Ayet Aydin Cakus - Bunalim
Cakus played in one of the most popular, most heaviest, most powerful Turkey psych groups in the late 60’s and early 70’s called Bunalim (meaning depression). Inspired by the likes of Iron Butterfly and Led Zeppelin they would go on to record a few singles and play some packed out shows before hanging up the hat for good. Released as the second installment on Guerssen Records world sister label, Pharaway Sounds PHS-002, Bunalim would go down in Turkey’s psych history. I briefly spoke with Cakus about his early days and what inspired him to begin playing music. Today Ayet resides in California where he still continues to pursue and work on his craft. Enjoy!
Born April 19, 1949 at New York. Yes I'm originally from Turkey. Turkey is a Great place, had fund excellent memories growing up. First playing Bass at age 13. I did start playing guitar after hearing Eric Clapton with Cream. My influences early on Jimmy Hendrix, Eric Clapton. I grew up in Turkey till age 24 then moved to US. In Turkey concert were in open Roman Arenas, Schools, Theaters.First band I saw was Cem Karaca and Apaslar. Before Bunalim I was in bands called Sorular (means questions) playing guitar and singing. Sorular was great we played all around, one concert we had to open for Cem Karaca and after that Cem Karaca loved us we played many shows opening up for them.
After the band brought bigger amps back from England they played this live performance with the King Crimson back drop!
GRUP BUNALIM from left to right: Melik Yirmibir, Nur Yenal, Ayet Cakus and Berc Yenal.
Ayet Cakus, Nur Yenal and Erkin Koray.
In Sorular me on guitar and vocals, Ahmet Guvenc on bass and Huseyin Sultanoglu was on drums,so when Sorular become Bunalimlar (very first we called Bunalimlar) so all members was very first members in Bunalimlar. Later on I met with Berc Yenal at School, Berc was with Melik Yirmibir, then we got together all so having Nur Yenal (Berc's brother on Drums) Actually when we were opening up for Cem Karaca as Sorular after all concerts Huseyin Sultanoglu went to Cem Karaca as drummer and Ahmet Guvenc went to serve his Military service then me Berc; Melik Nur become together an change band name to BUNALIM and later on to GRUP BUNALIM like I mentioned we met with Cem Karaca at Sorular band opening for his shows, and he later on become like our Manager thats when we record Tas var Kopek Yok and Bunalim in single 45.
Bunalim performing at a festival with drummer nIHAT oREREL.
Grup Bunalim with aZIZ aZMET (singer) in the middle.
Final GRUP BUNALI M was Me on Guitar Vocals, Berc Ytenal on guitar, Nur Yenal on drums and Melik Yirmibir on bass. This was final line up recorded rest of the songs with different singer with different labels,reason was I allways sign English,l was terrible singing Turkish I was okey singing Tas Var Kopek Yok but after that ** no good** singing Turkisk, anyway, Melik Yirmibir was the one bring labels he had good connections and different singer they were lucky BUNALIM was backing them up. Studio experience was great we were very good at it. Had no Studio recording prior to BUNALIM.
BUNALIM!
Erikin Koray and TER playing a packed out Festival.
Band vision and overall goal was to be the best we can be always practiced. Don’t ever remember acting big, or like super star, we were down to earth very friendly to every body that's way they loved us and supported us all our concerts and tours. We were so happy just playing music, such a blessing it was. Yes we had very heavy sound, but volume was very reasonable, guitar amps were, Vox heads, Marshall cabinet bass was Selmer Cabinets. 1969 to 1972 earlier I explained member changes. In the beginning when we were 3 piece band sound was heavier, when we were 4 pieces sound was heavy to but more refined. I don't really remember why we split up I think some of the member went to military.
GRUP BUNALIM.
Bunalimlar - Basak Saclim / Bunalim single released on Diskotur in 1971.
After GRUP BUNALIM I played as guitar player in band back up EROL BUYUKBURC Turkish Tom Jones. Yes I played in band Called TER. Which backed up Erkin Koray in that band Nur Yenal was the drummer. There was no other band compared to GRUP BUNALIM. 1974 I came to Unites States, I played with good amount bands but never got a record deal. First band were ATOMIC PUPY, LOST CROSS,LIVING WORD, then EARTHLINX** Fantastic band, but never had record deal** after EARTHLINX Broke up, FEAR NATURE band lasted for long time with first recording NEAR THE BEGINING only pressed on cassette, but next 3CD's, BROKEN FATE, BLAME ME and HAVE MERCY can be found at Amazon.
BUNALIMLAR! On bass: Ahmet Guvenc, drums: Nihat Orerel, and Ayet Cakus at the very end.
Earthlinx feat: Al Diaz on drums, Mark Palomo on bass and Cakus on guitar.
Recent years I don't have band anymore **had it** Maybe I mentioned when I was in Los Angeles 1976-1982 I went to Dick Grove school of Music don’t have degree, but went all the way to last semester. Time with BUNALIMLAR, BUNALIM AND GRUP BUNALIM PLAYED MANY MANY SHOW'S went 7 Turkey Tours, played many concerts, shows were always packed we always got well received. FOR WONDERFUL READERS** I love music lovers reading about other musicians and bands, I feel very blessed never had ego, or act like a hot shot, I'm a normal intense guy can play his instruments well and love being student of knowledge. To all my brother's and Sister's even I don't see you all, but really feel like connected in spirit, wish you all Health and Happiness full years.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Dakota Brown
