpan Space DRUM.
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
Yes, from my youth. A map of Africa and some other tattoo.
Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?
I have much more coming and the best way for anyone interested is to check out my Spotify Profile: Drumkoon.
What’s in the pipeline after this project?
More timeless Handpan classics
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music.
Thanks for taking your time to do this interview. I appreciate it.
