Oezlem Cetin was born and grew up in Hamburg, Germany. Of Turkish decent, (her parents are both Turkish and came to Germany almost 40 years ago) Oezlem spent time living in Berlin and Paris in the 90’s before relocating back to Hamburg where she now lives. This may be the first time you’ve heard of this unique songwriter and vocalist but it certainly won’t be the last.

Oezlem has been writing and releasing records for the past decade, her first release coming only a year after she finished college in 1995 when Oezlem hooked up with House of Prince to release the minimal, oriental flavoured house bomb ‘Yes’. The track peaked at number one for five weeks on the Billboard Dance Chart, not bad going for your first single. Soon after, Oezlem featured on 3 tracks with the Hamburg collective ‘Loopoets’. Further vocal work for DJ Friction, the collective of Curtis Blow, DJ Disciple and NY rapper Mr.Complex, as well as guest vocals for Will I Am furthered her reputation as one of the most versatile young songwriters around. Perhaps best known for her work with electro-house pioneers Tiefschwarz (With whom she provided vocals for 3 tracks for their debut album ‘Real’) and the German DJ-team Turntable Rockers (Fine Records) led to work with the French electronic legend Jean Michel Jarre and had guest appearance for another French act, ‘Fou de la Mer’.

Aside from her forays into music, this creative junkie simultaneously appeared in numerous independent short films. An acclaimed actress, she was cast as the character ‘Yonca’ in the Lars Becker directed movie ‘Kanak Attack’; a social critique of youth gang culture prevalent amongst parts of Turkish youth growing up in Germany.
Her background and strong Turkish roots undoubtedly influence her in all walks of life. A love for authentic Turkish music (in particular the guitarist Mehmet Ergin) and her experience of being who she is, where she is has undoubtedly given her the determination and strength of character reflected in her music.

2004 was a pivotal year for Oezlem, heralding a new chapter in her life both personally and musically. Eagerly awaiting the release of her debut major label album, she found herself a victim of major label board room re-shuffles. In the same year she broken from a long-term relationship and had to say goodbye to many close friends. However, on the upside, it was during a spontaneous freestyle session at a club in Hamburg that Oezlem first hooked up with the Phuture Lounge family. Coming fresh from the studio, Oezlem jumped the mic and began to freestyle. The DJ that night, a certain Dave Jones, was immediately impressed and phone numbers were exchanged. Several weeks later Oezlem found herself on the plane heading to Manchester to write and record the first tracks for her new LP.

‘It was a period of time that I won’t forget. However, I chose not to see a psychiatrist but to make music again and find my peace that way. Thanks Phuture Lounge!’

Aside from her personal experiences, Oezlem draws inspiration from a broad range of contemporary and classic songwriters. Tracks like ‘Lollipop’, ‘Destination Phuture’ and ‘Making ‘My Eyes Burn’ hint at the freethinking lyrical and musical composition of Floetry, the depth of feeling of Dwele, the educative attitude of Nas and the organic soul of Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Bahamadia, Vikter Duplaix and Raphael Saadiq. She’s also recently discovered the music of Ray Charles and cites Marvin Gaye and Al Green as other classic influences. Of her debut album, Oezlem notes;

“For me, my album is a collection of private, intimate songs that deal with pain, friendship, hope, things I’ve seen and experienced, with a little of my sense of humour thrown in too. Musically I’ve tried to incorporate many elements; one minute it has a 70’s flair and sounds very airy, light and romantic. The next it sounds earthy, with heavy beats that make you want to dance. I suppose the album is my definition of modern soul. With the help of Phuturistix and the extended PL family, I feel we have created some special little masterpieces that hopefully will command the attention of soul music lovers everywhere.”

Sop what of future plans? Whilst music remains her main focus for now, Oezlem hopes to one day combine her two loves and move into writing for film. In the meantime, Oezlem’s game plan is simple;

”I want to keep searching for the music thats within - with the help of my Phuture family! I want to sit more at my piano and just write beacuse I’ve realised that music is with me everyday.”

Discography

Tiefschwarz ft. Oezlem – City Sound
Tiefschwarz ft. Oezlem – Bye Bye Baby
Tie Schwarz ft .Oezlem – Never
Fou De La Mer – As I Look Around – Electrolux
Will I Am – Money – BBE
Loopoets – They Say...I Say – Cylence
House of Prince ft. Oezlem – Perfect Love
Jean Michel Jarre ft. Oezlem – Metamorphoses – Epic
Thomilla & Oezlem – Slap That Bitch – Universal
DJ Friction ft. Oezlem – Sweetest Thang – Four Music