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Draft:Inal Bilsel

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  • Comment: Still multiple unsourced statements in the draft. Also 5 sections without wikilinks is something that should be adressed. Nobody (talk) 06:04, 18 September 2024 (UTC)


Inal Bilsel
Inal Bilsel performing in Cyprus
Inal Bilsel performing in Cyprus
Background information
Birth nameInal Bilsel
Born (1983-10-06) October 6, 1983 (age 40)
Nicosia, Cyprus
GenresInstrumental, Soundtrack, Jazz Fusion, Ambient
Occupation(s)Composer, Musician, Producer, Sound Designer, Academic
Years active2000–present
LabelsSony Music Turkey
Websitewww.inalbilsel.com

İnal Bilsel (born October 6, 1983) is a Cypriot composer, producer and academic known for his versatile approach to music, blending orchestral, electronic, and ambient elements. His works span various genres, including soundtracks, jazz fusion, and experimental music[1] resulting in atmospheric and narrative-driven pieces. His compositions have been featured in films, multimedia installations, and live performances.[2][3][4] Bilsel’s compositions have been performed by notable ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra.[5] He has released several works through the Epic Istanbul label, a division of Sony Music Turkey.[6] He is the founding director of the Sound Arts and Design department at Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design in Kyrenia.[7]

Early Life and Education

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Inal Bilsel was born in Nicosia, Cyprus. From 2000 to 2005, he studied Music Composition at the Eastern Mediterranean University in Famagusta, where he received mentorship from Jean-Michel Boulay,[8] Goce Kolarovsi, David Hanner[9] and Miroslav Spasov,[10] His undergraduate portfolio featured chamber works and a Concerto for Piano and Strings demonstrating a musical language influenced by Bohuslav Martinů, Béla Bartók, and Igor Stravinsky,[11]

In 2005, Bilsel enrolled in a Master’s program in composition at Royal Holloway, University of London, where he studied with Philip Cashian, Tansy Davies, and Brian Lock. His final project, Nilay’s Dream, won the 2007 Notion Composition Competition, resulting in a performance and recording by the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios.[12]

After completing his Master's degree, Bilsel shifted his focus toward computer-aided music production and released his debut album A New Beginning, in 2009.[13] The self-released album combined elements of ambient soundscapes, jazz fusion, and electronic music.[14]

In 2011, Bilsel returned to Cyprus and accepted a teaching position at the Eastern Mediterranean University.[15] Alongside his teaching role, he pursued a second Master's degree in Visual Arts and Communication Design.[16] During this time, his work increasingly explored the intersection between music and narrative storytelling. Notably, his three-hour audiovisual performance Tales From The Future was set in a dystopian future and integrated narrative elements, historical references, and mid-20th-century media into an immersive soundscape.[17] His work in Cyprus has been well-received, with local media recognising his approach to composition and sound design.[18]

After successfully completing this program under the guidance and mentorship of Ümit İnatçı, Bilsel returned to Royal Holloway to pursue a PhD in Music Composition. His research investigated the use of music to evoke nostalgia and memory, with a particular focus on fictional worlds. This research has significantly influenced his compositional style, leading him to incorporate themes of hauntology and nostalgia in his work.[19]

Career

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Inal Bilsel's compositions often venture into dystopian themes, reflecting his fascination with speculative futures. One of his signature works revolves around the concept of SimTapes—a fictional technology designed to offer artificial emotional experiences to its user through simulated sensations.[20] This imaginative world stems from a future where nuclear warfare has devastated Earth, and attempts to colonize space have failed. Within this context, Bilsel developed the SimEx (Simulated Experience) company, where humans are offered the chance to relive memories from their past.[21] His work on the installation Tape Den revisits this dystopian narrative, presenting it as a fictional museum exhibit of different kinds of SimTapes, blending fact and fiction in a quasi-museological setting.[22] This work is interpreted as a re-interpretation of the 19th-century opium dens, highlighting Bilsel's use of speculative fiction to comment on human alienation and artificial emotional experiences.[22]

Commenting on the creation of this intricate and immersive world, in an interview, he elaborated on how each of his projects forms its own "small world," reflecting a deeply personal yet universal journey through soundscapes and narrative structures. This approach is evident in his works, where music is a vessel for emotional storytelling.[23] Throughout his career, Bilsel has drawn inspiration from a variety of influential artists and genres.[11] In an interview, Bilsel discussed how Greek composer Vangelis has significantly shaped his approach to music composition.[24]

Albums

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Inal Bilsel's debut album, A New Beginning, was initially self-released in 2009 and later re-released by Sony Music Turkey in 2019.[25] The album marked a significant shift in Bilsel’s musical direction, as he began to explore ambient soundscapes, electronic textures, and psychedelic rock influences.

