Sinanation

Better early than late. Here is the new mix to welcome the sizzling summer of 2011. You can DOWNLOAD HERE.

a bit of alcohol and possibly “more”.

I contemplated about getting tickets to Amy Winehouse’s concert in Istanbul, but somehow knew that her appearance would be jeopardized by her unstable behavior. So, I wasn’t surprised at all when the announcement for her canceled shows and video shots of her disastrous performance in Belgrade popped out. I think Winehouse has not changed a bit since the first time I got interested in her music. She has never ceased to appear as the careless, turbulent, reckless and problematic artist who is greatly gifted on one side and completely lost on the other. I acknowledge that she lost touch with reality and agree that she is far from reaching out to her fans. Yet, there is still some greatness in this woman.

I wasn’t shocked at all when I watched one of the tens of shots from the Belgrade concert, but I was disappointed to see a miserable woman trying to keep it together for an obligation she clearly was not up for. Despite all the boos and counseling, I am still sympathetic towards Amy Winehouse (yes I am not one of the ones who got tickets to the infamous concert) because I consider her to be a good artist and I think all the good artists deserve a little room to lose touch with reality.  I like her voice and edgy style and wish her healthier habits and a little more sense. I will continue to listen as long as she keeps recording (although I might again pass on the future concerts).

I first heard of Aytekin Kurt when he sang “Hancı” with Enbe Orkestrası. I was so impressed with his voice and modern approach to classic Turkish songs that I kept following his progress. Kurt came out with yet another great composition to “Masum Değiliz”. Below is a SounCloud preview.

My good friend Nazlı Var is expected to pump it up at Rook Bistro & Bar in Şişhane tonight starting at 10.30 pm. I have seen this gifted girl in action and danced to her beats multiple times before. She is edgy, funky and nothing like you have seen. She went Hollywood. She does Istanbul and jams Montreal. So I am expecting a great mood from a night around the ever-changing, constantly-developing, once old & sketchy now new & edgy Istanbul neighborhood, at a cool restaurant/bar I have never been to before, with our one & only Nazlı (no pressure intended). Hope you can make it and make a good start to a long-awaited rainless Istanbul weekend.

I decided to start he night with a light dinner, give Rook’s kitchen a try and then get jiggy with the Var beats.

On the way back from a mouthwatering dinner, I stumbled upon this corner Italian Bistro in Venice. As the curious tourist, I sneaked inside to see the reason behind the happy vibe and cheering. That was the moment I got caught up with Ty LeBlanc’s amazing voice and The Jazzy Soul’s great show. The songs were all familiar and Ty’s voice was dominant enough to give the crowd all the reason to sing along.

The unexpected 2 hours we spent at Osteria San Marco was one of the most entertaining nights of my life.

The 6th of the annual Chill-Out Festival in Istanbul took place on May 22nd in Kemer Golf & Country Club. It was my first time at the event since I was living in New York until last year. The entrance fee is around USD 50 and then the visitors are required to fill up a “festival credit card” sponsored by a bank with cash to be able to purchase food and drink from the numerous corner shops.

The festival was well-organized, spread through a green lawn surrounded by tiny hills and trees. Music started at 12.30 sharp and was scheduled to go until 11 at night. I got to enjoy the sunny side from 1 to 6pm. 5 hours underneath the sizzling sun was more than I could handle and I left the event knowing that the best was saved for the 2nd half: Kraak & Smaak was one of the performers I was sad to leave behind.

The music and the performances were well-paced. DJ Malik Alary was the great entrance. My favorite live performance was of course the Austrian electronica musician Klaus Waldeck featuring Zeebee. There were instances when people got in the mood for a few dance moves although the event is meant for the relaxed smooth “chill-out” . The variety and quality of food was simply great from Ben & Jerry’s to mini burgers.

I am planning to go again next year and if this entry gives you enough reason to do the same make a note of the few reminders.

• Bring your own pillows, portable chairs and umbrellas as the ones provided by the sponsors are gone within minutes.
• Make sure you have a friend with you who is a Kemer Country resident. That way you can skip the crowd and find a nice spot for your car.
• Go around 3pm avoiding the midday sun and stay until 9pm to catch all the best performers.

This is the story of a much appreciated giant: a dedicated businessman during the week and an energetic party machine through the weekend.

Like most of us he quarrels with the hardship of managing high risk while maintaining his organized and cautious approach to life. So it is no wonder that whenever he finds the opportunity to let loose he embraces it with all his heart and soul. He has been a great friend and a protective big brother at times. I know I have long promised him a mix. So with that in mind I introduce you “Tutti Style”, a 20 min. episode to take me back to the legendary party weekends with my buddy, Burak Tutar.

I say enjoy it before you give the party monster back to the corporate Monday. Click HERE to download.

I have written an interesting spread on my most favorite DJ, Claude Challe, in the most recent issue of the Turkish music magazine Mix (on page 24). The new issue also has exclusive interviews with up & coming artists such as Can Bonomo. I say have a look when you need a break from work.

She Left Home (Instrumental) – Jane Birkin

Inside an unexpected residential Manhattan building, on an unexpected floor lies a 600 sq ft private club that I proudly refer to as Club M. Open only to the owner’s close friends and their referrals, this unofficial entertainment heaven is equipped with all the gadgets of a hip nightclub, the tools of a professional bartender and the alcohol of a well-frequented dive bar.

To the naked eye Club M is an ordinary living room furnished up to the limit with couches, stools, tables and a home entertainment system. One needs to look closer to see what lies beneath: a peek inside the refrigerator will reveal enough soda, alcohol and juices to fill up a bathtub but not a single nibbler to block the hunger. The cupboards topped with plastic cups and Alka-Seltzer. The walls decorated with souvenirs from nightclubs and jazzy illustrations. Numerous funky neon-colored sunglasses spread on the granite counter. All waiting anxiously for the moment when the lights go out and a static disco light covers the dance floor, an incredibly loud mix vibrates the windows and Musa preps up behind the counter for his famous alcoholic blue shot “the Windex”.

No set hours, tabs, reservations or bouncers (just Musa) Club M is there to cheer you up when you need it. Through my years in New York, this apartment and its extraordinary owner, my dear friend Musa have been amazing hosts to me. There hasn’t been a single event in this place that didn’t make me feel better than I did. It has been a second home, a cozy meeting-point and an ultimate nightclub (but, certainly not a reliable restaurant). Thus, I have all the reasons to be thankful for its welcome and dedicate this most recent mix to its ever-lasting legendary memory.

P.S.: Musa tells me he has another “dinner” party coming up soon at Club M. Won’t be able to make it this time, but I am sure it will be yet another amazing night.

Click HERE to download Club M.