Meet Batu Ertas | DJ/Producer/Digger/Label Head

We had the good fortune of connecting with Batu Ertas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Batu, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued on an artistic career with the primary motivation of offering people an escape from the challenges of life through the expression of my sound. Music, being a universal language, holds the power to unite us all. Witnessing the impact of my work on individuals and observing the emotions reflected on people’s faces post-event or release serves as a profound source of inspiration. The gratification derived from connecting with others through my artistic endeavors is, without a doubt, the most significant reward for both musicians and artists alike.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Certainly! My journey in Electronic Music started as a DJ, a path I had not initially envisioned as a full-time endeavor. However, my inclination to curate and set the mood through music, often taking charge of the aux cord among friends, prompted suggestions that I explore DJing. This push led to organizing parties and shows during my college years. It was during this time that I discovered a interest for specific sounds that ignited the dance floor—a realization that spurred my desire to create my own music, marking both the most challenging and exhilarating phase of my artistic journey.

Upon moving to Los Angeles, a spontaneous meeting with my music partner, Gibs, proved transformative. Gibs has been an unwavering pillar of support, and together, we have shared a common purpose in crafting and performing music. Our collaboration has taken us to various cities in the United States and even internationally, allowing us to share our unique sound on a broader scale.

We run a music label/collective/event series called Dunia Musik. धरती |دنیا |Dünya

Dunia Musik has been around since 2021 and was built on a strong fellowship by cruising on the same immigrant paths to make the reality of shared dreams. The energy that motivates the collective is having the same passion of merging the cultures that we all grew up with. Dunia represents ‘’World ‘’ in Hindi, Turkish, Indonesian, and Arabic which is the biggest energy that we all share.

At Dunia, we believe that music has the power to transform lives and communities, to bring people together in ways that nothing else can. We are dedicated to spreading this message to the world, to using our platform to inspire and uplift those around us. So join us in our quest to unite the world through the power of music, and let’s create something truly magical together.

The essence of my success lies in consistency—an approach embodied by the philosophy that “Consistency is a new currency.” This mindset has been crucial in overcoming challenges, as I firmly believe that persistence is key. A guiding influence in my life has been the book “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, and I strive to incorporate its principles into every facet of my work:

Be impeccable with your word.
Do not take anything personally.
Do not make assumptions.
Always give your best.

These agreements have become guiding principles, shaping my approach to both my art and life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Favorite question! Los Angeles has countless hidden gems yet to be discovered. I have a list of go-to places for different categories.

When it comes to food, LA offers a diverse culinary scene that I love exploring. My top three spots include Bay Cities in Santa Monica, Brother Cousins Tacos, BADMAASH in Downtown LA, and Kazunori.

For those who enjoy the beach and surfing, I’d take my friend to Dana Point, Rincon, and Salt Creek in the south. These places hold a special place in my heart.

Being deeply involved in the electronic music scene, I have witnessed LA’s improvement in the quality of events. A standout party that I take pride in being a part of is Sunday Session LA. It offers the perfect blend of crowd, music, and unique locations. Hats off to those who consistently deliver amazing nights to the LA Vinyl Crowd.

Whenever I have guests, a visit to record shops is a must. Stellar Remnant, Amoeba, and The Last Record Collector are on the list, providing a rich experience for any music enthusiast.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A significant portion of my success can be attributed to the cultivation and fostering of our community. The unwavering support from our people serves as the driving force behind my pursuit of passion. Community engagement has been the cornerstone of my motivation from the very beginning. We do this for our people.

During my formative college years, I delved deeply into electronic music, and I am profoundly grateful for the inspiration drawn from the pioneers of our craft. Figures such as Todd Terry, Larry Heard, Frankie Knuckles, Juan Atkins, and more have left an indelible mark on my artistic journey. Their ability to be ahead of their time serves as a constant reminder to tirelessly pursue what I hold most dear—my music. The influence of these legends has fueled my dedication to pushing boundaries and striving for uniqueness in my creative endeavors.

Website: duniamusik.bandcamp.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/batu.dnya/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baturayertas9/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/l00pcode

Image Credits
Devansh Pandit Pravav Mehta