Paradise Lost concept art.

His 2017 album Paradise Lost, released by Epic Istanbul,[26] received attention for its thematic exploration of dystopian worlds.[27] The album was noted for its complex soundscapes and thematic depth.[28] Bilsel collaborated with various musicians for the album and recorded live-string performances in Istanbul.[29] Paradise Lost has been interpreted in terms of its philosophical exploration of the concept of utopia and dystopia. The album reflects a deep concern with the human condition, focusing on the contrasts between the idealized and the harsh realities of modern existence.[30] Another core theme of the album is the concept of seeing childhood and Cyprus as lost paradises[31], using music to probe existential themes of memory, longing, and the disillusionment that comes with the collapse of utopian dreams. Bilsel invites the listener to reflect on the transient nature of happiness and the human tendency to seek perfection in a flawed world, offering a sonic landscape that mirrors this conflict.[19]

Performances and festival appearances

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Inal Bilsel's live performances feature two distinct projects. One of his key projects is Tales From The Future, an immersive audiovisual experience entirely composed of original music.[32] Bilsel has showcased this project at various festivals and venues, including Sónar Istanbul,[33] which is renowned for its cutting-edge electronic music and multimedia experiences. In Cyprus, it was featured at the Farma Project, Buffer Fringe Festival, Urban Gorillas, Electric Cicadas, and Maki Fest, among others.

In addition to his solo project, Bilsel leads a band-centric performance called "Nostalgia For The Future," where he is joined by vocalists Ezgi Akgürgen and Naz Atun, drummer Uğur Güçlü, and bassist Onur Kasapoğlu. This project adds a more traditional band structure to Bilsel's music while retaining his signature blend of synth-heavy, futuristic soundscapes. The group has performed at festivals in Cyprus, including Fengaros Festival (where they performed twice), Afro Banana Festival, and Buffer Fringe Festival.

Music for film and stage

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Inal Bilsel has made notable contributions to Cypriot short films with his music. He composed the score for Bir Annenin Sonatı (2020), a short film directed by Fehmi Öztürk, which explores themes of familial relationships and dystopian futures. The film was showcased at the Antalya Altın Portakal Film Festivali, one of Turkey's most prestigious film events.[34][35] Other works include Free Fun (2020), also directed by Öztürk and The Hunt (2019) by Sholeh Zahrei and Kamil Saldun. Bilsel has also worked on The Delivery (2020) [36] and Random Attempts (2016),[37] two short films directed by Doğuş Özokutan that have been featured in international film festivals, including the Cannes Short Film Corner.[38] [39] His score for Letters to Cyprus (2014), directed by Sholeh Zahrei and Kamil Saldun, reflects his engagement with Cypriot themes and cultural history, which often appear in his work.

More recently, Inal Bilsel participated in the Eklektik Manifest festival, exploring themes such as identity, memory, and cultural displacement.[40] The exhibition invited Cypriot artists from the diaspora, who have lived abroad but maintain ties to Cyprus, to contribute to a dialogue on these topics.[41] For the festival, Bilsel collaborated with director Handan Ergiydiren and actress Güneş Kozal in a narrative performance derived from the works of the Turkish avant-garde writer Sevim Burak. The interdisciplinary project explored the boundaries between music, text, and performance, aiming to interpret Burak's fragmented literary style through soundscapes and multimedia elements.[42] The performance marked a new chapter in Bilsel's artistic journey, combining his interest in experimental music with narrative and performance arts.[43]

In addition to his film work, Bilsel's music was featured in the video game Q.U.B.E.[44] and on the theatrical production Hüzün, Ana ve Çocukları, which explored themes of resilience against the backdrop of the Cyprus conflict.[45]

Exhibitions and other artistic works

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In addition to his music composition and production work, Inal Bilsel has been involved in various group and solo exhibitions. One of his more recent contributions was in Meaningful Coincidences (2023),[46] a posthumous exhibition honoring Cypriot painter Ayhan Menteş, for which Bilsel composed Three Sketches in Aquamarine.[47] In 2021, he collaborated with Aycan Garip to create original music for Mete Hatay's solo exhibition Palimpsest, performing live during the exhibition's opening night.[48]

