Interview with Ela Ozturk

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

• Great question! I got into music at a young age by being exposed to different types of music being played at home, my dad showed me various types of music that influenced my musical style today. I also grew up as a choir kid and found that growing up in the school choir nurtured my passion at a young age. I’m an artist all around, so If I wasn’t doing music, I would be pursuing a different art career.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

• When I'm not playing music, I like travel, go to other music shows, and meet new people. This helps be network, find inspiration for my music, and helps me write from an authentic place.

How long have you been making music for?

• I released my first single, “Bad Habit,” in 2020 and have been making music ever since, however, I have been writing and singing since I was six years old.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

• Thank you for this question! I am Turkish-American , and I grew up in San Francisco, California. My background and influences definitely shaped my sound and helps me bring a unique perspective to my music. I draw inspiration from my Turkish Culture and the influences of the Bay-Area music scene I’ve been a part of for the past few years.

 What was the inspiration behind “Circle Back To Me?”

• “Circle Back To Me” is about lost love and is essentially about “the one who got away”, it’s about longing for someone who you lost in touch with, to come back into your life, with the hopes that it will work out this time around.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

• I love this question! If I could play any show with any lineup, I would want Adele, Paloma Faith, and Yebba on the ticket.

 If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

• If I could go back in time and give myself advice, my advice would be to put myself out there more often and not worry about what others think.

 Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

• Good question! As an artist, I always say my favorite song is my next song, but if I had to choose my favorite song I have released up to date, it would have to be my song “Roots” as it is based on a very personal experience I went through, and writing that song helped me heal and give myself closure.

What is your creative process for writing music?

• My creative process for writing music can vary, but it usually starts off with the concept of the song and lyrics, then figuring out the melody, then the rest of the production of the song. I find inspiration for my songs from daily life and by listening to a wide variety of music.

 What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

• I have various kinds of messages across my music. My music covers topics like hope, loss, heartbreak, overcoming challenges, and honesty. My music is very confessional and based on vulnerability. I think my music is for anyone who has put their heart on the line and gotten hurt, yet still chooses to love.

 What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

• Good question! I have a lot of plans for the future. I have a new single that will be released in March. I am working on new music and visuals, and planning some shows this year, going into next year.