Irem Bekter is a Montreal-based singer-songwriter whose music unfolds as an intimate, cinematic journey shaped by movement across cultures and languages. Born in Istanbul, she trained in theatre, music and dance in England, spent over two decades performing in film, television and theatre in Argentina, and later settled in Québec, where songwriting became her central focus. There, she released the albums Primero (2011) and Je suis ici (2019) and performed at venues and festivals, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival.
Rooted in voice, rhythm, and movement, her sound draws on traditional forms from Turkey and the folkloric vocal techniques, percussion and dance of Argentina. With lyrics in English, French and Spanish, her chamber pop resists easy categorization, guided by emotional clarity and a strong visual and narrative sensibility. This Winding Road (2026) is her first fully original release that weaves Turkish and Argentinian rhythms with jazz, indie and electronic textures.
Name:
Irem Bekter
Genre:
Cinematic world-infused pop, jazz, indie world
Founded:
2017
# of Albums:
3
Latest Album:
This Winding Road
Latest Single:
“Mi Casa (A Migrant’s Story)”
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Pink Floyd, for their cinematic soundscapes, emotional depth, and socially conscious music. As a teenager walking through the English countryside, their fearless sound would transport me into vast and transformative inner journeys.
Favourite musician now:
Stromae. His blend of raw honesty and sharp musicality goes straight to the heart.
Guilty pleasure song:
Leonard Cohen’s “Tower of Song and Suzanne”. What poetry! I would belt his words into the wind as a teenager; his poetry felt like freedom and rebellion all at once.
Live show ritual:
Red underwear for good luck. Before stepping on stage, we gather in a tight circle, hold hands, take a few deep breaths together, jump in sync, and release a big “AH” to centre and energize ourselves.
Favourite local musician:
Dominique Fils-Aimé for the clarity, depth, and emotional honesty in her work.
EP or LP?
An EP can feel transitional or exploratory. An LP implies sequencing, arc, emotional progression – so LP.
Early bird or night owl?
Both – Some days I rise with the light to write or walk while the world is still quiet; other nights, I come alive after dark.
Road or studio?
Both – I love the immediacy and electricity of performing live but the studio is where ideas unfold, textures are shaped, and true collaboration happens.
Any shows or albums coming up?
This Winding Road, my first full album of original work. It marks an important step in my artistic journey.
Live dates across Ontario and Quebec:
April 17 – Le Ministère, Montréal, QC
April 25 – La SAG (Sutton Encore), Sutton, QC
April 30 – Drom Taberna, Toronto, ON
May 2 – Morrin Centre, Quebec City, QC
Where can we follow you?
Website | Spotify | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Bandcamp
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Larrys, in my Mile End neighbourhood, is an all-day spot with creative dishes made from local ingredients.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Laurier Avenue – lively with cafés, restaurants, and shops, it ends with a staircase leading onto the mountain in the heart of the city, a gentle shift from movement to calm.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Mount Royal – I go there to walk, reflect, and recalibrate, a reminder that nature and stillness can exist right at the centre of urban life.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill. I love its intimate atmosphere, the Wednesday student-focused jam sessions, and the strong sense of community.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Phonopolis Record Store. It’s a beautifully curated vinyl store with a thoughtful, independent spirit, the kind of place where you can lose time discovering records you didn’t know you needed.
