Hakan Akcan – Lighting Effect
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
* Lightning Effect is an artist driven by a deep passion for sound technologies and music. He began his journey in 1996 with training in audio and visual technologies and started working as a sound technician at a major production company in 1998. Being part of the transition from analog to digital, he developed a deeper connection to music.
In the early 2000s, he discovered progressive house, started DJing, and released his first productions in 2007. In 2021, he launched the Lightning Effect project and has since released over 600 tracks, reaching listeners worldwide.
With a strong foundation in sound, he continues to create while staying true to his passion and maintaining his amateur spirit.*
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
*The biggest factor that led me to pursue a career in electronic music was my passion for sound technologies and my desire to keep up with digital transformation. In 1996, I stepped into the field of audio and visual technologies through vocational training. When I started working as a sound technician at a major production company in 1998, I gained experience in various fields, from live broadcasts to film dubbing. During this time of rapid technological advancement, I transitioned from analog systems to digital platforms, which gave me a new perspective on music.
In the early 2000s, I discovered the captivating world of progressive house music. Inspired by the sets of DJ/producers like Anthony Pappa, John Digweed, Sasha, Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, and Dave Seaman, I started DJing. Between 2000 and 2004, I performed at numerous clubs and events, and my radio sets were broadcast on local and internet radio stations. This period deepened my passion for both music and sound technologies.
My journey in music production, which began as an amateur endeavor, became official in 2007 when I released my first EP under a different artist name. Over the years, I worked with various DAWs to refine my skills, and as of March 2024, I became an official user of Ableton Live 12 Suite. Since launching the Lightning Effect project in 2021, I have had multiple charting releases on Hype and Top 100 lists. To date, I have released 600 tracks, and my passion for electronic music continues to drive me forward.
During my years working in active film studios, the equipment we used was much more manual compared to today’s systems, and the digitalization process was still in its early stages. Because of this, I am not as deeply engaged with modern hardware as I once was. However, my interest in music and sound engineering remains as strong as ever.
But above all, what matters most to me is that throughout my productions and over the years, I have always maintained an amateur spirit. Music is not just a career for me; it is a form of expression to which I am passionately devoted. That’s why, even while fulfilling the requirements of professionalism, I have always strived to preserve that pure and exciting creative process. I firmly believe that true innovation and sincerity emerge not from the commercial aspects of the industry but from the amateur spirit we carry within. And I will never lose that spirit.*
How would you describe your style and sound?
*My music creates a journey where organic and atmospheric sounds blend with modern electronic textures. I produce in Melodic House, Progressive House, and Organic House styles. My tracks combine deep bass, hypnotic rhythms, and emotional melodies to create a flow that pulls the listener in.
What sets me apart is my approach to music, not as a commercial product but as a form of expression. By maintaining my amateur spirit, I create sounds that reflect my personal feelings, staying true to originality without compromise.*
ABOUT YOUR RELEASE
Tell us about your latest release.
*Actualization is my latest release under the Cafe De Anatolia label, and it reflects a personal evolution both in sound and emotion. The main theme behind the track is deeply rooted in growth and transformation—the journey of realizing one’s full potential and moving through the different stages of life with purpose. The track combines deep, resonating basslines with intricate atmospheric melodies, creating a soundscape that evolves as the listener progresses, symbolizing the process of actualizing one’s inner vision.
The inspiration for Actualization comes from my own experiences of change and self-discovery. The track was built from a fusion of organic house and progressive music genres, but it was released under the Electronica label. These genres have always resonated with me. I wanted to create a track that embraces the flow of life and finds beauty in the transitions.
The way I blend such intense emotions with rhythms feels so natural that by the time this article is published, it’s likely that a few more tracks will have been released following Actualization.
Released under the Cafe De Anatolia label, this track is not just a piece of music but a snapshot of a moment of personal realization, captured in sound. It celebrates growth, exploration, and the ongoing transformation throughout the journey.*
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?
*The message I want listeners to take from this album is the importance of the journey of growth and transformation. It’s about being open to change and transitions in life, discovering beauty and opportunities in the process of realizing our full potential. My music aims to reflect these emotions and evolution to the listeners.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
*The creative process behind this project was shaped by internal discovery and emotional evolution. While creating Actualization, I drew inspiration from my personal experiences; the challenges and growth processes I’ve encountered in different stages of life guided my music. I wanted to blend various emotions with rhythms and atmospheres, allowing each listener to feel the track in their own unique way.
Musically, I drew inspiration from organic house and progressive house genres, creating a rich sound design with deep basses and atmospheric melodies. Every element was carefully balanced from both a technical and emotional perspective to shape the track. In this process, my goal wasn’t just to create a piece of music but to offer the listener an emotional experience.*
How does this release differ from your previous work?
*This work differs from my previous projects by incorporating a deeper emotional evolution and personal awareness. Actualization not only has more layers in terms of music but also in terms of emotions. In my earlier works, I was more focused on technical and rhythmic aspects, but in this track, the traces of inner discovery and change are much more apparent. The subtle details in the melodies and atmospheres invite the listener into a deeper experience. In this work, I expressed myself and my music in a freer and more exploratory way.
INDUSTRY AND PERSONAL INSIGHTS
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
*My collaboration with Cafe De Anatolia provided me with the opportunity to reach a wider audience. This label offered a platform that strengthened my style and supported my productions, contributing to the global recognition of my music.
The biggest challenge for electronic music artists today is maintaining their originality while promoting themselves. In the digital age, music is as accessible as the competition is high. Artists must continually be innovative and produce unique sounds to distinguish themselves.*
What can your fans expect next?
I have some exciting projects coming up that will thrill my fans. In the near future, I will be releasing new tracks and albums under the name Lightning Effect. I’m also working on more collaborations and remix projects. As for upcoming performances, I’m planning different stage experiences and events to reach a wider audience. I always strive to take my music to the next level and create new emotions for my listeners.
Where can our audience connect with you online?
Instagram: lightningeffectmusic