Can you tell us a bit about the track?

Cicexcocux: ‘Chaise-lounge’ is a demo taken from an unreleased attempt to make an album in 2020. I was trying to find the connection between falling in love and dying. I was inspired by an ancient Egyptian belief that the dead would pass under the Earth alongside the moon during nighttime. It's an attempt at a love song in a language that is foreign to me.

What is the scene like in Turkey?

The scene in Turkey is an ever-changing effervescent scene. Because of the rapid changes in the political climate (or we could call it deterioration), the idea of a solid cultural scene in the underground is challenging. My scene is an underground collection of artists, musicians, drag queens, drag kings, photographers, designers, actors, directors, songwriters, DJs, models, stylists, writers, sculptors, bouncers and bartenders.

An exciting camaraderie between the artists surfaces as we share the tragedies of the country and the time we live in. We also share the same struggle of living as an outcast in a country where artists do not have any guarantee of their future. I am extremely thrilled to be a part of amazing collective projects like House of Spring, Dudaklarin Cengi, Root Radio, XSM Recordings, Çığlık Çığlığa, Falenciaga, Cehennem Live, Kof project, and more. Some of those people are migrating, already migrated, or left because they couldn’t survive here—for many different reasons that anyone can look up on the news. But it is still exciting for me to see that the remaining are still killing it with their art.

How does the scene affect your process?

The most inspiring aspect of being an artist here is immersing myself in the works of fellow artists—my inclination to explore the unseen and share untold stories, even when not explicitly requested. Expressing my perspective and personal narrative has sparked meaningful dialogues with those who share similar feelings. Despite the intimidating external environment, I believe that engaging in conversations holds significance. I see myself as entering the local societal chat room, reassuring people of my continued presence and the persistence of meaningful things. Together, we foster a musical dialogue within ourselves.

What are some of your influences?

All villains (the glamorous ones) and witches: Ceytengri, Kübra Uzun, Madonna, Laurie Anderson, Gaga, Sherihan, Okay Vivian, Grace Jones, Fever Ray, Austra, Tasseomancy, Sissy Misfit, Glasser, Matia Bazar, Cocteau Twins, Björk, Leila K, Cakes Da Killa, Studio Killers, Pet Shop Boys, Contrapoints, Planningtorock, Kyunchi, Narciss, Taahliah, Skulptor, Muskila, Glvre, Kunsf, Sezgin İnceel, Bliss Carmxn, Liminal Objects, Caroline Polachek, and Sophie.

I find inspiration in digital media and the contemporary era of informational tools. The dynamic connection we share in this new world is both exciting and unsettling. It shapes my perspective as an individual and, organically, as an artist. It prompts reflections on the information exchanged, the messages they convey, and how my perception of the world has evolved compared to past years and versions. But most importantly, my biggest influence is the future.

Anything else you want to add?

I want to add a bit of encouragement to anyone reading this and feeling a sense of hopelessness. Remember, there will always be a new Çiçek Çocuk album. We are continually evolving into improved versions of ourselves with each passing day, fostering personal growth. And who knows, perhaps the world can undergo positive changes, too.

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