Cilekes, formed in October, 2002, is a Turkish alternative rock band, consisting of Görkem Karabudak (lead vocals), Ali Güçlü Şimşek (guitars), Gökhan Şahinkaya (bass guitars) and Cumhur Avcil (drums).

The band caught the attention with the gigs in 2003 and 2004, primarily in Ankara. In May 2003, they have joined the contest of “Fanta Young Talents Competition”; and have made the cut in Central Anatolia Region Finals, winning the recognition with their live performance and have reached to Turkey Finals. The band have made an indelible impression with their performance, on the jury composed of many famous musical authorities of Turkey and have won the competition.

Cilekes, beginning to reach huge masses after this success, have taken the opportunity to appeal to round about 350000 people by a Turkey tour including 17 major cities, to which they were invited right after the contest; starring significant names of Turkish music and entertainment sector such as Candan Erçetin, Beyaz, Harem and Nev. Thus, they have become the first amateur band experiencing such a big tour and have reached a noticeable audience before their debut album.

Their debut album, “Y.O.K.”, the production session of which had started with drum recordings in ITU MIAM Studios, in March 2005 and which was looked forward especially by the university youth; was released in June, 2005, with the label ONAIR, and was produced by Volkan Başaran.

Guest musicians such as, Fuat, the go-getter of Turkish rap music scene; Kurban drummer, Burak Gürpınar and Aylin Aslım, the significant name of Turkish alternative music have contributed the album; the lyrics, the music and the arrangements of which were a complete work of Cilekes

With the massive interest on their debut album, the band have met their fans with gigs in Turkey and abroad. Especially, their gig in Honduras, in November, 2005; has made an overwhelming impression and has crowned the band as being the first Turkish band performing in Central America. In 2005, 2006 and 2007, they have shared the stages of many international festivals and organizations with worldwide musicians such as Morrisey, Deftones, Megadeth and Garbage.

They have begun the production of their second album, which was hungrily expected by their delighted fans in February, 2008, with the producer Tarkan Gözübüyük. The album, "Katil Dans”, which was a complete work of Cilekes again, was released in April, 2008, with the label of their own, PI Muzik. Şebnem Ferah and Korhan Futacı of Dandadadan have accompanied the band in their second album. Cilekes, releasing the videos of “Akrep” and “Hit Dalaşı” from the album “Katil Dans”; have produced the video for the album-title song “Katil Dans”. The video directed by Arda Yalkın, is on air, in all music channels.

Following “Katil Dans”s release Cilekes hasten for new live performances and performed in various national and international organisations throughout 2008-2009. Aside from these organisations, Cilekes toured Turkey twice for promotion activities for their latest release “Katil Dans”.

Cilekes began the pre-production of their 3. studio album at the end of 2009, which is planned to be released in the spring of 2010.

 

Görkem Karabudak - Vocal, Guitar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gökhan Şahinkaya - Bass

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ali Güçlü Şimşek - Guitar

 

 

 

 

 

Cumhur Avcil - Drums