After 320 Troya Brunch Gigs
On a sweet, calm San Francisco morning, coffee in hand, I felt like writing a few thoughts down.
This week, after more than three years, we decided to officially close the Troya brunch project – and it felt like the right moment to pause, reflect, and share what this journey added to my life and my career.
When we first started, honestly, we never imagined it would last this long. But week after week, we received genuinely beautiful feedback. Troya was never about a party vibe. It was about offering a Mediterranean brunch experience – and using music to elevate and complete that experience. That was the vision from day one, and I believe we stayed true to it.
The music lived in a very specific world: electronic sounds blended with traditional instruments, vocals in different languages, and sets usually floating somewhere between 90 – 115 BPM. Subtle, warm, and intentional.
So, what did I learn?
I learned – truly felt – that I do this professionally. That I respect my craft. That I’m not just “playing music,” but designing an experience and telling a story through sound. I also learned the power of showing up – even on days when you don’t feel like it – and still delivering the experience you promised. There’s something grounding and empowering in that discipline.
If I’m being honest, long-term projects do come with challenges. Creativity can fluctuate over time. You build a certain archive, certain patterns start working, and you naturally lean into them because they’re appreciated. Yet inside, there’s always a pull to try something new, to experiment a little further. I think that tension is part of the process – and part of growth.
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Overall, though, I’m deeply grateful. Being able to make a living doing what I love, as a DJ, is something I never take for granted.
To wrap it all up: the owner’s vision matters. When you’re looking in the same direction, when both sides understand their strengths and respect each other’s roles, a project becomes longer-lasting and genuinely enjoyable. For that reason, I want to thank Betül and Berk once again for trusting me and giving me this opportunity.
If you ever get the chance, Troya has two locations – in Fillmore and Tiburon – and if you’re looking for a Turkish-inspired Mediterranean food experience, you can confidently add it to your list.
Wishing you a beautiful weekend.
yollghu 🫶🏻
Always open to new stories, sounds, and collaborations.
For bookings or inquiries, feel free to reach out – IG: @yollghu
