Batu Akdeniz: Turkish Rock Musician on Salty's Live Music Podcast

Episode Summary

Batu, a Turkish rock musician from Istanbul, joined the SaltyMF GOAT Podcast to discuss his music career. He has recently surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify and is working with Simon Kirk, the drummer of Bad Company and Free. Batu shared his journey of becoming a rock musician in Turkey, where classic rock is less popular. He highlighted the challenges and rewards of the music scene in Turkey, including the impact of politics and inflation. Batu also discussed his band, which includes members from Russia and London, and his girlfriend, who is half American and supports his career. The conversation concluded with Batu expressing his excitement for his upcoming English songs and his plans to inspire young musicians in Turkey.

Batu's Introduction and Fan Message

• Brad introduces Batu, a Turkish rock star from Istanbul, and mentions that Batu will sing two songs, one in Turkish and one in English.
• Batu addresses his Turkish fans, expressing gratitude and excitement about being on the show.
• Brad praises Batu's talent and mentions his upcoming work with American bands and musicians.
• Batu shares his achievements, including hitting 100 million streams on Spotify and his status as a recording and touring artist in Turkey.

Batu's Musical Journey and Influences

• Batu talks about his love for classic rock and how he learned English by himself to understand his favorite musicians.
• He shares his dream of playing with classic rock legends and how he met Lucy Pillar, who introduced him to Simon Kirk, the drummer of Bad Company and Free.
• Batu expresses his excitement about recording two original songs with Simon Kirk, which will be released next month.
• Brad and Batu discuss the differences in the music scene between Turkey and the United States, with Batu noting the lack of popularity of rock music in Turkey.

The Music Scene in Turkey

• Batu explains the complexity of the music scene in Turkey, noting that rock music is not as popular as in the West.
• He mentions the presence of great artists and festivals in Turkey, despite the challenges posed by politics and economic issues.
• Batu highlights the contributions of Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records, who worked with legendary artists like Ray Charles and Led Zeppelin.
• Brad and Batu discuss the similarities in how musicians start their careers, regardless of the country, with both of them playing in local bars and restaurants.

Batu's Experience in the United States

• Batu shares his positive experiences in the United States, noting the welcoming nature of people and the positive vibes he feels.
• Brad and Batu discuss cultural differences, with Batu expressing surprise at the friendliness of Americans.
• Batu mentions his plans to visit New York and other parts of the United States, expressing his admiration for the country.
• Brad and Batu talk about the universal nature of music and how it connects people across different cultures.

Batu's Band and Personal Life

• Batu talks about his band, which includes members from different countries, and how they have been playing together for seven to eight years.
• He mentions his girlfriend, who is half American and half Turkish, and how supportive she is of his career.
• Batu shares his stage name, Batu Han, and how he is in love with his girlfriend.
• Brad and Batu discuss the importance of having a supportive partner in life and how it helps in personal and professional growth.

Future Plans and Aspirations

• Batu expresses his desire to inspire young musicians in Turkey and show them that they can achieve success.
• He talks about his upcoming English songs and his excitement about sharing them with his fans.
• Brad and Batu discuss the challenges artists face in getting discovered and the importance of perseverance and self-belief.
• Batu shares his gratitude for the opportunities he has received and his determination to continue making music.

Batu's Message to His Fans

• Batu thanks his fans for their support and expresses his excitement about sharing his new music.
• He encourages his fans to stay positive and follow their dreams, regardless of the challenges they face.
• Brad and Batu discuss the importance of having a strong support system and how it helps in achieving success.
• Batu shares his social media handles and where his fans can find him online, encouraging them to stay connected.

Closing Remarks and Future Collaborations

• Brad and Batu discuss the potential for future collaborations and the possibility of Batu bringing his band to the United States.
• Batu expresses his interest in exploring new opportunities and working with more American musicians.
• Brad talks about the expansion plans for the studio and how it will help highlight bands and musicians further.
• Batu and Brad discuss the potential for investors to support musicians and the importance of investing in people and their talents.

Band Groupeez Music Service

• Brad introduces their new music service, Band Groupeez, which aims to connect venues, musicians, promoters, and fans in a more organized way.
• Batu expresses his interest in promoting the application in Turkey and helping musicians there.
• Brad explains the benefits of the application for musicians, including easier promotion and better organization of events.
• Batu and Brad discuss the potential impact of the application on the music industry and how it can help musicians get discovered.

Final Thoughts and Gratitude

• Brad and Batu express their gratitude for the opportunity to work together and share Batu's music with the audience.
• Batu thanks Brad for the interview and the hospitality, expressing his excitement about the future.
• Brad and Batu discuss the unique aspects of the studio and the potential for future collaborations.
• The conversation ends on a positive note, with both parties looking forward to future opportunities and working together.