Michaela Melián, a Munich-based artist and co-founder of the pop band "F.S.K.", has released her latest solo album titled "Music for a While", which features haunting sounds inspired by the coastal city of Marseille. This album draws a connection to the city's historical significance in the life of philosopher Walter Benjamin, who passed through Marseille during his flight from the Nazis in 1940. Melián's work reflects on Benjamin's encounters with the city, invoking feelings of melancholy through her music, much like Benjamin's literary musings of the time.

Melián's composition, particularly the piece titled "Traverse Benjamin", suggests a complex interplay of ideas, potentially referencing not only the philosopher but also resonating with themes of crossing thresholds and experiences of escape. The album's sound is characterized by a machine-like rhythm and eerie keyboard chords that create an atmosphere of reflection and contemplation. The ambiguity of the title allows listeners to interpret the references within the broader context of Benjamin's life and thought, as well as contemporary influences.

Through her music, Melián invites the audience to engage with the layered history of Marseille, from its vibrant port to the solemn realities of exile and loss. This work not only showcases her artistic versatility but also positions her within a rich tradition of cultural reflection, echoing the profound impact of historical narratives on contemporary art.