Sanli Ozlen

With the highly anticipated release of "Weapons," singer, songwriter Ekin is fulfilling her lifelong musical dreams. Born in Turkey and raised in Cocoa Beach, Florida, she was influenced by her father, a talented dancer, and her stepmother, an opera singer. Launching her international modeling career at an early age, she did photo shoots during the day and spent her nights in many different cities, immersed in and pursuing music, hanging out at night clubs and studios with top musicians and producers. Moving to New York City to further her modeling career, Ekin - a former Miss Turkey finalist - signed with the Ford Modeling Agency and began doing catalog work and editorial work and found her niche in body modeling. While living in Manhattan, her musical ambitions were rekindled by Brooklyn based free-styling hip-hop artists who engaged in spontaneous "word battles." Inspired, she bought a Pro Tools rig and started experimenting with beats, which led to her begin writing lyrics and melodies and singing again. Ekin, who cites her contemporary pop influences as Beyonce, Rihanna, Alicia Keys and Drake, moved to Los Angeles several years ago to continue working on her music. In addition to "Weapons," for which she also made a provocative music video, she also has her second single and video, the full-on Middle Eastern flavored "You and Me," lined up for release after her debut.