Murat Ertel – Istanbul, Turkey

Baba Zula is a Turkish alternative musical group, founded in Istanbul in 1996 by founding members Levent Akman and Murat Ertel (Lead Vocals, Saz, Theremin), as well as Coşar Kamçı. With a wide variety of influences and a wide range of instruments, Baba Zula create a unique psychedelic sound.

Described as “Turkey’s most beloved alternative music purveyors,” Baba Zula create a unique psychedelic sound, combining Traditional Turkish instruments, electronica, reggae and dub. The core of their sound is the Saz, a Turkish bouzouki like stringed instrument with a bright, high-pitched sound.

In 2005 Baba Zula was exposed to a wider international audience when they were featured in a documentary, Crossing the Bridge by Fatih Akin, which took an in-depth look at Istanbul’s contemporary and avant-garde music scene.

Murat Ertel – Lead vocals, Saz, other strings, Theremin