Based in Richmond, Virginia, Yeni Nostalji (Turkish for "New Nostalgia") is a captivating collaboration between American-Lebanese vocalist Christina Marie and Turkish double bassist Ayça Kartari. Together, they weave a sound that feels like a lost transmission from a 1960s global radio station: intimate, playful, and deeply mesmerizing.

The duo’s 2018 debut, released via Ropeadope Records, serves as a lush introduction to their world. Featuring a rotating cast of virtuosic collaborators from the Richmond Symphony, Bio Ritmo, and NO BS! Brass, the album masterfully blends original Turkish-language lyrics and vintage pop sensibilities with the sultry elegance of French and Brazilian jazz.

In a live setting, Yeni Nostalji strips back the layers to reveal a striking, minimalist core. The duo creates an unexpectedly dynamic performance that keeps the listener hanging on every detail. The music thrives on the visceral, split-second connection between the voice and upright bass, turning each note into a fragile, rhythmic bond.

Having shared the stage with international powerhouses like Mdou Moctar, Banda Magda, Miramar and B.C.U.C., Yeni Nostalji has earned a reputation for live performances that are as sophisticated as they are soulful. While rooted in the history of mid-century pop, their music is a living, breathing dialogue between cultures, languages, and eras.

Legacy of Collaboration:

Evrim Doğu & Vlad Cuiujuclu (Guitar/Composition)

Emre Kartari & Rei Alvarez (Percussion)

Marlysse Simmons (Keys/Arrangements)

Gary Kalar (Guitar/Arrangements)