today we released

BUR 1110 – Şenel Karatepe – Hard Times

Including solo acoustic recordings of Karatepe dating back to 2005 and 2006, “Hard Times” represents a timeframe of an era in Izmir (Turkey); a city, rarely hosts a space for loyal performers of traditional blues forms. Born and based in Lüleburgaz (a modest city, located on the Bulgarian – Turkish border) since 2017, Karatepe is skilled on creating a silky and a liquid style while covering most known tunes of legendary names such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Charles Brown, Big Bill Broonzy and Ray Charles.

Şenel Karatepe – vocals, acoustic guitar

Mixing and Mastering: Kartal Doğrul
Cover Photo: Sarp Keskiner

The album is released digital and available on all the download and streaming platforms.

We founded Bone Union Records together with Sarp Keskiner (TR) in June 2020. The label aims to document a neglected musical scene in Turkey not just by releasing archival material from mid-90’s to this date; but also keen on releasing brand new material from Turkish artists. Though the scope mainly consist rare recordings of local traditional blues, urban blues and gospel acts, the material varies wildly by inclusion of folk, funk, dub, noise and experimental releases, that goes way beyond the borders of conventional blues. Thus, the label supports any musical efforts to improve the chances of exchange of blues and neighboring genres between Netherlands and Turkey.