The interest in Turkish pop from the 1970s and 1980s, which was revived a few years ago, continues unabated. Legendary protagonists of the Turkish scene like Moğollar or the cult singer Selda Bağcan are welcome guests on European concert stages. It is not only in Germany that the culture of the »guest workers«, long ignored by the majority society, is slowly coming to the fore.
Yarin Yoksa HHV Exclusive Clear / Purple Smoke Vinyl Edition
Younger acts such as Altin Gün from Amsterdam, who will perform at this year’s Roadburn Festival in Tilburg in the Netherlands, or Gaye Su Akyol are taking Anadolu rock and combining it with rock, disco and other influences. One of the most exciting musicians in this context is Derya Yıldırım, who was born in Hamburg’s Veddel district. On her recently released new album »Yarın Yoksa« (English: If There Is No Tomorrow), the fourth with her band Grup Şimşek, she expands her spectrum once again.
From Veddel to the Elbphilharmonie
Recorded in New York with producer Leon Michels, Yıldırım’s music on »Yarın Yoksa« sounds softer and warmer than ever, while Michels also emphasizes soul and funk aspects. The traditional »Hop Bico« and »Ceylan« by Neşet Ertaş refer to the roots, while the title of the album explicitly focuses on the urgency of the music, which for Yıldırım has always had a social dimension. As an opportunity to come together, to connect people.
Derya Yıldırım will be touring the U.S. with her band this summer, and she recently performed in her hometown of Hamburg at the Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall. Sometimes, however, Derya Yıldırım prefers the intimate setting and performs alone. With only her captivatingly soft voice, melancholy melodies and virtuoso mastery of the long-necked lute bağlama, she takes us into the world of Anatolian folklore. Her influences? Here are ten of them.
Derya Yıldırım: This album means a great deal to me, as Fikret Kızılok is one of the most important singer-songwriters in my life. His music has profoundly inspired and shaped who I am.
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Derya Yıldırım: The songs from »Estarabim« were a constant soundtrack in my father’s car—especially on our way to music school. It was our go-to hit, and it still brings back vivid memories of those days.
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Derya Yıldırım: A recommendation from Graham Mushnik a year ago, this album stirred something in me that still resonates today. I continually find new parts of myself reflected in Dorothy Ashby’s timeless sound.
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Derya Yıldırım: Since the moment I first heard Yeti Season, I felt an undeniable connection with El Michels Affair. It marked a turning point in my life—I eventually got signed with them and recorded my new album, completing a personal circle.
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Derya Yıldırım: Barış Manço’s music has been a constant companion since my childhood, filling our home with his iconic tunes. Yet, the album »2023« holds a special place in my heart.
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Derya Yıldırım: Selda Bağcan’s voice has been with me for as long as I can remember. This album evokes warm childhood memories, as her voice feels like coming home.
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Derya Yıldırım: Arif Sağ is Turkey’s most influential bağlama icon, and this album is essential listening for every bağlama player. It brings me back to the very essence of folk music and reminds me of his pioneering spirit.
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Derya Yıldırım: Moğollar form a core part of my musical inspiration. Their unique blend of folk and psychedelic elements has left a lasting impact on my sound.
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Derya Yıldırım: Along with Selda Bağcan, Tülay German is one of the most influential vocal presences in my life. This album’s serene, stripped-down instrumentation and gentle honesty continue to move me deeply.
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Derya Yıldırım: We discovered this album during our tours—it’s a staple in our band’s shared listening sessions. Labi Siffre’s work, with its blend of folk sensibility.. it is so familiar to me that I almost know every lyric by heart.
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