Koray Candemir
Encyclopedia
Koray Candemir is a Turkish musician, songwriter and record producer. He used to be the lead singer of the Turkish rock band Kargo
. Towards the end of 2008, Koray Candemir and Serkan Celikoz
, has decided to end their involvement with Kargo, due to vision and opinion differences with the other members of Kargo. They have formed their new band which is named 'maSKott'. They are currently in Seattle working on their new projects and have plans to release a single and an album soon. Besides singing, Koray also plays the guitar in Kargo and maSKott. In addition to his musical work, he is known for his acting and charity work.
He released 4 more albums with Kargo during 1997–2000, Sevmek Zor (Love is Hard), Yalnizlik Mevsimi (Season of Loneliness), Sen Bir Meleksin (You are an Angel) and Best of Kargo. All of these albums helped to increase the popularity of Kargo and Koray Candemir. After the best of album is released, Kargo decided to go their separate ways for a while to focus on their personal projects. During this time Candemir took steps towards a solo career, with the release of his debut solo effort Sade
(Simple) in 2001.
In 2002 Candemir surprised his fans as he took the role of presenter on the “Sing Your Song” (Sarkini Soyle) music contest which aired on Show TV. Later in 2005 Candemir provided his support and back-vocals for the debut album of Manga, the runner up of “Sing Your Song” music contest.
After a three-year hiatus, Kargo regrouped in 2003 to begin work on their next studio album. Their 2004 release “Ates ve Su” (Fire and Water) was welcomed by the fans with great interest. In 2005 Candemir showed this expertise in music as he was one of the jury members in “iCan Film, Muzik ve Tasarim” (iCan Movie, Music and Design by Apple Computers) contest. In 2005, Candemir released “Yildizlarin Altinda” (Under the Stars) with Kargo. This album consisted of covers of Turkish rock and pop songs and became instant success selling over 100,000 copies. With the success of “Yildizlarin Altinda” Kargo toured Turkey, giving more than 100 concerts which made them earn the second position in number of concerts given by a Turkish Rock Artist.
In 2007 for the first time Candemir took on the role of producer on debut album of G.E.C.E., a newcomer Turkish Rock Band. G.E.C.E.’s debut album is released in May 2008.
Candemir has also worked with several Turkish artists throughout his career. Candemir rerecorded “Sairin Elinde” (on the Hand of Poet), a major Kargo hit with Athena, Turkish Ska band, in 1998. The same year he also worked with Sebnem Ferah
, who is one of the best female rock artists in Turkey, at yet another Kargo hit “Kalamis Parki” (Kalamış Park). In 2005 Candemir sang back vocals for “Kal Yanimda” (Stay With Me) by Manga
, Turkish nu metal/rap core band. In 2006, he recorded “Yeniden Gelsem Dunyaya” for the tribute album for Tanju Eren and “Belki bir gun” (Maybe One Day) for “Barda
” (At The Bar) movie soundtrack.
(2007). In addition to these commercials with his band Kargo, he participated in Casio
(1997), Efes Dark (2000) and Jacobs Coffee
(2008) commercial campaigns.
. His role required him to learn Italian. In 2004, it was announced that he would play the lead character of Niko in “Yabancı Damat
” (Foreign Groom) TV series. Later on Candemir dropped out of the TV series as his touring schedule with Kargo would not allow him to be committed to this project.
.
In 2005 UNICEF partnered with Milli Egitim Bakanligi (Turkish Ministry of National Education) to launch “Haydi Kizlar Okula” campaign which aimed to increase the equality in the education system by helping girls between ages of 6-14 to attend school. During the campaign “Gural Porselen” began to sell specially designed mugs to raise funds for the campaign. Koray Candemir provided his support to the campaign with his photos appearing on the mugs to attract more sales.
In April 2007 United Nations Population Fund
(UNFPA) launched their “Staying Alive + Me (named Bir Genclik Hikayesi)” in Turkey with the help of their sponsors, MTV
Turkey and Levi's
. As this campaign targeted educating teens about safe sex practices, they opted to choose Koray Candemir as the celebrity spokesperson for the campaign. Candemir still actively participates to “Bir Genclik Hikayesi” by attending workshops visiting universities and recording TV spots to raise awareness.
International English title:The Ignorant Fairies
USA title: His Secret Life
Director: Ferzan Özpetek
Genre: Drama
Kargo
Kargo is a rock band from Istanbul, Turkey. Its current line-up includes Selim Öztürk on electric guitar, Mehmet Şenol Şişli on bass, Burak Karataş on drums and Fergan Mirkelam on vocals.-History:...
. Towards the end of 2008, Koray Candemir and Serkan Celikoz
Serkan Çeliköz
Serkan Çeliköz is a Turkish musician, songwriter, arranger, record producer and the original keyboard player for Turkish rock band Kargo. Towards the end of 2008, Serkan Çeliköz and Koray Candemir decided to end their involvement with Kargo due to vision and opinion differences with the other...