In 2019, Bilsel contributed to the Cyprus - Wonder Island collection as part of the Imago Mundi project, an initiative by the Benetton Group that brings together artists worldwide to create a global art collection. Bilsel’s work was displayed alongside many other Cypriot artists, highlighting Cyprus's cultural and artistic diversity within the context of this global project, which aims to foster artistic dialogue across geographical boundaries.[49]

Bilsel also contributed to the group exhibition Altın Üstün (2019), producing new music and performing live. That same year, he participated in Kesin Birşey Yok [50] with a video installation titled Domestication of the Human Species.[51] Bilsel’s 2017 work Tape Den was part of Planites, a group exhibition in Paphos during its year as European Capital of Culture. This video and music installation paralleled his album Paradise Lost and explored similar themes related to SimTapes.[52][53] Earlier group exhibitions include SKT (2016), Etkenlik (2015), He/She/It (2014), and Happening (2013), with the latter marking a turning point in Bilsel's career, fostering long-term artistic collaborations.[54]


Research and Artistic Approach

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Bilsel’s academic research, especially during his PhD studies at Royal Holloway, has centered on nostalgia and hauntology, exploring how music can evoke memory and emotional depth. His thesis, Creating Small Worlds: Approaches to a Nostalgia-Driven Concept Album, focused on the role of music in creating immersive environments. [19] His work frequently involves field recordings, found sounds, and experimental musical forms.

As a native of Famagusta, Bilsel’s has worked on several projects that sought to preserve and reinterpret the city's past for future generations, reinforcing his engagement with the region’s historical narrative. In addition to his academic exploration of nostalgia and memory, Bilsel has actively contributed to various cultural events and festivals centered on these themes. One such event was the Famagusta Museum Festival, where his work examined the intersection of personal and collective memory in the context of the region’s complex history.[55][56]

Famagusta, Varosha

His work is deeply influenced by his experiences growing up near the Varosha border in Famagusta, a site of significant historical and emotional weight due to the unresolved Cyprus conflict. The deserted town, once a thriving center, now serves as a poignant reminder of the divisions on the island. In an interview, Bilsel discussed how the haunting presence of Varosha and the ongoing conflict deeply shape his artistic vision, where themes of memory, loss, and identity are recurrent.[57]

In interviews, Bilsel has articulated his view that music acts as a crucial stabilizing force which underscores the role of music in maintaining balance and insight in a world that can often feel disordered and overwhelming.[58]

Discography

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  • A New Beginning (2009)
  • Paradise Lost (2018)
  • Transmissions (2020)

