Strictly speaking, with most members hailing from countries other than Lithuania, it would be tricky to classify Merope as a Lithuanian band. However, as its music is largely centred around the singing and kanklės playing by the world-roaming Lithuanian Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė, the collective is a prime example of Lithuanian folk influences finding a firm place in the global ocean of experimental world sounds. Merope’s unique atmospheric aesthetic weaves together elements of electronic, ambient, fusion, jazz and traditional music into a colourful carpet that is at once local and universal. It represents a very contemporary understanding of the shared roots of all musical creation, and promotes a pursuit of transcultural unity that escapes narrow-minded cultural seclusion. Aside from music, Merope also addresses other global concerns such as the state of the ecosystem and our reliance on energy; for instance, they recorded their debut album in a natural setting in Spain using only solar power. This commitment to harmony in all its aspects makes their work deeply resonant in today’s international community in search of its roots.

www.meropemusic.com

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