“Without music, life would be a mistake.” — Nietzsche
Some stories end without fanfare, but with the satisfaction of having done things with care. Ocarina is one of those.
It began fifteen years ago as an idea from a father looking for a way to let his children listen to music and stories without going through a screen, a connection, or a sponsored algorithm. Just sound, freedom, and curiosity.
Around this idea, a team came together and built Ocarina with an old-fashioned mindset: semi-handcrafted production, honest materials, very few shortcuts.
It was more complicated, often more expensive, but we never wanted to make “just another device”: we wanted to create an object that could stand the test of time and trends.
We also embraced the hardest challenge: proving that sound alone can be enough. We won that challenge one hundred thousand times over.
Over the years, Ocarina has travelled through homes, schools, hospitals, museums. It started at the Guggenheim in Venice, reached the Philharmonie de Paris, appeared in design catalogues and was exhibited at the Triennale in Milan.
But the real recognition comes from those who switched it on, bit it, threw it, passed it from hand to hand — you, who proved that choosing a product also means choosing values.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. And thanks to everyone who worked on this project, near or far: it has been a beautiful adventure together.
Bringing that “amarcord” idea to life was quite an achievement; keeping it alive and sustainable for fifteen years, a great source of pride. And since beautiful stories deserve a soundtrack, we’ve prepared Ocarina’s final playlist, Ocarina Goodbye Mix on Spotify.
Inside you’ll find “Closing Time” by Semisonic (guess why), “My Way” — because yes, we did it our way, “With My Own Two Hands” by Ben Harper — because hands still matter, and “Prospettiva Nevski” by Battiato — simply the most beautiful of all. There’s room for childhood memories — from “Volevo un gatto nero” to “Conan, il ragazzo del futuro” and “The Neverending story”, all the way to the Captain Harlock theme song, which even inspired Ocarina’s name — and a few detours you may not have let your children hear yet: “Disperato erotico stomp” by Lucio Dalla (warning: possibly censorship material!), “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads, “I Wanna Be Sedated” by Ramones, “The Man With The Red Face” by Laurent Garnier. And if you’re not afraid of melancholy: “Pale Blue Eyes” by The Velvet Underground, “Society” by Eddie Vedder, and “High and Dry” by Radiohead — because children shouldn’t be spoiled, but neither should they be left high and dry.
Then comes the party: “Barbara Ann” by The Beach Boys to warm up, “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen — because nothing ever stopped us, “I gotta feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas and “Papaoutai” by Stromae to close — the most contemporary one, and for those who want to read between the lines, perhaps the most Ocarina of them all.
And they all lived happily… and dreamingly ever after.
— The Ocarina Team
P.S. The website will remain active until Wednesday, March 4, and all orders placed by that date will be processed as usual.
Each Ocarina Classic contains 10 playlists in 5 languages.
Choose your favorite color and personalize your Ocarina with a playlist of your choice that will be offered upon purchase.
Each Ocarina Special contains additional playlists dedicated to special moments.
Choose your favorite and personalize it with a playlist of your choice that will be offered upon purchase.
Discover how the child-friendly Player works
Customize your Ocarina
Purchase Ocarina and the first playlist is free. Choose your favorite one in the Playlist site page and the discount will be applied at Checkout. After purchase you will also receive a 20% coupon valid forever on all the playlists!
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