FEATURE
Veli Mert Interview with Muzique Magazine
How did you come by your stage name?
l, begin drumming by taking private classes when l was in high school. In my university years, l began to take the stage with various bands and genres of music. in the meantime university years, l was influenced by Jazz music especially Miles Davis and Bill Evans. After that l began to take private piano and composition lessons. l began to my solo career by recording my George’s Dilemma written by Clifford Brown with a middle eastern vibe and solos with Turkish and İsraeli and Argentian musicians.
My main attempt is unifying modern Latin beats and middle eastern melodies from traditional jazz music. Then l released Arabia by Curtis Fuller we transformed it into Latin beat and middle-eastern melodies. And my latest project is a more contemporary style of jazz. Lonely Woman by Ornette Coleman. Lonely Woman is different than others because more contemporary style.
Veli Mert Interview with Muzique Magazine
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
In my childhood years, l was always in love with music although my favorite style of music constantly changing. ln high school years my taking drum lessons completely changed my life as well as my point of view on music. And music became the biggest part of my life and my future plan.
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
My first and second projects are more like traditional jazz styles. l highly influenced by Miles Davis, and Bill Evans. But my latest project Lonely Woman is a more contemporary style of jazz. While making Lonely Woman l was highly influenced by İsraeli pianist Shai Maestro who also uses middle-eastern melodies in his works.
Veli Mert Interview with Muzique Magazine
On your current project, how did you come up with the concept?
My new single project Lonely Woman is a melancholic composition we played it more melancholic theme and of course with middle eastern melodies. My biggest influence is the Shai Maestro for releasing this single.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
One of my biggest challenges is that l live in a place where jazz music is undervalued that’s why l have to present my music to an international jazz audience (one of another challenges of my solo career)
Veli Mert Interview with Muzique Magazine
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
No! There is no such thing as “the best” in the music industry. ln, in my opinion, every musician has his/her own taste. Music and musicians is cannot be comparable.
What are your plans for the near future?
ln near future l want to premiere concert of my solo project. And then my biggest dream is the having an album with my own arrangement or compositions.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shoutouts?
Of course! l would like to thank all contributors for their efforts
Ezgi Arman
Ziya Arman
Shaul Eshet
Melisa Dopazo
Afa Kamal
Matan Gov Ari
Ori Scheezinger
Eli Mary
Maciek Szczyciński
Kenan Eren
How can fans find you?
My social media accounts
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify
What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
All l can suggest is don’t care about ungrounded negative criticism about your works. Just do what makes you satisfied.
FOR MORE NEWS AND ARTICLES, CONNECT WITH US ON MUZIQUE MAGAZINE, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER
