Pinhani

Pinhani revolves around multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter Sinan Kaynakçi together with bass guitarist Zeynep Eylül Üçer. Following extended stints in local cover groups, Kaynakçi forwarded a demo to established guitarist Akin Eldes during 2004. One year afterward, Tanju Duru oversaw recording of the first album, bringing in Cem Aksel for session drumming duties. Issued in 2006 under the title Inandigin Masallar, the record failed to achieve immediate commercial traction despite tracks such as “Istanbul’da,” “Hele Bi Gel,” “Yildizlark,” and the expansive “Don Bak Dunyaya.” Contemporary audiences gravitated instead toward modern rock ensembles, bypassing the project’s restrained, nuanced, guitar-driven singer-songwriter approach. Nevertheless, Pinhani began performing at every available space and subterranean venue across Turkey, concentrating on Istanbul, Ankara, and Eskisehir. By reproducing the album’s intricate arrangements with greater impact onstage, the group rapidly cultivated a loyal following. Momentum shifted decisively once “Hele Bi Gel” served as the theme for the widely viewed Turkish series Kavak Yelleri; the band was additionally commissioned to create the show’s entire soundtrack. This prime-time visibility transformed Pinhani from an underground club act into a large-venue attraction, prompting nationwide touring and early work on a follow-up release.

The second album in the band’s catalog, Zaman Beklemez, appeared in 2008. Again produced by Tanju Duru—who later perished in a hiking accident that same year—the sessions incorporated Cem Aksel on drums and Demirhan Baylan on bass, expanding the palette through numerous brass contributions. The resulting density, paired with Kaynakçi’s lyrical poetry, satisfied both listeners and critics. A subsequent tour traversed the country, drawing 125,000 attendees across eleven cities and featuring core members Zeynep Eylül Üçer alongside newcomers Hami Unlu on drums, Selim Aydin handling guitar and keyboard, Ceyhun Kaya on wind instruments, and Can Ömer Uygan on trumpet, with guest spots by Aksel and Baylan.