Oclay Bayir

Inspired by the meeting of Asian and Mediterranean musical traditions, singer, songwriter and composer Olcay Bayir’s songs unfold stories of Anatolian love and mystery. Olcay is from Turkey, based in London and is a classically trained soprano with a velveteen voice like no other. On her stunning debut album, Neva/Harmony, her Western training collides perfectly with her passion for the rich musical heritage of her Anatolian homeland, allowing her to craft intricate and unusual melodic phrases, distinct harmonies and captivating, richly-layered textures.

Olcay Bayir embodies so many different cultures and describes herself a fusion of her colourful musical heritage. Her own musical expression creates great harmony and love, regardless of national borders. Olcay is no formulaic folk singer, her songs are uniquely re-imagined via her own inimitable creative style. Her exceptional approach for eclectic, contemporary and mystical sound incorporates elements of classical music, folk and improvisation through her original songs and arrangements of folk songs within the region of Anatolia and its surroundings. Her sensitive portrait of Anatolian culture sketches shade and light on the region’s fascinating musical interplay.