Filming for this episode of Eylül Aşkın İle, hosted by Eylül Aşkın, took place at the Bohem Art Gallery on Lüleci Hendek Street. The guest was singer, painter, and presenter Esma Er.
Esma Er, a graduate of Marmara University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, Painting Department, began her artistic journey with painting. However, as her career progressed, she expanded into hosting, singing, and even fashion design, creating outfits for her own album. She also received acting training at Müjdat Gezen Cultural Center and Şahika Tekand Academy, showcasing her versatile engagement with different branches of art. We spoke with her about her recent focus on music and her journey in the arts.
“I was a child outside of certain family teachings.”
Esma Er associates her versatility with curiosity and the desire to explore:
“My family might have expected me to get married, have children, and work in a secure job, but… I’m too restless for that. I kept asking, ‘What’s over there? What’s over here? Let me learn that, too,’” she explained.
She noted that the skills she gained in all the areas she studied benefit her in her current work—whether in the studio, on stage, or during shoots. While she deeply respects people who specialize in a single field, she said that pursuing only one path does not suit her nature.
She Collaborated with Ozan Çolakoğlu on Her First Album
Esma Er described her father as a dominant figure and shared that she had been singing on stage since her university years. During that time, she even received album offers but declined them due to her father’s strong influence and her young age. “A friend from the industry took me to Ozan Çolakoğlu’s studio,” she said, recalling the turning point in her career. Years later, she released her first album, titled Kimi Kimi?, featuring eleven songs. The album achieved great success, even making its way onto MTV music charts. Additionally, Esma Er took charge of all the styling for the album’s photo shoots and music videos.
“Hayat Gör Beni” and the Revival of 2000s Pop Fans
Prioritizing musicality in her work, Esma Er once expressed her goal of bringing back the spirit of the 2000s pop music audience with her song Hayat Gör Beni. Commenting on contemporary music, she stated, “When creating something for society, I believe it’s important to consider musicality as well. I don’t support things that aren’t well-thought-out or diligently worked on.”
Hayat Gör Beni Emerged from a Special Request to Tamer Gürsoy
The song Hayat Gör Beni came to life after Esma Er asked her friend Tamer Gürsoy to write a song specifically for her.
Duet with Tamer Gürsoy: Ayrılmayalım
Noticing Tamer Gürsoy’s efforts to improve his vocal skills and grow as a performer in music, Esma Er proposed a duet. Together, they performed Ayrılmayalım, originally by Ferda Anıl Yarkın, adding a fresh touch to the beloved song.
Open to Acting and Painting Projects
As a trained artist in both acting and painting, Esma Er shared that she hasn’t abandoned painting. She’s considering projects that combine painting and music and expressed interest in film and TV roles. “I get really excited about unexpected roles,” she said. “For example, I tell my producer friends, ‘Give me a role as a veiled character!’”
