Indra Aziz
Francisca Cuello, known artistically as Six Sex, has emerged as a significant force within contemporary electronic music, forging a persona that is as provocative as it is meticulously crafted. Hailing from Buenos Aires, the singer and producer has cultivated a unique artistic universe where sensuality and playful subversion are inextricably linked. Her approach to music and performance consistently challenges boundaries, transforming the dancefloor into a sacred space where humor cuts deep and "going too far" is not a consideration but an inherent part of her artistic ethos. Following a string of five successful EPs and extensive international touring, Six Sex has now unveiled her highly anticipated debut album, "ULTRA." Released on the symbolically significant date of June 6th, "ULTRA" is a bold statement, refusing to be confined by genre or emotional categorization, instead pushing all sonic and thematic elements into uncharted, exhilarating territory.
CLASH magazine had the opportunity to speak with Six Sex backstage at Primavera Sound, a pivotal moment in her European tour. During the interview, she discussed the immersive recording process of "ULTRA" in the Argentine countryside, her profound connection to club culture, and her perspective on why this debut album represents her most significant artistic undertaking to date.
The Genesis of "ULTRA": An Immersive Creative Retreat
For those new to the electrifying world of Six Sex, Francisca Cuello describes her artistic identity and output with characteristic clarity and enthusiasm. "My name is Francisca, and my artist name I’m Six Sex," she explains. "I make music to dance and have fun to. I’ve worked on five EPs and my debut album, ‘ULTRA’, is out now. I’m also the general producer of most of my projects!" This self-sufficiency underscores her comprehensive control over her artistic vision, from conception to execution.
The journey to "ULTRA" has been a significant evolution from her previous work, which includes five EPs and a global performance schedule. Cuello elaborates on the creation of her debut album, highlighting its intensity and unique setting. "Personally, I really liked how the making of this album happened. Compared to everything else I’ve done it was so much more intense. It was the first time I went somewhere specifically to make music – just me with my producers and my friends, out in the countryside in Buenos Aires. There was nothing else to do but make music. It deeply impacted me both artistically and personally, and I felt like a huge lightning bolt had hit us. Something struck the studio, and we don’t even know if it fell on the countryside or on me. Making it in isolation with my closest collaborators, people I’ve worked with for years, was a really new and very powerful experience."
This deliberate isolation in the Argentine countryside provided an environment conducive to deep creative focus, allowing Cuello and her collaborators to immerse themselves entirely in the album’s sonic and thematic development. The "lightning bolt" metaphor suggests a profound, almost spiritual awakening during the creative process, indicating that "ULTRA" is more than just a collection of songs; it is a transformative artistic statement.
A Period of Accumulation and Release
The period preceding the release of "ULTRA" saw a deliberate pause in Six Sex’s solo output. Cuello acknowledges this hiatus and its impact on the album’s creation. "Yeah, I hadn’t released my own music for about a year; not features, I mean music that was truly mine. And that was also something special about it. It was like a funnel of energy; everything had been accumulating, and it all went straight into the album." This intentional period of creative gestation allowed for a significant build-up of artistic energy and ideas, which were then channeled directly into the album, contributing to its potent and concentrated impact. This strategy of controlled release often leads to more impactful artistic statements, as seen with other artists who have taken hiatuses to develop significant bodies of work.
Thematic Resonance: Ownership, Fetishism, and Liberation
"ULTRA" delves into complex themes, notably addressed in the album’s closing track, "no more porn," which features the powerful lyric, "my body is not your fetish, my body is my fetish." Cuello articulates the intended emotional impact of her music, tracing its origins back to a playful beginning. "Starting to make music was kind of a joke that stuck around and kept going. And when I started working on it seriously, connecting with people, connecting with the art, I realised how good it was for me to vent through music. And from there I realised that the meaning of my music was for people to feel identified, to feel seen, to feel free, to feel more unburdened: To be able to be themselves through a song."
This sentiment reflects a broader cultural conversation around body autonomy, the commodification of sexuality, and the reclaiming of personal power. By asserting "my body is my fetish," Cuello challenges external perceptions and gazes, emphasizing self-possession and self-celebration. The album’s themes resonate with a generation increasingly vocal about reclaiming narratives around identity and sexuality, offering a cathartic and empowering experience for listeners who identify with these struggles and desires. The explicit nature of some lyrics, combined with the album’s empowering message, positions Six Sex as a vanguard artist in this discourse.
