Şenay Lambaoğlu: 'As long as this region's struggle with women continues, sad stories will not end'

Arif HÜR / 12punto.com.tr

Starting her musical journey with classical guitar, Şenay Lambaoğlu worked with accomplished artists in the field such as Selçuk Sun, Şenova Ülker, Yaz Baltacıgil, Neşet Ruacan, Aydın Esen, and Nilüfer Verdi after graduating from Istanbul University's Department of European Community.

Having completed her musical development alongside these masters, Lambaoğlu soon became one of the most notable artists in the jazz world.

The artist, who has released albums such as 'Başka Türlü Bir Şey', 'Zarf Tümleci', 'Rüyalarıma Gir', and 'Sığınak', has most recently released her track titled 'Sözleri Şahsi', which she dedicated to women and girls.

We met with the artist on this occasion and held an interview about her musical work and life...

You have shared your single titled 'Sözleri Şahsi' with music lovers. How did the origin story of this track develop?

I stopped for a moment during a time when I was rushing intensely. I asked myself the question, 'What am I doing?' That was when this song emerged. We exist only as much as we give meaning to life.

Could you elaborate on this statement?

As the meanings we add to our lives decrease, we begin to question our existence. I can say that this song is actually for myself, for all individuals seeking meaning, and most of all, for women and girls. As long as this region's struggle with women continues, sad stories will not end.

In your new single, you are both describing an internal reckoning and questioning life. This must not be easy?

When your sensitivity to life and the society you live in increases, questions come along with it. This is not something new for me. Getting used to, accepting, or ignoring what is happening around you and in the world is equivalent to dying. Remaining a child, however, is a very serious stance. It is being able to remain as if you have seen, tasted, and lived something for the first time that keeps us alive. Or being able to look at the world with the same wonder and the same enthusiasm.

So you are saying, 'An excited soul makes the years feel like spring'?

Of course. I think that along with excitement, a person should always have a struggle with themselves. Do not misunderstand, this is not about not being at peace with oneself, but about always being in motion. If I do not allow my soul to be bruised, my inner child will never die. I know this very well.

We are in a period where citizens prefer a noisy mind and refrain from taking an inner journey. Did you ever experience the fear of 'I cannot appeal to the masses' while creating this song?

I have never produced anything out of fear, and I do not intend to. I also do not find it right to categorize my listeners. We all need to hear and listen to different things from time to time. If we want to dance, cry, or rebel, we choose music that will support and nourish these emotions. That is why I believe my songs will reach people who are on similar frequencies in one way or another.

'MUSIC IS MY ONLY SANCTUARY'

In recent weeks, you also released your album titled 'Sığınak' (Sanctuary). What was your main goal while creating this album?

I set out with the motto 'Music is my only sanctuary.' The times when I can exist, breathe, and feel alive despite all kinds of negativity; the moments when I can write songs and make my voice heard are precious. I set out on this album with exactly these feelings. I tried to take care to share my songs with my listeners while they were still fresh, without making them wait. We collected the songs that Genco Arı and I created during a one-year production process in the album.

What is the most important feature that distinguishes this album from your other 5 albums?

We shared the songs included in my 'Sığınak' album one by one, spread over a year. We had not tried this method before. We cannot ignore the requirements of the digital world. The album reached more than 1.5 million people throughout the year, which is very valuable to me.

'AT THE CORE OF IT, ONE MUST KEEP THE HEART CLEAN'

Sartre says, "I looked for something solid to lean on around me; a sanctuary to protect me from my thoughts. There was no such thing." Do you agree?

I love Sartre very much, and I have been reading him since my early youth. Yes, there are aspects of these words that I agree with, but if our thoughts are harming us, holding on to that pure side in the depths of our hearts can heal us. Music is also my only sanctuary. This is my method of escape, but at the core of it, keeping the heart clean is our only way out.

'OUR LIVING STANDARDS ARE FALLING'

When we met in 2018, you said, "Living conditions have hardened people a bit. When we consider the pyramid of needs, people don't really have the state of mind to think about art and music." What do you think now?

Not much has changed! Our living standards are falling, and buying a ticket to a concert is a challenge in itself. What we do is a bit about making people dream, just showing that another world is possible. Our country's and the world's agenda is not bright, but I would like to place art at the top of the things that caress our souls and are good for us. Art strengthens our connection with life; it makes us more resilient against all negative emotions.

Do you believe that your emphasis on harmonic richness in musicality creates a problem of not being understood by wide circles?

Of course I think so. It is actually very similar to how developed your palate is. The more developed your ear is, the harder it becomes to enjoy what you listen to. I have always kept my distance from works produced with a general musical perception.

Do you agree with the criticism that jazz and alternative music are treated like a 'stepchild' in our country?

No, I do not agree. Jazz music does not have a concern like being popular. I think that alternative music, in particular, has replaced the mainstream.

What are your upcoming projects?

Brand new songs are on the way. I will also be sharing a surprise project in the coming months. I think 2024 will be more active for me.