Kit Sebastian's New Album 'New Internationale' — A Multicultural Musical Journey

The London-based duo Kit Sebastian, featuring Turkish-born Merve Erdem and British multi-instrumentalist Kit Martin, has just released their latest masterpiece, "New Internationale". This album seamlessly blends influences from Turkish folk, French pop, Anatolian rock, and even Ethiojazz, making it one of the most unique releases of 2024. Kit Sebastian transcends borders with their eclectic sound and multilingual lyrics, creating something modern yet soaked in nostalgia.

SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC | BANDCAMP

Standout Tracks:

"Faust": A dazzling start with oud notes and retro synths, this track captures Merve’s dramatic vocals, effortlessly blending breathy tones with powerful belting​.

"Camouflage": A smooth duet between Merve and Kit, this song fuses warm keys, light horns, and a slinky R&B groove​.

"Göç / Me": A Turkish-language song reflecting on migration, it mixes smoky Ethiojazz and cinematic motifs from classic spy soundtracks.

"Metropolis": Psychedelic and rhythmic, this track’s Krautrock-inspired layers of sound transport you into a hypnotic urban dream.

"Bul Bul Bul": With playful gamelan bells and a bouncy bassline, this track adds an upbeat rhythm that contrasts beautifully with the rest of the album.

Visual aesthetics:

Kit Sebastian aren’t just about the sound — their music videos are a visual feast that totally captures the charm and style of the 60s.

Take the "Metropolis" video, for example. It’s got this cool lo-fi, 60s vibe, shot in rural France, which perfectly highlights the song’s themes of searching for belonging in a new place. The video’s eclectic, slightly wild style really emphasizes the mix of Anatolian psychedelia, Brazilian Tropicalia, and European pop.

Here is another video, shot entirely in a studio setting - "Bul Bul Bul". The video draws inspiration from the surrealist art of René Magritte and the film The Truman Show. It features playful, dreamlike visuals shot on a small 3x5 meter backdrop, adding a whimsical and surreal atmosphere to the song. The video was produced in just a few hours, showcasing a minimalist yet intriguing aesthetic that enhances the song's blend of Turkish and Indonesian musical influences​.

For Vinyl Lovers:

If you want to dive deeper into the music that inspires Kit Sebastian, don’t miss their vinyl set. The duo takes you through their favorite tracks, spinning rare vinyl records that shaped their unique sound. It’s a pure auditory and visual pleasure.

For Fans of "New Internationale":

If this album strikes a chord with you, be sure to explore their earlier works, "Mantra Moderne" and "Melodi", which blend jazz, global rhythms, and psychedelia in the same genre-defying style.

Similar artists:

Altin Gün – A blend of Turkish folk and psychedelia.

Khruangbin – Fusing Southeast Asian funk with psychedelic vibes.

Stereolab – A mix of krautrock and retro futurism​.

"New Internationale" is a total vibe for anyone who’s into cinematic tunes that blend cultures and eras seamlessly. You’ll be transported!