“Martela Bajore,” the latest single from Elektroninės Sutartinės, blends dub/reggae and drum ‘n’ bass with traditional Lithuanian Sutartinės, a polyphonic song form recognized by UNESCO.
The track is a modern interpretation of a traditional Lithuanian wedding sutartinė, specifically the version titled “Martela Bajore,” which was transcribed in 1937 by ethnologist Zenonas Slaviūnas. Produced by Victor Diawara, with vocals arranged by Laurita Peleniūtė, this song was historically performed for the bride upon her return from the church, marking an integral part of the ancient Lithuanian wedding repertoire.
The music video for “Martela Bajore” was filmed atop a building within the Open Gallery area, a vibrant street art hub situated on the grounds of the historic Elfa electronic factory in Vilnius. The choice of this urban and artistic backdrop visually reinforces the song’s thematic integration of historical and contemporary influences, aligning with Elektroninės Sutartinės’ artistic narrative.
“Martela Bajore” exemplifies how Elektroninės Sutartinės merge traditional Lithuanian music with forward-looking sounds, gaining recognition both at home and abroad. The track effectively merges various musical genres and epochs, reinterpreting traditional Lithuanian melodies in a way that resonates with a global and younger audience.