Hailing from Turkey, Cem Çatık delivers jazz fusion that strikes the perfect balance between slick riffs and masterful improvisation. Oh, and they do sound funky as hell! Check out our interview below.
Describe your sound in 3 words
Fluent, progressive and diverse.
How did recording live at Bubinga Records influence the improvisational aspects and the overall interaction between the musicians on this album?
We’ve been working together both in the studio and on stage since 2023, we always felt at home recording the album at Bubinga Records, where we continue to work on our projects. The album, recorded live as a power trio, had keyboards added later. The track Beyond Words, performed as a guitar duo, was the last piece added to the album. Since we work collectively and support each other’s projects within this team, I can say that all the parameters aligned in the right way.
The album consists of through-composed structure alongside improvisational solos. How do you balance these two seemingly contrasting elements to ensure a cohesive yet dynamic listening experience?
My first album, which you can find under the name Experimentals Remastered, was my first attempt at composition, where all the instruments and solos were fully written. In Almost There, the compositions evolved after their initial ideas through rehearsals and performances with my trio: Erkan Sönmez on drums and Halil Çağlar Serin on bass. So both structure and improvisation have played major roles. I think that’s why the improvised solos on top of the through-composed elements sound so natural. The title track Almost There is a joint compositional work by Erkan, Halil, and me. Foot Soup was a piece we developed before the pandemic with Erhan Ertetik and Berkan Kaya. Opening began as a structure I created, then was transformed by Berkan Kaya’s delicately crafted touches into the intro of Ballad for TWDLB—though it turned out so beautifully that we decided to release it as a separate track. Black Clouds on a Sunny Day emerged during a Jazz Composition Academy led by dear Güç Başar Gülle. Beyond Words was the final addition to the album, a cherished guitar duo piece I created and shared with my mentor, Emre Karabulut.
Cem Çatık (Catik) is central to this project, handling recording, mixing, mastering, and production. What were some of the biggest challenges and rewards of taking on such a comprehensive role in the album’s creation?
I believe making music is a deeply personal process, but bringing it to life requires serious teamwork. Based on the experience I gained from my first album (2014–2017), I decided to take on more responsibilities for this one. I don’t think it’s odd for a solo album to have my signature in many areas, but when it comes time to make final decisions, that can be quite challenging. That’s where my dear colleague Adham Farid came in—his collaboration on the mastering process lifted a huge burden off my shoulders, and together we brought the album to the right level. The album was also produced under our own label, Bubinga Records. The collective spirit that’s formed within Bubinga Records gives me great hope for the future.
Artists and people that have influenced you?
The people I actively work with usually end up being my biggest influences. I could name everyone involved in the album: Erkan Sönmez, Halil Çağlar Serin, Berkan Kaya. I’m proud to have had Emre Karabulut and Güç Başar Gülle as my mentors. In Turkey, guitar legends like Erkan Oğur and Sarp Maden have been very influential. On a global scale, there are many, but to name a few: Eric Johnson, Andy Timmons, Scott Henderson, John Scofield, Allan Holdsworth, Guthrie Govan, Plini, and Tosin Abasi—musicians who have developed distinctive sonic and technical worlds of their own. I should also mention Camel, Pink Floyd, Pain of Salvation, Porcupine Tree and Dream Theater as some of my most influential bands.
If the music of Cem Çatık (Catik) was a film, which film would that be?
It would probably be Joker (2019). Breaking the monotonous repetition in mainstream culture is very important to me. I felt that while watching Joker. For people to truly connect with a piece of music, a film, or any artwork, they need to spend time with it—but unfortunately, today’s fast-paced consumption habits don’t really allow for that. Still, we choose to stay on this path, aiming to build a long-term, loyal audience rather than chasing quick wins. It has its challenges, but I’m happy to continue this way.
Can you share each other’s funny habits?
I watch an absurd amount of drummer videos. I find their ideas, setups, and sounds incredibly creative. Also, whenever I cook a dish I’m not familiar with, I watch tons of recipe videos, take the average, and then create my own version. I especially enjoy this with Turkish dishes, since every region has its own approach, and comparing them is really enjoyable for me.
What is next for you?
I want to create at least one more album in the jazz/fusion world. I really love the collective spirit and open expression it allows on stage. I also want to perform internationally and collaborate with musicians from different countries. Besides that, I have an idea of blending traditional melodies and guitar with dance music—it might not become a full album, but perhaps a few singles or an EP. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m at zero—nothing is left undone, and I’m ready to embrace any opportunity that comes my way. I’m excited for new experiences.
Thank you!
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