Dissociative Thoughts is the name of the newest EP from Carlycore, a producer and DJ based out of Lima, Peru. For the artist, the name has sonic and personal resonance. The EP was created during a period of turmoil, and the music—a chaotic, high-energy blend of everything from Afro-Peruvian rhythms to hardcore techno to reggaeton to deconstructed club—mirrors that energy. It’s also an extension of the “licuadora” style Carlycore has been pushing within her scene for a minute now, which prizes frenetic genre exploration over more linear forms of dance music. We sent some questions over to the artist—read her answers, and listen to Dissociative Thoughts, which is out now on Scorpio Red, below.

Could you talk a bit about the title of your new EP? 

Carlycore: First of all, this year has been filled with significant moments in my life—both good and bad. There have been many experiences that made me question everything, to the point where I had to disconnect from my own life, my alter ego, and figure out how to manage it all in a way that still felt functional. I think the title of the EP and the tracks themselves reflect what this year has been like for me—how I processed those events. It’s also a kind of catharsis, a way of saying goodbye and closing a chapter, leaving behind what I was able to express through music.

What’s the scene like in Lima right now? How does that scene inform the music you make?

From my perspective, the "scene" here in Lima is really divided into collectives, each expressing themselves in their own unique musical way. For me, at least with my “licuadora” (way of eclectically blending very different genres in a set) vibe (LOL), there are a few people who get what it means to really break down a track live and make it feel interesting or mysterious. I don’t think there’s a party or label like that in Lima yet, but there are a lot of events that let us express ourselves—whether as DJs, people, or alter egos. The “disruptive” sound is still pretty new here, and since it’s not super commercial, it’s not for everyone. But when you hear this kind of music in Lima, it creates a totally new experience that really makes you question what a musical genre even is.

Can you remember the first underground music event you went to?

Of course, LOL! When I was 15, I went to see Ale Hop, one of the first experimental artists from Lima. I loved her music, and I think it was my first encounter with experimental music and underground events. Also, the first time I played as a DJ was when I was 16—it was my debut, and everything was new to me, but I feel like it happened for a reason.

You work within a lot of different genres. What connects them all?

I think what’s exciting is taking tracks from different genres and making them come together as one. I love sampling things that, in my mind, I think, “Hmm, this could work.” I test things out first, and if I like how it sounds, I keep it. Ultimately, I believe what ties all these genres together is the intention behind it—you can do whatever you want with a track. <3

Who are a few of your favorite producers right now, and why?

Always SOPHIE, TAYHANA, KABLAM, Chuquimamani Condori, Felicita, Blood of Aza, Precolumbian, DJ WEED, and me (LOL). Lately, the tracks from all of them define me a lot—very talented people that are creating the future in music.

You made a Deftones reggaeton edit. How did that come about?

It’s a funny story. I made it to play at a private event in 2022 during the summer, and “Change” was my favorite song at that moment. I made that edit as quickly as I could because I searched online and couldn’t find a reggaeton remix of Deftones. Well, I played it that day, and after a few months, I uploaded it to SoundCloud and just left it there. Then, in 2023, the day after my birthday, I saw it was getting a lot of likes (because some internet friend had uploaded it to TikTok), and it became a trend. I was really surprised by how it reached so many people and the comments—it was incredible to hear it playing in various places and to see it featured on several pages/people/events that I consider “big.” I like to think Deftones heard it, ha ha. I’m delulu, LOL.

What makes a good DJ set? 

I love it when it’s like a story that makes sense to you, but ends up being mysterious for the listeners. Sampling a lot of tracks live, and if it can be a DJ set made up 100 percent of your own tracks, I think that makes it even more special.

Is Carlycore its own genre?

I feel like it’s more than just a genre, it’s an experience you’ll live for only one night, and if it resonates with YOU, you’ll remember it. However, Carlycore was born out of the need to express what Carly felt deep inside, so you’re listening to the most real, feral, and vulnerable part of me.

(Photo: Giulianna Sanchez)