photography by Zeynep Ozkanca

Turkish singer and songwriter Jem describes his music ‘for the lost souls searching for meaning in life’. While we are all seekers in this world, it is probably the fate of some people to search much deeper than others for the purpose of life. And sometimes one finds it for a moment, only to then continue on the further searching journey. Jem is one of those people. On this uncertain ride of life he writes all his thoughts down on paper in order to transform them into beautiful rich and melodious music.

**“Paranoia is probably one song where I have been most with myself.”**

“Recording my EP was one of the most spiritual experiences I’ve ever had. Since I was really young, music made me feel closer to a force beyond the human ego could ever reach. I am forever grateful for the serenity, joy, and sweet melancholy that music has brought into my life.” he tells about his debut EP ‘Don’t Let Me Disappear’. A collection of incredible poetic songs full of longing, depth, and questions to life and to oneself.

“‘Don’t Let Me Disappear’ is the completion of songs I’ve written before and during the pandemic. It’s a combination of feelings and some musical notes which transformed me into the musician I am today! In a world where emotions are often mistaken as a weakness, I’ve never wished to stand back to talk about how I feel, and with time music became an outlet to express my emotions and grow free from my pain -from melancholy to euphoria.”

“A lot of my themes in my songs are about the day and the night and the contrast between them.”

What makes Jem’s music so special are his Middle Eastern influences, whose monophonic textures gently blend into his works. Probably this also influences his deep desire to keep learning and understanding the world of feelings as all his songs revolve around the human emotional spectrum, vulnerability, hopelessness, but also gratitude and curiosity.

In his behind the scenes documentation the London based artist gives us a deeper glimpse into his inner spiritual life and the background of the process and production of his songs.

Enjoy the premiere of the documentary below: