Gerçek Dorman & Lightning Effect
Can you introduce yourselves to our audience?
Gerçek Dorman:
Hi everyone, I’m Gerçek Dorman — an electronic music producer, sound designer, and live performer with over 26 years of experience in the music world. My work blends melodic house, indie dance, and tech house with cinematic atmospheres and deep storytelling. I’m also the product manager and sound designer for SynthMaster, a powerful virtual synthesizer used by producers worldwide.
On stage, I perform live with Ableton Live, Akai Force, MPC Live, and a variety of synths and controllers — bringing an organic, rhythmic energy to my electronic sets. Beyond production and performance, I run Moodlab, a label that supports young talents in electronic music. My passion is crafting immersive soundscapes that take listeners on a journey.
Lightning Effect:
In the electronic music scene, I stand out through my journey from sound engineering to music production. I began in 1996 with audio-visual technologies and have worked as a professional sound engineer on major film productions since 1998. This technical background enabled me to create a deep and layered sound in my music.
I started DJing in the 2000s, leaning towards progressive house influenced by the leading DJs and producers of that era. In 2021, with the Lightning Effect project, I focused on emotional transitions and hypnotic structures. To date, I’ve released over 650 original and remix tracks. For me, music is not just a sound — it’s a tool for transformation.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
Gerçek Dorman:
Since my early years, rhythm and storytelling through sound have fascinated me. I started as a drummer, exploring jazz, funk, and rock, but around 2000, I discovered electronic music — and it completely changed my perspective. The endless sonic possibilities and the ability to create entire worlds with synths and textures deeply inspired me.
Genres like melodic house and tech house allow me to combine strong rhythmic foundations with cinematic atmospheres. Film composers like Vangelis and Hans Zimmer have also been huge inspirations — they showed me how electronic elements can evoke deep emotion. For me, electronic music is a limitless canvas where rhythm, emotion, and sound design meet.
Lightning Effect:
I combine my technical interest in sound technologies with a spiritual connection. The emotional depth of progressive house has become both a means of expression and a field of exploration. Electronic music, which merges storytelling, rhythm, and technology, is the most powerful form of expression for both of us.
How would you describe your style and sound? What sets you apart as artists?
Gerçek Dorman:
My style merges melodic house, indie dance, and tech house with a strong focus on cinematic sound design. I aim to create tracks that tell a story — where each sound, texture, and rhythm adds emotional depth. My background as a drummer gives rhythm a central role in my music. I blend organic grooves with modern electronic production, often using live percussion, synthesizers, and intricate sound layers.
Lightning Effect:
I synthesize my technical foundation with melodic and hypnotic structures to build sonic experiences that immerse the listener. For me, music is both a physical and spiritual experience — a story we tell through rhythm, sound, and aesthetics.
ABOUT YOUR RELEASE
Tell us about your latest release, Ancestral Code EP. What’s the story or inspiration behind it?
Gerçek Dorman:
Ancestral Code is a very special project — both in its creative process and collaborative nature. It was born during one of our Prodüksiyon Kafaları live sessions. Throughout the stream, the audience played an active role — their comments, suggestions, and remix offers helped shape the track. It became more than a regular livestream — it was a shared creative experience.
After the session, we shared the stems, and Lightning Effect surprised us with an incredible remix. That inspired us to completely rework the original, bringing in new energy. In the end, Ancestral Code became a track that truly reflects the spirit of that moment we created together with our audience.
Lightning Effect:
The audience’s comments and suggestions helped shape not only the structure but also the emotional arc of the track. This wasn’t just a performance — it was a co-creation. That’s what made the process so powerful.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?
Gerçek Dorman:
We want listeners to understand that music is not just something to consume — it’s something to create and share together. During the livestream, we openly shared the production process and built a direct connection with our audience. They didn’t just listen — they lived the creation with us. Our goal is to inspire others to see music as a space for exploration and collective experience.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
Lightning Effect:
Everything started with an exchange of ideas. Gerçek built a rhythm-based foundation, and I worked on the melodic layers and production finesse. The YouTube livestreams were crucial — they brought us real-time feedback that guided the flow and structure.
Gerçek Dorman:
We paid close attention to both emotional depth and technical quality. The track evolved naturally, and what emerged was a dynamic, heartfelt, and participatory work — not just a song, but an experience.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
Gerçek Dorman:
This is our first project that involved direct audience participation during the creative phase. In the past, we created in isolation — but Ancestral Code broke that wall. It was born during a live educational stream, shaped with feedback, and grew into something that carries the spirit of spontaneous co-creation. That blend of education, collaboration, and production is what makes it unique.
INDUSTRY AND PERSONAL INSIGHTS
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
Gerçek Dorman:
The competition is extremely intense. Visibility in the digital space and staying original both require serious effort. It’s no longer enough to make good music — artists have to build personal brands, stay in touch with communities, and constantly evolve. Patience, consistency, and sincerity are the cornerstones of building a sustainable artistic path.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
Gerçek Dorman:
Our collaboration with Cafe De Anatolia has been a major step forward. Their respect for cultural depth and musical innovation gave us the creative freedom we needed. It’s not just about releasing music — it’s about connecting with a global audience that truly understands the sound. Collaborations and events fuel inspiration, allow us to tap into new energies, and enhance our live presence.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?
Gerçek Dorman:
Find your voice and stay true to it. Don’t imitate — innovate. Work on your technical skills, but never lose your emotional connection to the music. Build real relationships, stay open to feedback, and keep creating no matter what. Art is a long-distance journey — walk it with purpose and passion.
LOOKING AHEAD
What can your fans expect next?
Gerçek Dorman:
We’re currently working on several new EPs, remixes, and collaborative live performances. After our releases with Cafe De Anatolia, we’re planning more interactive livestreams, music-education projects, and genre-bending collaborations. We’re especially excited to present new works that merge music with storytelling and immersive audiovisual elements — expanding not only the sound but the experience.