Interviews

Zeynep Erbay may be a new name to some, but the Turkish native is sure to be gracing your ears sometime soon. As a delegate at the Red Bull Music Academy, Zeynep impressed the heads and merged with other talents, resulting in her first release out on Compost. Her classical background is clear, as is her poetical and emotional view on life and her work. Her stunning new EP ‘Healer' on Phil Coopers NuNorthern Soul fits so beautifully up here on Dream Chimney. Read away to learn more about this hugely talented and exotically intriguing individual.

Tell us where you are right now and what is the view from your window?

I am at a family house in Bodrum, Southern Turkey. There is a beautiful, big tree that has probably been there for more than a decade and lots of flowers all around, with a blue sky. I am lucky that this interview came up while I am here; otherwise, I would be describing my apartment, which is not anywhere close to this, hehe.

Where were you born? Paint us a picture of where you grew up.

I was born in Ankara. It is a small city where everyone, especially families, know each other. Being a capital, it maintains a formal attitude as well. I spent my childhood and formed many cherished memories. It used to have a cozy and tight-knit atmosphere, which I find comforting. The sense of community was strong those days and you often came across familiar faces as you stroll through the streets.

What are your early musical memories?

Oh it's mostly the conservatory, starting really early I thought everyone had the same daily life I have. Mostly spending hours and hours alone in front of piano. Dreaming a lot. You really had to know a lot about classical music but I also had friends who played other instruments like trumpet and drums who were into jazz, fusion and more, so I was lucky to exchange and discover different genres while spending time with them. I also liked to party to so I was clubbing while I was at high school :)

Tell us a little about the traditional sounds from your country and how much they have impacted the music you make today?

I think our country is very diverse, especially in terms of music. Growing up, it's hard not to be influenced by the multitude of cultures due to the rich migrations that have taken place here. One side of these lands draws inspiration from a sense of sorrow and creates from that emotion. While this doesn't resonate with my character and outlook on life.

What truly captivates me are the broken beats. These irregular rhythms excite me even during my time at the conservatory. In terms of traditional sounds, I can say I found myself drawn to compositions with melodies influenced by some contemporary Turkish Compositors. These were probably more Anatolian motifs though my interest in Western music, jazz, fusion, and classical music, took precedence during that period, and I enjoyed them immensely.

Nowadays, if I come across a melody that touches me or create one myself, it doesn't matter where it comes from. It's the emotional connection that matters most to me, transcending any cultural boundaries.

Your music has a very exotic feel. What words would you chose to describe your sounds?

I'm glad to hear that :) It's a wonderful feeling to be enchanted by something exotic.

For me personally, expressing this with words is a bit challenging. Let's say impressive basslines, groovy chords, excite me greatly, and exotic dance rhythms for sure. Creating a deep sound is something I also enjoy, but there's an emotional aspect to it. All of these elements come together from time to time, with new elements being added, and the journey continues through exploration.

You trained as a classical pianist. Did you ever perform professionally classically?

In middle school and high school, we used to have class recitals at the end of each year. There were plenty of them throughout my school years, but I didn't make any profit from them. On the other hand, during my time at university, there was a period when I earned money by playing classical music in the school cafeteria.

When were you first exposed to the dance scene?

My journey took some unusual turns. There was a period where I withdrew after being exposed. After the first release from Compost following my time at the academy, the anxiety I experienced during my conservatory days resurfaced, and I chose to stand still instead of continuing. Later on, I received training on this issue, and after deciding that it was truly the job I wanted to pursue, I can say that I was exposed again with my first release with Soul Clap Records.

Who were the artists and DJs that caught your attention initially?

So many, like Massive Attack, Unkle, The Orb, Telepopmusic, The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, Jason Kay, Chick Corea, Tod Terje, Kerri Chandler, Soul Clap.

Your first release was on Compost. Tell us a little about that and how the release came to happen?

Yes, during the Red Bull Music Academy. It actually happened that I was trying to learn Ableton at that time. Partik Pulsinger was coaching me. Thanks to his encouragement, I managed to finish my first track. Later, under the name "Various Assets," the academy released a CD, and after a while, I think it was on Myspace, Michael Reinboth contacted me and said he wanted to include the track in the Future Sounds Of Jazz series. It was a very thrilling moment for me because I had been following this series like crazy for years, and having one of my songs featured there was an incredible feeling.

