AVRUPA TIMES-Turkish alternative singer-songwriter Djanan Turan is set to release her highly anticipated album Love’s Company on Wednesday, October 2nd at Jamboree, located at 6 Saint Chad's Place, London. The event promises a special evening filled with captivating music that blends Turkish influences with modern soundscapes, offering a raw yet gentle commentary on life, politics, and love.Djanan’s music is defined by her crystal-clear voice, delivering powerful messages wrapped in soft, minimalistic arrangements. Drawing on her Turkish roots, the album infuses instruments like the clarinet and kanun zither, alongside her unique overtone singing. The tracks alternate between Turkish and English, seamlessly weaving through genres from Turkish classical music to psychedelic folk. Her themes range from vulnerability and war to migration and solidarity, offering a courageous, authentic counterpoint to today’s more superficial pop trends.
The Story Behind the Music
The songs in Love’s Company reflect Djanan’s complex emotions and experiences, tackling topics such as displacement, war, and resilience. With lyrics in both Turkish and English, Djanan paints a vivid picture of hope amidst hardship. One standout track, "Diamond In Black," captures the devastating impact of war on innocent lives, inspired by her childhood memory of hearing Nazım Hikmet’s poem Hiroshima. Other songs like "Yangın" (Fire) express a burning discontent with political oppression and societal complicity.On a lighter yet equally moving note, the title track "Love’s Company" reminds listeners not to be crippled by fear but to find strength in love and solidarity. “This album is my personal reflection on the world we live in. There’s pain, but there’s also beauty, and we must hold onto both,” says Djanan. Her voice carries this message, moving effortlessly from low, introspective tones to soaring highs that invoke Turkish classical traditions.
A Deeply Personal Journey
Born in Adana, Turkey, Djanan Turan’s journey to becoming a musical force is as complex as her sound. She grew up in Samsun, Turkey, before making her way to Istanbul’s Marmara University, where she studied Labour Economics—an early indicator of her social awareness. However, her passion for music soon took over, leading her to study with famed composer Timur Selçuk. Her path eventually brought her to London, where she quickly integrated into the city’s global music scene, performing in clubs, festivals, and forming collaborative ties with a variety of musical acts. Djanan has been a leading voice in London’s Turkish music scene, particularly known for her regular performances at Jazz Café, where she pays tribute to Turkish psychedelic rock legends. In addition, she leads an all-female Turkish classical music choir, proving her deep connection to her heritage.
The Album and the Launch
Love’s Company is more than just an album—it’s a reflection of Djanan’s emotional and political journey. Tracks such as "Gurbet" (Abroad) offer an honest look at the migrant experience, a theme that resonates deeply in today's political climate. Her song "Diş İzleri" (Bite Marks) delves into personal pain and resilience, reflecting the struggles of healing while carrying the scars of life.
To celebrate the album’s release, Djanan’s performance at Jamboree will undoubtedly be an unforgettable night. With her eclectic mix of styles, Djanan will take the audience on a journey through hauntingly beautiful melodies, bold political statements, and a rich musical heritage that bridges cultures and experiences. The album is now available for download, and attendees of the launch will have the chance to experience Djanan’s live performance of these new tracks in an intimate setting.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024
Venue: Jamboree, 6 Saint Chad's Place, London WC1X 9HH
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM
Tickets are available now, and early booking is recommended to ensure a place at this extraordinary event.