Ulaş Özdemir is a musician, composer and academic born in Maraş and living in Istanbul, Turkey. He earned a PhD degree in Ethnomusicology at Istanbul Technical University, researching the rich tradition and contemporary practices of Alevi-Bektashi bards and has published a number of books and articles on the topic. He has toured extensively in Turkey and internationally, performing on the traditional Anatolian instruments of Alevi-Bektashi music (dede sazı, bağlama). He has recorded several solo albums, compilations and soundtracks on the well known Turkish label ‘Kalan Muzik’, where he also worked as producer and production director between 1997-2010. A prolific collaborator he has recorded and shared the stage with the likes of Ali Akbar Moradi, Kayhan Kalhor, Azam Ali, Niyaz, and his latest group Forabandit with Sam Karpienia and Bijan Chemirani. His latest album ‘Traces of Asik' was released this year on the French label 'Buda Music’ and has been received warmly by critics internationally.