References

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  1. ^ "Zypern - Eine musikalische Momentaufnahme". OE1 ORF. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  2. ^ Inal Bilsel at IMDb
  3. ^ "Inal Bilsel - Sample and Hold My Heart". Imago Mundi Collection. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Planites Exhibition". Artfacts. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Realize Music Challenge". Sound On Sound. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  6. ^ "İnal Bilsel'in konsept albümü "Paradise Lost" Epic İstanbul etiketiyle yayımlandı". Sony Music. 12 January 2018.
  7. ^ "Sound Arts and Design". ARUCAD. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  8. ^ "JSTOR Journal Article". JSTOR. JSTOR 900741. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  9. ^ "Curriculum Vitae". SlideShare. 14 November 2016. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  10. ^ "Research Newsletter Issue 4" (PDF). Eastern Mediterranean University. p. 5. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  11. ^ a b "Five of My Life - Inal Bilsel". Tanzgemeinschaft. 3 February 2018.
  12. ^ Broughton, Simon; Erol, Evagoras Karageorghis (2016). Music in Cyprus. New York: Routledge. ISBN 978-1409465737.
  13. ^ "10 Years Challenge". Inal Bilsel Official Website. 10 February 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  14. ^ "Mete Hatay'dan 'A New Beginning' değerlendirmesi". Gazedda Kıbrıs. 22 April 2019. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  15. ^ "Eastern Mediterranean University Brochure" (PDF). p. 15. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  16. ^ "EMU Staff File" (PDF). Eastern Mediterranean University. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  17. ^ "Two Fantastic Nicosians". Avant Garde.
  18. ^ "Inal Bilsel ile Röportaj". Yeniduzen. 12 November 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  19. ^ a b c Inal Bilsel (2017). Creating Small Worlds: Approaches to a Nostalgia-Driven Concept Album (Thesis). Royal Holloway, University of London.
  20. ^ "Inal Bilsel - "Paradise Lost" LP - Epic Istanbul". YouTube. 9 February 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  21. ^ "Gereklik ile Sanal Arasında Yolculuk". Kıbrıs Gazetesi. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  22. ^ a b Spirou, Kiriakos (2017). PLANETES: πλάνητες. Pafos2017 European Capital of Culture. pp. 22–23.
  23. ^ "Her Bir Üretim Kendi İçinde Küçük Bir Dünya". Yenidüzen. 17 July 2020. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  24. ^ "Σχεδιάζω ένα κομμάτι έκπληξη στον Φεγγάρο, εμπνευσμένο από τον Vangelis". Avant-Garde. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  25. ^ "Sony release for Lost Paradise". PressReader. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  26. ^ "İnal Bilsel'den Paradise Lost". Milliyet Sanat. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  27. ^ "Inal Bilsel Paradise Lost LP review". Magazine Sixty. 20 December 2017.
  28. ^ "Kaybolan Cennet Inal Bilsel". Karakoy Mono.
  29. ^ "Inal Bilsel - SimTapes Experience". YouTube. 2 November 2016. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  30. ^ "Yitirilmiş Cennet: Inal Bilsel'in Son Albümü Üzerine". Yeniduzen. 20 November 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  31. ^ Gazetesi, Havadis (2016-04-24). "İnal Bilsel ve Kayıp Cennet". Havadis Gazetesi | Kıbrıs Haber (in Turkish). Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  32. ^ "Inal Bilsel - YouTube Interview". YouTube. 30 December 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  33. ^ "Performance: Tales From The Future by Inal Bilsel feat. Ezgi Akgürgen". FestivAll. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  34. ^ "A Mother's Sonata". Mubi. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  35. ^ "Bir Annenin Sonatı". Antalya Film Festival. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  36. ^ "The Delivery (2020)". IMDb. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  37. ^ "Random Attempts (2016)". IMDb. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  38. ^ "Important Achievement from EMU at Cannes Film Festival". Eastern Mediterranean University. 4 June 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  39. ^ "The Delivery". MUBI. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  40. ^ "Eklektik Manifest". Arkhe Lefkosa. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  41. ^ "Eklektik Manifest: Diasporanın İzleri Lefkoşa'da". Kıbrıs Postası. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  42. ^ "Öyle birdenbire olmaz; büyük işgaller uzun zaman işidir". Yenidüzen. 2 June 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  43. ^ "Seyirci ile Bağ Kurmaya Çalışıyorum". Yenidüzen. 28 July 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  44. ^ "Q.U.B.E. Director's Cut for WiiU". NintendoNext. 6 October 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  45. ^ "Hüzün, Ana ve Çocukları". Havadis Kıbrıs. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  46. ^ Plümer Bardak, Esra (2020). "Synchronicity, Abstract Symbolism and the Use of Variations in Ayhan Menteş'Visual Work". Sanat Tarihi Dergisi. 29 (2): 783–805. doi:10.29135/std.732848. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  47. ^ "Ayhan Mentes Art Exhibition - Inal Bilsel Sound Design". Bagimsiz.
  48. ^ "Mete Hatay'ın İlk Sergisi Açıldı". Yenidüzen. 11 December 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  49. ^ "Cyprus - Wonder Island". Imago Mundi Collection. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  50. ^ "Creating Small Worlds: Approaches to a Nostalgia-Driven Concept Album". Research Catalogue. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  51. ^ "Domestication of the Human Species". Inal Bilsel Official Website. 3 October 2019. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  52. ^ "Elena Parpa: Η τέχνη δεν απαλύνει την πραγματικότητα". Dialogos. 12 February 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  53. ^ "Tape Den". Inal Bilsel Official Website. 31 May 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  54. ^ Eirini Vourloumis (2021). Contemporary Art from Cyprus. Routledge. p. 44. ISBN 978-1-350-21617-4.
  55. ^ "Cabinet of Lost Memories at the Famagusta Museum Festival". New Cyprus Magazine. 21 April 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  56. ^ "Famagusta New Museum Festival Celebrated Cultural Revival and Social Reconciliation". In-Cyprus. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  57. ^ "Muhteşem Varosha". Yeniduzen. 8 January 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  58. ^ "Inal Bilsel: Η μουσική κρατά το λογικό σε έναν τα άλλα παράφρονα". Dialogos. 2 October 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
[edit]

Official website

Inal Bilsel on IMDb

Inal Bilsel at Royal Holloway

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