Premium Oud Sessions

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: One of my proudest works is my album Istanbul 34. I composed, performed, recorded, and produced every track, blending the soul of Istanbul with modern electronic elements. It was a deeply personal project that resonated with audiences worldwide and showcased my ability to bridge tradition and innovation.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m currently producing my upcoming album that fuses Turkish maqam, cinematic sound design, and deep house textures — as well as collaborating with international vocalists for cross-cultural singles.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Not at the moment — I prefer to personally handle every part of the process to ensure a consistent artistic vision.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both — each has its place. I love the warmth and depth of analog, but the flexibility and precision of digital tools are unmatched. My productions often combine the two for the best of both worlds.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: To deliver music that not only meets your expectations but elevates your vision — blending artistry and technical precision to create something timeless.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The ability to create something timeless from silence — transforming emotions, memories, and cultures into music that can travel the world.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Q: “Can you make my track sound both modern and traditional?” A: Absolutely. That’s my specialty — blending authentic oud and maqam-based melodies with cutting-edge production.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: That creating fusion or cinematic music is just about combining sounds. In reality, it requires deep cultural understanding, arranging skills, and emotional storytelling.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What feeling or atmosphere do you want the music to create? Are there any reference tracks you love? Who is your target audience? Do you want the music to follow a strict structure or flow more freely?

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Look for someone who not only has technical skills, but also understands your story and emotions. Music is about connection — choose a collaborator who can translate your vision into sound.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: My oud, a portable audio recorder, a laptop with my DAW, a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones, and a solar-powered battery pack.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I’ve been playing the oud professionally for over 20 years. After graduating from the ITU Turkish Music State Conservatory in 2002, I performed at international festivals, recorded for diverse artists, and composed for films and games. Over time, I developed my own fusion style and founded two labels — Maidens Tower Records and Maqam Records.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Cinematic, emotional, and deeply rooted in tradition. I blend Turkish maqam scales with modern sound design, creating music that feels both ancient and futuristic.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I would love to collaborate with Hans Zimmer for his mastery of cinematic storytelling through sound, or with Anouar Brahem for his ability to give the oud a timeless, borderless voice.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always leave space in the arrangement — both in frequency and emotion. A powerful track often comes from knowing what not to play, allowing each instrument to breathe and connect with the listener.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I work across a range of genres, but most often on world music, cinematic compositions, ambient electronica, and fusion projects that combine traditional Turkish maqam with contemporary elements.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Blending the authentic sound of the oud with modern production techniques to create music that is both emotionally rich and sonically fresh. My ability to compose memorable melodies and arrange them with cinematic depth sets my work apart.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring the soulful voice of the oud, enriched with decades of experience and a sensitivity to both tradition and modernity. My goal is to make the instrument not just an accompaniment, but a storytelling element that elevates the emotional impact of the music.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I start by understanding the client’s vision in detail — mood, style, and purpose. Then, I create a few thematic ideas or melodic sketches on the oud. Once approved, I record in high resolution, layering textures if needed. I deliver fully edited, mixed stems, and can also provide alternative takes for creative flexibility.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is fully equipped for high-quality recording and production. I use professional-grade microphones (Lewitt, Rode) and preamps, combined with top-tier audio interfaces for pristine sound capture. I also integrate both analog gear and modern digital tools, working in Cubase to ensure flexibility for any project.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I’m inspired by artists who bridge tradition and innovation — like Anouar Brahem, Dhafer Youssef, and Jordi Savall for their deep connection to heritage instruments, and producers like Hans Zimmer and Nils Frahm for their ability to create immersive sonic worlds.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I provide premium oud recordings, both traditional Turkish maqam and contemporary fusion styles, for songs, film scores, and game soundtracks. My work often includes composing original melodies, arranging for multi-instrument ensembles, and blending the oud’s authentic tone with modern production for a cinematic feel.