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AJDA THE TURKISH QUEEN is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer living and working in the Boston area. Originally from Houston, Texas, she has been performing publicly since 1997. Her current focus lies with her band BLACK FORTRESS OF OPIUM and solo endeavors. BLACK FORTRESS OF OPIUM recently recorded their new self-titled debut album with Martin Bisi, who also produced the record. The album is now available on CD baby and through iTunes. CDs are available at Newbury Comics and Looney Tunes in Boston, Other Music in NYC, and other various stores throughout the USA. Distribution by Carrot Top.
Recent solo endeavors include composing music for the independent film Ana's Time, soon to be released. One of the pieces is a cover of Nico's 'Afraid". Ajda also performs live solo from time to time.
She has been a collaborator in bands of various styles ranging from experimental rock to cabaret. She has performed extensively in a live setting as a solo artists and in bands playing alongside acts such as His Name Is Alive, The Dresden Dolls, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Beat Circus, and Barbez. Ajda has recorded with artists and composers of diverse styles, from electronic music and rock/pop to modern classical.
Ajda began her lifelong love affair with music in elementary school when she joined the choir and performed as Judy Garland singing a love song to Clark Gable. In middle school, she changed directions and joined the school band playing flute - something she would pursue all the way through college and beyond. Sometime during high school Ajda began to experiment with playing guitar and banjo.
Her unconventional approach to writing and playing music led Ajda to experimental improvisation and a desire to collect numerous instruments that would afford her with an arsenal of sounds. Many of her instruments were gifts, or somehow randomly appeared in her life, a mysterious tradition that carries on still today.
Ajda's serious foray into vocal performance was enabled in 2002 through her involvement with the independent film Neovoxer, for which she provided vocals during a live accompaniment of the film's screening. This momentous event helped her to realize a true calling. For her, vocalising serves as a very direct method of expression - straight from the soul. She has been inspired by the vocals of such artists as Natacha Atlas, Elizabeth Fraser, Anna Homler, Ute Lemper, Siouxsie Sioux, Kristin Hersh, Michael Gira, Nico, and David Gahan, as well as the lonesome voices of Turkish muezzins.
The current setup Ajda uses is an amalgamation of acoustic, electric, and electronic instruments and devices, as well as her voice, which she also considers an instrument.
Ajda feels being raised by a Turkish mother and American father, and growing up in Texas have given her an unusual perspective and been of significant influence.
Current arsenal of sounds: Yamaha flute, voice, Goya classical guitar, 1965 Fender Mustang, Epiphone acoustic-electric guitar, various M-Audio controllers with the Dr.Synth sound module, Harmony tenor banjo, Fender mandolin, zither, Angelhorn melodica, Hohner accordion, various percussion Black Fortress Of Opium, The Introduction
i loooove black rope burns. dont take offense to this: it reminds me of the nancy sinatra song "bang bang". it would just take a little tremelo guitar. you have a really cool songs. i love them. hale turkish queen!!! -miss amanda
mammas don't let your daughters grow up to make less than a buck. help em make equal pay for equal work.
mammas don't let your daughters grow up to make less than a buck tell papa.. to pay daughters as much as the sons Blue says welcome home breathe free laugh for peace !! practice voting We vote with our money in America.
Playing Hits Like "Dance To The Music" "Hot Fun In The Summertime" and more!! Champagne, Food, Party Gifts and more!! $20 in advance and $25 at the door Advance tickets online! CLICK HERE View Slide Show of Take You Higher