Club Culture as a Sanctuary and a Platform for Change
Club and dance music spaces hold a profound significance for Six Sex, shaping her artistic development and her perspective on community. "They’re kind of the spaces where I grew up," she reflects. "I’ve always been one to go to underground places – clubs that aren’t so mainstream. But from the position I occupy now in those spaces, I think it’s important to promote and try to make them safe spaces for women and for queer people. Being able to show up in clubs and in music from a different position – in terms of what you represent – I think that’s really important."
This commitment to creating inclusive and safe environments within nightlife is particularly relevant in contemporary discussions about the social responsibilities of artists and venues. As electronic music continues to grow in popularity, the need for spaces that actively foster respect and safety, especially for marginalized communities, becomes increasingly paramount. Six Sex’s explicit intention to leverage her platform for this purpose highlights a growing trend of artists using their influence to advocate for social change within their respective scenes. The rise of female and queer artists in electronic music is not just a demographic shift but a cultural one, bringing new perspectives and priorities to the forefront.
"ULTRA" Arrives in Europe: A Global Manifestation
The European leg of Six Sex’s tour, including performances at Primavera Sound, We Love Green, and in Madrid, marks a crucial moment for the dissemination of "ULTRA." Cuello expresses her excitement about sharing the album with a wider audience in its intended context. "It’s really exciting to bring the album to fans and play it in some cool spaces. This is where I intended the album to be heard and shown, these are the settings I had in mind for it."
The selection of these prestigious festivals and venues suggests a strategic approach to her international rollout, aiming to present "ULTRA" within environments that mirror the album’s expansive and celebratory spirit. The success of her performances at these events will undoubtedly solidify her status as a global artist and further amplify the album’s impact. The European tour serves as a testament to the growing international appeal of Latin American electronic music and the distinct artistic vision of artists like Six Sex.
Artist Profile: Six Sex
WHAT: Fantasy, spicy, provocative. This encapsulates the core elements of Six Sex’s artistic output, hinting at escapism, daring sensuality, and a fearless approach to pushing boundaries.
WHERE: Buenos Aires, Argentina. This geographical origin is crucial, grounding her music in a rich cultural landscape that likely influences her sonic palette and thematic explorations. The vibrant and sometimes politically charged atmosphere of Buenos Aires can inform an artist’s willingness to be provocative and socially conscious.
3 SONGS:
- "no more porn": The album closer, explicitly addressing themes of body autonomy and reclaiming fetishism. Its placement suggests a powerful concluding statement.
- "BITCH UP": The title alone evokes a sense of defiance and empowerment, likely a high-energy track designed to invigorate and assert dominance.
- "3": The simplicity of the title might suggest a track that is direct, foundational, or perhaps represents a crucial turning point within the album’s narrative.
FACT: The anecdote about Francisca Cuello’s early LinkedIn profile, with the bio "excited to work," becoming a fan-generated meme and even appearing on merchandise, offers a fascinating glimpse into her organic connection with her audience. This unexpected piece of internet culture highlights the playful and sometimes serendipitous ways artists connect with their fans in the digital age. It demonstrates that even seemingly mundane actions can be reinterpreted and embraced by a dedicated fanbase, turning them into iconic elements of an artist’s persona. This also speaks to the authenticity that fans often seek, and how Six Sex, even in her early online presence, inadvertently embodied a relatable and humorous aspect that resonated deeply. The fact that this meme has been commercialized through t-shirts further illustrates the unique and often unpredictable ways fan culture can manifest and influence an artist’s broader brand.
The impact of "ULTRA" is poised to extend beyond the immediate reception of the album. Six Sex’s commitment to challenging norms, fostering inclusive spaces, and creating music that is both cathartic and exhilarating positions her as a vital voice in the evolution of electronic music and a significant cultural commentator. Her journey from producer and performer to a champion of safe spaces and self-expression signifies a new era for artists who are unafraid to integrate their personal convictions with their creative output, ultimately enriching the artistic landscape for both creators and audiences alike.
