Established by label boss Elif in September 2023, Barcelona-based record label Marginalia has been making considerable waves on the international circuit over the past few months. Following a run of four hugely successful releases from some of the most talented up-and-coming producers in the industry since its launch, the flourishing imprint now inaugurates the New Year in the same prolific fashion as it concluded the last, as it announces its first release of 2024. Warmly welcoming featuring Turkish artist, Jaffer, and Tel-Aviv based remixer, Accent, this is the ‘Near & Far’ EP.
Crowned Miller SoundClash World Champion back in 2016, DJ, producer and mentor, Jaffer, has since gone on to become founder of INNDROOM – a DJ and music production academy based out of Istanbul. Having dropped a number of well-received releases on ISOLATE and Harabe Black, the rising Turkish talent now lands on Marginalia for the first time with ‘Near & Far’ EP – a three-track package featuring two of his own original productions and an official remix from Israeli artist Accent. We caught up with Jaffer to find out more.
Hi Jaffer and welcome to House Music With Love. How are you today?
Hi, thank you so much. I hope you are well too.
For those that don’t know your story, please can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to be an artist.
My story started in 2016. I left my job in finance and started a DJ course. Although I had only been a DJ for 3 months when I entered, I actually came first in the Turkey Miller Soundclash DJ competition, amongst nearly 200 competitors. After that, I came first in the world final in the Las Vegas, beating finalists from 10 countries. On the studio side, I have been producing my own tracks since 2018 and last year, I released tracks on successful record labels such as Harabe and Anadole, as well as Isolate; one of the most important record labels in Turkey.
Who have been your biggest supporters in your career so far?
I got a lot of support from my instructor İlker Aksungar, who guided me at the beginning of my career and my classmates. I made progress in both career and production with the support of Murat Uncuoğlu and Alican from Isolate.
What inspires you the most when making music? And how do you stay inspired?
My inspiration comes from listening to DJs and producers who make the sound I love. I can also say that except for the music I make, rock music is one of my most important inspirations.
You have a new EP release out on Elif’s Marginalia label. Can you talk to us about that?
First of all, I am very happy to be a part of Marginalia. Near & Far EP was released on Friday with my two original tracks and a powerful remix by my dear friend Accent. You will hear sound manipulations, emotional vocals and unique touches in this EP. I’m so excited.
You are also the founder of the record label and DJ & Music Production Academy, INNDROOM. Can you tell us more details about this project and why you decided to set it up?
Inndroom is a project I started in 2019 to create my own space and support new talents. I also contribute to electronic music lovers with the workshops I organize with expert DJs and producers in Turkey. I plan to bring together people who make good music by Inndroom label this year.
What would you say has been your biggest career highlight to date?
Becoming Miller Soundclash World Champion in Las Vegas, with just 3 months of DJ courses and without performing in any place beforehand.
What is the coolest venue you have ever played and why was it so special?
I would say Hakkasan Las Vegas. After I came first in the Miller Soundclash, my 2 hour warmup set before Tiesto was the most special moment of my career. Besides this, I would say Marquee Las Vegas and Bellagio Las Vegas.
If you could put on your own show anywhere in the world, where would it be and who would you have join you on the lineup?
I would like to perform with my students in the Egyptian Pyramids because of my passion for Egyptian history.
Beyond the new release on Marginalia, what else is coming up next in the world of Jaffer?
My song will be released on the Marginalia Compilation album in February and my new EP will be released on Isolate this year. I will also have a single and EP on Inndroom Label and other labels.
Where is the best place to stay up to date with you?
You can follow me on my personal social media account and Inndroom social media account. You can look up my music and my work here:
@jaffermusic
@inndroommusic
Thanks for chatting to us today Jaffer!
Many thanks for chatting.
Jaffer – Near & Far EP is out now via Marginalia: https://www.marginalialabel.com/nearandfar