Deniz Kurtel is the turkish house dj and L.E.D artist, who is making an appearance alongside Gadi Mizrahi at the Electric pickle on the 22th of this month. She’s a humble girl, currently living in Brooklyn and touring Europe and the U.S. Before she made it down to Miami, I got a chance to exchange a few e-mails, regarding music, her stay in the states, and about her show down south.

How do the L.E.D projects correspond to your music and your performances?

I made one piece recently that goes with my live set, which responds to what I'm playing. You can see a description of it in this Rebel Rave video: Vimeo. I've only used it for my shows at Pacha in New York and at Fabric so far.

I make music for some of my other art projects as well, but they're mostly ambient sounds that I make specifically for those pieces. Although it's a bit out of date, a lot of my LED projects are on my website, which will be updated soon: www.denizkurtel.com


What are some of your influences behind your L.E.D projects?

They usually come out sort of trippy/hypnotic, and are mostly made for solitary experience. I use a lot of reflection and optical illusion and try to create an isolated head space for the viewers.


You're from Turkey right? How was the Transition from Turkey to the States?

I went to the States after I finished high school, I went to college there and then ended up staying for graduate school, and more graduate school, and then I got into making art and music and stayed in New York for a few more years..

The U.S or Turkey?

Neither one right now.. I'm traveling around at the moment and don't have a permanent place. I haven't made up my mind yet, could be another place.


What excites you about coming to Miami?

Electric Pickle is one of my favorite clubs in the States, and the weather of course

With all the hype surrounding you, does it feel strange to be recognized as one of the hottest new acts in Dance Music? Does it surprise you or did you expect it?

Honestly I don't feel that kind of hype, but I am excited to be making new music all the time and wanna keep doing that so I hope people like it!

What other artists are you currently listening to?

Soul Clap, SECT, I:Cube, Dam-Funk, Jose James, Human League, Carl A Finlow

What elements from the years you spent playing the piano do you incorporate into your music?
Nothing consciously, but I'm sure it helps a lot.

Are there any artists you are dying to work with?

I don't really have an obsession like that, I like working with people if I'm hanging out with them and it comes naturally..

Top 5 Favorite Artist of all time?

Too many favorites, can't pick.

How would you describe your music to people who have never heard it before and what can they expect on the new album ?

I don't like describing my music, but they can expect a few different styles on the new album.


Your tracks stand out like an 800lb gorilla in the room. What inspires you?

Music.



A track that your most proud of?

Vagabond

What is your favorite piece of gear?

Don't have one yet

Who is your biggest fan/supporter?

no idea

Out of 5 stars, How would you rate the album ? Could you have done better ?

I don't think I can rate it, but I think I did what I could have done at that level, and continue to work and hopefully grow by the next one.

Can we hang-out while you’re in Miami ?

for sure, see you at Electric Pickle on Oct 22nd :)