Kraków Loves Adana release their first single ‘American Boy’ from their upcoming album Songs After The Blue this month via Better Call Rob & Rough Trade. The song channels the anger one feels in a world with its recent political developments and the inevitable powerlessness that comes with it – meltingly melancholic and raging in equal parts.
We caught up with Deniz, one half of Kraków Loves Adana to talk DIY production, inspirations and what 2018 has in store…
Welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about Kraków Loves Adana?
We are a duo living in Hamburg consisting of me, Deniz Cicek, and Robert Heitmann, who also has his own label Better Call Rob. We founded the band in 2006 after meeting in a night club and have since released three LPs, the last one Call Yourself New on Rob’s own aforementioned label. The upcoming record ‘Songs After The Blue’ is set for release early in 2018.
Deniz, we understand that you record and produce all the music yourself, which we totally respect, what inspired you to do this?
I have worked with several people on our first two records and was never satisfied with the final outcome. I often felt overlooked, undermined and almost crippled in my own work, so becoming truly independent – especially as a woman – was a rebellious act for me at that time. Being capable to write, record and produce all the music by myself also heightened my creative abilities as a songwriter so I encourage everyone to do so in the first place. It is always good to know what you are doing. But I don’t live under a bell jar, so if the time and the chemistry is right, I am open to any kind of collaboration with other creatives.
Your previous single ‘Never Quite Right’ was inspired by a Bukowski quote, but who would you say are your main artistic and musical influences?
I am influenced by all the pictures and movies I see – the songs I hear, the books I read, the people I meet etcetera. But I am truly inspired by great minds that have something to say and make their mark on the world. For the upcoming record, I was mostly inspired by books like Rainer Maria Rilke’s ‘Letters To A Young Poet’, Julia Cameron’s ‘The Artist’s Way’ and Patti Smith’s ‘Just Kids’. I also rewatched a lot of movies from my youth like Heathers, Girl Interrupted and The Breakfast Club.
Deniz, how have you found the transition from working full time as a dentist to now fully focusing on your music?
I still have a day job, but not as a dentist. Rent in Hamburg is high and being unemployed for a while I realised that not having any touch with reality actually blocks me in my creative endeavours. People sometimes ask me why I torture myself by doing a job that doesn’t match my education, but little do they know about the profession. I am happy with how things are for now, but am open for anything new that comes my way.
What can fans expect from your live shows and, more importantly, are you planning on coming to the UK anytime soon??
People who will see us live can expect a strong and memorable performance. I may be an introverted person in real life, but as soon as the lights turn on I am a full on entertainer. Sometimes I even think to change the genre and become a comedian, but maybe I have watched too much Seinfeld the last couple of months, so who knows… We haven’t any confirmed shows for the UK yet, but would be happy to play there, so if you are a booker in the UK and are reading this, hit us up!
We’re loving the new single ‘American Boy’ which we played on the last radio show – what’s it all about?
Thank you! With everything that is happening in the world, especially with someone like Trump becoming president, I felt that writing music for the sake of itself has become a selfish and almost hollow act. I had the urge to express the anger I felt with the world, but also the frustration and lack of power that arises when you want to do something about it but are left with a feeling of powerlessness. All these ambivalent emotions are captured in the song.
Your next album Songs After The Blue is set for release in 2018, what can we look forward to on the record?
The main theme of the record are the struggles and aspirations of the self-made creative. The songs are definitely catchier than their predecessors with much more use of synths and drum beats. The order and mood of the songs go hand in hand and reflects the stages of being creative.
Finally as we’re a new music focused site, are there any other new/upcoming bands or artists you’d suggest we check out?
I must admit that I mostly listen to old stuff, but you should definitely check out our Swedish label mates Wy who released their debut Okay in October. They make music that is dreamy and melancholic and they are also doing everything themselves with a lot of love for the visuals.
Huge thanks to Deniz for answering our questions!
‘American Boy’, the upcoming single from Kraków Loves Adana, is out now.
Tash Walker
@maudeandtrevor
Get In Her Ears 