Aren Demir Tilki (AREN’T), Istanbul – Turkey
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
My artist name is AREN’T, but my real name is Aren Demir Tilki. I’m 10 years old, and I realized I was into music when I was 7. Over time, I figured out that electronic music was my thing. It all started when I downloaded a DJ app on my dad’s phone when I was 7. He noticed how much I loved it, so for my birthday, he got me a DJ setup and sent me to a DJ academy in Istanbul to learn how to use it. It only took me two months to get the hang of it! After that, I started playing at different events like Swiss Hotel (Roof 16), Azaka Hotel, Torun Center spring party, and Mall of Istanbul. But there was one thing missing—I wasn’t playing my own music. I really wanted to create my own tracks. That’s when I sent a message to Selim Özkaya on Instagram, asking for help. He was super kind and offered to teach me music production without expecting anything in return. We worked together for a long time, and one day he told me I was ready to release my first song. By the way, he was also the one who suggested my artist name should be AREN’T! With his help, I finished my first track, Jadoo. Then I sent my track to Cafe De Anatolia. I’m truly grateful that they accepted it.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
Honestly, I don’t really know. Everything just sort of happened on its own, and I ended up finding my place in this music.
How would you describe your style and sound?
I can’t really define my style just yet, but I feel like techno and trance music are more my vibe. My dad wants me to make some calmer tracks, but I just can’t help it! 🙂 I’m still at the start of my career, so I don’t think it’s fair to say what sets me apart from other producers. I’d love to answer this question again in 3 or 4 years!
Tell us about your latest release.
My track has these cool oriental rhythms, but there’s definitely a dark side to it. It’s harsh and aggressive, and I like to think of it as a fearless witch!
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?
This is my first track, but I believe that there are frequencies in the universe that humans cannot see or hear. I feel like my tracks are a reflection of those frequencies.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
My dad and I watched a movie with a lake witch named Jibaro. After we finished, we were inspired to create a track with some oriental rhythms and hard drums. That’s how Jadoo was born!
How does this release differ from your previous work?
*This is only my first track, and I love it so much. But my next track will be more melodic and more energetic. I’m about to finish my second track!
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
I think it is misunderstood. People assume it’s made only for fun and dancing, but I actually find it more enjoyable just to listen to the tracks. This music has a soul. For example, even when two different people listen to the same track, it can mean different things to them. I wish people would truly listen to this music, not just be exposed to it.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
I am still at the very beginning of my career, and this is my first track. I can’t do many events because of my age—we’ll see in time. But I would like to thank CDA for understanding my music and accepting it as it is. Every track from Cafe De Anatolia evokes different feelings when I listen to them. But I think they all have one thing in common: it’s like a journey to a place you don’t know where it leads. I really felt connected to this, and I just knew I wanted to be part of this journey too.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?
My advice is to just be patient—that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
What can your fans expect next?
I plan to create different kinds of tracks—some will be really fast-paced, and some will be very slow. I’m working on them, but they’ll be more about meaning than just fun.
AREN’T – Jadoo (Cafe De Anatolia) released on 17.04.2025