EMEL has released her latest single, "Souty," meaning "My Voice," representing the artist's tribute to her voice and the collective power of ours.
Living in the threads of time, our voices are the most powerful form of existence. They are of resilience when challenged; of inspiration when shared; and of introspection when felt. Tunisian songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Emel Mathlouthi, known as EMEL, who is based in New York and Paris, returns with her latest single “Souty.” Translated to “My Voice,” the track celebrates the infinite magic of her voice and on a grander scale, the collective power of ours.
Originally written during the first COVID-induced isolation and the artist’s own vocal cord challenges, the track emerges not just as a beautiful creation, but as a symbolic mantra, sparking new revelations with each listen. “The song is a tribute to my voice,” she says, “this instrument that defines all of me.”
EMEL utilizes the magic of her instrument on “Souty.” The track, captivated by its own presence, subtly traverses the depths of our souls with each of her vocal runs. The sampled industrial elements echo the solitude of a metalsmith, forging strength through constant strikes in the fiery embrace of hope parallel to EMEL’s repetitious mantra: “My voice has no limits/My voice knows no end/My voice is my existence.” The imagery, as painted by the track, constantly changes upon which crevice of the soul it touches — a living entity due to EMEL’s iridescent vocals.
Classical instrumentation and string arrangements weave a base of traditional Arab music, harmonizing with each fiber of the word rather than in pieces or syllables. Modern electronic rhythms and drums meet for an avant-garde symphony of voices, which continue to create an ethereal outer composition of words. Almost lost as whispers in the wind, each line softens and taps upon our throats, reminding us of its power.
“Souty” transcends the notion that a voice is more precious than any metal, a historical truth marked by the battle to either attain or conceal it from the world. Inspiring a relentless push forward and a deep honoring of my own words, “Souty” and its profoundness embolden an additional level of respect and love within ourselves.
For the artist, speaking up and creating resistance-art within her musical medium is not a new path. “My father always taught me to stand for what is right,” EMEL explains, “fight for justice, and the importance of rising up.”
EMEL was named “the voice of the Arab spring” in 2010 when her folk-hymnal track “Kelmti Horra (My World Is Free),” once banned, was resurrected as a protest anthem. Amongst touring, EMEL secretly played an underground concert in Baghdad, Iraq, and also a highly “illegal,” all-women performance in Iran. Lastly, this past summer she performed for Palestinians who are the subject of her track “Naci En Palestina (I Was Born in Palestine),” in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, facing backlash and concert cancellations.
“I don’t create things to be consumed,” she says. “I hope it transcends time, transcends boundaries, transcends cultures. Music can change the world.”
An accompanying video will be released soon. Keep up with the artist’s socials for more information.
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Cover photo: Amber Gray