By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) We have an indie pop approach to sound, although sometimes we also use mainstream pop and rock methods. I guess it is similar in songwriting as well. The sound always has a hint of weirdness and experiment, but in an approachable manner.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) I don’t know how to choose a few of them! For this specific album, I know that I was inspired by the music of James Blake, Radiohead, some Turkish pop songs from the 90s, PJ Harvey, Major Lazer, Bülent Ortaçgil (a Turkish singer-songwriter), Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, Björk, etc. So, I can see why it was a melting pot for everything me and my co-producers have been listening to at that period of time. Probably they would also have some long lists.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Yalan Söyledik.”
A) “Yalan Söyledik” means “we lied” and it is about all the lies that have been told to us. One day, I saw a sign that said “the door gets locked at 2 am,” but I knew that it never got locked at all. I thought it was a good symbol for every lie that has been told to keep us still, to keep us well-behaved, to keep us scared. We encounter lies from our families, societies and governments throughout our lives and sometimes we choose to believe them just to stay in our comfort zone. However, it is killing the possibilities of reaching the real “us.” “Yalan Söyledik” is an allegorical song about this situation.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I think the sound and the flow of the song. It is very fun to play and sing in the concerts and there is definitely an energy exchange.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) It depends. For this song, I actually improvised while playing guitar. But sometimes, if I find a chord progression that I like, I adapt a lyric that I previously wrote.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I love arranging songs, but I don’t like the recording processes. I also feel like I don’t have the know-how of the mics and amps and all the decisions that should be made. So, I do or direct the initial arrangement process and then I am more like a manager who facilitates the production. Of course, I interfere with the recordings as well, especially when the decisions affect arrangements, but mostly I try my best to provide a better working space for the co-producers.
Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?
A) We released the full album in May 2024 and we have just released the vinyl. So, I don’t think I will be releasing anything big soon. I kinda believe that these songs should be digested first, both by us and by the audience. However, I will have some duets and a probable collaboration with another Turkish electronic artist.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) I like small and intimate clubs. I like being close to my band and with my audience. There is a place called Karga in Kadıköy, Istanbul for example. It is great to watch local bands and also like a home to perform. It has an important place in my personal history.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I wish I could collaborate with Damon Albarn.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) Now I am listening to Sara Qədimova. She was recommended by Taner Yücel, when I asked what I should listen to before going to Bakü. I will have a couple of solo shows there, and I am really excited. She has a beautiful voice and the piano arrangements are also very emotional.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you! I am lucky to have you guys.