Ece Ozel: The 'Shine A Light On' Mix

Music

Turkey appears to be in the midst of a crisis. Much of the recent media attention has been focused upon hatred, despair and trouble. However, the good people of this country often remain unreported, undiscussed. From a musical perspective, the scene in Istanbul survives amidst a backdrop of chaos, and yet it still continues to put in a damn good shift. Ece Ozel is the latest contributor to our 'Shine A Light On' mix series. We had the privilige of dancing with her and her most excellent party starters when we're in Istanbul earlier in the year. Here she speaks to us about the music scene in Turkey and a political backdrop which casts a dim haze over propsperity and culture.

Listen and read the interview below:

You’re pretty new on our radar, fancy telling us a little bit about yourself, Who are you and where are you from?

Hello! I am Ece Özel from Istanbul. I am a DJ and a fashion stylist.

How would you describe electronic music in Turkey? How do you see the scene evolving in years to come?

(for the time being i can’t separate these two questions from each other)

Well, this question has become harder to answer in last few days. There are many talented musicians/ producers/ Djs making different kinds of electronic music. Dance music or not. Also a serious amount of crowd who is trying to keep the vibe. But there are many gaps to fill as well. Unfortunately the scene is not evolving right now- i can’t say the same thing for the sound. So much serious stuff happened in the last few years which has taken away our motivation. This doesn’t stop people from producing or creating or coming together and everybody is doing what they have to do. But our biggest problem is everything we are trying to do is getting interrupted and there is no unity left by any means. I think after early 2000’s nothing really evolved in the way it should. We’ve been feeling like everybody’s lonely with what they are doing and there is not enough consistency in any field.

Where does music of an ethnic origin exist in Turkish electronic music?

Electronic elements in many kinds of Turkish music is no stranger to us, as well as the ethnic elements in today’s electronic music. And these are very nice matches! But today except for some people, i find it an easy way to be popular and it’s not getting the right kind of care about how it’s done.

Where was the mix recorded?

In my living room in Istanbul, Tesvikiye..

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

Couch dancing.

What should we be wearing?

An oversize, soft, white shirt.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location, system, format?

A jungle in the city! Don't really care about the set up, just a working mixer and a nice/clear soundsystem!

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Beatrice Dillon – Curl and Snuffo – Watching Deers In The Dawn

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Serie Noire: Dark Pop New Beat Vol 1&2 by The Glimmers. I am a huge fan of compilation mixes.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

JD Twitch and JG Wilkes! Optimo! I just want to be there from the beginning and stare at them…

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

At first it was a laptop + traktor, then an UC33 midi controller followed for unknown reasons. Now 2 turntables and a Pioneer mixer + scratch pro (which i never use)