Carla, born in Istanbul to a Turkish father and an Italian mother, goes by the DJ name “Carlita.” At just 24 years old, she’s already performed in almost every corner of the world, gaining a dedicated following. Her star rose even higher after her set at Burning Man. We caught up with Carlita during the lockdown days of the pandemic.

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Carla, how has the pandemic affected your work?

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The last performance I did was on March 13th in Mexico. After that, all my shows were gradually postponed. Now, most promoters expect me to create an exclusive online DJ set for them or go live on Instagram, Zoom, or Twitch.

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Are you currently in Tulum?

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Yes, everyone seems to think I’m living the dream in Tulum! And honestly, it is much more comfortable and beautiful than being in an apartment or a house. There hasn’t even been a single reported case here yet. But restrictions are tightening here too. I was actually in my home in Mexico City when the virus began to spread. About a month and a half ago, four friends and I decided to fly to Tulum.

At first, it was quite relaxed. Some restaurants were still open, and we could go into town to shop at supermarkets without any issues. But once Mexico entered “Stage 3,” restrictions increased significantly. Going to the beach or swimming in the sea became prohibited. If the police see someone on the beach, they can hand out a three-day jail sentence! If you leave the beach area to go into town, there’s a chance you might not be allowed back. Everything is closed now—even some pharmacies. ATMs are out of cash. I once spent two and a half hours just looking for toothpaste.

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HAS THE FEAR OF THE VIRUS LESSENED?

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How are you feeling right now?

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I’m not used to staying in one place for more than ten days! My work requires me to constantly move between locations. Slowing down and adapting to this new normal wasn’t easy at first. But now, I’m living in the moment and finding joy in small things. Watching the sunrise and sunset every day has become something that truly makes me happy.

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Are there many people in Tulum? What’s the vibe like?

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People from all over the world have flocked here to quarantine—Italians, Americans, Brits. But we’re all being very careful. If someone new somehow manages to arrive, which is rare given the travel restrictions, they quarantine themselves for two weeks just like anywhere else. Since there haven’t been any cases here, the fear of the virus has decreased compared to the early days. Now, the main concern is simply surviving in Tulum. The weather is getting hotter, and the restrictions are becoming stricter. Living under these conditions in this heat is becoming increasingly difficult.

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Is it hard to perform at Burning Man?

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Not really. The challenging part is getting invited to the good camps to perform. I play at “Mayan Warrior,” and it’s been an incredible experience for me. For example, in December, I played at a wedding in Colombia. When I asked why they chose me, they said they first heard me at “Mayan Warrior” and started following me from then on.

 

How did you become a DJ?

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I started playing the piano when I was three, thanks to my parents. At eight, I picked up the cello. Then came my conservatory years at the Royal Academy of Music in London. When I went to university in Boston, I developed an interest in DJing.

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At 24, you’ve practically performed everywhere—from East Asia to Europe and Canada. You once mentioned how you basically toured the world during New Year’s.

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I’ve gotten used to long trips. But yes, the toughest one was during New Year’s, flying from Mexico to Istanbul, Istanbul to Vietnam, and then back to Mexico—all in six days! And that’s not counting the layovers.

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Where was your most unforgettable performance?

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Right here in Tulum! At Maxa Camp, I played a 10-hour nonstop set for over 2,000 people. The energy was just incredible.

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You moved from NYC to Mexico—why? What drew you to Mexico?

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I think it’s because it reminds me so much of Istanbul. Honestly, I feel like I’m living in a Spanish-speaking version of Istanbul.