We’ve been playing out The Way We Were by Bora Meric on Phoenix FM over the past couple of weeks. The Way We Were is a classic ballad, first recorded by Barbra Streisand in 1973. The song became a hit and is remembered as one of the most iconic love songs of the 1970s. The song’s timeless appeal has made it a popular choice for covers and has been performed by numerous artists over the years.
But who is Bora? We caught up with him to find out more.
Tell us a little bit about your yourself?
I am Bora, a singer – songwriter originally from Istanbul and currently residing in the UK for the past 15 years. I have lived in various countries in Europe and Central Asia and being exposed to different cultures has helped me gain an understanding of different types of music. I attended French High School – Saint Benoit and, as a result of my relocations, I have gained fluency in 6 languages and consider myself a polyglot musician.
When did you first start to develop a passion for music?
I started playing piano at the age of 6 and gave my first recital at 7. I was forced to stop playing due to my family’s focus on school, I strongly regret that decision. I still play the piano, and my skills are sufficient to create new pieces of music. In terms of singing, I received classical training from private tutors.
Which artists did you listen to while growing up?
Growing up, I was a fan of The Cure, Eurythmics, Depeche Mode, George Michael, Suede, Thirty Seconds to Mars and Radiohead.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard you before?
It is challenging to self-identify, but I compose alternative music that is a fusion of emotional and raw feelings, with a blend of airy, soft, and powerful vocals. I am still on a journey of discovery, continuously exploring and developing my musical identity through both writing original songs and making cover versions.
What music have you recorded and released to date?
Last December, I released an original song called “True Love.” We recorded it with Australian musicians in Berlin and London, though I believe I chose the most unfavourable time of the year for
its release 🙂
I also was signed with BMG Music in Turkey in the 2000s and released an album, my first song was a pop-funk track. It became a number one hit for several weeks even without a video. Unfortunately, as a result this merger, BMG ceased all its operations in the country, stopped marketing and all my hard work and efforts were lost.
Which artists do you enjoy listening to at the moment – and do they influence your work?
Currently, I listen to and influenced by artists such as Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, The Haunted Youth, Moncrieff, and Stormzy. They motivate me to keep writing and sharing my experiences through my music.
Who would your dream collaboration be with?
My dream collaboration would be with Billie Eilish.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans are to put out more songs, give live performances as frequently as I can, and build a dedicated audience.
Where can we find out more about you?
You can find me on Twitter and Instagram.
