Baban releases brilliant new EP

In a time when electronic music knows no borders, Istanbul’s Burak Baban (better known simply as Baban)  is carving out a space entirely his own. Indeed, the Turkish producer has been a long-time favourite of ours at Nightclubber HQ – and with good reason, too. Fusing global grooves with a distinctive touch of minimal magic, his latest EP is a vibrant and assured statement that lands just in time for summer.

Having already earned the support of key figures from the Romanian scene, including Tzinah Records and its founder, Primarie, Baban has emerged as one of Turkey’s most promising underground producers. His music is full of the kinds of sounds weaved from deep nights in smoky basements and sunlit rooftops, with a rich blend of rhythm, mood and space that reveals itself slowly but confidently.

The new three-tracker opens with ‘Las Manos’, a percussive, Spanish-vocal-led cut that also weaves in snippets of Urdu dialogue — a cross-cultural detail that adds depth to its groove. Calling to mind the works of Reboot or the kind of hypnotic jams Villalobos would champion on Balearic dancefloors from Ibiza to Rimini, it’s loose but tight, sunny yet restrained — a proper groover and a perfect type of set opener that sets the tone with ease.

On ‘Obligaciones’, the energy subtly intensifies. The track opens with a burst of Chinese dialogue before easing into dreamy, intricate piano chords and muffled vocal loops. Spanish vocals become more pronounced, and the drama ratchets up with every bar. It’s a classy affair that shows Baban’s understanding of tension and texture — minimal in its structure but full of detail for those who know where to listen.

Closing out the record is ‘Voce Me Pergunta’, where Baban’s love of ethereal soundscapes and hypnotic synths takes centre stage. It’s deep, spaced-out and endlessly listenable — a modern minimal cut that shows just how much Baban has developed his sound since launching his career in 2019.

While his productions have a distinctly Romanian flair, Baban’s sound palette draws on everything from house and techno to hip-hop — the latter a childhood love that still seeps into his work through sampled grooves and rhythmic playfulness. ‘I love using dreamy pads and synths, but the bassline is the soul,’ he says. ‘Once that’s locked in, everything else follows.’

His work ethic is just as fierce. ‘I try to finish a track every week,’ he admits, a habit that’s paid off in the form of a string of releases and growing international recognition. Having already played standout sets at Fabrika Festival and Why?Not Zanzibar, he recently lit up the decks at Frankhan Istanbul alongside names like Sweely, Maxime DB and Markus Sommer, a high-energy, sun-soaked session that perfectly reflected his hazy, groovy sound.

Baban’s new EP is a natural extension of everything he’s about — a blend of discipline, emotion and deep musical intuition. It's no wonder DJs from Romania to South America are already tuning in. Whether you're into minimal, microhouse or simply looking for a soundtrack to your next summer session, this release is one to keep on repeat.

Keep up with Baban on Instagram, Soundcloud, Bandcamp and Facebook

Buy the release here