Some journeys leave an indelible mark. And in this case... that mark transformed into music.
Nordlys
A co-creation by Amarok and Manik
A new handpan scale inspired by a journey through the North
The Origin - by Amarok
In 2016, I set out on a pilgrimage along the Gudbrandsdalsleden, the main medieval route to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. Crossing forests, mountains, and raw, desolate lands, I experienced nature in its purest form. In that vast landscape, I found a reflection of myself. The experience left a lasting imprint, one that over time asked to be expressed through music.
The Creation - with Manik
Three years later, I turned to my handpans, searching for a scale that could express what I had lived. None of them could fully capture it, so I decided to create one. In collaboration with Manik, Nordlys was born, named after the northern lights, literally “light of the north.” It is a scale designed to embody both the magnificence and the quiet reverence of those landscapes.
The Sound
Nordlys revolves around a tonal center that evokes wonder, dream, and hope, inspired by the Lydian mode, a sound deeply rooted in Norwegian musical tradition. Its true strength, however, lies in contrast. Alongside its luminous quality, it also carries a minor voice capable of expressing introspection, melancholy, and even darkness.
Three Doors
The first three notes of the scale open three distinct harmonic worlds: Lydian, magical and expansive; Minor, introspective and emotional; and Major, bright and radiant. Together, they form a palette that allows for deep emotional expression and storytelling through sound.
A Living Scale
Over the past years, Nordlys has spread across the world, resonating with players who have made it their own. It has become a shared language, a way to express distant landscapes and inner journeys through music.
Lys: A New Light
The journey didn't end there. Over time, Nordlys led to the creation of a companion scale, Lys. Lys was born as an extension of Nordlys, completing its Lydian voice by adding the notes it was missing and expanding its tonal range into a more melodic, higher register. Where Nordlys surrounds you with its deep, grounding sound and draws you inward, Lys opens a different space. In Lys, melodies emerge naturally and effortlessly. It is lighter, more fluid, and deeply expressive, a scale that leans toward storytelling. There is a sense of magic in its character, something that invites movement, phrasing, and emotional nuance. Lys has its own identity as a standalone scale. But when combined with Nordlys, the experience expands significantly, offering a full sonic spectrum that moves from the deepest tones of Nordlys to the highest, most delicate colors of Lys.