Ethereal in E

American handpan musician Adam Foote performs as Ethereal in E and The Handpan Man, combining outdoor recordings, melodic percussion and humorous songs.

Ethereal in E is the musical project of Adam Foote, also known as The Handpan Man. Born and raised near Cleveland, Ohio, he developed an early interest in percussion before building a musical life in the inland Northwest. His work ranges from instrumental handpan recordings to short, humorous songs filmed beside rivers and in other outdoor settings. Local reporting documented his street performances and the albums Up and Coeur Dreams before his later audience grew on social platforms. His videos often place the resonant sound of the instrument directly within a natural landscape; other pieces use voice, repetition and playful birthday greetings. Alongside this online activity, his recorded catalogue provides longer listening formats beyond the short clips. A collaboration with instrument maker LIDAH also connects his performance work with a compact, double-sided handpan. These different formats bring together melodic percussion, an identifiable visual setting and an informal relationship with listeners.