FEATURE
DeDeXgrande Interview with Muzique Magazine
How did you come by your stage/brand name?
Well, my stage name actually has an interesting story behind it. I was born and raised in Turkey before moving to the Netherlands. In Turkish, my friends used to call me “Dede,” which means “grandfather.” The “Xgrande” part was added to emphasize the idea of being an extra grandpa. It’s a playful combination that reflects my Turkish roots and adds a unique twist to the name.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
My passion for music has been with me for as long as I can remember. However, I truly discovered my love for it during my early years. I had a classical music and jazz background, and I always had a fascination with electronic music, even though I hadn’t explored it much at the time. It was a combination of curiosity and a desire to experiment that led me to start playing around with DJ equipment. As I delved deeper into the world of electronic music, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in this genre and share my unique sound with others.
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
There are numerous artists who have inspired and influenced me along my musical journey. Some notable examples include Black Coffee, Keinemusic, Ben Bohmer, Be Svendsen, Islandman, Oceanvs orientalis, Monolink, Thylacine, and Oliver Koletzki. Each of these talented musicians has contributed to shaping my artistic vision and sound.
On your current project, how did you come up with the concept?
As I mentioned earlier, my background in classical and jazz music always stayed with me, but I felt a calling to explore electronic music further. Last summer, I decided to experiment with DJ equipment, and as I gained more confidence, a friend encouraged me to start producing my own tracks. It was an easy transition for me since I already had experience producing and composing music in my career. The main change was shifting my focus to a new genre and direction of sound, which ultimately led to the birth of DeDeXgrande.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
One of the biggest challenges I face is finding time to create and perform amidst my commitments as a touring musician and teacher. However, I’ve been gradually finding a balance that allows me to dedicate more time to DeDeXgrande. Adaptability and perseverance are crucial attributes that help me overcome these challenges. I’m constantly refining my work ethic and finding ways to efficiently manage my time and prioritize my projects.
What are your plans for the near future?
I’ve already released four singles for my new project, and it’s still in its early stages. I have a lot of music ready to go, and I plan to release several singles in the coming months. On June 23rd, I’m dropping my first EP titled “Bollywood Xtasy.” Looking further ahead, I aim to release a full album in early 2024. Additionally, I’m exploring opportunities to record my live electronic set in beautiful locations, incorporating new tracks into the mix.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout-outs?
Absolutely! First and foremost, I’d like to thank myself for staying committed to my journey and constantly pushing my boundaries. I’d also like to express my gratitude to my manager and good friend, Serhan, for supporting me throughout this journey. And lastly, a special thanks to Volkan Uca for encouraging me to start producing my own tracks.
How can fans find you?
You can find me on Instagram, Spotify, YouTube, and most other online platforms. Just search for @dedexgrande, and you’ll be able to connect with me and stay updated on my latest releases and performances.
What suggestions do you have for other artist like yourself?
My suggestion would be to keep creating and embrace the process. It’s important to lower your expectations and allow yourself to grow naturally. Rather than striving to be the best, focus on constant improvement and learning. As the saying goes, “Starve the ego, feed the soul.” Always remain open to new experiences and challenges.
