Check Out Burçin Aktükün’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Burçin Aktükün

Hi Burçin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My passion for music started at a very young age, guided by my mother, who was a music teacher. At the age of 6, I began playing the soprano recorder. Later, I explored various instruments such as the trumpet, classical guitar, and violin. In the 1990s, I started performing on stage with my guitar, but I quickly realized that my real interest lay not in being on stage but in the production side of music. This realization led me to dive into the world of music technologies.

While working as a lecturer at the State Conservatory of Sakarya University, I had the opportunity to establish the Music Technologies Department. I also authored a book titled The Use of Computers in Music. However, in 2015, I decided to leave my academic career to work as a Tonmeister at TRT, Turkey’s public broadcaster. During my time there, I gained invaluable experience in sound engineering and production.

Over the years, I was fortunate to participate in international projects. I collaborated with film score composer Mustafa Yazıcıoğlu, handling the mixing and mastering processes for numerous film projects. More recently, I was honored to receive the Best Sound & Studio Production award at the International AmericanTrack Music Awards Festival. This award validated my ability to meet global standards in music production.

Now, I’m living in Los Angeles, pursuing my dream of establishing a Dolby Atmos-equipped studio. This studio will focus on film scores, game music, and Rap productions. Living and working in Los Angeles—the heart of the music and entertainment industry—offers me endless inspiration and opportunities for growth.

Combining my love for music with technology, I’ve been able to carve out my own path while inspiring others along the way. That, for me, is the greatest source of joy.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! It was far from a smooth journey. Like anyone pursuing their dreams, I faced numerous challenges along the way.

One of the biggest struggles was stepping away from the security of an academic career to enter the uncertain world of music production full-time. Leaving the conservatory, where I had established the Music Technologies Department, was a tough decision. It meant leaving behind a stable path to embrace the unknown.

In the early days of working at TRT, adapting to the fast-paced environment of broadcasting and honing my skills as a Tonmeister came with its own pressures. There were countless nights spent troubleshooting technical issues or perfecting sound mixes until they were just right. Every challenge, however, pushed me to grow and improve.

Entering the international scene brought new obstacles. Competing on a global scale meant constantly proving myself and my work. It required not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of different styles and cultural nuances in music. At times, I questioned whether I could truly measure up to the industry’s high standards.

And now, even after establishing myself, moving to Los Angeles has been a leap of faith. Starting from scratch in a new country, building a studio, and navigating the dynamics of a highly competitive market is no small feat. There’s also the personal challenge of being away from home and loved ones.

But through it all, I’ve learned that every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise. The struggles have made me more resilient and creative, and they’ve deepened my passion for what I do. Every tough moment has been worth it, because I’m now living my dream and creating the kind of music that inspires others.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a music producer and sound engineer specializing in mixing, mastering, and creating immersive audio experiences. My work primarily focuses on film scores, game music, and Rap productions. Currently, I’m based in Los Angeles, where I’m building a Dolby Atmos-equipped studio to take my work to the next level in immersive audio.

One of my specialties is blending technical precision with a deep emotional understanding of music. I’m known for creating rich, multidimensional mixes that bring out the soul of a piece, whether it’s a cinematic score or a high-energy Rap track. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on various international projects, and one of my proudest achievements is winning the Best Sound & Studio Production award at the International AmericanTrack Music Awards Festival.

What sets me apart is my approach. I don’t just see myself as someone who adjusts sound levels or applies effects—I see myself as a storyteller. Every mix, every track I produce, is a part of a larger narrative. I immerse myself in the vision of the artist or director, ensuring that the sound not only complements but elevates the story they’re trying to tell.

Additionally, my background in both academia and hands-on production gives me a unique perspective. Having established a Music Technologies Department and written a book on The Use of Computers in Music, I bring a deep technical understanding and a creative edge to every project I work on.

What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my collaborators. Knowing that my work resonates with people and adds value to their creative visions is incredibly fulfilling. At the end of the day, my goal is to create music that moves people—not just technically perfect, but emotionally powerful.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Absolutely! There are several resources that have helped me stay organized, improve my skills, and continuously grow both professionally and personally.

To enhance my technical expertise, a couple of books have been indispensable. Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio by Mike Senior and Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science by Bob Katz have significantly deepened my understanding of sound engineering and helped me refine my techniques.

I also stay up-to-date with the latest in music technology by regularly reading Sound on Sound magazine. It’s a great resource for learning about new gear and keeping track of industry trends.

As for podcasts, The Sonic Truth Podcast and Working Class Audio are my go-to favorites. They’re packed with educational and inspiring content, with industry professionals sharing their experiences and insights.

For managing my time and boosting creativity, I rely on tools like Notion and Trello. These applications are lifesavers, especially during busy periods when I’m juggling multiple projects at once.

To keep my mindset balanced and my motivation high, I turn to personal development books and mindfulness practices. One timeless favorite is Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, which offers valuable perspective and wisdom.

These resources and tools have been instrumental in shaping both my professional journey and personal growth. Staying curious and open to new ideas has always been one of my core principles, and it’s what continues to drive me forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.burcinaktukun.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burcinaktukun
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/burçin-aktükün-4980719b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@burcinaktukun
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4412648