Derya Yıldırım reimagines the Anatolian folk standard “Hop Bico,” adding a slow psychedelic twist and her hypnotic vocals. “If you’re going to play an old folk song, you have to contribute something new,” she says. Born in Hamburg to Turkish parents, Derya grew up immersed in her family’s Anatolian roots and Hamburg’s diversity. Her musical journey began at home, playing folk music with her family. Encouraged by her father, she learned the bağlama, which remains central to her sound. In 2014, Derya formed Grup Şimşek with French musicians Graham Mushnik and Antonin Voyant, later joined by South African drummer Helen Wells. Their “outernational” sound blends Anatolian melodies with modern psychedelic flair. In 2024, they signed with Big Crown Records. The show-stopping intensity of Derya backed by the psychedelic soul of Grup Şimşek with production by Leon Michels (El Michels Affair) has yielded a stand-out record that challenges genre with a broad appeal and a powerful message.