 sertab erener
  English Sertab MusicTarkan Music |
Interview with Sertab: Being world-famous is not my priority
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 Safak TahmazOnce, in order to be world-famous Sertab changed his music company and became a member of Sony Music. Neverthless, when she begun to make her music by herself, she founded her company and then sepereated her ways with Sony Music.
She said that she was tired of struggling so much to be famous in Europe. ” After seeing all the tricks and games there, you begin to think seriously. Is it worh of struggling so much? After some time, you see it is needless to be a part of such an atmosphere.”
An English album, Eurovision, and remarkable efforts to become famous in Europe… After a four-yeared-pause Sertab has just completed and released her Turkish album “Ask Olmez” for her Turkish fans. According to Sertab, she succeeded almost everything she had wished and made her voice known world-wide.
She says:” I am thinking whether it is worth of being so tired or not. In other countries, I have tried to introduce myself and my country instead of my music. From now on, as being a satisfied person, I have decided to work in peace If they want, they may come and discover my songs!”
For that reason,the famous singer seperated her ways with Sony Music and then founded her company. We have talked with Sertab Erener about her music style, the pros and cons of the efforts to become a world-famous singer, Tarkan and Eurovision.
What is the difference of “Ask Olmez” from your other albums?
-In my first two albums I tried to vocalizate the songs written by other people. However, I changed my way with “Sertab Gibi”. Though its sale was low, its value has been understood recently. I always dreamed of an album in which all songs belonged to me. In other words, this is a final album. And the next ones will be much more better than this. I may say that it is an album in which I found myself. After a point, you want to sing your own words. I have a lot to say and I have done it partially in my latest album.
SEEKING FOR THE POWER IN CALMNESS
You are known for your strong voice but it seems that you didn't use the poer of your voice in your new songs. What is the reason?
Good comment! While preparing the album with my productor, Demir Demirkan, we always talked about this. For years, I have tried to give all the things I possessed. But this time,we prefered to be simple. I showed my poerful voice, now I begun to seek fort he power in calmness. Despite of shouting at a crucial point of a song, I prefered to be calm.
You had a covenant with Sony Music. Why did you leave there and found your owm company?
-As long as I can sell what I produce,there is no need for other companies. There was a great need fort hem in my first albums. But now,w emay help young singers here. Those times, it was a dream to be known world-wide and Sony was the best company. However, as time passed we consumed so much things like in marriages. The atmosphere was tense so we seperated our ways in a friendly way.
Both Sides Had Faults
You began to play the game with their rules, but now you are known by the people from thw whole world. Was your covenat not enough for you?
Let's not use the word ”enough”. Sony also did such a presentation fort he first time in its history. I had some faults,so had they. Sometimes we tried to do things by hurting each other. When I go to Sweden, people come and want a signature from me.
Isn't it an effect of Eurovision?
Yes it is, but continuing that success was more crucial.It was important to prepare an album immediately after the award and present it. It is never easy to be known by singing in a language which you never can speak as your mother-tongue. Europe is not the only place. There are other cultures and languages. And there is a rejection because of being both a Muslim and Turkish. So, you have to struggle with these things.
Are you tired of facing with such difficulties?
After a turning point, you begin to ask yourself whether you should be in or out of it.Is it worth of exhausting yourself so much. You try to give a decision. Sezen once told me: ”Sertab, all I want is to look at my flowers in my garden”. I think,this is the highest level a soul can reach. When you are young,you think that you may conquer all the world. Nonethless, after seeing the whole scene closely, though you aren't afraid of it, you just see it as needless.
TARKAN IS RIGHT TO BE NERVOUS
What did make you feel tired while you were on abroad? What was the game you mentioned about?
Cultural difference is very crucial. Especiall religion is an important factor. They are afraid when thet learn we come from a Muslim society. They stil imagine Turkey as a county like Iran. Actually, Turkey is the only example of its own. They ask me if men don't rap eme wharn I wear clothes which are so modern, such as bodies which shows my belly. Throughout those four years, I tried to present my culture and county. I mean, you always talk about Ataturk, democracy and secularism. Beacuse when I am misunderstood, I feel angry.
Has everything about Europe come to an end for Sertab Erener?
No. Especially in this album I have 2-3 songs which I want to present them in Europe. Apart from this, I will prepare my English album towards the end of this year and will distribute it from my own music company.
What do you think about the efforts of Tarkan and Kenan Dogulu?
These are great efforts but I know how nervous Tarkan is. I think the song which Sezen wrote was known by the whole world. That was a great success. But now, making an album after that success is very hard. If he had done it immediately after that success, our expectations would have been lower. However, you try to do something and achieve a goal after seven years. I'm glad that I wasn't in his position.
All those times, he traveled all the world and you cannot imagine the Money he spent from his pocket. This is a respectable thing. His big aim makes him stresfull. Seven years is a long time. The music market renews itself so quickly. At those times the people who are familiar with you may not be able to remember you now. Even in here,if your photos aren't published in a magazine for about 3 or 4 months, you become to be called less than you used to be and also finding a sponsor becomes difficult.
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