He was born in Ankara in 1963 and moved to Istanbul with his parents when he was 12. He started playing drums at high school and decided to become a professional player at the very early stage. He left from university education and enrolled in Swiss Jazz School for a year in 1983. After coming back to Turkey, he started playing with Bulent Ortacgil Band, of which he is still a member. At the same time he continued his jazz career with Emin Findikoglu and he has been playing with the best jazz musicians of Turkey, Europe and New York since then. He took part in numerous jazz concerts from trio to big bands with local as well as international musicians for the last three decades. He also performed in more than 100 music albums so far. Cem spends all his free time with recording music in his own home studio, teaching drum to individual learners and delivering workshops around the country.

What is it you like so much about playing Pearl Drums? 

They can adapt to different styles easilyWhich drummer/band influenced you most into playing drums? Tony Wiliams. Miles Davis Quintet. 

Who in your mind are the drummers of tomorrow, who has caught your eye? 

Marcus Gilmore

What do you like most about being a drummer? 

While I play on the stage, I like to hear the sounds of the all musicians to whom I play with What is the worst thing to happen to you during a show? Breaking a snare drum head in the middle of a performance and bad acoustics. 

What do you practice and for how long?

2 hours odd time, 1 hour rudiments, 1 hour recording techniques. 

What is your best advice to a young player wanting to make it in this industry? 

Practice and be a good human  

If you had the chance to play drums for another artist who would it be?

Miles Davis