It’s only taken 19 years for me to see İlhan Erşahin live. I discovered him by chance while living in Istanbul in the late 90s, after picking up a copy of his Wax Poetic Three album in 1998 from a record store in Beyoğlu. His music was by far the coolest thing I’d heard […]
The city of Istanbul inherits its name from the Greek “Eis tēn polin” meaning ‘into the city’. Born in Istanbul, Barlas Tan Özemek’s music revolves around this evolving metropolis. Strumming on his guitar, this modern-day Aşık or troubadour tells tales about his native Turkey, its people and culture in these volatile times. Barlas’ powerful lyrics […]
For centuries Armenians and Turks lived side-by-side. But horrific events in the Ottoman Empire particularly during the First World War had a catastrophic impact that turned kindred spirits into bitter enemies. Today, a friendship between Armenian duduk player Vardan Hovanissian and his musical soulmate, Turkish saz player Emre Gültekin seeks to overcome a multitude […]
Earlier this year, London-based Turkish rock & folk singer Canan Sağar followed up her debut release 13 with Kalbim. The eight-track album takes its cue from the tragic events occurring in Turkey. Canan will be performing a selection of her new songs at her UK album launch party in Beans and Barley, Harringay, this weekend. We […]
After an epic launch at The Library Club in March, Hura Nights returns to the lush Covent Garden venue this Friday. Created and curated by singer-songwriter Djanan Turan, this monthly party is perfect for those seeking to surf on an exotic wave of global beats – everything from disco to reggae, and trancey Anatolian […]
Deep within their unruly, freedom-loving psychedelic vibe, there is a particularness about BaBa ZuLa’s world that I love. Their front covers are always carefully considered and stunningly constructed. They are particular about their experimental sound, which never fits into any one genre but effortlessly brings together Western and Eastern beats. And the lyrics for […]
Eastern Mediterranean University’s annual Rock ‘n’ EMU festival has pulled in some major headliners since its inception, but none as big as the band that performed last night. Led by globally renowned Sir Bob Geldof, veteran Irish punk rockers The Boomtown Rats took to the stage in a packed stadium in Mağusa/Famagusta, eastern Cyprus, […]
At once a saxophone player, composer, music producer, club owner, jazz festival curator, and proprietor of his own record label. İlhan Erşahin wears many hats, but ultimately it’s the music that best defines him. Growing up in Stockholm to a Swedish mother and Turkish father, Erşahin’s musical ear was immersed in the coolest of sounds: […]
Everyone’s invited to a special party on Friday night in North London where there will be talent galore and oodles of positive energy to kick-off the weekend. Three live acts and DJs line-up alongside singer-songwriter Olcay Bayır as part of her fundraising efforts for her new album Rüya/Dream. Hailing from Turkey, Olcay Bayır is now […]
Currently on their Do NOT Obey XX world tour, sonic rebels BaBa ZuLa return to the capital for an exclusive gig at the award-winning venue Under the Bridge, in southwest London on Thursday 27th April. Renowned for their ritual-like performances, expect a tantalizing audio-visual feast of Anatolian electro dub beats, belly dancers, elaborate costumes, […]
