We’d like to introduce you to Oktay Çelik a.k.a Şakamaka, he’s a DJ and Producer based in Amsterdam. He sees his musical roots in the early 90’s underground Hip Hop. The different (electronic) music styles Çelik encountered on his journeys through the night life scene left a lasting impression on him. The first UK Garage records of his roommate at the time got him interested in DJing.
Çelik’s fascination in the variety and sounds of House music led him to a change in style. He later focused more on deep, dubby, but at the same time driving beats; also bringing the Techno side of House music into his sets without leaving his musical origins.
The sound of Şakamaka certainly reflects all these influences; his tracks are driven by strong beats that draw on the classic sound of Techno & House, interspersed with interesting samples and vocals.
Şakamaka has released music on various labels including Deep Sense Records, Zeitlos Music and Vulcania Records. He has also been recording sets for the likes of Deep Tech Amsterdam, Play By Ear Recordings and Toekomst Muziek.
We asked him a few quick questions about his process and inspiration (below); I’ve also chosen one of my favourite tracks (above), ‘What Happens’, to share with you. It kicks off with a very nice Techno beat layered with reverberating samples and some slightly Latino style percussion; it then progresses, introducing an awesomely strong bassline and eventually some very nicely sampled vocals. Play it out on good speakers or through some good heaphones for full impact! enjoy!
A couple of my other favourites:
https://soundcloud.com/sakamaka/sakamaka-nachtegaal
https://soundcloud.com/sakamaka/sakamaka-morning-dew-original
--------------------------------------THE INTERVIEW--------------------------------------
1. Do you tend to listen to a lot of music when you’re not making your own?
Yes, I often listen to music; outside of house music I usually listen to various Oriental music and some Soul music.
2. Is any of your music influenced by visual art or things you see that inspire you?
Not really, I get my inspiration from everywhere; I take inspiration from all the types of music I listen to, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.
3. Is there one artist/track that holds a strong memory for you and for what reason?
Pfff… there are so many artists or tracks that hold a lot of memories for me. Too many to mention really, each period of my life holds memories of different tracks, from Hip-Hop to Jazz and House music. I don’t really have an idol in House music, I enjoy many DJs and producers.
4. What does the best creative session involve for you? Any particular moods/settings/people/ or habits that help you get in the right mind set to create?
I make my best music when I’m alone in my room and home studio; I work well when the weather outside is bad and won’t be disturbed, so I’m most productive in the winter.
I must say that it takes a long time to feel like I’ve finished a track, I’m never satisfied but must stop at some point and finish it.
Music for me is pure hobby and passion alongside my real job; I have a small, low-key set up, my MacBook, sound card, studio headphones and a controller; I do everything digitally. In 2015 a vinyl record from myself finally comes out which I’m very happy about.
5. Do you procrastinate? Any particular work - evasion habits?
I don’t really procrastinate but when I start something and it’s not really working I stop immediately and start all over again when I have time. I usually make music in the evening when my children are asleep.
You can find all of Şakamaka’s great tracks and mixes on his Soundcloud page here:
https://soundcloud.com/sakamaka
And keep up to date with his releases and shows here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Şakamaka/347708838576447
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