The throat singer practicing Khöömei, or traditional Mongolian overtone singing, is originally from Tuva, a small autonomous Russian republic just north of Mongolia.

Photo: courtesy of the artists

Born in 1957 in a secluded village in the south of Tuva, Namtchylak’s exceptional voice spans seven octaves. While her practice began traditionally – even though it is usually reserved for males and she was denied professional qualifications at the local college – her music enmeshes avant-jazz, electronica, and modern composition, as well as Tuvan influences.

Her catalogue includes over 30 albums released over the last 20 years, including collaborations with Evan Parker, Mattias Ziegler and Mark Dresser, Irene Becker, and many more, on labels including FMP, Crammed, Leo, Victo, and more.