Welcome to the Realm of the Turkish Queen...
Identity
Work & Legacy
Work & Legacy
Ajda the Turkish Queen is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and voice lessons teacher living and making music in the Boston area since 1996. Originally from Houston, Texas, she was raised by a Turkish mother and American father. A founder of original music bands such as Black Fortress of Opium and Turkish Queen, and the Ronnie Ja
Ajda the Turkish Queen is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and voice lessons teacher living and making music in the Boston area since 1996. Originally from Houston, Texas, she was raised by a Turkish mother and American father. A founder of original music bands such as Black Fortress of Opium and Turkish Queen, and the Ronnie James Dio tribute AjDIO, her current focus is in original solo efforts.
Work & Legacy
Work & Legacy
Work & Legacy
Whether appearing solo or as part of a band or ensemble, Ajda has performed extensively in a live setting from clubs to galleries to churches and beyond. She has been a vocal and instrumental collaborator in numerous groups of varying genres such as alternative rock, indie/experimental, goth, metal, jazz/blues/gospel, rock opera, cabaret,
Whether appearing solo or as part of a band or ensemble, Ajda has performed extensively in a live setting from clubs to galleries to churches and beyond. She has been a vocal and instrumental collaborator in numerous groups of varying genres such as alternative rock, indie/experimental, goth, metal, jazz/blues/gospel, rock opera, cabaret, and psychedelic pop - often serving as band leader or music director, as well. Ajda's recorded output includes numerous studio and live recordings, documenting her original material - solo and with bands Black Fortress of Opium and Turkish Queen - and with groups/composers of diverse styles. She has also contributed to soundtracks for various independent films.
Genesis
Work & Legacy
Genesis
Growing up in Texas with a Turkish mother and American father influenced Ajda greatly in her appreciation and straddling of Eastern and Western elements in music and culture. An only child whose parents enjoyed travel and regard for other cultures, Ajda was fortunate enough to visit other countries and imbibe their ways, especially throu
Growing up in Texas with a Turkish mother and American father influenced Ajda greatly in her appreciation and straddling of Eastern and Western elements in music and culture. An only child whose parents enjoyed travel and regard for other cultures, Ajda was fortunate enough to visit other countries and imbibe their ways, especially through numerous trips to Turkey. Ajda was named after the Turkish pop star Ajda Pekkan, whom her mother greatly admired as a youth.
Quotes
"Ajda is not only a powerful vocalist but also is a voice teacher of note." - Andrew Wilson, Boston Band Crush
“…always one of the most interesting musicians in Boston.”- SiD, Too Much Rock
"...prone to dark, wildly inventive flights of musical fancy.” - Kevin Renick, Playback StL
“Ajda the Turkish Queen has a gorgeous, emotive voice. “- Linda Laban, Boston Metro