Turkish duo OZBEK & Zafer Atabey debut on Truesoul with ‘Shake Off’ EP
Playful fun from the Turkish powerhouses.
Following their appearance on Drumcode’s DC4 Vol.2, the pair return to Adam Beyer’s label with a two-track release that builds on the momentum of ‘My Culture’. Based in Istanbul, where they also run Extima Records, OZBEK & Zafer Atabey continue to draw on the city’s energy as a central influence in their productions.
The title track ‘Shake Off’ develops the festival-ready feel of their previous work while introducing a lighter, more playful tone. “The idea behind the track was to create something that still carries a strong groove but feels uplifting and fun at the same time. The vocal ended up playing a big role in that – it almost dances with the synths and gives the track a very human and celebratory feel,” they share.
On the flip, ‘Don’t Stop’ takes a more stripped-back approach. Focused on rhythm and minimal arrangement, it incorporates a sparse, robotic vocal that adds a subtle futuristic edge. “The robotic vocal was added almost as a playful invitation to the dancefloor, giving the track a slightly futuristic and indie-inspired character,” OZBEK & Zafer Atabey reveal.
The EP also includes a remix from fellow Turkish artist ALTER, who reinterprets ‘Shake Off’ into a more direct, late-night club version. Known for his residency at Istanbul’s Phonix Klein, ALTER’s take pares the track back to a tighter, more percussive framework while retaining elements of the original. “ALTER is a young Turkish DJ building a strong reputation in Istanbul as a resident at the iconic Phonix Klein club. After hearing ‘Shake Off’ played there, he approached us with a clear vision for a more direct club reinterpretation, and we loved his enthusiasm. He kept the spirit of the original but transformed it into a sharper late-night weapon, which made it a perfect complement to the EP.”
