Interview
Interview with I Deny
Emerging from İzmir’s underground hardcore scene, I Deny has garnered attention in recent years with a series of singles, but with their VII EP, they are set to make their first full-length impact on listeners. Featuring a lineup largely composed of Knell members, the band pushes the boundaries of modern hardcore while prioritizing directness and authenticity in their music. In this interview, we dive deep into I Deny’s creative process, the power of writing in Turkish, their place in the scene, and the influence of İzmir on their sound.
PitStop: Hey guys, first off, we want to say thanks. Our very first YouTube interview was with Knell, and now I Deny—which includes most of Knell’s members—is joining us for PitStop’s first written interview. We really appreciate it.
PitStop: Since 2021, after releasing a series of singles, I Deny is finally gearing up to deliver your first EP, VII, with a full-album experience. What was the biggest challenge for the band during this process?
Kaan: Hey Ozan, thanks for your interest and support! The challenges were mostly the usual daily grind. At the same time, we were recording an album with Knell, which took up most of our time. I Deny was always on the side, just a side project for Onur and me. We had the songs ready—they just needed recording. When we finally decided to fully commit to I Deny, we assembled the lineup and completed the recordings as soon as possible.
PitStop: You describe your music as modern hardcore. What are the core elements that set the I Deny sound apart from traditional hardcore?
Onur: We use “modern hardcore” because, although our roots are in classic hardcore, we don’t limit ourselves to its boundaries. The main thing that defines the I Deny sound is that we refuse to keep our message one-dimensional. We aim to communicate directly through both music and lyrics, and we aren’t afraid to touch different styles. Writing our lyrics in Turkish is also something that has been missing in recent years in Turkey, and it allows us to communicate more directly.
PitStop: Looking at the lyrics on VII, as you mentioned, Turkish is front and center. Writing in Turkish in hardcore, metal, or other heavy subgenres requires courage and expressive power. How challenging was this choice for you?
Kaan: At first, we wondered how it would work. Getting the lyrics right and maintaining coherence can be tough. Then we agreed: if we have something to say, we’ll say it in our own language, unfiltered.
Onur: Honestly, writing in Turkish wasn’t as challenging as we thought, but it did require more brainpower. In English, it’s easier to hide certain things; in Turkish, everything you say comes out raw and direct. It forces you to be honest with yourself. We highlighted Turkish on VII to deliver our feelings and thoughts unfiltered. The spirit is already in the music; we just express it in our own language and the reality of our own geography.
PitStop: The lyrics tackle harsh, uncomfortable aspects of real life in a very direct way. Was this thematic approach planned from the start, or did it naturally evolve from the I Deny sound?
Kaan: Actually, we answered that in the previous question—it came naturally. But since we were doing it, we decided to be direct and clear. Our sound supports that approach, which made it easier. The feedback has been very positive too.
PitStop: The guitar tones on VII feel organic, far from today’s sterile production trends. How did you approach tone selection?
Onur: The sound for the first track was already clear. Even while recording demos, the tone was very close to the final output. It’s a tone that wasn’t heavily processed, which naturally helped us deliver our message plainly, clearly, and directly.
PitStop: The I Deny lineup consists of musicians who frequently collaborate in other projects. Does this help the creative process, or does it sometimes become limiting?
Kaan: We definitely use the advantage of knowing each other well. We know what everyone wants and how they work. Since we’ve been immersed in these styles for a long time, we rarely hit roadblocks. That makes songwriting and recording a fast process.
PitStop: Compared to previous years, how would you assess the productivity of the Turkish hardcore scene? Is it growing, or is it in decline?
Onur: It’s hard to put it simply as “growth” or “decline.” Right now, it feels more like a period of transition and reshaping. The scene isn’t as large as before, but it’s more conscious and full of character. Less is being produced, but what comes out is strong and precise. Cities like İzmir and Istanbul have small but consistent activity. It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality and spirit. Economic conditions, limited venues, and organizational challenges mean less is produced, but what exists is solid. That said, from an insider perspective, there’s been a resurgence lately.
PitStop: Coming from İzmir, it’s no surprise that niche, original works emerge. Do you think the city’s atmosphere influences this approach?
Onur: Absolutely. İzmir has been a city in conflict with authority for decades. This creates an environment where those who refuse to back down are forced into ideological clashes. As people from İzmir, we tend to respond through ideas and art. Whether hardcore, metalcore, or death metal, these types of bands will continue to exist and emerge. It’s about standing against a mindset, not individuals.
PitStop: If you had to introduce I Deny to someone who’s never heard you before, with just one track, which would it be and why?
Onur: I’d say İhanet (“Betrayal”). It’s short and direct, addressing both contemporary issues and humanity’s historical tendency toward betrayal and greed.
Kaan: I’d pick Son Ver (“Put an End”). In our region, we constantly fall and have to rise stronger; this struggle is ongoing throughout our lives.
PitStop: Are there any upcoming developments that might surprise I Deny’s audience?
Kaan: We have new songs that we’re recording, and we hope to share them with listeners at the right time. We’re also in talks for several shows. Our aim is to bring our music to a wider audience.
PitStop: Finally, any message you’d like to send to your fans?
Onur: The reactions and comments we receive are incredibly motivating. Thank you all so much. Shows are starting—see you face to face soon!
I DENY
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