• Comment: Potentially notable? But needs a re-write, currently full of glowing praise in the Wikipedia voice and informal language. qcne (talk) 22:35, 3 January 2025 (UTC)

Kit Sebastian
OriginLondon, England
GenresNeo-psychedelia
Years active2018—present
LabelsMr Bongo, Ninja Tune
Members
  • Kit Martin
  • Merve Erdem
Websiteninjatune.net/artist/kit-sebastian

Kit Sebastian are an Anglo-Turkish Anatolian Neo-psychedelia band consisting of Kit Martin and Merve Erdem. The duo, composed of Kit Martin and Merve Erdem, was formed in London in 2018 after Martin posted an ad on Facebook seeking a Turkish vocalist, to which Erdem responded.[1] To date, they have released three studio albums, Mantra Moderne (2019), Melodi (2021), and New Internationale (2024).[2]

Known for their genre-blurring sound, the duo combines elements of vintage pop, jazz, psychedelia, and global music traditions, drawing from influences such as Anatolian folk, Brazilian bossa nova, and 1960s cinematic scores.[3]

Career

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The duo debuted in 2019 with their album "Mantra Moderne", released on the Mr Bongo label. The album received critical acclaim for its fusion of retro and modern styles[4] [5] and songs off the album were featured in TV series such as Treadstone, Night Teeth and Good Girls.[6] [7] [8] Recorded in a home studio using analog equipment by Martin, it featured a rich, textured sound that complemented Erdem's distinct, multilingual vocals.[9]

In 2021, Kit Sebastian released their second album, "Melodi". This album expanded on their signature style with more intricate arrangements and a broader palette of instruments and global influences. Its cinematic and poetic qualities solidified the duo’s reputation as leading voices in the global music scene.[10]

Their third album, "New Internationale", released in 2024 on Brainfeeder, marked a new creative chapter for the duo. This album explored themes of immigration, love, loss and ideology blending music and storytelling with their distinctive retro-modern aesthetic. Critics highlighted its ability to seamlessly weave lush instrumentation with poetic and theatrical lyrics.[11] [12]

Style and Influences

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Kit Sebastian's music is rooted in a blend of cultures and genres, with influences ranging from Turkish psychedelic rock and Brazilian Tropicalia to 60’s European pop and American jazz.[13] They founded Club L’internationale, a club night where they curate an eclectic mix of world dancefloor funk and disco. [1] [14]

Discography

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  • Mantra Moderne (2019, Mr Bongo)
  • Melodi (2021, Mr Bongo)
  • New Internationale (2024, Brainfeeder)

EPs and Singles

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  • Kit Sebastian Remix
  • Rain / Kozmos
  • Ennui / Abandoned
  • Şinanay / French Disko
  • L'addio / Hayat

References

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  1. ^ a b "Kit Sebastian are on the rise | Interview". The Line of Best Fit.
  2. ^ "Kit Sebastian". Kit Sebastian.
  3. ^ "Kit Sebastian Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & Mo..." AllMusic.
  4. ^ Tucker, Simon (16 July 2019). "Kit Sebastian: Mantra Moderne - album review".
  5. ^ "Rough Trade's Albums of the Year 2019". Album of The Year.
  6. ^ "Treadstone | Tunefind". www.tunefind.com.
  7. ^ Hough, Q. V. (21 October 2021). "Soundtracks of Cinema: 'Night Teeth'". Vague Visages.
  8. ^ "Kit Sebastian - List of Songs heard in Movies & TV Shows". WhatSong.
  9. ^ Spice, Anton (14 March 2019). "Kit Sebastian debut on Mr Bongo with the Anatolian Tropicália of Mantra Moderne". The Vinyl Factory.
  10. ^ Roberts, Phillipe. "Kit Sebastian: Melodi". Pitchfork.
  11. ^ "Kit Sebastian - 'New Internationale' album review". faroutmagazine.co.uk. 26 September 2024.
  12. ^ "Pop Duo Kit Sebastian Thrill on Thoughtful 'New Internationale' » PopMatters". www.popmatters.com. 27 September 2024.
  13. ^ "Kit Sebastian". Ninja Tune.
  14. ^ "CLASH Goes Crate-Digging With Kit Sebastian | Features". 27 September 2024.