Olcay Bayir
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
Video Podcast Other Podcast Platforms Transcript Substack
Olcay Bayir Website Olcay Bayir Albums Bandcamp
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Other linked episodes: Omo Bello Sophie Lukacs
Gilad Weiss Shahriyar Jamshidi Ali Omar El-Farouk Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto
