Istanbul’a is a song written for the ancient city Istanbul that evokes timeless questions: Can one ever leave behind one’s home? Can one ever truly arrive at a home that was once abandoned yet never quite forgotten? The original version of this haunting track is a dreamy meander through a labyrinth of marimbas and harps, orchestrated delicately by Santi and brought to life by Tuğçe’s ethereal voice. Santi & Tuğçe first released an extended version of this track in 2017 in the aftermath of political events that filled the city with grave uncertainty, much like the current moment in which we find ourselves. Even more so than at the time of its original release, today Istanbul’a captures a widespread sentiment of liminality and uprootedness that echoes all around and gains new meaning in our world as we ask: Can we go back to a past that is long gone? Will things ever be the same again? Along with Santi & Tuğçe’s revision of their original Istanbul’a, this EP features three brand new renditions. KMLN blends elements of deep tribal house and minimal techno into the original track that is bound to bring the heat to the dancefloor, while Herrhausen & Treindl’s approach yields an equally danceable, yet more laid-back euphoria. The EP ends on a climactic note with Dunkelbunt’s version featuring his signature transglobal electronic-instrumental sound that is full of energy, swing and a sense of eclecticism that is as layered as the ancient city Istanbul itself.

Nereye gidersem gideyim sonunda döndüğüm Her köşesi ayak izlerimle dolu labirent Sende gizli durgunluğum Her şeyi başlatan ezgisi cocukluğumun Belki bir gün yeniden karşılaşırsak senle ben Hic bir seyin aynı olamayacağını bilen Ve yine de hayal eden iki eski dost gibi Sarılacağız ve susacağız (English translation) Wherever I go, the one I always return to The labyrinth whose every corner is filled with my footsteps In you hides my stillness, The tune of my childhood that started all If one day, we meet again Like two old friends who know that nothing will be the same again And yet, who still imagine, We will embrace and keep quiet

Original Track: Santi & Tuğçe Vocals and Lyrics: Tuğçe Kurtiş Composition and Mixing: Santi Mastering: HP Mastering (Hamburg) Cover Art: Santi Remixes by: KMLN, Herrhausen & Treindl, Dunkelbunt