Double Date’s story kicks off in Türkiye, where Gülşin, Ceren, Ulaş, and Cevat honed their chops over the years in studios, stages, and international gigs. These pros backed megastars, recorded chart-topping albums, and rocked concerts from Istanbul and farther—think Tarkan, Gülben Ergen, Ziynet Sali, you name it. After years of slaying the scene, they packed their bags for Dubai, ready to start fresh. In 2024, they banded together as Double Date, a tight-knit crew prepared to dish out their sound. With Dubai’s electric energy as their new playground, they’re cooking up performances screaming passion, grit, and pure musical blaze.
Gülşin Demirkeser Önal: The Voice Grips
Gülşin Demirkeser Önal’s vocals hit like a lightning bolt. As one of Double Date’s lead singers, she weaves magic alongside Ceren, their voices locking in like a dream. With over 20 years of pro vocal work, Gülşin’s no stranger to the big leagues—she’s sung for Turkish icons like Tarkan and Ziynet Sali, her voice soaring on tracks topping charts. A proud member of Üsküdar Musiki Cemiyeti, she delivers a rich well of Turkish musical heritage to the mix. On stage, Gülşin’s presence sparks pure electricity, her notes bearing every story’s weight. Belting pop anthems or traditional melodies, she’s the flame setting Double Date’s shows alight.
Ceren Üstünel Ertem: Vocals, Dance, and Dynamo Energy
Ceren Üstünel Ertem, the other half of Double Date’s vocal powerhouse, locks harmony with Gülşin for a straight-up spellbinder. Ceren’s more than a killer voice—she’s a dance machine twirling since primary school. A seasoned dance teacher and choreographer, Ceren built wedding dances and musicals across Türkiye, even starring. Oh, and she’s a dentist by day—talk about a triple threat! On Double Date’s stage, her vocals soar, her moves dazzle, and her energy pulls crowds into the groove—Ceren’s the total package, and she turns every show into a feast for eyes and ears.
Ulaş Önal: The Piano Wizard Calling the Shots
Ulaş Önal, the maestro behind Double Date’s sound, has his fingers dance across piano and keyboards like nobody’s business. Ulaş is a musical beast—composing original works, arranging tracks, and directing orchestras with a swagger all his own. His resume’s stacked: he’s worked on albums like Hazal’s Geriye Dönme, Gülben Ergen’s Uzun Yol Şarkıları, İrfan Özata’s Hayat Okulu, and Ziynet Sali’s Bugün Adım Leyla. Ulaş’s skill in weaving melodies and steering music projects forms the band’s backbone. His piano riffs add fire and depth on stage, while his leadership tightens Double Date’s performances. Dude’s a genius, plain and simple.
Cevat Ertem: Guitar Wizard
Cevat Ertem’s guitar solos rip through Double Date’s tunes like a firecracker. He studied for five years under Erdem Sökmen, a genius at Istanbul University, and learned studio magic from Türkiye’s legend İlter Kurcala. A pro since 2005, he’s rocked bands, arranged for major players, and recorded smooth tracks. His folk heritage pops—he’s joined stage legends like Işın Karaca, Emre Altuğ, Bora Öztoprak, and Umit Sayın, delivering pure gold.
Why Dubai’s Obsessed with Double Date
Dubai’s music scene thrives on flash, and Double Date fits right in while adding their raw edge. The city’s diverse crowds—expats, locals, tourists—crave performances hitting every note, and this band delivers. Their years of stage work in Türkiye and international gigs give them a polish glowing in Dubai’s swanky venues. From rooftop lounges to beachfront stages, they’re turning heads with shows that feel like a warm hug and a wild dance party all at once. Fans crave their colorful sets, where pop locks jazz locks tradition in a way screaming Double Date. Word on the street? They are the band to watch in 2025.
What’s Next for Double Date
Double Date’s only starting, and the future looks bright as a desert sun. They’re already cooking up new original tracks, with Ulaş’s composing skills and the band’s collective fire promising serious bangers. Plans for bigger Dubai gigs take form, and whispers of international tours float around—fingers crossed! Ceren’s planning choreography to pair with their sets, adding a visual punch to their already electric shows. Meanwhile, Gülşin and Cevat dive into collabs with local artists, mixing international music flavors into their sound. Mystic Family’s cheering them on, stoked to see where this crew takes their groove next.
