David Byrne’s Turkish music playlist
Artist extraordinaire David Byrne recently paid homage to Turkey's music scene by sharing a playlist titled "Turkey is Amazing". His collection celebrates Turkish music's vibrancy and creativity, featuring a mix of contemporary artists and old favourites.
A Compassionate Prelude
Byrne's musical gesture comes at a time when parts of Türkiye are recovering from devastating earthquakes that took the lives of over 47,000 people. Alongside sharing his playlist, he also directed his followers to organizations providing aid to the survivors.
The playlist includes a broad range of artists, from popular Turkish singers like Sezen Aksu and Tarkan to upcoming talents such as Gaye Su Akyol and Efsun. Additionally, it showcases musicians whose work combines traditional Turkish music with a modern twist, like BaBa ZuLa and Nekropsi.
Byrne highlighted Gaye Su Akyol, a multi-talented artist known for her singing, painting, and activism, also holding a degree in anthropology. Akyol's music, described as a 'contra-reality' fiction, is an evocative blend of sounds and cultures from Anatolia. Her work carries a passionate drive for self-expression, especially significant in a political climate where simply expressing one's love, passion, or sexual identity can be considered revolutionary.
With this playlist, Byrne has curated a sonic journey that showcases the diversity of Turkish music. From the poignant folk sounds of Aynur to the energetic pop beats of Candan Erçetin, every track on the list presents a different facet of Turkey's rich musical heritage. In particular, songs by MFÖ, a band known for their contributions to Turkish rock, and Barış Manço, a pioneer of Anatolian rock, underline the playlist's encompassing scope.
An Invitation to Listen
David Byrne's Turkish playlist is more than just a compilation of tracks; it's an invitation to experience the inspiring energy and creativity of Turkish music. Whether you're a long-time fan of Turkish melodies or a curious newcomer, Byrne's carefully curated list provides a perfect starting point to explore this vibrant music landscape. Listen here.