Zafer Ozkan and Ahmet Oral Sargin created People Around Band, a project built on a friendship that’s grown for over a decade—two artists connected through faith, admiration, and a mutual passion for sound. Their sound is impressive, shaped by years of synchronized effort.
A Tale Told Through Sound
Zafer brings his clarinet and saxophone into the mix and plays to connect. His clarinet flows soft and calm, taking listeners through ancient tunes. His saxophone, powerful and profound, takes over the room. Wherever he plays, his name spreads faster than the sound.
Oral defines their sound foundation. Guitar, keyboard, and the Ableton Live Controller are extensions of his hands. His notes are sharp, but they always flow naturally. Oral shapes the modern sound and mixes beats with traditional flows. They both carry Turkey’s spirit to the UAE and are proud music ambassadors representing their culture..
A Mix That Won’t Be Boxed In
People Around pulls from electronic, ethnic-electronic, downtempo, chill hop, and lo-fi. They fuse beats and melodies that feel timeless yet fresh. The Turkish G-Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, and Electric Guitar lend depth to their electronic sound. It’s raw. It’s real. It’s a pure and breathing music.
Shaping Alive Sounds
With Ableton Live Controller, which Oral operates, every sound, every loop, and every mix happens live. Their performance feels like walking into a sound lab as they create music moment by moment. They loop sounds on the spot, layering melodies with rhythms and beats. No show feels the same, made with the mastery of those who know their art.
Music Without Borders
Zafer and Oral describe their sound as inspired by people, nature, and the ground they call home. They let their history and experiences shape the music. They’ve walked ancient lands, carried music stories from generations, and added them to their music. The goal goes beyond rules or fame—making music that reflects who they are.
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From Stage to Studio
Singles like Good For Me and Electric Coffin gained attention and built their name across platforms. The band has written 34 songs, sharing 15 on digital platforms so far. Over 500 performances tell the story. Their ability to keep audiences engaged from start to finish is impressive.
Comments from Virtuosos
Oral talks about their creative process. “Our songs come from everything around us. The air, the sounds of the streets, the memories we carry. We let all of it shape the music. There’s no formula, no set path. It’s organic. We don’t know exactly where the music will go when we step on stage or into the studio. But that’s the beauty—it’s alive and evolving every second.’’
Zafer talks about the bond they share with their audience. ‘’Authentic music should go beyond the notes. It must be the emotions you pass to the listeners. When Oral and I step on stage, we share pieces of who we are. Every note and melody is a bridge between us and them. That’s what makes it real.’’
Listening to them absolutely feels like a journey—a walk through memories, emotions, and places. People Around Band took their bond, history, and culture to a fantastic outcome. Those looking for alternative live music in Dubai should definitely check out People Around..
