Bebek (which means baby in Turkish) started in a bar in Chicago. Nick Michalopoulos meets Lynn in a bar and starts a conversation. Music was something they instantly had in common, and Lynn tells Nick how shed like to start singing again. Nick is ecstatic, because hes found his angle, and after a month invites Lynn to sing with his band at a gig. Lynn, a lover of Anita ODay, soul, and Ani Di Franco, says yes, and performs a Led Zeppelin song with them. Soon Nick and Lynn move to Philadelphia and get married. Nicks mother dies soon after the inception of Bebek. This serves as a point of departure for much of the material Bebek starts to perform. The lyrics portray deeply personal situations about attachment and loss with a poetic humanity. Lynns soaring vocals fit in a Philadelphia scene partially dominated by neo-soul, while the edgy, gurgling electronica of Nick’s music set the band apart from the rest of the Philly indie scene. Bebek makes a name for itself by crossing over to both of these audiences, while maintaining their unique sound. This leads the Philadelphia Weekly to recognize in the bands infancy that Philadelphias budding Bebek possesses a sneaky infectiousness that hints at a bright future."
Bebek releases its first full-length record, Bebek, at a sold out show at the popular Philadelphia club The Fire. The sell-out adds to the bands momentum and soon they become one of Phillys largest draws, playing big venues like the TLA. Along with these larger venues come headlining gigs at the North Star and World Café Live. Local, national, and European press all agree that the bands self-produced, eponymous debut demonstrates a musical breadth and distinct compositional creativity. Positive press and excellent record play propel Bebek steadily higher on the national radar. The record has played or is currently playing on 301 college, triple A and satellite stations combined across the country and in Europe. The band is now firmly established in New York, Chicago, D.C, Winston-Salem & Greensboro, NC and Lexington, KY and has started building audiences in Boston, Nashville, and Louisville, KY. In addition to 2006’s SXSW, Bebek has performed at the Hyperactive Music Festival in Albuquerque, Midpoint Music Festi in Cincinnati, Summerfest ‘ 05 in Milwaukee and Lebowski Fest in New York in October 05 - an event that is covered in Rolling Stone, Playboy, Spin and Giant.
Bebek is currently licensed for MTV shows Made and My Super Sweet Sixteen as well as PBS Roadtrip Nation. While the bands sound already draws comparisons with other pioneering acts such as Stereolab, Bjork, Portishead, Pink Floyd, and Radiohead, Bebek continues to expand their sound. Nick and Lynns lyrics still retain the personal nature of the first record, but are more outward looking. The guitar work of Frank Vasile presents new dimensions to the groups sound. Nicks synth textures are more tactile while the rhythm section, led by Adam Mizelle and Anthony Matthews, is more relentless. Add to this, Lynn’ s deeply intimate and varied vocal approaches and you have the creation of a unique brand of dream pop. Open Eyes takes Bebek from an idea in a Chicago bar to a national act with a stunning and unique musical vision.