Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I'm from Turkey but I grew up in Hungary. My background affects my work quite a lot.
Growing up outside of my country of origin brought out identity issues and belonging issues as many people from immigrant backgrounds can relate. So music has been a way for me to feel connected with my culture and that is still the strongest tie i have to feel Turkish really.
I like to bring elements of Turkish folk music and traditional sounds with western elements in my music and that really is pretty much the reflection of the life I have lived so it feels true to my blurry identity.
When is your favourite time of day to create?
Hmm I think the best time would be late afternoon-early evening. Something about the day slowly coming to an end feels as if time itself slows down and creative energy starts bubbling up in those moments. That softness is almost touchable I think. I've noticed that even birds fly around in circles as if they are dancing and bathing in that feeling at that time of the day.
How do you define success as an artist?
I think if I can reach people who will enjoy and connect with my music , that is success for me as a musician. This summer I have attended a music workshop camp in Turkey where Ihave performed a song that I wrote there. There was one lady who approached me and told me how they related to my words and how they found meaning in them. Their meaning was not the same as what I had upon writing those words but it made the song suddenly so much more precious because for the first time I've experienced the music I wrote coming to life and interacting with others in its own way, independently from me. I had such an immense joy from being a part of that connection. It's like having 2 friends who don't know each other but you know they would get along really well and you become the bridge for their friendship, I don't know if that reflects the feeling but that moment felt like I have succeeded somehow.
What motivates you to create?
One thing is that I know I have a gift, I have something given to me that if I dont excersize it will be a waste. It's almost like it doesnt belong to me but I am carrying it in this life. Its like the nine tailed fox in Naruto, he had to strenghten himself to control the fox. I feel perhaps its similar to artistic talent. You hone your skills to bring out and tap into that source. My insecurities have stopped me a lot in the past to really bring that out. I feared (and still do sometimes unfortunately) that I'm not good enough in this and that. But I'm starting to realise more and more that its a game of trust and courage and vulnerability. Diving into creating something wearing these attributes helps the music flow outward. This answer came out a tad bit too poetic perhaps hehe.