Irada Mikayilova
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
My name is Irada — I’m a music producer, songwriter, and DJ from Baku, Azerbaijan. My journey into music has been anything but ordinary. For many years, I poured my heart into songwriting, creating both lyrics and melodies for some of Azerbaijan’s most beloved pop and rock artists. Music was always my first love, and I’ve been fortunate to see my work recognized — including awards at international competitions like Sanremo Junior in Italy, where a song I wrote with Jamal Gasimov proudly took third place. That moment reminded me that music knows no borders.
About a decade ago, I also explored the world of DJing — and found incredible success. But life had other plans. I chose to step away to focus on building my family and raising my children, a chapter that deeply shaped my identity and perspective.
Now, I’m returning to music with renewed purpose. I’ve reconnected with electronic genres and begun producing original tracks that reflect my inner world — a sound that speaks not just to dance floors, but to the soul. This is more than a comeback — it’s a creative rebirth, and I’m proud to say that I’ve already signed with several international music labels. I hope this journey inspires others — especially women — to embrace their evolution, no matter where life takes them.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
For me, music has always been a way to tell stories — not just through words, but through sound. I was drawn to the emotional depth and endless possibilities of electronic music because it allows me to shape entire worlds from silence. With every beat, every synth, I can express feelings that sometimes words fail to capture.
When I returned to the studio after my break, I felt naturally pulled toward electronic genres. They gave me space to explore my own voice again, free from expectations. I started producing a few tracks out of pure instinct — and something just clicked. There was clarity, freedom, and a kind of healing in the process. That’s when I knew I had found my direction.
How would you describe your style and sound?
My sound is a fusion of roots and innovation — a bridge between heritage and modernity. I love blending traditional Azerbaijani elements, especially folk music and mugham, with electronic genres like melodic techno and afro house.
There’s a unique power in bringing ancient instruments and emotional melodies into conversation with futuristic rhythms. It creates tension, but also harmony — a musical dialogue between where we’ve been and where we’re going.
Afro house, with its organic textures and soulful energy, has become a space where I feel creatively free. And techno, with its deep structure and hypnotic flow, offers the perfect foundation to embed national and Eastern sounds in a contemporary format. I don’t limit myself to one genre — I see music as a tool for cultural connection.
ABOUT YOUR RELEASE
Tell us about your latest release.
(What’s the story or inspiration behind it?)
My latest release is a reinterpretation of “Sarı Gəlin” — one of the most iconic and beloved folk songs in Azerbaijani culture. It’s a melody that carries deep emotional weight and has been performed in countless styles over generations. I felt honored — and humbled — to reimagine it.
I wanted to explore how this timeless piece could live in today’s electronic soundscape, so I chose to frame it within the afro house genre. It was both a creative challenge and a personal experiment: breathing new life into something sacred, while keeping its essence intact. The result is something that feels both familiar and new — a respectful transformation that I hope resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?
I hope listeners feel the invisible thread connecting the past and the present. Through the haunting beauty of Sarı Gəlin, I want them to hear the soul of Azerbaijani culture — its poetry, its pain, its pride — and at the same time, experience the energy and emotion of the world we live in today.
To me, this project is about honoring where we come from while daring to dream of where we can go. It’s a reminder that music can unite generations, transcend borders, and create something universal. More than anything, I want people to feel — to close their eyes and be moved by something timeless.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
Reimagining Sarı Gəlin was a delicate and deeply personal process. From the start, I knew this wasn’t just a remix — it needed to be a respectful reintroduction of a cultural treasure.
I began by listening to countless interpretations, absorbing how different artists had honored it in their own way. I carefully chose which elements to preserve — especially the melodic structure and emotional core. Those parts carry a legacy, and I didn’t want to lose them.
To bring this vision to life, I collaborated with the exceptional Ulviyya Rahimova — a vocalist whose voice is filled with both power and vulnerability. Together, we explored many versions, layering sounds and experimenting until we found the perfect emotional balance. It took time, patience, and intuition. But in the end, we created a version that feels alive — rooted in heritage, yet speaking a new language.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
This release is different in every way — not just musically, but emotionally. Unlike my earlier tracks, which were explorations of sound and rhythm, Sarı Gəlin carried a sense of responsibility. It wasn’t just about creative freedom — it was about protecting something sacred while introducing it to a new world.
Every decision in this project — from instrumentation to vocals to the smallest sound design detail — was made with intention. I wanted to create something accessible to a global audience, but without diluting its authenticity. That’s what made it so meaningful.
This wasn’t just a production. It was an offering — to the past, the present, and the future. A reminder that we can evolve without forgetting who we are.
INDUSTRY AND PERSONAL INSIGHTS
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
I think one of the biggest challenges is finding your own voice in such a fast-moving and diverse scene. There’s so much talent and creativity, which is inspiring, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. For me, collaborating with a label like Café de Anatolia has helped a lot — they truly value emotion and authenticity in music, and that gives me space to grow while staying true to myself.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
Events, collaborations, and labels play a big role in my journey. They help my music reach more people and open new doors. Working with Café de Anatolia has been very special for me — they gave me a chance to share my sound with the world and supported my vision. It’s more than just a label; it feels like a creative family.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?
My advice is to stay true to yourself and keep creating from the heart, even when it gets hard. Don’t be afraid to start small — every step counts. Be patient, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who believe in your music. For me, working with Cafe De Anatolia was a dream that came true because I didn’t give up. If you stay honest with your art and keep going, the right people will find you.
LOOKING AHEAD
What can your fans expect next?
(Are there upcoming releases, performances, or projects you’d like to share?)
There’s something special on the horizon — a sound I’ve been quietly shaping in the background. I can’t share too much yet, but let’s just say it’s a journey into deeper emotions and new rhythms. Stay close… it’s coming soon, of course with Cafe De Anatolia.
Sarı Gelin by Irada Mikaylova/ 21 August 2025 / released via Cafe De Anatolia