It’s the beginning of the month, the time our friend çizenbayan shares her live music picks with you. Be sure to listen to the featured artists on the Canım Istanbul SoundCloud.
Enjoy!
I was wondering how the cultural life was going to be in Istanbul after a tough summer and, honestly, I was a bit afraid. As you can see from the November events, there is not much to be scared about. Some big names say that they don’t want to come to Istanbul, but we still get at least 2-3 alternatives per night, which is not bad at all.
On to November concerts…
Sevdaliza
I had seen Sevdaliza on the Red Bull stage at Sonar Barcelona. She has such a strong stand on stage. Iran-born, Dutch Sevdaliza will be at Babylon on Wednesday, November 2 as part of the Güneşin Kadınları event series.
Thursday, November 3 will have Swedish Kleerup, Dunger and Californiaman on stage at Salon. On the same night, Kalben will be at Babylon. Dance lovers will be at Feeling Fin that night, which has become pretty much a Thursday tradition. Finn has made a name with its delicious cocktails in the Karaköy neighborhood and this week Sevil Soylu, whom I’ll be accompanying, will be in the house on Thursday.
Kadebostany
There was some judgment against concerts in shopping malls but Zorlu PSM has changed all that. And on Friday, November 4 Kadenbostany will be on stage there (I prefer their DJ sets though). Acid Pauli will be at Babylon on that night. I saw him live twice this year – once at Fusion and once at Chill-out Festival. Let’s see what kind of a set awaits us this time. If you don’t want to take a chance, come dance at indigo with The Drifter. Klein will have Nic Fanciulli in the house.
The Drifter
I’ll be at Kiki with Yang on Saturday, November 5. We love nights at Kiki because it’s such a cozy and small space. I promise that we’ll dance together if you come. That same night Wankelmut will be at garajistanbul, Naduve at Luzia, and Gardens of God and Denis Horvat at indigo (which I think will be the best performance of the night).
Karsu
Karsu will perform at Babylon on Wednesday, November 9. If you have yet to listen to Karsu, give yourself a wonderful Wednesday evening and go listen!
On Thursday, November 10, Feeling Finn will host Alican, who is represented by Berlin’s top record label Get Physical and has attracted much attention with his latest EP. Don’t miss the chance to see Alican in such a cozy venue. I’m already excited because I’ll be the warm-up.
Moderat
Friday, November 11 will be an amazing night for music in Istanbul. Moderat will be live at Zorlu PSM while Einmusik will be at indigo. Red Bull Music Academy Radio Istanbul events, which include radio programs, live performances, and talks until November 20, will take off at Babylon that night with Motor City Drum Ensemble’s concert and Ahu’s DJ set.
Red Bull Music Academy Radio, the spot for good and different music, will be located at Pera64 from 11 to 20 November. Live performances and thematic programs will take place nonstop for 10 days on the spot while various venues will host live performances as part of it. You’ll be able to follow their program at www.rbmaradio.com/istanbul during this time.
Sophie Hunger
I’ll be with Yang at Soho House on Saturday, 12 November. The event is members-only but if you really want to come, just reach out to me. On that same night, Babylon will host Sophie Hunger for those who love a bit of jazz in their contemporary music and Oliver Koletzki at indigo for techno lovers.
On Tuesday, November 15, head to Babylon to listen to African rhythms by Sofi Tukker. They couldn’t make it to One Love because it got cancelled, and they couldn’t make it to Çeşme Electronica either. Let’ see how they’ll make it up to their fans now.
Kitaro
Kitaro, the legendary Japanese musician who merges ethnic and electronic elements innovatively, will be at Zorlu PSM on November 16. Kitaro is also known to some with the music that he composed for the İpek Yolu documentary that was shown on TRT in the 80s. I expect a serious crowd for that night.
Gökçen Kaynatan
On Thursday, November 17, one of RBMA Radio Istanbul’s most interesting events will take place at Kırım Church. Gökçen Kaynatan, who made pioneering electronic music in the 50s, will perform in the church’s magical atmosphere amidst impressive acoustics. Clunkmunk, who uses organic and ethnic sounds in their sets to create a unique universe of their own, will be at Feeling Finn on Thursday, November 17 along with YANG.
Oliver Dollar will be at Klein on Friday, November 18 for dance lovers. The next night, Klein will host Bora Uzer. My favorite for that night is the Mano Le Tough performance at indigo as part of RBMA Radio Istanbul. Mano’s performance at indigo last year was amazing. Don’t miss out!
Klein’s little sibling Flamm will host Raz Ohara on Wednesday, November 23. The venue is small so it’s best to go early.
Local Natives
Local Natives, one of the most inspiring names of the indie scene in the past few years, will be at Salon on Thursday, November 24. Feeling Finn, the weekly dance night held at Finn, will either have Sertaç and Lilly or Mr & Mrs Kazan. I’ll be the warm up again.
Dorian Concept
Inspiring Australian producer Dorian Concept will be on the Salon stage on Friday, November 25. He is also a mentor for RBMA students. If you’re interested in the production side of electronic music, I suggest you don’t miss out.
Brodinski
Connected Frontlines Showcase will be at indigo on that same night. Aaron and Alican will accompany Terranova, one of the front liners of the record label. The cute couple Eli & Fur will be at Klein. My plan for November 25 is to be at Babylon where Brodinski will perform as part of the XXF Very French Festival. I plan to dance all night with Bodinski, who has mixed gangsta rap and hip-hop with techno in such a surprising and inspiring way and in turn made a unique sound in such a young age.
Miss Kittin
French electronic music name Miss Kittin will be at Zorlu PSM on Saturday, November 26. I will be trying to decide whether to go see Viken Arman, who has played an important role in creating the Burning Man-special playa tech, at Roxy or Christian Löffler at indigo. Or maybe I’ll create a breakthrough in parallel existence!
I wish you all a month filled with dance and music.
See you in December!
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Check out our November concerts playlist here.
