Derya Uluğ, born and raised in Izmir on February 21, 1986, showed an early interest in music. Starting at a young age, she won a radio singing competition at 8 and joined the Rakım Elkutlu Izmir music association children's choir at 9. She received musical training in notation, theory, and vocals, and began studying the violin at 11, performing as a instrumentalist and soloist at various concerts. Uluğ later pursued vocal lessons with Alper Kazancıoğlu at the age of 15 and began her professional music career in Izmir, performing jazz and Turkish pop.

After graduating from Muğla University with a degree in music education specializing in violin, Uluğ continued her studies at Halic University State Conservatory, focusing on Turkish music with Alaaddin Yavaşça in the first term and completing a master's degree in opera and concert singing in the second term. Following three years as Ebru Gündeş's vocalist, Uluğ left to pursue her solo career, releasing her debut album in 2016 with the single "Okyanus," co-written by herself and Asil Gök, and arranged by Burak Yeter. The music video for "Okyanus" surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, earning Uluğ a gold record from DMC.