Carly E (Carlijn van Wijk) began playing cello and singing at the age of five. Between 12 and 18, she toured extensively across Europe as a member of the prestigious Youth Orchestra of The Netherlands. After moving to London in 2012, she soon relocated to Buenos Aires, where she lived until 2016. It was far from home that she discovered her unique musical voice, evolving into a singer, composer, and solo artist who skillfully accompanies herself on cello using a loop pedal, creating a distinctive and intimate sound.
Throughout her career, Carly E has performed at renowned venues such as DeLaMar Theater, De Roode Bioscoop, and iconic festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Red Light Jazz Festival and Lago Lago festival. Her early influences include cello legend Yo-Yo Ma, jazz and soul icons Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone, and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird. Over time, her artistry evolved into crafting minimalist neoclassical compositions with a cinematic atmosphere, inspired by artists like Ludovico Einaudi, Agnes Obel, Joep Beving and Maarten Vos.
At the end of September 2024, Carly E celebrated the successful release of her neo-classical instrumental album Natural at Amsterdam’s esteemed theater De Roode Bioscoop. Composed by Carly E herself and produced with support from pianist and producer Cédric Vermue, Natural features minimalist neoclassical pieces that cut straight to the core. Her cello mastery creates deeply emotive music where every note lingers with intention, complemented by sparse piano, subtle electronics, and occasional vocals. Following the release, Carly embarked on a successful tour, with many venues selling out, culminating in a performance at the well-known Lago Lago Festival.
Performances & Releases
In 2016, Carly E released her first solo EP, “Blue Funny You”, recorded in Buenos Aires. Back in the Netherlands, she gained attention with a performance at TEDx. In 2017, she founded her own Amsterdam-based band and recorded her debut album, “Timeless Thoughts,” in collaboration with the fully analog studio The Lullabye Factory. The analog-recorded album was released on 12-inch vinyl on June 15th 2018 during a sold-out release show at Cinetol. It was financially supported by the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts, the VSB Fund, and hundreds of fans through a successful crowdfunding campaign.
Following the release, Carly E became a regular presence in the live music scene. In 2019, she performed at major venues such as the DeLaMar Theater, the Amstelkerk, the Werkspoorkathedraal, and other renowned spaces like De Roode Bioscoop. She also performed at several international festivals, including as the closing act at the Red Light Jazz Festival and at the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
In 2020, Carly E released her second solo EP, “Day Dreams“, where she experimented with a fresh sound by blending cello and voice with subtle and original world beats. “Day Dreams is an EP that gives so much in such a short period of time,” commented The Music Below. She debuted the new set live at the club De Helling, where it was very well received. Shortly after, she was nominated to perform on the Sexyland stage at Lowlands Festival—a great honor, although it was cancelled due to Covid-19. See here Carly E’s nomination video. Sexyland described her as: “Obviously an authentic mega talent with the sexiest instrument ever“.
She used to perform with a different line-up, band ‘Carly E & The Outstanding’, consisting of drummer Efraim Schulz-Wackerbarth and guitarist Daniël Yves Dudok, who also played bass and provided backing vocals. In June 2020, they released a summer single titled “He Is For Me”.
On February 14th 2021, Carly E released the home-recorded solo single “You and Me”. The latest release from Carly E & The Outstanding was the home-recorded single “I Forgot To Tell”, released in October 2021. That same year, she performed at several Burning Man NL events (also in club “RADION”). Her third solo EP, “You And Me”, a follow-up to the earlier released title track, came out on August 5th 2022.
In 2023, she performed at an event, about which 3voor12 wrote: “Future music (name of the show) by this born performer also deserves a place in pop halls“. She also performed at the renowned Landjuweel Festival in Amsterdam.
At the end of 2024, she released her solo debut album “Natural” at theater De Roode Bioscoop: a neoclassical instrumental album composed by her, with pianist and producer Cédric Vermue contributing to its production and piano parts.
