Nina Turkey is curated by Eylül Deniz, a multidisciplinary artist based between Hamburg and Istanbul. She specializes in experimental music, electroacoustic composition, improvisation, DJing and more. Her work blends technical mastery with a more personal approach.
Capturing the diverse electronic scene in Turkey in a single collection of music is no easy task. Thriving in the underground despite political and economic challenges, artists within Turkey’s electronic landscape turn obstacles into opportunities for creative growth.
The scene encompasses a wide range of genres—experimental, dub, bass, techno, ambient, and punk—which blend to help create a unique and vibrant community. In recent times, the country has faced its fair share of adversity. There’s been an economic crisis as well as political threats to both artists and the country’s LGBTQIA+ population. Even so, the Turkish scene remains lively and attracts artists from different backgrounds. The queer community's dynamic presence adds a bold and confrontational element to the culture, which enhances its risk-taking spirit.
Turkey's electronic music scene transcends geographical boundaries, with artists forming a global family bonded by their roots and a shared love for music. Projects like XSM and Sirän play a vital role in supporting the scene's resilience and nightlife; artists including Sissy Misfit, Koi Failure, Gün, Fosil, Elif Soğuksu and Cicexcocux—all interviewed as part of Nina’s Turkish Hub—are just a few of the names pushing the country’s underground forward. Rooted in its tumultuous history, Turkey's electronic music scene stands as a strong, ever-evolving force teeming with innovation. It’s a challenging endeavor to fully encapsulate it.
Explore the playlist below to discover a selection of artists from Turkey’s underground.