Manhattan: Carlita and SOFI TUKKER’s New Soundtrack for the City

There are those rare songs that turn a mundane morning walk into a scene from a movie. That’s exactly the vibe Carlita and SOFI TUKKER have captured with their new single, “Manhattan”

Released earlier this week on Ninja Tune, “Manhattan” isn’t just another dance track; it’s a bright, infectious love letter to the energy of New York City. If you’ve ever walked down a crowded street with your headphones on, feeling completely in sync with the rhythm of the city, this track is for you.

Capturing that NYC Feeling

According to the duo, the track was born from the simple, unfiltered joy of wandering through New York. As SOFI TUKKER put it, the goal was to bottle that “main character” feeling—grab a drink, meet up with friends, and let the city’s electric energy take over. It’s cheerful, it’s upbeat, and it’s arguably the perfect anthem for the start of summer.

The Artist Behind the Sound

While the pop energy is front and center, the track is held together by the sophisticated musicality that Carlita has become known for. If you’ve followed her trajectory, you know she isn’t your typical electronic producer.

Born in Istanbul to a Turkish father and Italian mother, Carla Frayman (Carlita) approaches dance music with a musician’s ear. She started on the cello at age eight and was a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music by the time she was sixteen.

She brings that classical background into everything she touches. She’s a multi-instrumentalist who isn’t afraid to pick up a bass, electric guitar, or drum set, and she’s obsessed with the intersection of organic and electronic. She often infuses her studio work with field recordings captured during her travels, giving her production a depth that feels alive rather than just programmed.

Why It Works

Carlita has spent the last few years turning heads at festivals like Coachella, Burning Man, and Cercle. She’s built her reputation by bridging the gap between the emotional weight of her classical roots and the raw, driving energy of melodic house.

“Manhattan” feels like the natural evolution of that sound. It’s accessible and fun, but it has enough technical polish to satisfy those of us who appreciate a well-crafted production. Whether you’re already a fan of her Sentimental project or just discovering her through this collab, it’s clear she’s hitting a new stride.