emir taha releases his first single of 2021 ‘Kendi Yoluna’ ahead of his next EP Hoopa pt.2. He has blended turkish with an alt R&B sound which makes him stand out from the crowd. The beat paying homage to his culture with warm soothing vocals that float effortlessly. ‘Kendi Yoluna’, meaning “everyone goes their way”, this could open to interpretation and feel that the fans will make their own assumptions. Could mean parting of friends, relationship or just turning a new leaf.

The track was only 2 minutes long you can’t just play it once, I didn’t. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the EP.

In the meantime emir taha sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. What’s your name, chosen craft and where are you based?

emir taha, Musician, London, UK

2. How would you describe your sound?

Authentic with the warmth of the Mediterranean. It’s a collection of where I grew up, what I grew up listening to and the places I lived. Things that I experienced living overseas and when I’m home in Turkey.

3. Who/what do you consider to be the biggest influence on your music?

I can’t really think of one big influence that I can put above others. There’s a couple Turkish artists that changed the way I think about music when I was young, one of them is Baris Manco. Artists that kept growing with their sound and pushing the boundaries throughout their careers inspired me a lot. I’ve also been a big fan of hip-hop/rap music since I was young. J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West. Classical guitar inspired me as my main instrument and shaped my sound for sure.  

4. What’s the proudest moment to date for you as an artist?

When all my boys were singing my lyrics back to me at a party when we were playing Kendine Gel before it was out. It’s an incredible feeling when your music connects to the closest people around you who knew you from the beginning.

5. Do you have any advice for our readers who are maybe trying to play the mad game of music?

Be yourself. Work hard and improve, try every corner of what you want and make mistakes, come back to it and see which ones suck you into it. Make sure everything you do comes from a real place because that is the only way you can really share a feeling with someone. Observe. Be patient with yourself and doubt should drive you.

6. Name 3 people you would love to work with and why?

Rosalia. I love what she makes and what she stands for. So much taste and culture in what she does and she really did put her music on the global map.

Kendrick Lamar. He’s one of the most creative artists in the generation. Always been a huge fan of Kendrick Lamar. It’d be surreal to make music with a legend. James Blake. He makes incredibly special music. Would be sick to see the combination of our musical worlds.

7. What have you got planned for the not so distant future?

Obviously it’s hard to guess when things are going to go back to normal but I really want to do a show in Turkey and meet people that connect with me and my music. That will be a surreal experience. Planning on shooting the music video for a track from HOPPA pt.2. Also I’ve been working on the third project lately, I’ll just be writing/finishing songs for the next few months.

8. What’s the album you’ve played more than any other?

Kid Cudi - Man on The Moon: The End of Day. That was one of the first albums I had on my MP3 player.

9. What’s the best concert you’ve been to and where was it?

Travis Scott concert in Budapest. It was next level.

10. Name three things you can’t live without?

My Guitar
Coke Zero
Fortnite (especially in lockdown)

Be sure to follow emir taha for the latest. His music - including Kendi Yoluna available to stream now

By The Isle Of CC