When did you start shaping your dreams regarding music?

When a close friend of mine took up playing the guitar, I kind of wanted to play, too and that is how I started. It happened on the spur of the moment. Once I started to make my own music, I was sure this was what I would do all my life!

 

You have a different style. You surprise your fans with each new song. How does it make you feel being different?

I am trying to make the music I want and I try hard for the sound of my music to be quality, but it is all about feelings. I mean, others should be able to feel the way I do and believe in what I believe. What matters is to make difference without trying to be different. Actually, your music should be how you are, but it is also important to improve yourself in a parallel way and carry on.

 

In many of your interviews, you have said that you care about the story of your video clips. What points do you consider choosing these stories?

We attend for the story of the song. I also care about the video being cinematographic. I have always paid attention to making short movie-like video clips. If the role is significant, an actress or actor should be in the video. If I must be in the video, I have to prepare

People wonder how you create your songs. Do you feed on various art trends?

 I do lots of observation. I can empathise and try to feel the way others feel.

 

Who are your inspirations both national and international?

I am into rock, funk, house, electro, and flamenco music. Also, I listen to ethnic sounds. I love Lenny Kravitz, Jamiroquai, Paco de Lucía, and Tomatito. I prefer to listen to Turkish alternative music. Yuzyuzeyken Konusuruz and especially Buyuk Ev Ablukada are my favourite bands.

 

Can you tell us the story of your new hit song Lafuguzaf?

Ozan Turgut is the writer of the song, which is composed of two stanzas which we converted into music. And I really liked it. I didn't know what lafuguzaf meant at that time. Ozan always writes, does research, and finds strange things. I mean we didn't mean to find a weird word that nobody knows and make a song. The music of the song belongs to me and it was arranged by GT Band and Bora Uzer.

You started doing productions after setting up GTR Music. What are the differences of being on stage and being on the production side? How do you find the balance?

I have always dreamt of having my own music company. I have wanted to cooperate with people having dreams, being interested in art and music. Other than that, it is easier and faster to make and implement a decision when the company is yours for sure. On the other hand, you have more responsibilities.

 

What are your future plans? And what is in your agenda?

I'd like to make more quality recordings and address people with whom I speak a different language and I want my music to be accepted worldwide. I don't mind if these happened or not, but I just want to. I am also curious.

 

You have two lovely daughters. You must be spending much of your time with them. What does Gokhan Turkmen do other than work? How does he spend his free time?

I try to spend quality time with my girls and make them feel they are important and individuals rather than kids. We chat and spend time together. My only addiction is sports I guess. I have been working out for a long time. I enjoy doing all kinds of sports. Feeling good is more important than looking good for me.

 

What are your favourite holiday destinations? Have your holiday preferences changed after your kids?

We usually prefer to spend our holiday in Kas and Bodrum in Turkey. We have been trying to go to closer places since we had the kids, but the kids are easy-going, some don't have many problems as a matter of fact. We drove to the Black Sea Region when Nil was just 3 months old. It was a comfortable and calm holiday. We don't really care about distance. We need to be comfortable, the place should be quiet, and kids should have places to play. If we are going on a holiday with friends, then we prefer to have more fun and choose locations like Kas, Bodrum, Amsterdam, and Berlin.