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AN INTERVIEW: LERA LYNN


Lera Lynn was in Istanbul last Tuesday, for a special concert as part of the Garanti BBVA concert series.

We made an interview and talked about everything from Istanbul experience to new album that will be released early next year.

Enjoy!

Hi Lera, thanks for this interview. First of all, your Istanbul concert last night was really amazing. How does it feel to be back at Istanbul after a year? 

It’s odd to be performing so soon in place you never imagined you would! We remembered a lot about the routes and how to get around. It was a similar experience—top to bottom seamless and wonderful!

You talked about your Turkish hamam experience during the concert. Did you really like it, how was it like?

I did like it. She scrubbed the heck out of me! And then massaged me with oil. When you’re traveling so much, massage and self care goes so far!

And you said that you bought a ring and a boot. Do you really like shopping? What kind of things you like to buy?

Of course I like to shop but I can’t always afford the extra weight in my baggage. I do love to buy small things when I can from around the world as little tokens of memory. 


Did you try any traditional food here?

We did! We had a lovely meal with Turkish wine, which I love!

When we look at the Spotify listeners list, Istanbul is the first place that you have the most listeners. (and the other Turkish city Ankara is the third) Why do you think you are that much loved in here?

That is a good question! I think people must find some familiarity in the melodies and harmonic aspects of my music...

Do you know anything about Turkish music scene?

I know very little but would really like to know more and I hope that the next time we visit we’ll have time to hear some local music! What I’ve heard playing on the local radio I’ve loved!

You released your last single Dark Horse few days ago. And during the concert, you mentioned that new album will be released early next year. Is the name of the album current now? What kind of songs are awaiting us?

The new record hasn’t yet been named. The songs are full productions and feel like the most self-representative album I’ve made so far, since I made the record alone. It’s a very personal record and perhaps my most vulnerable one yet. 

And you also said that its literally a “personal” album that you played all the instruments yourself. Can you please tell us that process? How was that experience and also the lyrics writing process?

Every day and every song was a bit different but generally, I would use the studio and track bass lines and percussion loops before starting work on melody and lyrics. Then I would add chords, drums, background vocals etcetera. I wanted to work this way to allow myself a new avenue into harmony. When you start with chords, it can sometimes limit the possibilities. For some songs, the lyrics were written last, and written to fit the rhythm and phrasing that I’d envisioned for the song, rather than the other way around. 

You look very busy with your tour program. Is there any city or stage that you like to play most?

I can never pick one. They are all special for different reasons! 

Which bands / musicians are you listening to nowadays?

We spend a lot of time on planes. I just found this record by Boren and Club de gore called “Piano Nights,” that is very minimalistic instrumental music. I like to put it on in my earbuds when we get on the plane to tune out all the noise. 

Is there anything you are passionate about except music?

I enjoy many things! When I can I garden, grow vegetables and lettuces, flowers and other ornamental plants. I love to cook and paint. I love to lift weights and spend time outside backpacking and camping. 

Thank you so much and a big hug from Istanbul. Is there anything you want to add?

Thank YOU! It’s amazing that we are invited to Istanbul to perform. I sincerely appreciate the support from everyone coming to our shows there. Dreams do come true!

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