Please help me figure out this instrument.

November 25, 2017 7:08 PM

I was recently playing the video game Banished and part of the music track that accompanies the game is a haunting, atmospheric bit that features what sounds like some sort of wind instrument. Can anyone help me identify what this is? Thanks!
posted by BigHeartedGuy to Media & Arts (7 answers total)

This is a synth playing a sample of tuvan throat singing. There aren't any breaks for breaths, but the timbre is that of overtone singing.
posted by umbú at 7:25 PM on November 25, 2017

It's overtone singing, specifically in the sygyt style--maybe manipulated/filtered a bit, but I can't tell because I'm on not so great speakers. The Wikipedia article has a sygyt sound file you can listen to to confirm.
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 7:26 PM on November 25, 2017

Best answer: The composer's Linked in profile says "Composed musical soundtrack utilizing digital instruments and open source samples for 2014 video game "Banished." To my ear it sounds like sampled and digitzed Tuvan throat singing.
posted by jessamyn at 7:27 PM on November 25, 2017

Best answer: Overtone singing?

Here's a video of a singer explaining how it works.
posted by astapasta24 at 7:27 PM on November 25, 2017 [2 favorites]

The documentary Genghis Blues is definitely worth seeking out if you want to learn more about Tuvan throat singing and culture.
posted by 1970s Antihero at 4:00 AM on November 26, 2017 [1 favorite]

You may enjoy the work of Canadian throat Singer Tanya Tagaq. She tours a lot and her live performances are amazing.
posted by saucysault at 4:41 AM on November 26, 2017 [2 favorites]

It's definitely some sort of overtone based instrument but not necessarily overtone singing. It could be an overtone flute. An example.

Edit: Another example.
posted by Television Name at 2:25 PM on November 27, 2017