Kolektif Istanbul is an Istanbul-based ensemble founded in 2006 by French musician Richard Laniepce. Known for their high-energy live performances, the band defines its sound as “progressive wedding music,” blending Anatolian and Balkan traditions with jazz and funk influences.

Having performed at major international festivals such as Montreux Jazz Festival, Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Flow Festival, and Fira Mediterrània, Kolektif Istanbul is celebrated for its genre-free approach and infectious stage energy. Rather than relying on familiar repertoire, the group takes audiences on an exuberant musical journey through lesser-known songs and unexpected forms, turning each performance into a collective celebration driven by joy, movement, and improvisation.