IN CONVERSATION WITH CARLY GILBERT

interview by SAMO ŠAJN

Carly Gibert, also known as CARLA is a boundary-pushing artist, songwriter, rapper, and producer whose work exists at the intersection of music, fashion, and visual culture. Entirely self-made, she oversees every part of her creative output, from vocal production and songwriting to video editing, styling, and design, crafting a bold, immersive universe that feels both instinctive and uncompromising. Alongside her solo career, Carla has also co-written music for global superstars including Jennie and Lisa of BLACKPINK, further cementing her influence across the contemporary pop landscape.

suit jacket KWK BY KAYKWOK 
earring HIROTAKA
shoes JIMMY CHOO

You moved from Spain to LA when you were just 16. How did that experience shape you as an artist and as a person?

I've always had to just figure it out. Figure it out artistically, figure it out emotionally, and figure out how to always move forward by myself. It was alienating at times, but I'm very grateful for it. I always joke about how it's made me “indestructible.” It taught me resilience and how to gracefully deal with inconveniences. I don’t know how, but I will find a way, no matter the context. All my artistic growth comes from my personal growth, the security and confidence I’ve built through the years.

You’re involved in every part of your projects, music, visuals, fashion, production. Why is it important for you to have that full creative control?

It's important because, to me, it's not only about the music and the visuals, but about the energy I put out into the world, the words, the colors, the intention. I don't see myself strictly as a musician, but as a creator. I've come to a point where I really enjoy the way I view the world, my perspective, and my mission is to share that perspective so we can find each other, essentially. By creating from instinct, I attract the right people.

shorts STRIKE OIL
jacket and skirt NAMILIA
shoes GIVENCHY
sunglasses VOOGLAM

You’ve written songs for huge artists like Jennie and Lisa from BLACKPINK. What was that experience like, and what did you learn from working on those projects?

I will forever be grateful for the experience. I would be lying if I said it didn’t change my life. It opened doors that might have taken much longer to open otherwise. It also forced me to write from a completely different place, which I appreciated. It was very selfless. It’s a workflow I had never experienced before, since it was my first time writing for someone else. I enjoy it, but I’ve learned that it’s definitely not my main mission. My own project is. Regardless, I’m happy that my words are reaching such big audiences when I feel like I haven’t even started yet.

When you’re creating a new song, what usually comes first for you, the sound, the lyrics, or the visual idea?

It depends. For my upcoming album I had a title and visual ideas before I had any songs. I didn't force the songs to sound a certain way though, it just happened to work out. I like to be free when I'm creating, music or visuals. If I try to stick to certain themes or certain genres I feel like I'm limiting myself. 

coat NAMILIA
sunglasses POPPY LISMAN
rings SVVVA 

Your style feels very fearless and experimental. Where do you get your inspiration from?

Musically, I’d say it comes from many different places. I’ve recently been listening to a lot of Egyptian artists. Lella Fadda, who I was lucky enough to feature on my song Everything New, Abyusif. I’ve also been listening to Japanese artists. I really love MFS right now, and Emerson Kitamura. I’ve been into reggae as well, and there’s actually a bit of a reggae influence on the album, which makes sense. Sevana is a good example, and Hugh Mundell. I like how artists have their own waves depending on the country.

I also have my main influences. Frank Ocean, Kanye, Beyoncé, Lauryn Hill. Artists I’ve listened to my whole life.

When it comes to visuals, I’ve been very inspired by retro futurism, spirituality, and surrealism. Organic shapes in architecture, otherworldly landscapes, and nature. Nature is one of my main sources of inspiration.

jeans STRIKE OIL
shirt JOAH BROWN
rings IZABO

How is writing music for yourself different from writing for other artists? Which one do you enjoy more, and why?

As I mentioned before, writing for other people is more selfless, but being more selfless sometimes feels less free in a way. Things I would say for myself, another artist might not relate to. When I’m writing for myself, I can say whatever I want. I write from my own experience, I can be very specific, and I can tell stories that have actually happened to me in detail, which I honestly enjoy more.

You work with both English and Spanish in your music. How do you choose which language fits a song?

It usually comes more naturally to me in English, which I find interesting. Growing up, I didn’t really listen to music in Spanish, so it doesn’t feel as instinctive. Believe it or not, writing in English is actually easier for me.

When I do sing in Spanish, it’s usually because there’s something I want to say that doesn’t translate well into English, a feeling or idea I can express more clearly in Spanish. Ultimately, I write in whichever language allows me to get the point across most naturally.

jacket KIDILL
boots YELLO
sunglasses BRU EYEWEAR
earrings LESSER OF 2 EVILS

Fashion plays a big role in your artistic world. How do you see fashion and music connecting in your work?

To me, it’s all part of the character. Another way to express myself, another layer of my identity. Fashion can make an artist instantly recognizable. For me, it’s the earth tones, especially military green. There’s a military influence overall in my style. Tactical clothes, absurdly big boots, always oversized. It’s important for me to have a recognizable color palette and silhouette, and it naturally matches the music and the visuals as well.

You recently became independent and took more control over your career. How has that change affected your creativity and confidence?

I’m free. That’s the best way I can describe it.

suit jacket KWK BY KAYKWOK 
earring HIROTAKA
shoes JIMMY CHOO

What advice would you give to young artists who want to create their own world the way you do?

Make space for your intuition to take the lead, and when it does, trust it and listen to it. It’s very easy to be influenced by other people’s opinions. If you feel like you’re being influenced in a way that corrupts your artistic integrity, remove yourself from the situation. Spend time alone and really think about what you want, what you like, and what you don’t like. Your motives. And most importantly, have full confidence in yourself. Allow yourself to create freely, with no shame. If you fail, try again. It’s a journey of resilience.

TEAM CREDITS

talent CARLA
photographer SAM DEMESHEK at The Only Agency
stylist LINDSEY HARTMAN at The Only Agency
makeup ELIE MAALOUF at The Only Agency
hair MEL DOMINGUEZ at The Only Agency
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director JANA LETONJA
interview SAMO ŠAJN