This week with: Charla Prettylia aka Pretty Liar
She’s got a vivacious smile and a cheeky, fun character, but above all, she’s got some great moves and a great taste in music that now has her playing in some of the biggest gigs around town. And she’s only been at it for a couple of years! Let’s find out more.
THE BASICS
Where are you from and how old are you?
Born and raised in Indonesia — I’m 24.
How long have you been in Bali?
Island girl born and raised.
Single or hooked up?
Let’s just say single but… married to the music right now.
How did you get your stage name Pretty Liar?
My real name is Prettylia, but I added the letter “R” at the end to become “Pretty Liar” and for the meaning, in Indonesian bahasa, the word “Liar” actually means “wild”, not someone who lies. So, “Pretty Liar” is a play on words — it reflects both my name and my wild energy as an artist.
Sounds kinda wild. How did you first get into electronic music? Like, was there a certain moment it all made sense?
Yeah — first time I heard a proper vinyl house set, everything shifted. It wasn’t just music, it was a world. I was hooked. That was almost a year ago when I was deep into digging for music and stumbled across some old vinyl sets on YouTube.
So you are quite new to the DJ world. Are you part of the Dunia collective? I see you play or hang out with them a lot.
Already 2 years in the industry, but I was playing full RnB hip hop on vinyl first, then went with digital and started playing a lot of electronic music after some time. No, I am not part of Dunia, but yes, I play and hangout with them a lot.
Who is your greatest influence in DJing or electronic music?
So many, but definitely artists and producers like Traumer, Sweely, Shonky, Sydney Charles, etc— I love that raw groove.
What do you think makes electronic music so good?
The way it connects people without needing words. It’s hypnotic, it’s free.
Do you produce music?
Yes — I’ve started diving into production, shaping my own sound and slowly building tracks that reflect me.
And how are you reflected? What are those tracks reflecting from your character?
I’d say my tracks reflect the contrast in my personality. I’m playful and soft on the surface, but there’s a wild, emotional depth underneath. That’s what I try to channel into my music. The grooves might feel fun and light at first, but there’s always a darker, hypnotic layer that pulls you in. It’s like telling a story without words, a mix of vulnerability, rebellion, and rhythm.
How long have you been a DJ and how would you describe your music you make or play?
I started with vinyl and have fused it with digital since two years now. My sets blend groovy house, tech house, G-house, acid, UKG, and breakbeats — always high energy, always playful.
What’s your favourite area in Bali to hang out (day-time)?
Uluwatu — beachy, chill, with the best energy during the day.
What’s your favourite place in Bali at night (where you don’t work)?
Anywhere I can dance and not be behind the booth! But honestly, sometimes just good music and close friends is all I need.
What do you do in your spare time? Any other interests?
I’m still in university studying business and PR. I love visual arts, dancing, charity work, fashion, and creating concepts and decorations for events. I also run a few passion projects and just started building a custom merch line, etc. Always got something cooking.
Where are you a resident, or a regular DJ?
You can catch me spinning regularly around Bali — from Uluwatu every Tuesday at Hatch, to my own nights like SHE at Hatch and INFERNO at Surya Café. Also La Playa, and Thruster club, and sometimes hot spots in the Canggu area
