Rock Monsters Romania

A new year has arrived, but the SESAME Project continues to feature more amazing artists ready to be discovered by the Romanian public.

The SESAME project aims to support the mobility of artists from regions surrounding the Black Sea, France, and the Republic of Moldova, fostering intercultural collaboration through music. Over the course of five creative camps held in Bucharest, ten bands come together for seven days to create, learn, and perform. Each camp concludes with a SESAME Live Session event, where the artists showcase their newly created music to a live audience.

After talking to to CØLIBRI, it’s time to return to the Black Sea region, specifically to Türkiye. Our guests are Ja, Klar, the band that will complete the line-up from the 15th of January at Expirat. 

Who are Ja, Klar?

Ja, Klar, the Istanbul duo formed by Emre Özdemir and Seda Portakal, pushes the limits of electronic music with an innovative mix of electronicore, alternative, and pop. Known for their complex synth patterns, electric guitar riffs, and glitchy effects, their music is a layered experience that resonates with energy and emotion.

To help the public get to know you: what is one thing people should know about you before reading this interview?

Emre: I am a musician and composer based in Turkey. I have mostly worked on orchestras, commercials, and film music. I have given piano, guitar, and harmony lessons for many years. Recently I have focused more on Ja, Klar.

Seda: I love olives.

If you could describe your musical style in one word and your local music scene in another, what would they be and why?

Our musical style could be called “Frenzied Chaos”: a mix of unpredictable energy and the joy of creating whatever we feel like. As for our local music scene, it’s full of raw creativity and wild expression, but let’s just say, the budget could use a little love!

What’s your favorite milestone in the process of creating a song—from the initial idea to writing, recording, and performing it live? What makes this moment special for you?

Emre: For me, the most exciting milestone is when I listen to the demo from start to finish and start piecing everything together; it’s the moment where the song’s direction truly takes shape. I especially enjoy the recording process because that’s when the song begins to sound polished and stylish. Plus, new ideas often emerge during recording, and adding those final touches brings the song so close to completion. Of course, nothing compares to the moment when we release a special song and perform it live on stage. Ultimately, everything we do leads to that magical connection with the audience.

Seda: For me, it’s the first draft of music that Emre brings to life. The moment I hear it, my emotions and feelings rush to shape a melody, and my body instinctively searches for the right notes and themes to bring it all together. It’s such an inspiring and organic process.

What impact has the support of friends, family, or fans, as well as your participation in camps, conferences, and workshops, had on your career so far?

The support of our friends, family, and fans has been a constant source of motivation for us. One of the hardest parts of making music, especially in these challenging times, is resisting the urge to give up and finding the strength to keep pushing forward. We’re incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by so many talented musicians and artists who inspire us every day. Their belief in us fuels our creativity and reminds us why we do what we do: to create something that resonates and lasts.

How did you hear about the SESAME Project, what motivated you to apply, and how do you see it impacting your career and presence in the European music scene?

We came across the SESAME Project on social media. For over a year, we’d been wanting to perform in Europe and were on the lookout for opportunities. SESAME felt like a great match, so we jumped in. Now we’re here, excited to play and see where this takes us in the European music scene.

What challenges do you expect to face in this program, and is there anything you’re nervous about? What skills, knowledge, or qualities do you hope to gain or bring to the creative camps, and what’s your biggest goal for this project?

We’re not nervous at all—just motivated and a little impatient! More than anything, we’re excited to enjoy the process. Being part of a community that brings together people from different societies and cultures is inspiring, and we know it will show in the project we create. For this camp, our goal is to create something special and unique, while having fun and connecting with amazing people along the way. Our ultimate dream as a band is to share our music with even more people and make our mark on the European stage. We’re ready, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!

What do you hope the Bucharest audience will feel during your performance? Is there a memorable concert moment from the past that you’d love to experience again?

We hope the Bucharest audience feels the energy, creativity, and emotion we put into our performance. Our aim is to give them a unique experience where they can hear a blend of different genres coming together in harmony. We want them to leave the concert feeling inspired, entertained, and connected to the music. As for memorable moments, there’s nothing quite like seeing an audience completely immersed in the music, losing themselves in the rhythm and melodies. That’s the feeling we’d love to recreate.

If you could give one piece of advice to upcoming artists who are reading this interview, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to take bold risks with your music; let it be a true reflection of who you are. Stay consistent, keep pushing forward, and always make time to practice. Growth comes with dedication and courage!

Interview by Ana-Maria Corjos and Radu Mihai