There’s something quietly radical about a song that leans into confusion rather than clarity. Montréal-based singer-songwriter Irem Bekter does exactly that on her latest single, “Miscommunication (Lost In Transmission),” a playful yet deeply thoughtful track pulled from her album The Winding Road. Instead of smoothing over the cracks in human interaction, Bekter widens them, turning crossed wires into music.
Born in Istanbul and shaped by a life lived across continents, Bekter’s work has always carried a sense of movement. Her sound pulls from Turkish folk traditions but refuses to stay anchored there, drifting into jazz, cinematic indie, and global rhythms. That sense of fluid identity is central to this release, where language itself becomes both instrument and obstacle.
“Miscommunication (Lost In Transmission)” unfolds like a conversation that never quite lands. English, French, and Spanish weave in and out, including a sharp, rhythmic rap from Akawui, all set against a Turkish folk-inspired groove. The result is intentionally disjointed, two voices speaking, responding, missing each other entirely. And yet, it feels oddly joyful.
The track’s lush arrangement, crafted by Jean Massicotte, is brought to life by a stellar ensemble. Guitarist Yves Desrosiers, keyboardist David Ryshpan, bassist Mathieu Deschenaux, percussionist Olivier Bussières, and Lu Horta’s body percussion all contribute to a rich, layered soundscape. Bekter herself anchors it with a drum machine pulse that keeps everything gently in motion.
Fans of artists like Lhasa de Sela, Beirut, Barbatuques, and Ibrahim Maalouf will find familiar textures here, but Bekter’s voice remains distinctly her own. With The Winding Road, she continues to explore what it means to connect across distance, language, and experience, and what happens when that connection falters.
“With ‘Miscommunication (Lost In Transmission),’ Irem captures the beauty and humour in human connection, where words flow freely but meaning can slip through the cracks. It’s playful, rhythmic, and utterly distinctive, showcasing her unique ability to blend cultures, languages, and musical traditions into something wholly original,” – music publicist Danielle Holian, Decent Music PR
