GÖZDE FIRTINA
Tell us more about yourself and your music career.
I was born in Kuşadası, a small town in Turkey, in February 1988. My journey with music began at the age of 7 when I started playing the guitar and taking singing lessons. Moving to Antalya at the age of 10 opened my eyes to the vastness of the world, and music became a lifelong passion. Apart from my music career, I graduated from the Cinema and TV department in university and worked in the media sector before fully committing to music. I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage with renowned artists and performing at prestigious venues worldwide, showcasing a diverse range of genres. Each performance is a unique journey, and I believe it’s the journey itself that makes the experience extraordinary.
Write a short paragraph about your RELEASE (your inspiration, process, genre, instruments used in it, and the story behind the creation).
“Sound of Love” is a project I started about a year ago. On the fourth day of my enchanting solo trip to Europe, specifically during my stay in Rome, I found myself lying on the bed in my hotel room, searching for new vocals. The sound of the female vocal I eventually used on this track was so captivating that I could feel my heart rate increasing as I listened to it repeatedly. The “kicks” automatically began hitting 120 BPM, although the original vocal was at 90 BPM. I immediately opened a new project and started writing a baseline. Naturally, I couldn’t resist enhancing that warm female vocal with the fiery Andalusian guitar. We can also sense the influence of Indian melodies, a culture I find equally fiery, thanks to the dominant tones of Bansurfi and Pungi instruments. Inspired by Darksidevinyl’s Afro sounds, I define the song “Sound of Love” as Afrorganic House.
What is your connection with Cafe De Anatolia?
When I played my first track, “Magician,” to my friend YinYang Project, who had previously released tracks on Cafe De Anatolia LAB, he remarked that it had the authentic Cafe De Anatolia sound. On that day, I promised myself that my next production would be released on Cafe De Anatolia LAB. It’s a dream come true to have my own track released by the label whose releases I’ve admired since the beginning of my career. I want to express my gratitude to my sound engineer friend Ekin Güray for helping me realize this dream, as well as the Pobla Studio team for mastering the track. And of course, a special thanks to YinYang for their encouragement.
What initially sparked your passion for music, and how did you decide to pursue a career in the industry?
The most important factor that ignited my passion for music was my father. He played four instruments: guitar, oud, darbuka, and drums, and our home was often filled with live music performances. His travels for work, always returning with bags full of CDs, introduced me to many different music cultures. I began taking guitar and singing lessons in elementary school, and exposure to Western music through MTV further fueled my interest. My deep dive into electronic music began in 2009 with Tiesto’s “Adagio For Strings.” The pandemic in 2020 prompted a shift from performing on stage to production, as I felt compelled to share my musical journey through my own productions.
Can you share a memorable moment from your music career that made a significant impact on your artistic journey?
One memorable moment was when we played for eight hours at a private party I attended during the second leg of my European vacation in Ibiza. Despite having only a half-hour lunch break, it was a record-breaking night for me. Another impactful moment was at a New Year’s party when, after playing on the second stage from midnight to 1-3 am, the audience from the main stage started coming down to ours. Despite the disappointment of having to stop the music abruptly, these experiences have shaped my artistic journey significantly.
As an artist, how do you approach the creative process? Do you have any specific rituals or methods to get into the creative mindset?
Creativity, for me, stems from the soul and is inspired by my daily experiences and emotions, especially those derived from human relationships. I strive to convey these emotions through my music, often drawing inspiration from love and its various facets. My creative process is fluid, guided by intuition, and I believe in allowing myself the time and space to explore and experiment.
What do you believe sets your music apart from others in the industry? What makes your sound unique?
My music is deeply influenced by my emotions, and I believe this emotional authenticity sets it apart. When faced with challenges, I introspect to understand them better, believing that true understanding is the first step towards resolution. As a woman in the industry, I acknowledge both the advantages and disadvantages and strive to focus on the positives while remaining true to myself and my music.
Collaboration is a crucial aspect of the music world. Have you collaborated with other artists, and if so, how has it influenced your musical direction?
I started my career as a DJ, performing on stage before transitioning to production. Collaborating with other artists has broadened my musical horizons and influenced my direction significantly. Live performances, in particular, have been instrumental in connecting with my audience and building a dedicated fan base.
How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue creating music, especially during times when inspiration might be elusive?
Traveling and being outdoors are my primary sources of inspiration. Exploration is a lifelong journey for me, and I believe in giving myself the time and space to create without pressure. I’ve learned to embrace the natural ebb and flow of creativity, trusting that inspiration will return in its own time.
What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
One valuable piece of advice I received was to always play with my own sound, regardless of the event or lineup. Staying true to my style and sound, even when it’s not the mainstream choice, allows me to showcase my true potential as an artist.
Gözde Fırtına, Cafe De Anatolia – Sound of Love” Release Date: May 24, 2024