There was a rhythm that started in the hallways of Kadıköy Anatolian High School, Istanbul and it never really let me rest. In 1997, I moved to the U.S. to study at the University of North Texas. While pursuing a double degree in Radio-Television-Film and Music, I was ultimately focused on one thing: Following where music was chasing me.

When I first stepped on stage with my high school band, December Blues, I knew this wasn’t a fading interest. During my college years in the U.S., I played with various jazz, funk, and rock bands, performing at clubs and festivals across Denton and Dallas. Sharing stages with strong local acts of the time—such as Dooms U.K., Daddy’s Pants, Lithotripsters, CornMo & Mauved—taught me that music isn’t just something you play; it’s something you exchange with the World..

In 2005, when I returned to Istanbul, a new chapter began. In my early years as a music video director, we formed Popcorn with Murat Boz and Berna Keser— back then backing vocalists for Tarkan—and Özgür Buldum on keyboards. We held regular gigs for two years at Çubuklu Hayal Kahvesi and Cool Bar in Levent. Through Popcorn, I experienced firsthand how cover music can turn into a shared, live energy on stage. Playing with different cover bands pulled me closer not to a single style, but to music itself.

That connection is still very much alive. I’m currently developing a new project with a band rooted in a Dark Country sound—darker, deeper, and strangely familiar…and Friendly  Years, countries, and stages have changed, but that original rhythm never stopped. I’ve never considered walking away from music. For me, it’s not a phase—it’s an ongoing journey until the last day.