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Mor ve Otesi (literally meaning Ultra and Violet) is the name of a Turkish alternative rock band hailing from the city of Istanbul. Its four current members are Harun Tekin, Kerem Kabadayı, 'Burak Güven and Kerem Ozyegen. Former members include Alper Tekin and Derin Esmer. They are noted for their politically charged lyrics.
History of the band
Morveotesi buyukdusler
Mor ve Otesi was formed in 1995 with the line-up comprising of Kerem
Kabadayı (drums), Harun Tekin (vocals & guitar), Derin Esmer
(vocals & guitar) and Alper Tekin (bass). They released their first
album Şehir (The City) in 1996 and played at their first live concert
outside Istanbul at METU, Ankara. That year, Burak Güven replaced Alper
Tekin on bass.
Bırak Zaman Aksın (Let Time Flow), their second album was released in
1999 to massive success. Just after its release, Derin Esmer moved to
the USA and was replaced by prominent guitarist Kerem Özyeğen. After
the devastating 1999 Kocaeli earthquake, Mor ve Ötesi started playing
more on social and political themes. They were also very active in the
opposition against the use of nuclear energy in Turkey.
In 2001, they released their third album, Gül Kendine (Smile at
Yourself). With Kerem Özyeğen, there was a noticeable change in the
music, and after 17 August there was a noticeable change in lyrics. In
the summer of 2003, Mor ve Ötesi's single, Yaz (Summer/Write) debuted,
which was a cover of the famous song performed by the famous Turkish
superstar Ajda Pekkan during the seventies.
Their fourth album Dünya Yalan Söylüyor (The World is Lying) was
released in 2004. The album became their most popular album in Turkey.
Reaching 250.000 sales , the album proved to be a
breakthrough for rock music in Turkey. Their first single, "Cambaz"
(meaning: Acrobat) and their third single "Bir Derdim Var" (meaning: I
have a problem) (which was also included in the Çağan Irmak film
"Mustafa Hakkında Herşey" (Everything About Mustafa) soundtrack ) took
considerably more attention. Since their previous work was not as well
known, many new fans were not aware that they weren't a new band.
Although this album has been their best selling album, it is not
admired by their old fans as much as their previous work, and some have
even seen it as "betrayal". The album contained considerable political
criticism against the activities of the USA both in Iraq and the rest
of the world. The very same year they received a Golden Orange Award
for their hit song, Bir Derdim Var for the movie, Mustafa Hakkında Her
Şey". Also, Dünya Yalan Söylüyor, was voted "The Best Turkish Rock
Album Ever" by Blue Jean magazine.
Their fifth album Büyük Düşler (Big Dreams) was released on May 8,
2006. This is an album mainly dealing with the political problems of
Turkey and the personal problems of the group members, including loss
of family members and their relationships. It has a darker sound
compared to their previous albums. This album is regarded as a homage
to their old fan base and a return to a style closer to their earlier
albums. The first video was for the song "Şirket" (Corporation), a song
criticising capitalism. The second single chosen was "Küçük Sevgilim
(My Little Lover)", and its music video was directed by Ketche. This
album was voted "The Best Album of 2006" by Blue Jean magazine.
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