Psychedelic Music Explosion

Derya Yıldırım insists that if you’re going to play an old folk song then you have to contribute something new, otherwise you might as well just put the old record on. With her band Grup Şimşek’s forthcoming album Yarın Yoksa, which translates to If There’s No Tomorrow, she continues this journey revitalizing Anatolian folk music and instrumentation by infusing timeless melodies with a modern psychedelic flair.

Born in Hamburg, Germany to Turkish parents, she grew up influenced by her family’s Anatolian background and the myriad of cultures in the city. Derya’s musical roots started at home playing folk music with family members. Although she is a multi-instrumentalist, Derya always felt drawn to the sound of the bağlama - “there’s just something very magical about it”. And her concerts are just that: magical!

Emel Ilter is a record collector, DJ and radio host based in Basel. She is currently resident on NTS Radio London, presenting pieces of her record collection with her regular show «Heavy Love Affair». On RadioX Basel, she is host and producer of the monthly music special «Soul Sketches», inviting music lovers to share their music and stories with the listeners. Emel is part of the «NOT TOO YOUNG Swiss Soul Weekender» collective which is organising an annual vinyl-only Rare Soul event in Lucerne since 2012; creating a gathering where like-minded international collectors can connect, celebrate and worship rare and unknown music. After Derya Yildirim's concert, Emel will also play Turkish records from the 60s and 70s from her collection.