As our musical journey continues, we’re exploring some of Asia’s most captivating sounds. Just like when we dipped into the vast musical landscapes of Africa, we’re only scratching the surface here—Asia’s musical traditions we’re merely scratching the surface of an incredibly rich and diverse musical landscape that spans from the Himalayas to the Pacific, each tradition carrying centuries of history and meaning.

Take the shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute. A single note can hang in the air for what feels like an eternity—some listeners find themselves completely absorbed in its tiny fluctuations, while others simply let their minds drift as the sound fades. That range of experience is part of what makes the sound so fascinating.

These traditions didn’t develop in isolation, either. Trade routes like the Silk Road carried not just spices and silks but musical ideas, too. You can hear echoes of Chinese classical music in Japan’s elegant court music (gagaku), and Persian modes helped shape the intricate melodies of Indian ragas. Even today, musicians continue to blend tradition with innovation, keeping these sounds alive in fresh and unexpected ways.

In North India, ragas unfold like slow-burning stories, each tied to a particular time of day or season. They often begin with an alap—a free-flowing introduction where notes emerge one by one, like brushstrokes on a canvas. Some people are drawn to the mathematical precision of these structures, while others experience them as shifting moods or colours.

Chinese music often builds around the pentatonic scale—a simple five-note structure that creates beautifully balanced melodies. The guqin, a seven-stringed zither, is a master of subtlety, able to whisper like wind through bamboo or mimic the call of a crane. It’s an instrument that rewards patience and precision, where the slightest movement of a fingertip can transform the sound completely.

Further southeast, the Javanese gamelan orchestra offers something entirely different—layered, hypnotic patterns played on shimmering metal percussion. Some listeners get lost in the intricate interlocking rhythms, while others just soak in the overall wash of sound. And in Central Asia, the two-stringed Kazakh dombra tells stories through its rapid-fire melodies, blending ancient epic traditions with new musical forms.

Music’s power goes beyond just listening, too. Gamelan’s repetitive patterns have been used in music therapy to help with focus and social interaction, while the vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls can create a deeply calming physical experience. The steady, deliberate pace of Japanese court music might feel grounding to one person, while the precise structures of Indian classical music could spark fascination in another.

If you’re curious to have a listen, here are a few artists to check out:

Anoushka Shankar – bringing a contemporary touch to the sitar and North Indian classical music

Kohachiro Miyata – whose minimalist shakuhachi pieces turn single notes into whole sonic worlds

Wu Man – blending the traditional Chinese pipa with innovative modern sounds

Gamelan Pacifica – a Javanese gamelan ensemble with mesmerizing, interwoven rhythms

Raushan Orazbaeva – keeping the epic storytelling of the Kazakh dombra alive

We’d love to know—how do you connect with these sounds? Do you find yourself drawn to the structured beauty of a raga, or do you get lost in the physical resonance of a gong? Does this music create images or emotions for you, or does it simply flow past like a breeze?

At Tenderloin, we’re always excited to explore and share more of these incredible musical traditions on our radio station. Have you come across an artist or style that really spoke to you? Whether it’s ancient court music, meditative flute pieces, or modern fusion, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Next week, we’re shifting gears and diving into the vibrant rhythms of Latin America. But for now—what resonates with you about Asian music? How do these contemplative sounds make you feel?