, has decided to end their involvement with Kargo, due to vision and opinion differences with the other members of Kargo. They have formed their new band which is named 'maSKott'. They are currently in Seattle working on their new projects and have plans to release a single and an album soon. Besides singing, Koray also plays the guitar in Kargo and maSKott. In addition to his musical work, he is known for his acting and charity work.
Music career
Candemir’s career in music began with his high school band which won several awards from “Milliyet Liselerarasi Muzik Yarismasi” (Milliyet High Schools Music Contest). After graduating from high school Koray Candemir began performing at local music clubs. In 1994, after hearing him perform, Selim Ozturk and Mehmet Senol Sisli invited Koray to join Kargo as the lead singer. In 1996, Kargo released their debut-album “Yarina Ne Kaldi? (What is left for tomorrow?) The album was an instant success, making Kargo the most popular rock band and Koray Candemir one of the most recognizable faces in Turkey.He released 4 more albums with Kargo during 1997–2000, Sevmek Zor (Love is Hard), Yalnizlik Mevsimi (Season of Loneliness), Sen Bir Meleksin (You are an Angel) and Best of Kargo. All of these albums helped to increase the popularity of Kargo and Koray Candemir. After the best of album is released, Kargo decided to go their separate ways for a while to focus on their personal projects. During this time Candemir took steps towards a solo career, with the release of his debut solo effort Sade
Sade (band)
Sade is a British smooth jazz band that formed in 1983, named for Nigerian lead singer Sade Adu. Their music features elements of R&B, soul, jazz, and soft rock....
(Simple) in 2001.
In 2002 Candemir surprised his fans as he took the role of presenter on the “Sing Your Song” (Sarkini Soyle) music contest which aired on Show TV. Later in 2005 Candemir provided his support and back-vocals for the debut album of Manga, the runner up of “Sing Your Song” music contest.
After a three-year hiatus, Kargo regrouped in 2003 to begin work on their next studio album. Their 2004 release “Ates ve Su” (Fire and Water) was welcomed by the fans with great interest. In 2005 Candemir showed this expertise in music as he was one of the jury members in “iCan Film, Muzik ve Tasarim” (iCan Movie, Music and Design by Apple Computers) contest. In 2005, Candemir released “Yildizlarin Altinda” (Under the Stars) with Kargo. This album consisted of covers of Turkish rock and pop songs and became instant success selling over 100,000 copies. With the success of “Yildizlarin Altinda” Kargo toured Turkey, giving more than 100 concerts which made them earn the second position in number of concerts given by a Turkish Rock Artist.
In 2007 for the first time Candemir took on the role of producer on debut album of G.E.C.E., a newcomer Turkish Rock Band. G.E.C.E.’s debut album is released in May 2008.
Working with other Turkish artists
KorayKoray
Koray is a common Turkish given name. It is composed of "Kor" and "Ay". In Turkish "Kor" means "Ember" and "Ay" means "Moon". Thus, "Koray" means "a moon in the colour of ember".- Given name :* Koray Arslan, Turkish footballer...
Candemir has also worked with several Turkish artists throughout his career. Candemir rerecorded “Sairin Elinde” (on the Hand of Poet), a major Kargo hit with Athena, Turkish Ska band, in 1998. The same year he also worked with Sebnem Ferah
Sebnem Ferah
Şebnem Ferah is a Turkish singer and song-writer. She was the head vocalist of the all-female hard rock band Volvox until 1994, after which she went on to pursue an illustrious solo career...
, who is one of the best female rock artists in Turkey, at yet another Kargo hit “Kalamis Parki” (Kalamış Park). In 2005 Candemir sang back vocals for “Kal Yanimda” (Stay With Me) by Manga
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
, Turkish nu metal/rap core band. In 2006, he recorded “Yeniden Gelsem Dunyaya” for the tribute album for Tanju Eren and “Belki bir gun” (Maybe One Day) for “Barda
Barda
Barda may refer to:*Barda Rayon, a district in Azerbaijan*Barda, Azerbaijan, a town in Azerbaijan* Bârda, a village in Malovăţ Commune, Mehedinţi County, Romania*Barda, Russia, a rural locality in Perm Krai, Russia*Jean-Pierre Barda*Olaf Barda...
” (At The Bar) movie soundtrack.
Commercials
Candemir’s popularity is also recognized by many Turkish and international companies. As a result he starred in many commercials which includes Dr. Renaud Paris (1999), Axess Card (2001), Halk Gofret (2006) and Coca-ColaCoca-Cola
Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink sold in stores, restaurants, and vending machines in more than 200 countries. It is produced by The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Georgia, and is often referred to simply as Coke...
(2007). In addition to these commercials with his band Kargo, he participated in Casio
Casio
is a multinational electronic devices manufacturing company founded in 1946, with its headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. Casio is best known for its electronic products, such as calculators, audio equipment, PDAs, cameras, musical instruments, and watches...
