Mahmut Orhan meriting his new album with the number three carries a significance that runs deeper than just a title. 3 is his third album, released in his 33rd year, arriving at a point where a decade of international growth has brought him closer to the artist he has always wanted to become. A record shaped by self-expression, spiritual growth and a deeper sense of assurance, reflecting an artist entering a new phase of creative freedom.
With 19 tracks to play with, Mahmut makes the most of the space he inhabits. The album features a diverse cast of collaborators including ZHU, Felix Raphael, Francis Mercier, Shimza, John Cala and Michael Ekow, alongside a run of more personal solo moments. The result moves through deep house, melodic electronics, indie dance and global influences, in the widest-ranging sound Mahmut has put together yet.
That breadth is established from the outset. Title track ‘Three,’ made with Berlin producer and vocalist Felix Raphael, pairs a tightly wound house groove with shimmering electro textures and a hypnotic vocal. It unfolds slowly instead of chasing an obvious peak.
Diving deeper into the vault of 3 the album moves between continents without losing its groove. Revealing the infatuating atmospheric ‘Transatlantic’ with Grammy-nominated American producer ZHU, and punchy percussive number ‘The Summit’ in alliance with Turkish duo Drumstone and Uk wavemaker Botan. ‘Gurbet’ with Afro Tech pioneer Shimza, Feri and Emir Taha treads tribal influences from below the equator. ‘Get Down’ with Francis Mercier swoops in on an all-low-slung bass and a looping, sultry vocal.
For Mahmut Orhan personally, 2026 has been a year of movement. He has taken his music from Coachella and Tomorrowland to Burning Man Festival, completed a 50-date global touring run across 20 countries, returned to Chinois Ibiza for a second residency, and brought his Homecoming concept to Istanbul in collaboration with travelling festival series ZAMNA. Crowned by his debut entry into the Top100 DJs Poll at #42.
It's the latest chapter in a decade-long run. Since breaking through with 2016’s ‘Feel’, Mahmut has built one of electronic music's most distinctive crossover catalogues, with 3 continuing that evolution, but with an even greater sense of ownership over the space he has created.
