PAN was named after the Greek shepherd god, playing the pan pipes.
PAN also denotes an entry for music from all over the world.

PAN Records releases (non-commercial) music from traditional and ethnic origins in a broad context. The real birthdate of PAN Records is lost in the fog of time, but our first production was released in 1976.
Until the mid-1980s PAN mainly worked with local and regional artists and musicians in West-European traditional and folk music.
This changed in 1987, with the introduction of the CD format. Since then PAN has been involved globally in releasing (non-commercial) music from traditional origins in a broad context.
In 1999 PAN released its 150th CD, and in 2002 the 200th CD. Besides that we have released around 30 LPs.
We are now near our 300th release. We are still on the lookout for new exciting musical adventures and we own a huge archive of unreleased field- and concert recordings.

• We emphasize on specific regions and genres (but don't ignore the rest of the world!): the Pacific, the Caucasus, brass band music, Central Asia,  East and South-East Europe; areas and countries inside the ex-USSR; ethnic groups in China, East Africa; overtone music.
Not surprisingly, these regions and genres coincide with the interest and specialization of our ethnomusicologist co-operators.
• In many cases PAN Records was among the first to pay attention to certain areas and musics, like Tuvan overtone singing (1991) and brass band music in traditional cultures (1993).
• So far we are the only record company (outside the ex-USSR) to pay extensive attention to musical folk culture in Russia (15 releases since 1991).
• Since we’re based in The Netherlands, we feel a special attachments to musicians and bands based in The Netherlands.
• almost 100% of the releases are PAN’s own productions. We do not, as a rule, buy licenses. All our releases are original.
• PAN Records is known for ignoring trends and commerce, and our catalogue proves it. We're interested in good music that either stems from living traditions in a broad context or that has at least traditional roots.

Those who would like to obtain more information on our work, releases, publications, and concert tours, are cordially invited to write or e-mail to our office. Although we hope this website will ultimatelely provide all the necessary information.

Bernard Kleikamp
President