How did you connect with the Red Bull Music Academy and how was your time there?

Back then, I was hosting a program at a radio station in Istanbul. During that time, I met Ahu, who was also attending the Academy in Seattle. She told me that I should definitely apply to the Academy, emphasizing that it would be an incredible experience if I got accepted, and things started to unfold.

Oh, there were so many names, I don't even know where to begin. Among the participants were Aroop Roy, Marshmello NTS, Aloe Black, Nina Kraviz, and many others. Apart from them, Benji B, Greg Wilson, Gerd Janson, DJ Zinc, Patrick Pulsinger, Skream, Greg Wilson, Marco Passarani, and many more.

What do you feel your time at the RBMA has given you?

I must say that it offered a remarkable understanding of the industry's vision. It was one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable two weeks I have ever had. The experience was truly incredible and served as great motivation for me to pursue my dreams and gain a deeper understanding of the industry.

How did you hook up with Soul Clap Records?

We met through a mutual friend and released 2 Eps, ti "Escape From the Toxic Train" and "Flashlights on Love." Additionally, I created a remix for Underground System's Nmani, featured in the Soul Clap Records 11th Anniversary Remix Compilation

Where is it you live these days?

I am currently in Istanbul, but making plans to change this :)

How is the night scene where you are?

It's a bit challenging. Because the country's economy is heading towards a very bad place, and I think the nightlife scene doesn't support the local talents enough.

Except for a few places, most of them are driven by the pursuit of making money, so instead of collaborating with new talents and following the music, they always go with established names who guarantee ticket sales. It becomes repetitive, and this vicious cycle continues.

On the other hand, for example, "Gizli Bahce" is a very cool club that has been around for over 30 years, and the team's approach in this regard is very constructive and innovative. In this club, you can listen to different sounds and feel very comfortable in a cool atmosphere, just like at home.

Do you play out much on your local scene?

I do. At the same time, I'm dedicating a lot of time to production right now, I'm taking a more balanced approach. Instead of saying yes to everything, I'm trying to be more selective, meaning I'm trying to DJ at events where the existing audience for music is present.

Who do you think is making great music at the moment?

I think there are many names, but currently, I find Barry Can't Swim, Paula Tape, and Aroop Roy to be quite authentic.

Love to know the most recent record you have purchased?

This record is not recent but I got this recently - Teddy Douglas & Luis Radio - The Violin (Basement Boys Club Mix).

How did you connect with NuNorthern Soul?

Through email. I sent the EP to the label's demo submission email address, and with Phil's positive feedback, everything started off well.

There's a beautiful back story to 'Healer', tell us a little about that.

The story is about a whale accidentally separated from her herd. After years of searching, she finds herself helping other fish in the ocean. Each time she helps them, hope fills her heart, believing she might eventually reunite with her own herd.

For years, she spends her time this way. One day, the ocean whispers a direction to her, and as she follows it, she finally reunites with her herd. However, she soon realizes that she also wants to continue helping other fish, which leads her to a difficult decision. This act serves as a metaphor for our broader search for belonging and acceptance. Seeking belonging and acceptance is like embarking on a deep quest that helps us discover our true selves.

‘Healer' is a step away from other music you've been making lately. Why the change of mood?

Actually, the mood didn't change; it was just another part of me that wanted to talk, let's say. I believe that most creative people also have many different sides to them. So, I feel happy when something interesting comes along, and I can work on it. This time, it was my piano and classical side merging with electronic rhythms. From this, perhaps the mood will change a lot more.

What other projects are you working on that you can share?

Recently, I finished the second EP that we will be releasing with Exploited next year. I am also working on some other projects, although they are not finished yet. I would love to share them with you once they are done.

Where are you playing out next?

I will be playing at Sisyphos and Sameheads in Berlin.

When you're not making beautiful music, what would be find you doing?

I am a curious person. I like food, style, self-improvement, sports, friends, travel, and sunsets. Lately, I have been focusing on production work a lot, so during the rest of my time, I enjoy trying nice food, buying interesting books and magazines to see what's going on around the world. Healthy living and sports are also recent interests of mine.

You've spent most of your life working in music. If you didn't follow this path, what else do you think you may have ended up doing?

I've always loved cooking and hosting people, so I'd probably end up owning a restaurant.

Check out the latest release from Zeynep Erbay