Sinan Armutlu

Meet istanbul-born UK Open Mic performer Sinan Armutlu:

Sinan Armutlu

Hi Sinan Armutlu, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

Do you play solo only, or also in a group?

Solo

How old are you?

Where were you born?

Istanbul

Where did you grow up?

Istanbul

How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)

The vibrant streets of Istanbul, San Fransisco, London, where I’ve spent a significant part of my musical journey, have greatly influenced my music. The city’s diverse culture, energy, and artistic atmosphere have infused my music with a unique blend of emotions and experiences, shaping my unique and captivating style.

Where are you based now, and why?

I m currently living in London moved here since 2018 as a refugee.

What got you into making music in the first place?

Sinan Armutlu was drawn to music by a passion for creativity and a deep love for the art form. Inspired by the vibrant streets of San Francisco, he embarked on his musical journey in the year 2000, exploring various sounds and collaborating with other artists to develop his unique style.

What instrument/s do you play?

Guitar
Piano
Piano
Harmonica
Music Producer
Singing

Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?

As an artist, I draw inspiration from a wide range of musicians. Each of them has influenced my musical style and approach in unique ways.

1. **Django Reinhardt**: His innovative approach to guitar-playing has greatly influenced my playing style. His ability to blend elements of jazz and gypsy music is truly inspiring.
2. **Bob Dylan**: Dylan’s powerful lyrics and unique voice have taught me the importance of storytelling in music. His songs always convey a deep message, which is something I aim to emulate.
3. **The Beatles**: Their incredible versatility and ability to experiment with different sounds and genres have greatly influenced my own willingness to experiment in my music.
4. **Baba Zula**: This Turkish band’s fusion of traditional music with modern elements has shown me the potential of blending different musical styles.
5. **Islandman**: Their atmospheric sounds and use of electronic elements have influenced my approach to creating ambient music.
6. **Bach**: Bach’s complex and beautifully structured compositions inspire me to strive for complexity and depth in my own music.
7. **Chopin**: His emotional and expressive piano pieces have taught me the importance of conveying emotion through music.
8. **Tarrega**: As a guitarist, Tarrega’s innovative techniques and beautiful compositions have greatly influenced my own guitar playing.
9. **Buena Vista Social Club**: Their lively and rhythmic music has inspired me to incorporate more rhythmic elements into my music.
10. **Evgeny Grinko**: Grinko’s beautiful and melancholic compositions have influenced my approach to creating emotional and atmospheric music.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?

When writing songs, I often find myself starting with a melody or a chord progression that resonates with me. I’ll experiment with different sounds on my guitar or piano, until I find something that sparks an emotional response or fits the mood I’m trying to convey. Once I have a solid base, I’ll start to craft the lyrics. For me, lyrics are a way to tell a story or express an emotion, so I spend a lot of time refining them to make sure they align with the overall feel of the song. Lastly, I’ll work on the arrangements, adding layers of instruments and elements to enhance the song and give it depth. This process can be iterative and I’m always open to changing things up if it serves the song.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

Why did you get into playing them in the first place?

I was drawn to music from a young age. For me, it was a form of expression, a way to connect with others, and a source of joy. The feeling of playing an instrument, creating a melody, and seeing how it could affect people emotionally was incredibly fulfilling. It felt like a language that could transcend words, and that’s what initially drew me to it.