Tungur is a folk music project by the Turkish producer Yağız Serinkaya. He draws inspiration from nature and aims to tell the dark and bright stories of shamans and Turkish mythology. The word ‘Tungur’ means ‘shaman’s drum’ in the old Turkic language which was used as a spiritual guide during their journeys.
We are happy that you found the time for this written interview, and we are looking forward to reading more about your music and the journey you are on with that.
Would you like to tell us a little about yourself?
Hello, I am Yağız from Turkey. I was once a software engineer until recently but now I am a music composer and multi-instrumentalist. I am also an engineer who continues to improve himself in sound engineering and sound design.
What does “Tungur” mean and does the name mean something special for you?
Basically “tungur/tüngür/düngür” means Kam’s(shaman’s) drum in old Turkish. Kam is a person who has several talents such as healing, seeing and making spirituel journeys. Kam needs a mount to accompany him on these journeys and use “Tungur” to guide him. During the ritual, he plays it with a rhythm parallel to the difficulties that he encounters on his journey. Over time, “Tungur” means to make a sound. By the way, the word “shaman” is a Sanskrit word used to describe the belief of the Altaic people. The Altaic people call him “Kam” since the earliest times.
Tell us about “Tungur”?
I officially started Tungur project in October 2023. The main goal of Tungur is to serve as a vessel for the listeners, transporting them into the wild and serene nature that many of us have forgotten. For now, I am on my own on this journey. I play several instruments and record them one by one to create a music in my home studio. I record throat singing vocals and add them too to create pure Turkic sound. I also like to record some objects which I find from my house as a percussion to add flavor to the music.
How did it start with producing music and how long have you been producing music?
I started producing music when I first decided about the Tungur project. Officially, it has been approximately 2 years.
Have you always produced this kind of music, or have you been on a journey?
I have produced only this kind of music.
Do you make other kinds of music than what we know you for now a days?
No.
Have you been in a band?
Yes I am in a band but not as Tungur. We are still planning about our project.
Have you made collabs and with whom?
No, not yet.
Would you like to do collabs?
Yes, I would like to work with artists who can add innovation to the music and not stray away from the main musical style.
Do you have a favorite track yourself or maybe a band?
There are many so I couldn’t pick one as a favorite. I like to listen Altai Kai, Tengir Azun, Heilung, Danheim and etc. I also love to listen Celtic music too like Tartalo Music.
Do you believe in the old ways yourself?
No. I just believe in the bond between humanity and nature. Nothing more.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Mostly from nature itself. I blend Altaic myths and nature with my own emotions.
Do you feel it is easy to find inspiration?
Yes, it is easy to find inspiration as long as I sit down and start playing one of my instruments. When I get stuck I just switch instruments and there’s no end to it.
Do you have any music education, or have you learned yourself?
I dont have any music education. I have learned everything on my own just by trying, reading and searching on the internet. Actually there is a lot to learn so I am still learning.
Do you play any instruments?
I can play guitar, Dombyra (Kazakh Stringed), Morin Khuur (Mongolian Bowed), Kıl Kopyz (Kazakh Bowed), Native American Flute, jaw harp and drums.
Can it be hard to find time for the music when work an life in general comes in?
Yes it becomes hard If I put music in a more emotional position. But it becomes easier if I see it as more of a formal job.
Do you have any other interest like sport, crafting or carving – maybe gaming?
I have been doing sports for a long time. Wrestling and trekking are my favorites.
Do you have any new releases track/album?
Yes, there is an album project on the horizon. It will probably be released by the beginning of this summer.
We would like to thank you for answering our questions about your music, and glad we could do this written interview, it was interesting to get to know you better….
Links:
tungurmusic.com
instagram.com/tungurmusic
open.spotify.com/artist/6DVrhuyqmtB8e5P5kAcvAI?si=wUXMOUD9Si6qC-nus4snSw
music.apple.com/tr/artist/tungur/1712939089
