Ipek Ipekcioglu

Ipek Ipekcioglu is a distinguished figure in the world of electronic music, seamlessly bridging the cultural divide between the vibrant urbanity of Berlin and the rich, historic landscapes of Istanbul. As a DJ, producer, curator, and queer activist, Ipekcioglu transcends the typical boundaries of electronic music by infusing it with the evocative and melodramatic sounds of Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Turkey, the Orient, and the Middle East. Her work not only showcases her musical prowess but also reflects her deep commitment to social and political issues, particularly in the realms of gender, immigration, and queer identity.

Ipekcioglu's musical journey has been marked by significant achievements and global recognition. Notably, her track "The Way I Do (feat. Petra Nachtmanova & Ceyhun Kaya)," released in 2018, has garnered over 2.5 million streams on Spotify, testifying to her widespread appeal. This track, like much of her work, features a compelling blend of electronic rhythms with traditional Eastern instruments and arrangements, pulling listeners into a transcultural auditory experience.

As of today, Ipekcioglu has accumulated more than 9.7 million streams on Spotify, a testament to her resonant and impactful musical narratives. Her success on platforms like Beatport, where her track “Uyan Uyan/Wake up” became a hit, further solidifies her status as a pivotal figure in shaping the electronic music scene. Her innovative approach is also showcased through her collaborations and remix work, notably compiling the first remix album of legendary Turkish singer Selda Bağcan and releasing the remix “Gesi Baglari” under Bağcan's label, Majör Müzik.

Beyond her music production, Ipekcioglu's work with Sony Music's Epic Istanbul and other notable labels like Souq Records and the Berlin-based Katermukke demonstrate her versatile and adaptive approach to music-making and distribution. Her Techno track in Farsi, "Dame Sobh," created with Kurdish singer Hani Mojtahedy and released via Souq Records, highlights her ability to cross language barriers and engage with diverse musical traditions and audiences.

Her recognition extends into critical acclaim as well. Ipekcioglu has been honored with the German Record Critics' Award for her "Beyond Istanbul" albums at Trikont. Esteemed publications such as Süddeutsche Zeitung and Rolling Stone Magazine have celebrated her as both a musical and political visionary, praising her for her ideologically open-minded ethos and her contributions to a more inclusive cultural discourse.

Ipekcioglu is also an active member of the female:pressure network, which emphasizes her engagement with feminist and queer movements within the music industry. This affiliation enriches her music with a socially-critical agenda that is palpable both in her live performances and recorded tracks.

Dubbed "one of Berlin’s most important cultural contributors" by Zitty Magazine and holding the honorific "MC of cross-cultural understanding" by Daniel Bax from TAZ, Ipek Ipekcioglu is undeniably a transformative force in the music world. Her work not only entertains but challenges and inspires, making her a true pioneer in the global music community. Through her blending of electronic beats with the soul-stirring melodies of Eastern music, Ipekcioglu continues to build bridges across cultural divides, thereby enriching the world one note at a time.