Kit Sebastian

Active between London and Istanbul, Kit Sebastian brings together British musician and producer Kit Martin and Turkish singer‑songwriter Merve Erdem in a duo exploring the intersections of psychedelic pop, Anatolian music and jazz. Born from long‑distance exchanges and later sessions in London, the project builds a repertoire that blends rhythms inspired by 1960s–70s funk and bossa, jazz harmonies, touches of soul and melodies reminiscent of French chanson, delivered in Turkish, English and occasionally French. The group made its mark on the European independent circuit through concerts in medium‑sized venues and appearances at festivals focused on contemporary music and global jazz. In 2019 Kit Sebastian released Mantra Moderne, their first album on the British label Mr Bongo, which established a sound both cinematic and intimate, distinguished by careful orchestration. Melodi, released in 2021, extends this aesthetic by accentuating the psychedelic dimension and references to traditional Turkish music within concise pop songwriting. In 2024 the album Aşk continued the duo’s work with more assertive grooves and leaner textures, while preserving a meticulous attention to arrangements. Between studio recordings and regular touring, Kit Sebastian positions itself within a current of hybrid music that connects Anatolian heritage, European pop culture and contemporary scenes influenced by jazz.