Cagri Raydemir – a name that no longer requires an introduction among connoisseurs of the independent scene. With twelve albums and nine EPs to his name, he’s a musician who seems to have unlocked the secret to endless inspiration. His new EP, Indifference, is a meditation on human nature.

Most importantly, it leaves space for you, the listener, to interpret and reflect on these musings in your own way. In this release, Raydemir draws inspiration from observations of human existence, exploring themes of philosophy, psychology, and something more elusive. But he doesn’t offer ready-made answers. This isn’t music that tells you how to live—it’s music that encourages you to simply be.

photo by @cagriraydemir

The title Indifference might sound provocative, but it’s not about apathy. Rather, it’s about freeing oneself from artificial worries and expectations. It’s about that elusive freedom we all need. Perhaps it sounds like a cliché, but sometimes clichés turn out to be the most honest truths.

The EP opens with Preferred Indifferents, a romantic rock ballad, and it’s the perfect starting point. Airy guitars, Raydemir’s introspective vocals, and echoes dissolving into the space set the tone for the entire release. Here, the blending of styles plays a crucial role: a classic rock ballad morphs into something more layered. A gentle guitar solo adds a touch of melancholy, while harmonious backing vocals create the feeling of an almost intimate conversation. This track feels like an inner monologue on the world and one’s emotional state, drawing the listener into its philosophical depths.

The song titles on Indifference deserve special attention on their own. Intricate and unusual, they resemble the headings of essays seemingly designed to spark reflection in the listener.

The EP consists of four tracks, each a link in the same chain, unified by the theme of acceptance but expressed with different shades. Perhaps the most striking moment of the release is the track Defensive Inattention. Here, the spotlight falls on trumpeter Julian Hesse, whose brass sections lend the song a unique texture. Yes, the melancholia remains, but it feels different—like someone has decided to seek light within the sonic gloom. The minimalist arrangement, and trumpet create an atmosphere of vacuum, where Raydemir’s emotions feel almost tangible. Gothic undertones subtly emerge—dark harmonies intertwine with high-pitched guitars, and a faint sense of unease adds depth to the composition. This track exemplifies Raydemir’s drive to explore new sounds and dimensions within established genres. Absolutely flawless.

Selective Memory is perhaps the most dynamic and straightforward track on the EP. The guitars grab your attention from the very first seconds, while Raydemir’s vocals sound hypnotic. Vibrant rock drums and heavy riffs transform this song into a true anthem. The vocals unleash their full power, hitting precise notes that strike straight to the heart. This track is a showcase of rhythm and texture, with intricate transitions and a rich, layered sound that feels both passionate and unique. The four-minute runtime is perfectly measured to convey the full depth of emotion.

Joy of Missing Out, the final chord of Indifference is a culmination that brings the entire release to a close. A gentle rock ballad with dark undertones evolves into a powerful finale with heavy rock guitars. This track is about inner unrest, the search for hope, and the balance between light and darkness. There’s a sense of closure here, yet also an intentional incompleteness, hinting that the story is meant to continue. The closing section, where the song’s structure shifts unexpectedly, feels almost like a catharsis, leaving the listener with a sense of release.

Cagri Raydemir is an artist-explorer, someone who records music while trying to deconstruct the world and piece it back together in his own mind. For him, Indifference is an act of creative self-analysis, perhaps even self-therapy. Listening to this EP, I feel like a spectator—an invited participant. He’s left the door to his laboratory slightly ajar, waiting for you to take a peek. For Raydemir, Indifference is another chapter in his musical diary, one he’s been writing for years. His independent work on the EP (with the exception of one track) only underscores his artistry. This project is his personal story, but one he’s more than willing to share with us. Indifference is music for those ready to pause, exhale, and reflect—or at least try. Check it out for yourself.

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