Finding Harmony in Chaos: Nilüfer Turned Her Sound Into Self-Discovery
Growing up surrounded by art, music, and boundless creativity, Nilüfer learned early on that expression was not a choice—it was an inheritance. With parents who painted her world in color and an uncle who opened the doors to a recording studio, she found her own rhythm somewhere between sound and soul. Blending indie rock, soul, jazz, and trip-hop into a cinematic soundscape, her music feels like a diary whispered over basslines—a reflection of identity, freedom, and emotional honesty. In this conversation, she opens up about childhood memories, artistic evolution, and the pursuit of staying true to oneself in a world full of noise.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
What were some of your earliest memories and experiences that shaped who you are today?
I was very fortunate to grow up in a creative family. Seeing my parents work on their different art forms and make a consistent effort to put time into their passions while raising a family has definitely inspired me to work on my art. My uncle, who’s also a musician, has always been very supportive of me and I have early memories of him showing me around a recording studio and me being so fascinated at the whole process of music creation.
With both parents being visual artists, what was your first interaction and love for music?
I think the fact that both my parents are visual artists inspired me and gave me space to find my own art form within my family. Music in general and music discovery became my own world from an early age, it was special to have an outlet that was my own.
Growing up, how did you connect with your Turkish heritage through music, and how did it influence your musical sensibilities?
In all honesty I wouldn’t say that I’ve taken very specific influences from Turkish culture or music and brought them into my own. It’s more that I believe that in simply being myself and making the art I truly want to make I am connecting with my heritage in the purest way.
What specific artists or albums had a profound impact on your musical development, and how did they inspire you to find your own voice?
I’ve always been drawn to many different artists across genres and eras, I think the through line is an appreciation of and gravitation towards artists who seem to do their own thing because it’s natural. There always seems to be a contagious element of fun in such music. Finding music like that has always inspired me to do what feels natural, stay true to myself and trust in my creative collaborations.
Was there a pivotal moment when you decided that music was the path you wanted to pursue, and what steps did you take to turn that vision into reality?
I remember finishing a certain book when I was younger and something about the story gave me an urgent shock of realisation that life is so incredibly impermanent and that I had to “seize the moment”. The impact led me, quite literally, out the door where I signed up for my first open mic and made my first steps to where I find myself now.
How did uploading your demos to SoundCloud shape you?
I think it’s important as a creative person to have a process that encourages the flow of starting and finishing an idea. When I was starting out, having a platform like Soundcloud as a place where I could put a demo up and share a rough idea was very inspiring to me because it helped take off some pressure on the finished product while at the same time allowing me to share my ideas.
How did your love for fashion form?
For as long as I can remember fashion has always been a source of joy to me. When I was really young I’d make sketches and sew together little creations. I think what appeals to me at the core is that it’s a boundless source of self expression and play, I’m fascinated my the craft as well and how certain people’s own creativity have inspired so much other creativity and expression throughout cultures. There is total freedom, which is what’s so beautiful about it, sometimes it overwhelms me though.
If you were to go deaf, what would be the last song you’d listen to?
That’s too much pressure! But in all honesty it might end up being a voice memo or a demo of something I’d be working on that day… so at least I could try finish it after I go deaf
If you could live in one of your songs, which one would it be and why?
“Like I Say” ( I run away) for sure because it feels like a movie.
As an artist with a distinctive sound, how do you approach the creative process of blending indie rock, soul, jazz, and trip-hop influences?
I think it’s just the way I process and absorb all the different things I’ve heard.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’m actually very bad at predicting things. But I always have had a visualisation of a studio set up by the sea, somewhere warm. If I could create more harmony between life and work that would be the best for me.
If you could talk to your child self, what would you say?
You don’t have to do things you don’t want to do:)
In a world filled with noise and distractions, what do you hope listeners experience or feel when they listen to your music?
Guess I’d hope they feel understood in any kind of way.
Looking ahead, what are some of your biggest dreams and aspirations as an artist, and what kind of legacy do you hope to create through your music?
My biggest dream is to be able to keep creating, to be able to keep evolving, to not have to give up when it feels depressing but have the ability to shift gears and not force things. Guess that might make a legacy of being kind to myself and kind to others.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received, and how has it changed your life or approach to your career?
My mum said don’t get off the bus … I’m not really sure what that means but I like it because I keep coming back to it.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Frida García D Adda (@fridadda_)
Photographer: Michelle G. Gonzales (@enfoque_lumiere)
Hair Stylist: Nathaniel Dezan (@nathanieldezan)
Makeup Artist: Tori McConkey (@torimcconkeymakeup)
Wardrobe Stylist: Luca Kingston
Studio: Vision Studios LA (@visionstudiosla)
