Ilhan Ersahin‘s Istanbul Sessions announce their highly anticipated sixth studio album, “Mahalle”, set for release January 16th, 2026, with double single, ‘Galata’ / ‘Karaköy’. Issued on New York’s Nublu Records, the new work represents the band’s most cinematic offering yet, guiding listeners through a sonic exploration of Istanbul’s diverse neighborhoods where tradition meets innovation and the ancient pulse of the city merges with contemporary rhythms.
Frontman Ilhan Ersahin, one of the rare moguls of the New York City underground scene through his influential club and record label Nublu, has spread his New York energy throughout the world. Whether jamming with The Red Hot Chili Peppers in São Paulo, featuring Bugge Wesseltoft at Blue Note Tokyo, or performing elegant oriental sets with Turkish gypsies in European concert halls, Ersahin continues to transcend musical boundaries with masterful eclecticism.
“Mahalle” – the Turkish word for neighborhood – captures the essence of Istanbul Sessions’ genre-crossing artistry. Since 2008, the band has ignited stages across the globe from New York to Istanbul, Paris to São Paulo, London to Skopje, posing questions that challenge musical categorization: Is this really jazz? Doesn’t this sound like a rock band? Their electrifying performances represent master-level musicianship meeting high eclecticism, where the often-clichéd “east-to-west crossover” finds its true sense and power.
The album unfolds as a carefully orchestrated cinematic journey. Album pre-orders launch October 3rd via Bandcamp Friday, accompanied by “Galata,” the first glimpse into this new musical territory. A phased release strategy follows with the digital 45 series beginning October 14th with “Galata/Karaköy,” capturing the essence of Istanbul’s historic districts where the Golden Horn separates ancient and modern. The second digital single, “Yeditepe/Asmalı,” arrives December 2nd, navigating from the city’s legendary seven hills to intimate cobblestone streets.
Listen to ‘Galata’ / ‘Karaköy’ here
Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff
