Bora Karaca

Can you explain your medium?

In my band Cojum Dip, I am the lead vocalist/accordionist/bagpiper/third guitarist. I play guitar, alto sax, drums, piano, and I can figure out any new instrument in 10 minutes.

How many different instruments do you play and how long have you been playing them?

Alto Sax - 11 years
Piano - 8 years
Guitar - 6 years

What made you want to start playing your instruments?

I got a set of Highland Bagpipes and became addicted to buying new instruments and learning them.

Who are your influences?

Nintendo music.

Is the type of music that you perform similar to the kind that you listen to?

Not at all. The reason behind this is I'm trying to fill a gap in the music today that lacks the music my band plays - creative, multifarious, multi-genre.

What kinds of activities are you involved in that are related to your art?

I try not to be one-dimensional so I am involved with various film projects, a documentary, and a more recent video installation.

Can you describe your stage presence? What kind of performer are you?

I'm the greatest stage presence that has walked the earth because I heavily involve myself with the audience - breaking down the fourth wall and walking into the crowd, touching everyone, talking to them. I am more modest than the modestest modestarian, and I wish I could say different, but in every single band I have seen, in every local act I have witnessed, there is such a disappointing lack of energy and crowd involvement that regardless of my musicianship I am wholly obligated to do something about it.

Do you find it hard to balance your studies and your art?

Well, no, because I am awesome. My major bridges that gap so easily that I confuse the two.

How does your art add to your experience at U of M?

I'd shrivel up without it, so it's hard to say.

What made you decide to major in performing arts technology?

Come on, take classes doing every day what I love?

What do you plan to do with your degree? What have you done in relation to it so far?

Probably get a job in sound recording, and then eventually become a music producer by day, and by night I will be known as Captain Pistachio, a superhero dedicated to centipede justice.