Olcay Bayir on Alevi Roots, Anatolian Folk & Her Album Tu Gul î
Conversations with Musicians, with Leah Roseman
07/03/25
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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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Other episodes I suggest: Omo Bello
(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
Previous Episode
Joel Styzens is a composer and multi-instrumentalist whose career as a drummer was transformed due to sudden hearing damage. He talked to me about dealing with the physical and psychological effets of hyper acusis and tinnitus, the beauty of hammered dulcimer, and you’ll hear clips from his first 2 albums Relax Your Ears and Resonance. He’s a music educator who loves to help students to make discoveries on their own and we spoke about Joel’s passion for all kinds of artistic expression, and his positive recent experience at the Ragdale Artist residency. Joel’s personal story is so inspiring, and his music is so beautiful; please check out his albums .
You can also watch this on YouTube and the Transcript is also linked to my website
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Photo of Joel: Sarah Boudreau
(00:00) Intro (02:49) Joel’s sudden hearing problems (09:47) meeting his wife through his music with clip of Viv (17:51) inspired from the Botanic Gardens in Chicago (20:28) video clip from Waterfall Garden featuring hammered dulcimer (20:32) clip from Burijji (24:51) David’s Dulcimers (28:52) dealing with tinnitus and hyperacusis (34:39) support from family, clips of Lifeline and Memento M (38:34) Other episodes you’ll like and ways to support this series (39:26) cellists Sophie Webber, Katinka Kleijn, ATLYS string quartet, Rob Clearfield (41:41) teaching multi-instrumentalist approach (53:32) Ragdale residency, exploring different forms of creative expression
Next Episode
Teagan Faran is a remarkable violinist known for her versatility as a performer, composer, and improviser. In this episode, you’ll hear selections from her album Middle Child—a compelling and genre-spanning musical journey featuring works by acclaimed contemporary composers, as well as Tegan’s own reimagining of Brahms’ beloved Intermezzo.
A Fulbright grant recipient, Tegan spent nine months in Argentina delving into the rich traditions of tango and regional folk music. She shared insights about her time there, along with stories of collaboration and mentorship, including her work with the Grammy-nominated ensemble Palaver Strings and the electroacoustic duo Persephone & the Phoenix.
Tegan has also built a dynamic career as an educator and has studied under renowned teachers like Danielle Belen. In our conversation, we touched on her diverse teaching experiences, the importance of injury prevention, and her parallel path as a certified personal trainer. My website link takes you to the video and transcript.
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Other episodes you may enjoy: Julie Lyonn Lieberman
Martha Mooke, bad snacks, and Margaret Maria among so many!
photo: Naomi Vand
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:53) album Middle Child with clip of Brahms Intermezzo
(05:42) Davis West, with clip of Outermezzo, Deedee Bridgewater
(08:44) Palaver Strings
(15:58) FARAHMS Misha Vayman with clip
(17:59) Persephone & the Phoenix Duo Nicole Brancato
(22:51) Casimiro by Julián Granciano with clip, tango, learning in Argentina
(28:31) Little Things album, sheet music with clip of El Silbador
(34:22) other linked episodes and ways to support this series
(35:11) stir crazy by Carlos Simon with clip, Leo Sussman
(37:01) mentor Matt Albert
(40:41) musical and personal identity
(44:24) mentor Danielle Belen, concert presentation, teaching, Ithica, Sphinx
(53:06) career advice, exploring instruments
(56:29) Temptress Jens Ibsen with clip
(59:37) personal trainer, avoiding injury
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