Karen Elson Has Energy

Office— What motivates you to have such a strong work ethic?

Six Sex— I grew up in a household where hard work was everything. I come from a very humble background and I saw my family make incredible progress and achieve things through work that I never thought were possible. It’s a lesson my grandparents passed on and has stayed with me.

How do you balance a lifestyle that includes going to clubs and parties with staying productive?

SS— It’s definitely a challenge. I’ve always aimed to do a lot on little sleep, but I also try to take care of myself as much as possible. I barely drink any alcohol (almost none), and focus on eating healthy during the week. I’ve also learned to get by on shorter periods of sleep and to treat tiredness as something mental. When I’m on tour and have two shows per weekend with flights in between, it helps a lot to mentally convince myself I’m not tired and just keep going. Getting good sleep is super important, but it’s not always possible.

What kind of art do you find provocative or interesting?

SS— Besides music, I really love movies. Watching films is one of my favorite pastimes. I get a lot of inspiration from the way certain directors tell stories, and I’d love to be a part of one someday.

What’s a fashion trend you didn’t like when you were younger but have grown to love?

SS— When I was younger, I hated loafers, and now I love them.

How do you find collaborators?

SS— I don’t usually go out of my way to look for collaborators. It generally happens pretty organically, especially when it’s for a specific project. So, it really depends on what it’s for.

What does the club teach you about song structure?

SS— I think one thing that becomes clear in a club setting is that people always want to enjoy themselves in a club, which makes rhythm and tempo crucial. Also, the sounds you choose to build the track are what will make people feel intrigued, excited, happy, or nostalgic. It all depends on the mood you want to give the song. The build-up, the suspense leading to a certain moment, whether it’s a chorus or a drop, is key to making a song shine in a club environment.

Do you feel an exchange of energy between the crowd and you when you’re on stage?

SS— Yes, absolutely. You can really feel the energy when the crowd is there to see you. There’s a special connection that just feeds off itself throughout the show. It’s one of my favorite parts of being an artist – that moment on stage.

What activities make you feel nostalgic about your youth?

SS— Going back to my home in Villa Tesei, eating the things I enjoyed as a kid like arroz con leche, guiso, drinking mate cocido, and riding my bike.

You haven’t released a full project on streaming services yet. Do you plan to in the future? 

SS— According to the numerology that’s always been with me, my debut album will be my sixth studio project. Right now, I’m working on my next EP, which will be out very soon.

You’ve mentioned that you want your music to make people feel empowered. What artists made you feel empowered when you were a teenager?

SS— Madonna was a huge inspiration for me. I feel like she was one of the most disruptive artists of her time.

Do you see the club as the ideal place for your music?

SS— I like to follow my instincts and think that the sense of freedom you feel in a club can be felt in other spaces too, through music. I want my tracks to be something you can listen to anywhere and still feel that sense of liberation.

What has surprised you about traveling to Europe?

SS— What surprises me about traveling in general is how music can connect people, no matter what country you’re in. Dancing is one of the most universal languages.

Why do you think Mexico, in particular, has embraced Six Sex?

SS— Mexico was one of the first countries where I played far from home. My first show there was a total mystery because I didn’t know how I’d connect with the crowd, but they made me feel at home instantly. I even thought some of the fans were from Argentina, but they were all from Mexico. I’m not sure exactly why my music resonated so much there, but it is mutual – I love Mexico, it’s a country I adore. I love being there and I’m really grateful for my audience.

What does perreo bring to the electronic music scene that’s unique?

SS— I think both perreo and electronic music are genres heavily associated with nightlife, enjoyment, and liberation. Bringing these genres together feels like combining the best of both worlds.

Six Sex’s newest music video for her new single is now streaming on YouTube.