Robin Polat: Turkey’s new punk rock star

Angst takes human form in Turkish punkstar Robin Polat. A leading artist in Turkey’s still-fetal punk scene, Robin has immortalised the rush of confusion, anger, and creative expression that strikes the hottest in one’s teenagehood through their music. Their record, ‘Holistic Tsunami’—which is as ferocious as it sounds—was created to alleviate post-party depression and pre-party anxiety. For anyone who has felt estranged from society’s neat little lines—or even just taken the time to gutturally scream into a pillow after a rough day—Robin provides the perfect soundtrack to expel your frustrations. 

“I would call myself a freak,” Robin tells Dazed MENA in the nonchalant angst that pervades their music. For Robin, being an outsider has always been both a burden and a source of strength. Their early years were marked by feelings of isolation—alienated by their interests, identity, and values. “My interests never aligned with others, and my orientation often led to exclusion. My religious beliefs and ethnic background have caused me constant struggles in my country. I grew up under these pressures.”

These experiences of not fitting in, of being treated like an outcast, became the heart of their identity and their art. Now, Robin sees their music as a space of solace for those who have felt similarly disconnected; somewhere for them to feel they are not alone. Despite the visceral energy in their music, Robin’s tender core reveals itself almost instantly in their words. At times, it’s one’s anger that indicates their deep humanity—this is one of those cases. “There are millions of people who feel separated and lack a sense of belonging,” They explain to Dazed MENA. “I feel this deeply, and when I see it in others, my eyes often fill with tears. I want to be a hope for all the children who have had to feel this way. I love them dearly.”

Robin’s music is all about escape and rebellion. There’s an anarchy to them, both in lyrics and in vibe. Their songs invite listeners to challenge norms, mock the absurdities of rigid social constructs, and reimagine themselves unfettered by convention. Through this, Robin creates a space where listeners can feel themselves, unburdened by space and society: “I want to take people on adventures, from homes to streets, from streets to deserts,” he tells us. “I want to create an authentic world where we laugh at gender roles, armies, and banks, and everyone feels real.”

While punk rock might be seen as a Western import, Robin draws parallels between the genre’s defiance and Turkey’s poetic traditions. Their songs take in lines from beloved Turkish poets, paying homage to a literary heritage that is otherwise overlooked. The lyrical sensitivity of Turkish poetry, combined with the rebellious spirit of folk music, heavily influenced Robin’s take on the genre. “I love poets who have lived in Turkey,” they reveal. “I adore Turkish poetry and think it’s incredibly valuable, even if it’s not widely recognised. I use lines from poets I love in my songs. I also love Turkish folk music… Most of the folk musicians I listen to are folk punk artists. I emulate them by playing guitar and performing concerts.”

The artist derives inspiration from unexpected places. “I consume a lot of scientific content,” they confide. “It makes me want to write, too. I can easily get emotional while watching a documentary about astronomy or I fantasise about reaching my partner by comparing them to a planet. Science really motivates me.”

Robin’s restless energy keeps them relentlessly in motion, meaning they always have new music and projects underway for us. With a new album on the way, the artist promises to deliver a sound that’s somehow more stripped down than their extant music. Beyond that, they created a clothing collection with Les Benjamins, which is on the way to launching now. Their music remains a dependable, validating force for anyone feeling lost; sometimes, it’s the noise, the chaos, and the beautiful mess that is punk that makes us feel right at home.