Hey there! Today, I’m super excited to share my thoughts on my favorite band, Pilli Bebek. I’ve been eager to write this, so I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Pilli Bebek, a rock band formed in Ankara in 1992, really found its footing around 1999. They hold a significant place in Ankara’s vibrant rock scene. They also gained national recognition for composing the soundtrack for the popular Ankara-based TV series, Behzat Ç. The band’s name comes from a 1970s TRT cartoon, “Pilli Bebek Torchy” (Torchy the Battery Boy). Over the years, the band lineup has changed, but currently, it consists of Cem Kısmet (vocals, guitar), Can Yücel Korkut (bass guitar), Emre Yalçıntaş (guitar), and Çağlar Aytan (drums).

The sound of Pilli Bebek has evolved since their first album, shifting from heavy distortion to a more refined tone. While I personally love the raw guitar sound from their earlier “Uyandırmadan” album, I appreciate the quality and thoughtfulness behind their newer work. Many bands tend to simplify their sound to appeal to a broader audience, but Pilli Bebek’s transition feels genuine and deliberate, maintaining their depth and integrity.

Uyandırmadan

Their debut album “Uyandırmadan” was released in 2000, featuring 10 tracks and lasting 57 minutes. Produced by the late Turgut Berkes, it includes a mix of original songs and an arrangement of “Malabadi Köprüsü.” Despite some criticism of the album cover, it has a unique charm for me. The album features contributions from renowned guitarist Volkan Başaran on tracks like “Açılsın Gözlerin” and “Berrak.” I can only imagine how exciting it must have been for the young rock fans of the early 2000s to discover such an impactful album.

One of my favorite tracks, “Siyah Beyaz,” is almost doom metal in its melancholic tone. It’s a song that makes you want to sit and stare at the wall, lost in thought. Interestingly, it’s not a love song but rather about the experiences of those imprisoned and tortured during the 1980 military coup in Turkey. Cem Kısmet explained in an interview that it’s about the memories and traumas of that time, and I find this depth and thoughtfulness incredibly moving.

Olsun

The early 2000s were a golden era for rock music in Turkey, with many bands like Mor ve Ötesi, Duman, Şebnem Ferah, Redd, and Teoman rising to prominence. Pilli Bebek joined this wave with their 2007 album “Olsun.” The album showcases the band’s growth in sound and production quality over seven years, shifting from a darker emotional tone to a more romantic one. The cover, shot at Sunay Akın’s Toy Museum, aligns well with the band’s whimsical spirit.

“Olsun” features a fantastic arrangement of Hümeyra’s “Beyhude,” elevating the original with higher energy. The catchy choruses in songs like “Olsun” and “Bak” make them fan favorites, contributing to the band’s growing audience. This album is often considered the one that solidified Pilli Bebek’s place in Turkish rock history.

Tuhaf Temaslar: Behzat Ç. Dizi ve Film Müzikleri

In 2010, Cem Kısmet took on the role of composing music for the TV series Behzat Ç., cementing the band’s connection to Ankara’s rock scene. The series’ soundtrack included both old songs and new compositions like “Delilik,” “Kırmızı,” “Sayende,” “Kızım,” and an arrangement of “Haram Geceler.” In 2012, Cem Kısmet released the “Behzat Ç. Dizi ve Film Müzikleri” album, featuring 15 series tracks and 24 movie tracks.

One song that stands out is “Kızım (Duruyor Zaman),” a deeply touching song written before Kısmet had a child of his own. His ability to write such a heartfelt song without personal experience is remarkable and speaks to his talent as a songwriter.

Singles

Pilli Bebek released their first single, “Tek Başına,” in 2015 as part of a compilation album. They continued to release singles annually, maintaining their presence in the music scene. Their covers of songs by 1970s musicians like Erkin Koray (“Tek Başına”) and Cem Karaca (“Bu Biçim”) show Kısmet’s deep appreciation for that era.

The excitement I felt when “Bu Biçim” was released is unforgettable. The minimalist arrangement added a new layer of emotion to the original, showcasing Pilli Bebek’s characteristic sound. The use of bass guitar and acoustic guitar blends beautifully, creating a soothing yet powerful experience.

In 2017, they released “Çoğu Zaman,” a track that took some time for me to appreciate fully. The song has an almost fairytale quality, thanks to the accordion and Kısmet’s calming vocals.

Another new track, “Erguvan Şenliği,” was released in 2019, and “Kızıl Gerdan,” a collaborative effort with Emre Yalçıntaş, came out in 2020. “Kızıl Gerdan” stands out as one of their best works, blending Eastern melodies with a jazzy and digital sound.

Later in 2020, they released “Mavi Sahne,” featuring Volkan Öktem on drums. It’s another testament to the band’s ability to create diverse and engaging music.

Live Performance

Pilli Bebek’s live performances are a treat for fans. They bring a unique energy to the stage, often extending solos and adding new elements to their songs. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend seeing them live.

Thank you for reading, and a shoutout to all Pilli Bebek fans who feel a deep connection with their music. Keep rocking!

Thank you for reading, and a shoutout to all Pilli Bebek fans who feel a deep connection with their music. Keep rocking

Asuna Pehlivan