Ozgur Kilic has always been drawn to music. He started out as a kid playing electric guitar and saz when he was younger, and by his teens he was deep into electronic music and DJ-ing. Eventually, gigs turned into paid shows, and soon he was playing clubs all over Amsterdam and also some festivals.
At the same time, he was studying medicine, training to become an orthopaedic surgeon. By the time he reached his third year and needed to begin his hospital rotations, the balance between nightlife and medicine became impossible. He made the choice to quit DJ-ing and focus entirely on becoming a doctor. And for a while, he did well—working hard, hitting every milestone. But it didn’t feel fulfilled.
Through therapy and self-reflection, Ozgur realized what was was lacking in his life was creativity and freedom. He shifted to freelance medical work for a while, which offered more flexibility, but the creative spark was still missing. Eventually, he found his way back to music and started creating again. Making music again brought him back to life and a renewed sense of purpose. After a year and a half of navigating the transition, he fully committed to a creative path. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s a choice that feels right to him.
Since joining Contact in March (around a month ago), Ozgur has found inspiration in the creative community around him. The diversity of people, projects, and events helps spark his own ideas and reminds him why he chose this direction. Having a space to make his own and use to do what he loves has really helped him to further his creative endeavours.
Lately, he’s been focused on his mental health along with pouring his energy into music production. He’s creating house tracks, learning piano, collaborating with friends, and slowly building up to performing again. He sees himself more as an artist than solely a DJ or producer, but for now, he’s focused on making music that is honest and meaningful.
Turkish folk music is one of his main influences. Artists like Cem Karaca, whose powerful voice and political lyrics, have shaped how Ozgur thinks about emotion in sound. Next to Turkish folk music en Turkish rock Ozgur has always been a big fan of Michael Jackson and Prince. You can hear the funky basslines and the punchy powerful drums back in his house tracks. He is also inspired by his cousin, who carved out his own path against the odds, reminding him that doing things your own way is not only possible—it’s necessary.
One of his favourite recent projects is a track with the working title “Underground.” It is a raw, emotional, and reflects exactly where he is, at the moment. It makes you feel like you want to dance and cry at the same time. For him, it is a reminder that even above the dark clouds, the sun is still shining.