In 2025, she went on a successful tour following the release, with sold-out shows that concluded with a performance at the well-known Lago Lago festival in the Netherlands. She is now taking a break while awaiting the birth of her second child and composing new music, which she plans to release in 2026. Further performances are in the works.
For photos of Carly E and performances go to this page. You can find (live) video material over here.
“Jazzy pop singer-with-cello Carly E performs in a house with a hallway as a climbing wall. Her songs are funny, crystal clear and full of self-mockery. She plucks and bows on “her great love”, Mar-cello, and sings about her musical winding road and romantic slant. Carly’s performance is close to musical comedy: she is charismatic and tells passionate stories between songs, seeking interaction with the audience. ‘Future music’ by this born performer also deserves a place in pop halls.
Rogier van Nierop 05/02/2023- 3voor12
“I recently found the four track EP ‘Day Dreams‘ by Carly E on my never ending quest for music and ‘Day Dreams‘ is an EP that gives so much in such a short period of time. It’s the classic less is more concept! The stars of this EP are Carly and the Cello. Honestly, nothing more is needed. By layering different Cello parts and adding in percussion beats, Carly is able to create the right atmosphere. Filling space where it’s needed as well as allowing the space to add to the tension of the poetic lyrics certainly makes ‘Day Dreams‘ feel more substantial. All of which comes together to set the stage for Carly’s raw and sincere vocals to shine through, lighting the way through this poetic field.
Ash 10/04/2020- The Music Below
Between the four songs there is plenty of variety in sound. It feels more like you’re listening to a full length album rather than an EP. When you consider ‘Day Dreams‘ is just under twenty minutes, that’s fairly impressive songwriting talent.”
“Beautiful!!!!! I saw yesterday’s performance at the club De Helling. Worldly!”
Adje Kwestie 23/01/2020 – De Helling
“We were introduced to Carly E at an ‘Einaudi’ piano concert of ‘Theaterkantoor’ where she provided the support act. She played wonderful, which made us decide to book her for our 12.5th wedding anniversary. During the reception of the guests, she again provided very nice music, completely attuned to the atmosphere in our castle.”
Thijs 31/08/2019 – Werkspoorkathedraal Ligconcert
“Carly E is an energetic young woman with a cello who took the breath away of our audience during her performance on the TEDxHilversum. She is best described in 3 words: driven, forceful and honest. During her performance she took us on a world tour with her super original and strong voice. She completely conquered the stage of the ‘Theater Gooiland’ in Hilversum.”
Mie Dries (Head producer TedX Hilversum) 07/12/2016 – TedX Hilversum – The Art of Engagement
“It was a treat to have Carly E a whole month in the house, because Carlijn is such a nice and talented person. All visitors who saw her performance in TapasTheater were enthusiastic! She surprised lovers of classical music with the versatility of her cello and pop music lovers were impressed by how a classical instrument can create such fine pop and jazz songs. Carlijn gave the songs context by telling where and why she wrote them. These hilarious and recognizable stories together with her comic timing gave the performance an extra theatrical touch. Worth repeating.”
Tessa Harmsen 01/03/2019 – Tapas Theater
“It was a pleasure to have you. You’re very talented and have a great band as well. Good luck with the album and hope to see you playing again in the future. Let me know if you’d like to play at the Winston again.”
Vincent 12/10/2018 – Booker of Winston Kingdom Amsterdam
“The cello glories in the hands of Carly E A beautiful and intriguing performance.”
Richard Wagenaar 22/07/2018 – thenextgig.nl
“Insane! Carly has a golden voice and creates a pleasant atmosphere. We had a really great party!!”
Hilana – 31/05/2020 – Private garden party
“She has her very own style. She is very talented and has a lot of passion!”
Ivonne – 13/05/2018 – Huiskamerconcert
“Poetry may not be for everyone, but this way it is more accessible than just reading a book. Musical lady who stands her ground. From nicely laidback to more up tempo music. Great to program at a festival or at a summer party in your garden.”
Frans – 10/07/2017 – Festival Deventer