Formula Indie Sessions interview with Yücem Varoğlu
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
If I were to name an English speaking artist, earliest memory would probably be La Luna by Belinda Carlisle
How did your passion for creating music begin?
It began around the time that I started listening to Michael Jackson. And it is very obvious in his home demos that he starts by writing the rhythm and the bass section of music and build everything else around that. And that is almost always how I write my music. By the time I get to writing the lyrics, I sort of have to hunt them down in a way.So the arrangement comes first, vocal melody the second, and the lyrics at the end.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
The music project “Jam and the Benzos” started as almost a protective shield. I could write whatever and however I like and nobody would know it`s me. Which gave the freedom to be as experimental as I`d like
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Unfortunately I have no specific “sound”. It`s almost always where no two songs sound similar. And I have a very eclectic taste and a short attention span. But if I was forced to describe my music with one word it would be “Frankestein”. The body has parts from so many different kinds of music that might not make a lot of sense when combined together.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I am not comparing myself to her in any shape or form, but it would be listening to Kate Bush`s “the Dreaming” album. It showed me that I can make music however I like and that it is ok that not everybody`s going to be into it
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I do not play the bass guitar,though I use a lot of bass synths, and bass is always what I come up with first. And if I like the bass, I do end up finishing the tune.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Ane Brun. I love her voice, so distinctive, and she can sing anything
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
The lyrics do tend to be autobigraphical in a lot of cases, but even if it is not my story it has to be a story that moves me. It is very important to me that I mean what I write and sing
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Hmm, I am not sure. But I guess I hope that it would resonate with somebody that they would say “this is exactly how I feel as well, and I am not alone in this” both sonically and lyrically
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Don`t be a phony. Stay true to who you are. Do not pretend. I think when you are honest with your music it shows, the listener always unstands if you are not honest.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I am not sure about this one. Probably some cozy bar where smoking indoors is allowed.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
This is the toughest one. I tried writing with other people but the outcome was never satisfactory. I am very interested in sticking to my visions I guess. But if I have to name somebody it would be Teddy Riley and Patrick Leonard. I love New Jack Swing and the ultra nasty beats and percussive elements and combine it with Patrick Leonard`s timeless melodies. If those two were in the studio I would only write lyrics and and let the legends do the composing, arranging and producing.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
“Jam and the Benzos” Spotify
I record under both names.
IG:
@jamandthebenzos
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Since we are going with dreams, I want one of my tunes to be used in a film. I have done music for film before, but it would be really exciting to hear it in a cinema / movie theater setting.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That my music is unpredictable and messy and that there is no formulae, and that it`s ok for them
If you want here you can add a representative Youtube video to insert below the interview 🙂
I am going to leave a link for one of my songs; that just combines everything I am into:
