kim ki o

kim ki o is a forward-thinking electro-pop duo from Istanbul, made up of lifelong friends Ekin Sanaç (synth, vocals) and Berna Göl (bass, vocals). Since forming in 2006, the band has carved out a unique space in Turkey’s indie scene with their blend of minimal beats, dark-wave textures, and hazy Turkish lyrics, all delivered with a DIY attitude that once included hand-distributing homemade CD-Rs. Their music is deeply connected to Istanbul—its rhythms, struggles, and spirit—and often reflects their activist approach, positioning themselves consciously as a women’s band against patriarchal systems.

From their debut EP Dans (2010, Enfant Terrible) to albums like Grounds (2013, Lentonia Records) and Zan (recently under Lentonia), kim ki o has earned a loyal following at home and abroad, touring Europe with acts like The Radio Dept. and Jens Lekman. Their latest releases, including If They Come For You (2025) and collaborations like Sanki Hiç Durmadı with Tufan Demir, show they’re still evolving—mixing electro-pop experimentation with a sharp, socially engaged voice. Whether on record or live, kim ki o’s sound is unmistakably Istanbul: urgent, atmospheric, and full of stories from the city’s restless streets.

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