Pretty Sick (Nov. 2019)
Freedom exists within an untethered self. To live without a single aspect of one’s being hidden behind conformist beliefs or an internal fire for praise. Few reach this plateau, with even fewer even opting to begin the ascent in fear of condemnation. In many ways, it’s a star to stare off to in the night sky of personal fulfillment. But here, in this odd generation, exists a new breed of artists and individuals alike who have opted to stop staring above and instead find such freedom within themselves.
This is the rare space of existence Pretty Sick has found comfort in, a space of ultimate expression regardless of the undercurrent necessities in modernity’s holdings.
Fronted and creatively spearheaded (as well as ran almost entirely) by Sabrina Fuentes, Pretty Sick is a band of the future and past all at once. Generations of ‘fuck you’ rockstars and illegal underground dive bars of inclusivity mixed with a modern love for the occult as well as all things demonic. Sabrina’s vision and that of Pretty Sick entire are one so often attempted but rarely reached to the fullest. This is only due to the fact that this vision is not who others truly are, but of course in this case, it’s what Pretty Sick is effortlessly due to it being their natural being.
When virgin ears are thrown into the horror of their screaming instrumentation, the possibility of a killer hiding in their closet becomes all the more legitimate. Their fears aren’t quelled by the fact Sabrina’s voice touches like a kiss of death throughout every moment, rekindling childhood fears of Bloody Mary appearing on their next trip to the washroom.
But don’t get it twisted. Pretty Sick can create dreams as fast as they can create a nightmare. Between the moments of shock and awe come moments of compassion and hurt that all can identity with. The teenage love stories of film and television are brought back to a level of reality. Melancholy takes centre stage above the verbalizing fuzz, ultimately revealing the dichotomy of human interaction and the pain within growing into oneself.
And in this moment of history where an understanding of self is as lucrative as gold, Pretty Sick is reminding of the important journeys to pursue. While so much can feel lost, in transition and totally hopeless, Pretty Sick reminds of the internal spark carried within all. Instead of looking to the stars, we can listen to Sabrina be so unapologetically herself that it pushes us to do the same.
While every individual may not feel compelled to look within, it is sure that any who step inside Pretty Sick’s universe are going to have a matchstick thrown down their throat. It’ll eventually connect with that initial spark and create a flame so intense and passionate no outside winds can blow it out. And yes, a collected group of people all with fire in their stomach listening to Sabrina’s sorcery may seem hellish from afar, upon a closer look, it is nothing short of pure bliss.
Our first question as always, how’s your day going and how have you been?
This morning I got woken up at nine by a roommate about a handyman coming at one. He never came, but I had waited for him so I was late to practice, which was supposed to be at one. I went to class at two, which was chill, then went to practice after. We then took three trains to the venue for a show with Miss June. The venue was the Lexington. We soundchecked and got burgers from the venue. The burgers made all of us violently ill. We played a fun show, I think we did well, the crowd seemed into it. Afterwards, I got off stage and vomited up all of the burger, which sucked. Then we saw Miss June play and they absolutely killed it, but I kept having to run to the bathroom to vomit. Then we chilled backstage for a bit, drank beer and then I went to a lesbian dance party. Some friends got in a fight at the party, then other friends made out and someone lost my coat check ticket. It was overall hectic and dramatic, but it was more exciting than most days in London. So I had a good day, I guess.
But you’re saying that’s that most days in London aren’t that interesting? Are you finding that so far it's been a bit stagnant compared to your time in New York?
It’s much bigger and slower than New York, yet, often times more chaotic. But I’m beginning to really love it here, in the past I had a much harder time.
Did you find the transition in environments to be difficult or was the change exciting?
Once difficult, now exciting.
You mentioned to me that it’s been a crazy few months, what have you been finding yourself working on and is there a peace finally settling in?
I’ve been working on music and writing a lot. I also manage, book, and generally run the whole band pretty much by myself, with the exception of the help from other members of the band or friends, like Manon Macasaet, every once in a while, all of whom I could not do this without. It's a lot of work to take on for one person, especially while juggling trying to build more of a team, friendships and relationships, and moving back and forth all the time. Things can be somewhat peace-fuller here in London compared to New York due to the slower pace of life, but even so I find myself overwhelmed at times. But I’m not complaining, I really enjoy working and am so lucky to be able to work on something that I care about as much as music.
Absolutely, a project like this is so much more than just the music creation, it’s an entire life commitment. Now obviously, there has to be a deep passion for said art and music. What is the first memory you have with music or art that really sticks out to you as formative?
I remember writing silly little songs or changing lyrics in songs I heard to better suit myself when I was like five or six. I also remember singing in the car listening to the radio.
When did it really strike you that this could go beyond silly little songs and could be a serious project in which you can fully express yourself?
I’ve been writing since then and I don't think I ever thought of my music as anything but serious, even if in hindsight I think it's silly now. I’ve always known it’s what I’m supposed to do, or at least the only thing that really makes me happy and able to express myself.
Do you find that creating happiness through expression is your goal with creation or are there other aspects beyond happiness which matter?
I don't know, all aspects of music makes me happy, but writing is the only thing that brings me peace. Music as a whole feels so vital to my life I honestly cannot imagine what existence would be like without it.
For sure, and it’s interesting because you’re able to find expression of self in multifaceted aspects of creation. Do you find that the constant work to be an individual in a constraining world is part of your drive and what you also hope for others to find?
It’s definitely a part of my drive, when I was younger I often felt like I didn't fit in because the way that I am, but I’ve met like-minded people through working hard and never compromising myself. I hope that anyone who feels like an outsider can find their own place.
What’s the single best concert you’ve ever been to and what struck you about it?
That's so tough. I saw Stevie Nicks play with Dave Grohl once when I was really young and it really had a lasting effect on me, but I think she has that effect on most people.
You’ve been playing some live shows lately too as well. What does the live space represent to you above just a place to share music more directly? How can you add a new dimension to your music through it?
I think a lot about how the live space can be so fleeting in a digital age where all other aspects of a musical project are heavily documented on the internet with recordings, interviews, and videos. I wasn't very comfortable onstage for my first four years of playing music live, but I did it anyway because at the end of the night I always felt proud of myself. I used to cringe watching videos of myself onstage, but watching videos of women who I love in rock, like the Runaways or L7 or Hole, has made me more comfortable with myself. I love to play live because it gives me an opportunity to say or do something that is only for the viewers’ eyes and ears only, but also unfortunately sometimes iPhone cameras. It feels more exhilarating than any other aspect of what I do, yet somehow almost as intimate as I feel writing by myself.
That's a really interesting perspective on the power of live performance. Does it matter to you to really take people away from the digital age whenever possible? I know I personally feel it to be a medium powerful, yet also damaging.
I like having the ability to take people away from digital experience, but at the same time don't fight the fact that people are so embedded in it now. I have the internet to thank for most of our fans, and most of my income, so it would be counterproductive to fight it. I also think a lot of cool things can come from building a community across the world through the web.
Do you find in your life you have any other philosophies you feel a connection to?
Not really, I mostly just trust my gut.
Honestly, that’s probably the best way to live. As a final thought, if you could see for a second what your Wikipedia page would say in the year 2358, what would you want the first line to be?
Sabrina Fuentes is a Goddess from the early 21st century known for committing freaky occultist miracles and for ruling over the sinful masses of earth with an iron fist.
Photos by Drake Li