Words by Valery Stoianova
We had an exciting opportunity to chat with Güner Künier about her life path and music creation. Born in Izmir, Turkey in 1990 and raised in the German town of Flensburg from the age of three, Künier’s work is a reflection of cultural duality and personal persistence. It’s amazing how sometimes different cultural countries such as Turkey and Germany combine into one person. But it’s not the only contrast in her personality.
With a background in industrial engineering and arts, she eventually left spreadsheets behind in 2016 and threw herself into music and performance full-time. Since then, she’s released her debut EP in 2021, the album Aşk in 2022, and the newest one Yaramaz released just this year.
Her music is a mix of different genres, creating a unique sound with a touch of punk, electronics, indie and alternative. The distinctive fusion of post-punk, lo-fi, and industrial sounds she creates reflects her diverse background and gives you funky vibes of fun and freedom in the air. It’s like going out in your 20s and having the best times with mates.
We were curious to get to know all the facets of Güner Künier. Find out what her work is based on and what influenced her development as an artist. Let’s take a look into Güner Künier’s musical universe together.
You’ve been making music for quite a while. What got you started?
Yes, I started playing guitar when I was around 10, then put a band together at 13–14 years old. That’s when I got into song writing, band rehearsals, organizing gigs, and playing live.
As in every creative field, the music industry is not easy to get into these days, how was it for you as a new and young artist?
When I started making music again, I honestly didn’t care about ‘getting into the industry’ or anything like that. I just really wanted to play again after a long break, be on stage, make music, and connect with like-minded people. Now I’m super grateful to have an amazing booking agency, a great booker, and a supportive manager/label behind me. They’ve got my back, so I can focus mainly on the music and live shows without stressing too much about how to ‘break into the industry.’
What do you think is the most challenging in the industry and why?
The biggest challenge for me is not comparing myself too much to others and then feeling like I’m not good enough. I have to keep reminding myself that the way I’m doing things is right for me and my music and that’s what matters.
More and more musicians are moving into electronic music these days, but you play indie and alternative music. Do you think these genres are more niche, or are they popular with a wider audience?
I guess it’s a bit more niche, but electronic music can be super niche too. And at the same time, alternative/indie can definitely reach a bigger audience. It’s not just about “genres” that make it remarkable and for a bigger audience or niche. My music is kind of a mix anyway, it has a lot of electronic elements in it too.
Do you have any musicians who build your way of performing and creating?
The Flying Lizards, Le Tigre, Sonic Youth, Patti Smith, Barış Manço, Cem Karaca.
Talking about inspiration, do you take it only from music, or do other types of art also help with it?
I’ve always found painting, performance, theatre, photography, film, and all kinds of other art forms super exciting and inspiring. They definitely influence my music and the way I express myself.
Izmir, where Güner Künier was born, is a city near the sea. It has quite a special atmosphere with its salty breezes and sunny days. Our environment could also play a big part in building our taste and outlook on life. How did your hometown Izmir and childhood in Turkey influence your development as an artist?
I carry a lot of impressions from Izmir with me: the music, the people, relationships, the country, the sea, the sun, the language, it’s all a part of me. I don’t just know life in Germany, I also know this other life, this other world, and that definitely shaped me as an artist.
You also spent half of your life in Germany. Now you are based in Berlin which is full of creative diversity and has such a different busy atmosphere. Did this contrasting cultural experience leave a mark on your music?
I’ve actually lived in Germany since I was three, so I pretty much grew up here and of course, that’s a big part of me. But every summer, I’d spend six weeks straight in Turkey, in Izmir, since I was a kid. There were fewer rules and restrictions there, and I made a lot of deep memories and friendships that stayed with me all the way into my early adulthood.
Creating a process is quite a special time for every artist. Some people do meditation and rituals for it. Sometimes it happens in bursts. How do you write lyrics and music? What is important for you at this moment?
For me, the most important thing is having a lot of time just for that, no interruptions, and feeling safe. Once that’s in place, everything else kind of happens intuitively.
What is important for you to tell through your songs?
The sound and the feeling.
Are there any plans we should know about? Music videos, festivals, gigs — we are curious about everything
My new album’s been out for about two months now, I’ve released a bunch of music videos for it and just got back from a two-week tour. Starting next week, I’m back on the road with lots of shows and festivals. And in the fall/winter, I’m hoping to get back into writing and working on new music again.
Güner Künier’s latest music videos Sabahlar and Akşanm Vakti are streaming now. Watch the music video on YouTube and feel the pulse. From Berlin’s underground stages to festival circuits across Europe, Güner Künier doesn’t try to fit into the industry, but catching the feeling and shows it from her own perspective. She is magnetic and chaotic in her authentic way. Without chasing trends and explaining — it is a pure remarkable art. And you should try it yourself.
