IN CONVERSATION WITH PRETTY SICK

interview by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI

NYC-based bassist, vocalist/songwriter, and model Sabrina Fuentes, better known as Pretty Sick, has recently released her new clothing line, P.S. A visionary artist who cut her teeth in New York’s underground, she has built a cult following for her raw, hyperpersonal songwriting, gritty yet nostalgic post-punk, and alternative rock-inspired production. Last summer, she released her latest EP, Streetwise.

full look TALENT’S OWN

What first drew you to music? Was there a specific moment or artist that made you think, “This is what I want to do”?

Music has always been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember. I’ve always felt drawn to create sonically, but I guess it wasn’t until I started playing in bands in middle and high school that it felt tangible—something outside of just my own heart.

Who were your biggest inspirations when you were starting out, and how have they influenced your sound?

When I was really little, it was just whatever I heard on the radio. As I got older, my tastes became more refined, and I explored specific genres and subgenres. Now, though, I feel like I’m moving beyond that refinement and starting to see music as one big, interconnected thing rather than a bunch of separated genres. That shift in perspective is influencing my sound a lot right now.

Pretty Sick began when you were just 13. What was it like navigating the NYC underground scene at such a young age?

It was scary but exciting. I was anxious for a long time, but I pushed myself into situations that made me even more anxious, which helped me grow. I was socially daring, even though it terrified me at first. Now, I’m not so scared of other people—if anything, I’m more scared of myself.

How do you think growing up in New York shaped your identity as an artist? Are there certain memories that stick with you when you write or perform?

New York shaped so much of who I am as an artist that leaving the city and moving away felt like it uprooted my entire sense of self. But I think everyone should experience that kind of change, especially when they’re young. It was hard, though. I write about that a lot—reflecting on my home, seeing how things have and haven’t changed, and how that affects me. I have so many fond memories of growing up in New York. I feel fortunate to have experienced so many cultures, walks of life, scenes, and art forms. It broadened my worldview from a very young age. What soured my experiences weren’t the places but the people, and I’ve learned that can happen anywhere. I’m working on letting that go to fully enjoy my home again.

Your music feels so raw and personal. How do you approach songwriting? Do you see it as a form of self-expression, storytelling, or something else?

I see songwriting as therapy and release, as well as a way to engage with the divine. I write intuitively and quickly, trying to capture everything that comes to me as fast as I can so the words stay alive with both conscious and subconscious meaning. Later, I revisit the lyrics to see what they mean to me. Their meaning often evolves over time, teaching me new things about myself or life that I didn’t know before.

The Streetwise EP feels like a fresh take for Pretty Sick. What inspired you to experiment with a more electronic, dance-driven sound?

I love to dance.

Fashion is such a big part of who you are. How does your style reflect your music, and what inspired you to start P.S. by Pretty Sick?

My music, like my style, is very personal. Both change according to my mood but generally speak the same language. I never throw away my clothes because I never know what I’ll come back to later and find inspiring or comforting. With P.S., I wanted to create pieces that feel both of the moment and timeless—clothes people could wear for years. Each collection is like a snapshot of my personal style at the time I’m designing it. It’s such a fun and freeing way for me to create.

You’ve modeled for brands like Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein. Do you think fashion is just another way for you to express yourself as an artist?

Absolutely. I’m a very visual person privately, and I love creating art in different forms—video, sculpture, drawing, collage, etc. P.S. has been an amazing way for me to explore that side of myself more openly. I’m excited to keep exploring further.

You’ve had the chance to collaborate with and tour alongside some amazing artists. What’s one piece of advice or inspiration you’ve taken from those experiences?

That’s a tough one. Honestly, all other artists inspire me. It’s such a gift to know someone intimately as both a friend and an artist. I feel honored when musicians or visual artists let me into their world or have open conversations with me. I learn so much from those experiences every time.

What’s the most exciting thing for you right now, whether it’s with your music, your fashion line, or just where you are creatively?

Everything excites me—people, places, art, music, real stuff, fake stuff, online, real life—you name it. There’s always something worth getting excited about.

full look TALENT’S OWN

TEAM CREDITS:

talent SABRINA FUENTES
photography YAËL TEMMINCK
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview MARIE-PAULINE CESARI