Duman

Formed in Istanbul in 1999, Duman is a rock band that has left a lasting mark on the Turkish rock scene by harmonising grunge with Anatolian melodies in a style that is unique to them. The band’s roots go all the way back to Mad Madame, an English-based grunge project fronted by vocalist Kaan Tangöze and bassist Ari Barokas. Just as the project began getting noticed in Turkey’s alternative scene, the duo set out on a new journey, one with Turkish lyrics and a more local narrative. Guitarist Batuhan Mutlugil, coming from a family of a musical background and already known for his work with Blue Blues Band and Yavuz Çetin, later joined the duo. Mutlugil's output became one of the essentials in adding depth and richness to Duman’s sound from the very beginning. Their debut album "Eski Köprünün Altında" became a breakthrough, with tracks such as “Köprüaltı”, “Hayatı Yaşa”, and “Kırmış Kalbini” quickly turning into youth anthems. This was followed by the albums "Belki Alışman Lazım", "Seni Kendime Sakladım", "Duman I & II", and "Darmaduman" over the next years, each asserting the band's musical maturity and their evergrowing fan base. In 2024, after an 11-year hiatus from studio albums, Duman returned with Kufi. This album also meant the band's return to form in terms of production. Still actively recording and performing, Duman remains Turkey’s most touring band, inspiring generations along their journey since 1999.