Luckily, in 2022, we live in a world where almost anyone can become a global superstar. Many consider this a curse and many consider this a blessing, however, culturally, it’s important that artists that were known only locally in their home country are getting more and more attention worldwide. Probably Turkish singer, Aleyna Tilki considers it a blessing, too, that at the age of 22, she’s become known as one of her country’s most famous pop star as well as the Turkish music industry’s biggest export. The young diva’s just starting her career in Europe, but she’s already been lucky enough to get a song written by Dua Lipa as her first English language single, and recently she’s had the chance to sing with Jubël.
In our interview with Aleyna, we talked about her releasing mostly English language songs nowadays instead of Turkish ones, we asked her about her plans for the future, and she told us a really interesting thing about her, and that is that she doesn’t really believe in the concept of time… – exclusive interview with Aleyna Tilki.
How would you describe yourself using only 3 words?
Bold, rebel and full of love.
Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself!
I sometimes talk out loud about the things that I am thinking. I am so clumsy.
I really like dark humor and cope with harsh reality with humor. I believe humor is the biggest protest that touches someone’s life without giving any harm.
What are you the most grateful for in your life?
My family, my children audience that have pure love for me. Also I am grateful of being born in Turkey and to reach a global audience.
What inspires you when writing a song?
To see the part in my soul that I realize being suppressed inspires me most.
You’ve been in the music industry for ages now, how do you reflect on your career?
I have been on stage, produced music, directed videos, practically did everything as an artist. This showed me that you can work on real potential of yours being in this industry this long.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
The moment when I have decided to make pop-rock songs despite what the community wants me to sing.
Tell us, how did you end up using a song written by Dua Lipa?
I have wished a sign from the universe for my first international single when there is not even a bit of this song in my mind. And the universe sent this song from great musicians as Dua Lipa, Sarah Hudson and Diplo, to me.
Which song of yours would you show to a person that doesn’t know you yet? And why?
“Kabus (Nightmare)” song from “İşte Benim Masalım” soundtrack. It was a song that shows psychoanalysis is not enough for me and my nightmares. The song was written so randomly in just 2 hours but really touched me deep inside.
Which do you find easier: singing in Turkish or singing in English? Which do you prefer?
I like both languages. I have various sound characters. That’s the biggest challenge we have to face with my vocal coaches in studio. Like the many personality in me I have different types of vocals and this surfaces in my songs in English.
Who are your dream collaborators?
I really like to sing with Selda Bağcan which is a great inspirational, unapologetic singer of Turkish music. She’s a real rebel who is an authentic Anatolian woman. And also I wanted to make a collaboration with Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Ozzy Osborne and Billy Idol.
How did your latest single, Take It or Leave It come about? How was the creative process behind it?
I wanted to break the taboos of perfectionism and show my true essence with all the reality in it. I wanted to reflect my happiness and my sadness with all the truth and darkness in me, crying out loud. I believe the motto of “where there is dark there is light” and I have written this song.
In „Take It or Leave It”, you show a totally different side of yours and the sound is completely different compared to „Retrograde”. What can we expect next?
You’ll be more surprised with my next releases because we’re all witnessing my journey of finding myself. All of my songs have the same feeling and vibe, but I want to embellish them with different sounds. My next solo release will be a hyper-pop release, which is the genre that attracts me most nowadays.
How is your album shaping up?
I realise my talent for psychoanalysis. I am writing a personal development book since I was 9 years old.
I was a great author in my fantasy when I have even begin to work on music. I am delighted to see the depths of human psychology and analyze the soul. I was always into reasons of human’s behaviour. And I like to reflect all this knowledge to my music and getting deeper and deeper by it. Within this perspective, I am preparing new songs, a new album by the end of the year.
If you had a time machine and you could go back in time to when you were starting out as an artist and give yourself just one piece of advice, what would it be?
I don’t believe in time concept. The past and future are two states that manage to act together. I visit my past every time and improve it for better.
Is there any message that you would like to share with your Hungarian audience?
I believe that our community have great resemblance and our music are coming from the same heart. So I love my Hungarian audience.
