DJ HATASIN: BRINGING ANATOLIAN INFLUENCES INTO AFRO AND ORGANIC HOUSE | EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Hasan Tahsin Aydin / Istanbul, Türkiye


INTRODUCING THE ARTIST

Can you introduce yourself to our audience?

My name is DJ Hatasin, and I’m an Istanbul-based DJ and music producer. My journey into electronic music began behind the decks with my first controller, the Pioneer DDJ-WeGO. What started as a passion for DJing gradually evolved into music production, giving me the opportunity to develop a sound of my own by blending Afro, Organic, and Deep House with Turkish and Anatolian influences.

Today, I share my music and DJ sets with audiences through original releases and a series of video projects on my YouTube channel, including Living Room Sessions, Travel Sessions, and Studio Sessions. For me, music is more than a form of expression; it’s a way to bring different cultures, rhythms, and emotions together.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?

Electronic music gave me the freedom to experiment, explore different influences, and create a sound that feels genuinely personal. I was particularly inspired by the contrast between modern electronic production and the traditional sounds I grew up surrounded by. Discovering how these seemingly different musical worlds could come together and connect with people on the dancefloor was what motivated me to pursue music professionally.

That connection between contemporary electronic sounds and cultural heritage remains at the heart of my work, which is why I incorporate Turkish and Anatolian influences into my Afro, Organic, and Deep House productions.

How would you describe your style and sound?

I’d describe my sound as a meeting point between Afro, Organic, and Deep House and the rich musical heritage of Türkiye and Anatolia. I combine deep grooves, organic percussion, and expressive melodies, often incorporating traditional instruments such as the zurna, ney, oud, and electro bağlama.

What distinguishes my sound is that cultural influence isn’t simply an additional layer; it’s an essential part of the music’s identity. My goal is to create tracks and DJ sets that feel deeply rooted, atmospheric, and emotionally engaging while maintaining a strong connection to the dancefloor.


ABOUT YOUR RELEASE

Tell us about your latest release. What’s the story or inspiration behind it?

“Come Closer” is my latest release, coming out on Cafe De Anatolia. It’s a minimal Organic Deep House track built around a slow, hypnotic groove, combining deep low-end frequencies, restrained percussion, and atmospheric textures that gradually draw the listener into its sound.

The inspiration behind the track came from the feeling of closeness: that moment when a room full of people moves together, and everything else seems to fade away. It’s a track that breathes, allowing each element to develop naturally. I believe that’s what makes it particularly suited to a sunset set or a late-night atmosphere.

Releasing it with Cafe De Anatolia means a lot to me because the label understands this musical territory so well: organic, emotional, and culturally rooted electronic music.

What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?

I’d like listeners to take a moment for themselves and connect with the music. “Come Closer” isn’t about delivering a specific message; it’s about creating space for a feeling. Whether someone discovers it on the dancefloor or during a quiet moment, I hope they find their own personal connection to it.

Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?

The musical approach behind “Come Closer” combines Afro House rhythms with the depth of Deep House and a minimal aesthetic. The creative process was all about finding the right balance between movement and atmosphere without overcrowding the sound. Every element has its place, allowing the groove and textures to develop naturally. That balance is central to the track’s identity.

How does this release differ from your previous work?

Some of my previous releases, such as “Ya Layl,” have a more pronounced cultural character, featuring Arabic vocals and traditional instruments like the zurna. With “Come Closer,” I explore a more minimal Organic Deep House direction.

It reveals another dimension of my musical identity while remaining connected to the rhythms, textures, and depth that run throughout my work. For me, exploring different directions is part of developing as an artist without losing the elements that make my sound recognizable.


INDUSTRY AND PERSONAL INSIGHTS

What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?

I think the biggest challenge is finding a way to stand out without losing your artistic identity. An enormous amount of music is released every week, and it can be tempting to follow trends rather than invest time in developing a sound that genuinely represents you.

That’s why patience, perseverance, and consistency are so important. Building a career takes time. You have to keep improving your craft, release music thoughtfully, and remain committed to your artistic direction, even when progress feels slow.

In the long run, having a distinctive sound and maintaining consistent effort matter far more than chasing a single viral moment.

What role do events, collaborations, and record labels play in shaping your career?

They all play an important role in an artist’s development. Events keep me connected to the dancefloor and help me understand what truly works in a room, which directly influences my production. Collaborations push me beyond my usual creative habits and introduce new perspectives into my sound. Record labels, meanwhile, provide a platform for music to reach new audiences and connect with listeners around the world.

My collaboration with Cafe De Anatolia is a great example of this. Releasing “Come Closer” with the label is a meaningful milestone in my career because Cafe De Anatolia has a deep understanding of organic, emotional, and culturally rooted electronic music.

Being part of the Cafe De Anatolia family allows my music to reach a global audience that already connects with this sound. It also gives me confidence in the artistic direction I’ve been developing through my Afro, Organic, and Deep House productions.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?

Be consistent and patient. Release music regularly, but never rush something out before it’s ready. Learn the craft properly, including production, mixing, and the business side of the industry, such as pitching, playlists, and understanding how record labels operate.

Build genuine relationships within the scene instead of simply sending requests. Support other artists, attend events, and be someone people enjoy working with.

Most importantly, develop a sound that people can recognize as yours. Technique can be learned, but identity is what makes listeners return to your music.


LOOKING AHEAD

What can your fans expect next?

The next big moment is, of course, “Come Closer,” my minimal Organic Deep House single with Cafe De Anatolia, scheduled for release on November 3, 2026. It’s a track I’m genuinely proud of, and it represents an important step forward in my career.

Beyond that, I’m continuing to develop my video series, including Living Room Sessions, Studio Sessions, Travel Sessions, and DJ Hatasin’s Weekly Picks on my YouTube channel, with new episodes and locations coming soon.

On the production side, I’ve also been working on new material exploring Afro-Tech and Tribal Afro-Tech, so there’s more music on the way. I prefer not to announce specific release dates just yet, but the creative process is ongoing.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to sharing more music with you!

Release Title / Release Date / Collaborators:
Come Closer / November 3, 2026 released via CAFE DE ANATOLIA RECORDS

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