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Mor ve Ötesi (literally meaning 'violet and beyond' a play on the Turkish phrase for ultra violet rays) is the name of a Turkish alternative rock band hailing from the city of Istanbul, formed by frontman Harun Tekin. Its four current members are Harun Tekin, Kerem Kabadayý, Burak Güven and Kerem Özyeðen. Former members include Harun Tekin's brother Alper Tekin and Derin Esmer. They received major mainstream success after the release of the song "Bir Derdim Var" (I have a problem). The band's name is a play on "morötesi" which is the Turkish word for "ultraviolet".


History of the band

Mor ve Ötesi was formed in 1995 with the line-up comprising of Kerem Kabadayý (drums), Harun Tekin (vocals & guitar), Derin Esmer (vocals & guitar) and Alper Tekin (bass). They released their first album Þehir (The City) in 1996 and played at their first live concert outside Istanbul at METU, Ankara. That year, Burak Güven replaced Alper Tekin on bass.

Býrak Zaman Aksýn (Let Time Flow), their second album was released in 1999 to massive success. Just after its release, Derin Esmer moved to the USA and was replaced by prominent guitarist Kerem Özyeðen. After the devastating 1999 Kocaeli earthquake, Mor ve Ötesi started playing more on social and political themes. They were also very active in the opposition against the use of nuclear energy in Turkey.

In 2001, they released their third album, Gül Kendine (Smile at Yourself). With Kerem Özyeðen, there was a noticeable change in the music, and after 17 August there was a noticeable change in lyrics. In the summer of 2003, Mor ve Ötesi's single, Yaz (Summer/Write) debuted, which was a cover of the famous song performed by the famous Turkish superstar Ajda Pekkan during the seventies.

Their fourth album Dünya Yalan Söylüyor (The World is Lying) was released in 2004. The album became their most popular album in Turkey. Reaching 250.000 sales, the album proved to be a breakthrough for rock music in Turkey. Their first single, "Cambaz" (meaning: Acrobat) and their third single "Bir Derdim Var" (meaning: I have a problem) (which was also included in the Çaðan Irmak film "Mustafa Hakkýnda Herþey" (Everything About Mustafa) soundtrack ) got considerably more attention. Since their previous work was not as well known, many new fans were not aware that they weren't a new band. Although this album has been their best selling album, it is not admired by their old fans as much as their previous work, and some have even seen it as "betrayal". The album contained considerable political criticism against the activities of the USA both in Iraq and the rest of the world. The very same year they received a Golden Orange Award for their hit song, Bir Derdim Var for the movie, Mustafa Hakkýnda Her Þey". Also, Dünya Yalan Söylüyor, was voted "The Best Turkish Rock Album Ever" by Blue Jean magazine.

Their fifth album Büyük Düþler (Big Dreams) was released on May 8, 2006. This is an album mainly dealing with the political problems of Turkey and the personal problems of the group members, including loss of family members and their relationships. It has a darker sound compared to their previous albums. This album is regarded as a homage to their old fan base and a return to a style closer to their earlier albums. The first video was for the song "Þirket" (Corporation), a song criticising capitalism. The second single chosen was "Küçük Sevgilim (My Little Lover)", and its music video was directed by Ketche. This album was voted "The Best Album of 2006" by Blue Jean magazine.

On December 10, 2007 TRT's general manager Ýbrahim Þahin announced that Mor ve Ötesi will represent Turkey in Eurovision Song Contest, with the song 'Deli', which will be held in Belgrade on 22 May 2008
source: Wikipedia /the free encyclopedia