Album Release Concert: Süeda Çatakoğlu Releases Debut EP, Chiron, a Journey of Personal Growth and Healing
Süeda Çatakoğlu, piano and vocal
Filippo Novi Goller, bass | Arthur Simoes, melodica and piano
Mehrpouya Daneshvar, clarinet | Kerem Seçkin, drums
Süeda Çatakoğlu unveils her debut EP, Chiron a year after releasing her tribute Sezen Aksu album. The EP features three original tracks, each symbolizing a significant milestone in Süeda's life. These songs reflect different periods of her personal journey, blending raw emotion with artistic depth.
Named after the Greek mythological figure and astrological symbol of the “wounded healer,” Chiron embodies the process of integrating pain and personal growth. In astrology, Chiron represents the ability to heal and transform one’s wounds into sources of strength. This theme resonates deeply throughout the EP, as Süeda explores how life’s challenges can become catalysts for healing—not just for oneself, but for others as well.
Each of the three tracks on Chiron embodies this powerful message. As Süeda navigates through her own struggles, her lyrics find new meaning within the context of Chiron's astrological significance, offering a path toward healing and empowerment.
Chiron marks an exciting new chapter in Süeda's musical career, showcasing her unique voice and her ability to convey vulnerability with honesty and grace. Süeda's music is deeply influenced by modern Turkish literature, particularly the works of poets like Turgut Uyar and Edip Cansever.
The EP features her beloved trio, with Filippo Novi Goller on bass and Kerem Seckin on drums, alongside legendary instrumentalists such as fretless guitar, violin, melodica and clarinet who bring additional depth and richness to the sound.
The project seamlessly fuses a variety of genres, including tango, flamenco, Turkish odd meters, and jazz traditions, creating a unique and innovative musical experience. During the concert, Süeda and her ensemble will perform a repertoire that has been most influential in shaping her as a composer, offering a powerful reflection of her artistic journey in addition to the performance of the EP. The repertoire will include phenomenal compositions from Anatolian rock, Turkish Cabaret and Jazz genres that really influenced her both as a composer and artist.
About the Songs
Mülteci Kaldım (Became a Refugee):
This song delves into the painful reality of displacement, inspired by the struggles of artists and musicians who’ve been exiled from their countries for speaking out against corruption. Süeda Çatakoğlu particularly drew from the experiences of those who have been forced to leave their homelands, as well as the current global crisis of refugees. The track conveys a sense of lament, defeat, frustration, and hopelessness, with a deep layer of outrage. There’s a somber air throughout, capturing the emotional weight of those who suffer in silence. Specially featured in this track is a legendary musician, master of fretless guitar Cenk Erdoğan , adding a distinctive richness that amplifies the song's significance.
Tango Manifesto:
Tango Manifesto is a bold reflection on the chaotic forces that fate often brings into our lives. It’s a commentary on how we’re drawn to people with ill intentions and how destiny, at times, feels like an adversary. The song captures the frustration of facing the unpredictable nature of fate, with a notable line stating, “Execution without prior judgment exists everywhere,” emphasizing the brutal injustice that can be a part of life. Written during the pandemic, Tango Manifesto also channels the pent-up frustration and disillusionment of those isolating and confronting the world’s chaos. Emotionally, this track pulses with indignation, rebellion, and a fierce fighting spirit—almost like a declaration of war. At the same time, it carries a playful, empowering tone, affirming one’s strength in the face of adversity.
Sönmüş Tütsü (The Burnt Incense Stick):
This song explores the bittersweet emotions of true love and loss. Süeda draws a poignant parallel between the fading of a relationship and the gradual burn of an incense stick reaching its final moments. The track carries a blend of yearning and nostalgia for what was lost, with a subtle but powerful essence of flamenco and the impressionistic influence of Debussy. The clarinet lines that accompany the vocals add a layer of melancholy, enhancing the emotional depth and capturing the quiet sorrow of letting go. Sönmüş Tütsü is a reflection on love’s fleeting nature and the grief that follows, filled with lingering memories and the wistful ache of parting.
