Ali Deniz Kardelen

An award-winning guitarist, Ali Deniz Kardelen is a master of the fingerstyle technique, bringing a creative and modern approach to this genre.

As a globally touring musician and a father, Ali has developed new skills to reach his goal of exploring the boundaries of storytelling. His unique live setup and carefully curated setlist add a personal and intimate touch to the experience.

Ali’s live performances are warm, smooth, and flowing. Alternative tunings, ten-finger tapping, percussive playing, Eastern scales, and polyrhythms contribute to a richer and more captivating sound.

In 2016, Ali released his debut album, First Steps, and won first place at the Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Competition, one of the most prestigious competitions in the fingerstyle genre. He also secured second place at the Canadian Guitar Festival. Ali performed on the main stage at NAMM Show, the world's largest music products trade event, held in Los Angeles, California.

A Mathematics Engineer (BE) by education, Ali once interpreted Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” while paragliding at 1800 meters in Southern Anatolia. His second album, Diverse, released by Arpej Music in 2021, features seven original pieces, including an extraordinary reinterpretation of Aşık Veysel’s “Kara Toprak.” Ali is also the producer and host of the nationally broadcast music TV program Benimle Söyler Misin.

In addition to his fingerstyle performances, Ali collaborates with various artists to create alternative ensembles, performing genres ranging from folk to jazz. He also brings his guitar into his electronic music project, where he accompanies special DJ sets, performing at alternative parties and festivals.

Instruments

Gitar, Arp Gitar, Perdesiz Gitar, Çağlama

Awards

2016: First Place, 5th Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Competition
2016: Second Place, 12th Canadian International Guitar Festival

Albums and EPs

First Steps (2016, New Age)
Diverse (2021, Alternative)
Vice City (2024, Indie Dance)

Singles

Kendimi Tanımıyorum (2019, Alternative Folk)
Smooth Criminal (2019, Cover, Jazz)
Decameron (2021, Jazz)
Sermest (2022, Jazz)
Sunrise (2023, New Age)
Tel Tel (2024, Electronic)
The Stans Live Looping (2024, New Age)

Countries Performed In

USA, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, China, France, Canada, Lithuania, Turkiye

Ali Deniz Kardelen’s entire concert and event schedule is managed by DIOCHORD Artist Management | Art & Music Productions.