Ankara-based singer-songwriter Erkan found his way into music as a drummer. Only in during his college years at Berklee College of Music in Boston did he find a love for guitar and voice. Pushing the boundaries of conventional genres, Erkan’s music is a unique blend of progressive rock and pastoral folk that uses lush atmosphere to paint the images of his upbringing on the Aegean Sea. An admirer of the classics (Sting, ABBA, Pink Floyd, Steven Wilson), Erkan creates engaging conceptual music with elements of heavier bands such as Iron Maiden and Metallica. His biggest influence, however, is progressive rock music from the 70's. Bands like Camel, Genesis, and King Crimson influenced his drumming style the most.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hey ERKAN, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Thanks for having me! My cousin started playing guitar and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. So I started playing drums.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I would love to work with Jon Hopkins and King Creosote. Their album ‘Diamond Mine’ changed the way I write and listen to music in the best way.
Your latest song is 'Constellations'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
We recorded the EP in a church converted into a studio in upstate NY. I wrote the song the year prior in Bodrum Turkey. It was one of those songwriting moments where it just poured out of me in one sitting.
What are you focussing on right now?
I’m focusing on finishing my EP and preparing the next singles that will come out this year.
What are you most proud of?
I think this project is my biggest adventure yet. It’s very vulnerable and open to interpretation. This is my proudest work yet.
What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?
Just like everyone else, I experience moments of demoralization and a lack of motivation to do work. It can be hard to work through that so what I do is focus on the most basic component of my job, which is just playing my instruments.
How do you structure your day?
I wake up, then start my day at the gym. Then I go to a cafe to get some work done and see some friends.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
I consider myself a foodie. I love to eat and cook delicious foods. I also enjoy reading and gaming.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Yes. Careless Whisper is a good shower song.
What are your plans for the future?
Win a Grammy.