Olcay Bayir on Alevi Roots, Anatolian Folk & Her Album Tu Gul î

I’m joined by the extraordinary Olcay Bayir, a British singer-songwriter of Kurdish Alevi origin, originally from Turkey. Olcay opens up about the challenges of immigrating as a teenager, her classical training in opera, and how she has forged her own unique musical path.

You’ll hear clips from her 2024 album Tu Gulî, along with selections from her earlier projects, featuring songs in several languages. Her rich voice and evocative arrangements breathe new life into Anatolian folk traditions, offering a vibrant and powerful reimagining of this timeless music.

In our conversation, Olcay shares:

• Insights into Alevi culture and spirituality
• How she honours the strength and stories of Anatolian women
• her creative process and inspiration from masterful collaborators

As always, you can watch this episode on my YouTube channel or listen on your favourite podcast platform. A full transcript is also available, all linked on my website

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(00:00) Intro

(01:54) Songline Music Festival, BBC project, Babel Music Expo inspiration

(04:05) album Tu Gul î

(07:32) clip of Edlê with Olcay’s intro, from Tu Gul î

(08:15) Songwriting, performing in 4 languages, diversity of Anatolian cultures

(12:15) Alevi culture

(15:12) clip of Ötme Bülbül with Olcay’s intro, poet Pir Sultan Abdal

(17:18) choices in instrumentation and arrangements, Ignacio Monteverde

(19:46) clip of Ay Dilberê with Olcay’s intro, poet Feqiyê Teyran

(21:27) the sad story of Husna, with clip

(25:56) childhood in Turkey, how music helped her with the challenges of immigration

(29:09) clips of Daha Senden Gayrı Aşık Mı Yoktur? and Nare, Nare with Olcay’s commentary

(32:46) Other epiosdes you’ll enjoy and ways to help this series

(33:49) opera studies, early musical experiences, coaching vocal technique

(36:51) performance skills

(40:10) 2nd album Rüya, clip of Yar Dedi, creative process

(42:21) içerde EP, Help Musicians UK, clip of Lost Child

(46:15) newfound joy in baking and cooking as a creative pursuit, buying the albums on Bandcamp