bio

the journey so far

Born in Turkey & currently residing in the United States, Mert Cetinkaya is a self-taught composer and singer-songwriter crafting evocative music across genres and screens.

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Inspired by his older brother’s guitar riffs echoing through the walls, he picked up his first nylon-string guitar on a rainy New Year’s Day and began composing soon after.

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At 17, a chance role as a background actor in the film Ask Tesadüfleri Sever unexpectedly launched his career when his original composition, Kafes, was featured in the official soundtrack. Since then, Mert has performed with his band Hayal Bekçisi, composed for film, and relocated to New York, where he earned his Master’s in Music Technology from NYU.

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In 2019 and again in 2022, he was granted the prestigious O-1 visa, recognizing individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts. He is currently represented by Big Magnet Productions and Hyphen-Labs.

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Always chasing innovative sounds, Mert’s compositional technique blurs the lines between genres—seamlessly blending classical, ambient, and electronic elements to create cinematic experiences that resonate. His work has been featured at major film festivals including Sundance, Tribeca, and SXSW.

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In 2021, he released his debut EP "Maglubiyet Provası" via Garaj Müzik, featuring re-imagined versions of his earlier compositions. Its lead single, "ill.egalite", set the tone with its layered, introspective sound. Most recently, his film compositions resurfaced in the 2023 compilation album "Bi’ Aile Sırrı", showcasing the emotional depth and versatility of his music for screen.

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Selected Appearances

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• Sundance Film Festival

• SXSW

• Tribeca Film Festival

• IKSV Istanbul Film Festival

• If! Istanbul Independent Film Festival

• Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival

• Cannes Short Film Corner

• Istanbul Design Bienniale

• Refinery 29Rooms

• New Inc: Versions Festival

• LiFF Lucerne Int'l Film Festival

• Sabanci Short Film Festival

• Dusty Film & Animation Festival

• CINEMED International Mediterranean Film Festival of Montpellier

• Balkans Beyond Borders Short Film Festival

• Seattle Turkish Film Festival Short Film Competition