Inga Elektra by Charlotte Bendiks feat. Plevna

In the six-minute track “Ingá-Elektra,” Norwegian artist Charlotte Bendiks masterfully weaves ancient and repetitive forms into a hypnotic, atmospheric soundscape that feels both sci-fi and shamanic. She is joined by Horatiu Serbanescu, aka Plevna, who creates melodies from the rich traditions of manele—a genre blending Balkan, Turkish, Arabic, Romani, and Greek influences. “Ingá Elektra” is named after my daughter and has a double-barrelled meaning; Ingá comes from her Sámi grandmother of the same name and Elektra references the Greek word ēlektēr (ἠλέκτωρ _or ἠλέκτρα), which means ‘radiant’ and ‘shining’. It also happens to be one of the brightest stars within the Pleiades star cluster, otherwise known as the Seven Sisters constellation. The track that emerged from these references carries a deeply collaborative spirit one rooted in bridging cultural traditions, breaking geographic boundaries, and communal joy. When I listen, I feel radiance and resistance that is sent out across time and space. Just as stars take light years to reach us, the transmission of music endures long after its creation. These sonic echoes are an homage: to Ingá-Elektra, to Ima Flora, to all daughters, to all sisters, to the generation poised to inherit this complicated, collapsing world. Like the transformative energy of a star’s death, may we break open the current order and breathe life into building a new one. —Tanya Busse