Turkish-born, San Diego-based producer and performer Timur Piskiner grew up playing jazz drums and classical piano before moving into electronic music at university, where he met designer, frequent collaborator and close friend Leo Bakiri. On Timur’s debut Human By Default release, he dons his Tim Parelias alias for the first time with partner in crime Leo Bakiri. Music Is 4 Lovers chat to the pair, discussing influences, creative processes and what the future holds.
Hi Tim and Leo, welcome to Music Is For Lovers! What have you been up to recently?
Hello! We’ve recently made the move from New York to San Diego and have been busy settling into our new home. A big part of that has been setting up our home studio, which has been an exciting process as we continue to create and refine our sound. At the same time, we’ve been soaking in everything this city has to offer, from the beaches to the incredible electronic music scene here. We’re honoured to be hosted by MI4L and to be part of such a passionate and inspiring local music community.
Please tell us a bit about your background and how you first decided to collaborate together.
Leo: Tim and I first crossed paths during college in New York, where we quickly bonded over our shared love for music and started organizing parties together. The turning point in our collaboration came during an unforgettable night in Italy when we played a back-to-back set at the iconic club The Sanctuary Rome. That set was transformative—everything clicked, and we realized we had a unique chemistry. From that moment on, we knew this partnership was something special. Since then, we’ve been playing most of our sets together and blending our styles to create a collaborative and distinctive sound.
You’ve had a diverse musical journey—from playing jazz drums and classical piano to producing electronic music. How have these early experiences shaped your approach to creating house music?
Tim: Music has been an integral part of my life since I picked up the drums at just six years old. Over the years, I’ve been driven by a curiosity to learn new instruments and explore different genres. For me, producing electronic music and DJing are the ultimate forms of self-expression—they allow me to weave together the different musical experiences that have shaped me and use them to connect with others. Having a background in drums and piano has been valuable in my production process. Whether
it’s crafting a compelling groove or composing an emotional melody, those foundational skills continue to play an important role in shaping my sound.
Congratulations on your debut release on Human By Default! It’s a stunning blend of deep, emotive house sounds. How did the inspiration for the EP come about, and what story are you trying to tell with these tracks?
Tied Up: Tim: “Tied Up” was one of the first tracks I ever exported from my DAW, but it got buried and nearly forgotten on my hard drive. While prepping for an upcoming gig, I was digging through some of my older projects when I rediscovered it. Later that night, I played it during and the crowd’s reaction brought the track to life. That moment gave me the confidence to send it over to Human By Default as a demo.
Chamomile: Leo: One evening, as we sipped chamomile tea and experimented with vocal samples, we stumbled upon a captivating vocal from Turkish artist Melike. It immediately struck a chord with us. While it might not be a conventional choice for the style of melodic house we produce, it seamlessly meshed with our groove and added a unique, emotional depth to the track. That moment of spontaneity became the foundation for Chamomile, a piece we feel captures vibrant emotion and a rich, colourful energy.
What makes this label a good home for the EP in your eyes?
Human By Default stands out as a truly unique label in the industry, where the music and sound are undeniably the primary focus. Bedouin has fostered a community that deeply values the artistry itself, placing genuine emphasis on the creative work of its artists. This ethos is both inspiring and rare, and it’s something we deeply resonate with. Being part of the Human By Default family feels like so much more than just a professional relationship—it’s a connection to a community that celebrates authenticity and creativity. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to and grow within this amazing collective.
Collaboration seems to play a big role in your music. Can you share how your creative partnership works and what makes it so special?
Leo: Creating music together is simply a lot of fun. Over time, we’ve developed rituals in our studio that make the process feel more like a hangout session than work or a checklist. Whether we hear a sound on the radio we want to sample or come up with a fresh idea for a track, we’re constantly brainstorming and bouncing ideas off each other. Collaborating helps us both get into a flow state where we’re fully immersed in the creative process.
You’ve coined your sound as “Deep Dancing,” a blend of groove, emotion, and walks in the park. Can you elaborate on what Deep Dancing means to you and how you bring this philosophy into your music?
Tim: For us, it’s not about isolated moments, but the overarching vibe a track creates for the audience. What stands out in our productions is the feeling that lingers. Leo and I have this shared blueprint of our sound, constantly playing in our minds, and “Deep Dancing” is the closest our vocabulary comes to capturing it. It’s a blend of groove, emotion, and movement that words can’t fully define. The best way to explain it is by continuing to share our tracks with the world and letting the music speak for itself.
As 2024 now draws to a close, what can we expect from you both in the New Year?
We’re thrilled about what’s ahead in 2025, with some exciting releases lined up that we can’t wait to share with the world. The pace of change in the music scene is incredible, and we’re eager to dive into uncharted waters and see where the journey takes us. One thing is certain—we’re looking forward to connecting with all of you on the dancefloor and continuing to share the energy and passion that drive us.
Purchase Here
Follow:
Tim Parelias: Instagram – Soundcloud
Leo Bakiri: Instagram – Soundcloud