MILLER SOUNDCLASH 2016 FINALIST: JAFFER (TURKEY)

Tell us in one sentence who you are and where are you from?
"My name is Cafer Kabak. I am 32 years old and I am from Istanbul, Turkey."

Where did your love of music first come from?
"My love of music first came from my interest in percussion instruments. I began to play drums so I could perform rock music."

How long have you been DJing?
"I’ve been DJing for around a year."

Do you produce music also?
"Since I still consider myself as a beginner DJ, I haven’t began to produce yet."

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
"Being the winner of Miller SoundClash 2016 in Turkey is the highlight of my career!"

How does it feel to win your local Miller SoundClash competition? Tell us about your experience in the competition so far.
"My feelings right now are still indescribable. I can say that it’s like a dream to me. It was such a great experience. I was chosen as winner amongst many important DJs. I am very proud to represent my country in Las Vegas. I met with experienced DJs especially jury members of Miller SoundClash Turkey, I exchanged ideas with other DJs in workshops. I had many helpful ideas about my future career. Thanks to SoundClash, one of my biggest dreams has come true."

How much does it mean to you to have made it to this stage of Miller SoundClash?
"It’s very flattering to be chosen as a winner amongst many successful DJs. It’s a sign that my hard work wasn’t a waste of time and that hard work can lead me to success. Also I am very excited to compete with DJs around the world and represent my country in such a great competition."

How do you plan to stand out over the other DJs in Las Vegas? How will you be preparing for the finale?
"I think I have my own style and I will make a difference with my style. I will prepare a set which will make me feel happy. I will check up on my competitors and I will find a way to stand out over them."

What makes you unique compared to the other international finalists?
"With really hard work I became the winner of Miller SoundClash Turkey. I will do my best to realize my dreams and I believe I will stand out over my competitors with my own style."

Las Vegas is the EDM capital of the USA, with major DJs playing every weekend. If you could meet and hang out with one of these DJs in Vegas, who would it be and why?
"I would love to meet Armin Van Buuren. I love Trance. I still listen to Trance music from time to time. I love and respect Armin Van Buuren because of the emotion and quality of his tracks."

Who from dance music’s elite do you most respect and take inspiration from?
"In order to find my current style I took inspiration from many DJs. But if I must give names, I can say that Stephan Bodzin, Oliver Huntemann and German Brigante are the major DJs that I took inspiration from. The uniqueness of their sound inspired me to find my own style."

How important is it for competitions like Miller SoundClash to give aspiring DJs the chance to show their talent to the world?
"Miller SoundClash is a great event both with the important names involved in it and its big finale in the EDM capital Las Vegas. DJs who are starting off and are unable to make their music heard join the DJs who want to bring their careers to the next level in this big step to make their music accessible to the masses. This is why I think that this is a very big and important competition that every DJ should want to be a part of."

Tell us a bit about your home country - how is the electronic music scene where you are from?
"Turkey is a wonderful country. It has many ethnic backgrounds and it is wonderful place that life and music interact with each other. Electronic music has gained popularity in Turkey over the last few years. A lot of big festivals have attracted audiences from all over Turkey. With the great variety of DJs who make music in different genres, electronic music is way ahead of where it should be and I’m sure that it’s going to get bigger in the years ahead."