(1997), Efes Dark (2000) and Jacobs Coffee
Jacobs (coffee)
Jacobs is a brand of coffee that traces its beginnings to 1895 in Germany by Iohann Jacobs and is today marketed in Europe by Kraft Foods. Major markets are Austria, the Baltic countries, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Azerbaijan,...
(2008) commercial campaigns.
Acting work
Candemir is a credited actor in His Secret Life movie directed by renowned Turkish-Italian director Ferzan ÖzpetekFerzan Özpetek
Ferzan Özpetek is an Italian-Turkish film director and screenwriter, residing in Italy.- Biography :Ferzan Ozpetek was born in Istanbul in 1959. When he was a young student in 1976, he decided to move to Italy to study Cinema History at Sapienza University of Rome...
. His role required him to learn Italian. In 2004, it was announced that he would play the lead character of Niko in “Yabancı Damat
Yabanci Damat
Yabancı Damat , is a popular Turkish TV series distributed by Erler Film with 106 episodes in...
” (Foreign Groom) TV series. Later on Candemir dropped out of the TV series as his touring schedule with Kargo would not allow him to be committed to this project.
Charitable work
Candemir has worked on behalf of UNICEF and United Nations Population FundUnited Nations Population Fund
The United Nations Population Fund is a UN organization. The work of the UNFPA involves promotion of the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. This is done through major national and demographic surveys and with population censuses...
.
In 2005 UNICEF partnered with Milli Egitim Bakanligi (Turkish Ministry of National Education) to launch “Haydi Kizlar Okula” campaign which aimed to increase the equality in the education system by helping girls between ages of 6-14 to attend school. During the campaign “Gural Porselen” began to sell specially designed mugs to raise funds for the campaign. Koray Candemir provided his support to the campaign with his photos appearing on the mugs to attract more sales.
In April 2007 United Nations Population Fund
United Nations Population Fund
The United Nations Population Fund is a UN organization. The work of the UNFPA involves promotion of the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. This is done through major national and demographic surveys and with population censuses...
(UNFPA) launched their “Staying Alive + Me (named Bir Genclik Hikayesi)” in Turkey with the help of their sponsors, MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
Turkey and Levi's
Levi Strauss & Co.
Levi Strauss & Co. is a privately held American clothing company known worldwide for its Levi's brand of denim jeans. It was founded in 1853 when Levi Strauss came from Buttenheim, Franconia, to San Francisco, California to open a west coast branch of his brothers' New York dry goods business...
. As this campaign targeted educating teens about safe sex practices, they opted to choose Koray Candemir as the celebrity spokesperson for the campaign. Candemir still actively participates to “Bir Genclik Hikayesi” by attending workshops visiting universities and recording TV spots to raise awareness.
Solo
- Sade (Universal) (2001)
- Nefesini tut (Hold your breath) (3:57)
- İçini Dök (Tell what's on your mind) (4:30)
- Eskisi gibi olmaz (Can't be like before) (3:31)
- Sade (Simple) (3:45)
- Aşk (Love) (4:24)
- Gerçek acıtır (Truth hurts) (4:08)
- Herşey yalan (Everything's a lie) (3:19)
- Seni sevmesem (If I didn't love you) (3:29)
- Kuyunun dibinde (At the bottom of a well) (4:01)
- Ailemin yanında dururken (While standing by my family) (3:09)
- Seni sevmesem (enst.) (If I didn't love you - Instrumental) (8:49)
Filmography
- Fate ignoranti, LeLe Fate IgnorantiThe Ignorant Fairies is a 2001 Italian drama film directed by Turkish-Italian film director Ferzan Özpetek.The story follows a woman who discovers that her recently deceased husband had been having an affair.-Plot:...
2001
International English title:The Ignorant Fairies
USA title: His Secret Life
Director: Ferzan Özpetek
Genre: Drama
Drama
Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a...
See also
- Music of TurkeyMusic of TurkeyThe music of Turkey includes diverse elements ranging from Central Asian folk music and has many copies and references of Byzantine music, Greek music, Ottoman music, Persian music, Balkan music, as well as more modern European and American popular music influences...
- Anatolian rockAnatolian rockAnatolian rock is a fusion of Turkish folk and rock music. It emerged during the mid-1960s, soon after rock groups such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Yes, Status Quo and Omega became popular in Turkey...
- KargoKargoKargo is a rock band from Istanbul, Turkey. Its current line-up includes Selim Öztürk on electric guitar, Mehmet Şenol Şişli on bass, Burak Karataş on drums and Fergan Mirkelam on vocals.-History:...
- maNga
- Tarkan
- Sezen AksuSezen AksuSezen Aksu is a Turkish pop music singer, song-writer and producer who sold over 40 million albums worldwide. Her nicknames include the "Queen of Turkish Pop" and Minik Serçe ....
External links
- Koray Candemir official site [TR]
- maSKott official site [TR]
- Kargo official site [TR]