Text and interview by Dimas Henkes | @dimashenkes
Rattlesnakke for Vetor Magazine by @6math66
The rattlesnake (animal) uses a hypnotic trance method before attacking its prey. And when you listen to the Argentine DJ with the same name, you realize that she uses the same strategy to hypnotize her audience - but with music - to create a fun, pop and safe place to express yourself. Her work carries the antithesis of emotions: sometimes sweet and gentle, but other times harsh and dark. The success of her music is directly connected with showing us the dichotomy of her emotions in the form of art.
In a conversation after her DJ set at Poblenou Community Radio (Barcelona), Rattlesnake told me that during her tour in Brazil, she fell in love with the drink Xeque Mate (a mix of rum, Guaraná, and yerba mate), which is very popular in Southeast Brazil. We talked about the chaotic Latin energy that is taking over the world, especially in Europe, and how it is transforming the way people move on the dance floor. All of this is reflected in this interview, where we also discuss the difficult political situation in Argentina, musical references, and production processes.
To start, I want to know a little about the underground scene in Buenos Aires. And how did you get started?
I started in 2017, first by singing. I remember the first time I got on stage was at a place called La Tangente. Throughout that year, I started making music, as well as practicing DJing, but I mostly did it at home. Even though I knew from the beginning that I loved it, it wasn’t until 2018 that I started playing at venues. I remember a New Year’s Eve party at a house in Buenos Aires, in the Villa Urquiza neighborhood, where I played a DJ set and everyone loved it. Then the girls who organized it invited me to play at a club, and that’s how it all started to come together.
What are the main clubs and neighborhoods to find good parties in the city?
Right now, I’d highlight Espacio Ro, which is in Palermo, Deseo, which is in Villa Urquiza, El Maquinal in Almagro, or Puticlú in the city center. But I think more than looking for specific clubs or neighborhoods, I’d focus on parties or collectives and see where they’re hosting their events, since locations in Buenos Aires change quite a bit. As for parties and collectives, NMK, Kioskera, 999 ciclo, and Lacura.
Were there any cultural incentives from the government to support artists?
There were several, but with the government we have now, that's changing since they're cutting all the cultural budgets and many other important areas. There are also a lot of layoffs, and as a result, people are losing their homes and jobs. Unfortunately, we’re going through a very sad and difficult time in Argentina.
How are your friends dealing with the political crisis in the country?
Honestly, every time I talk about it, I get very sad because everyone is doing pretty badly. This government is not only fascist and only helps businesses and the wealthy, but it's also anti-democratic. Recently, a set of laws was passed, and many people were protesting against them. During that protest, more than 30 people were unjustly detained and deprived of their freedom simply for taking to the streets to demand the rights that are being taken away from them. On top of that, I heard they're censoring films and audiovisual content with LGBTQNP+ themes or those that criticize the last civic-military dictatorship. I know my friends are doing everything they can to stay as well as possible and help each other, as well as protesting against this government, but it's a very tough time for my country.
Rattlesnakke for Vetor Magazine by @6math66
What was the biggest difference you felt from the audience during your first tour in Europe? How did people respond to your music?
My first tour in Europe was in 2022, and it was an incredible experience. Being able to travel the world because of my music fills me up so much, it's what I enjoy doing the most in life. People received my music really well, it was crazy to be in cities so far from my country and have people come up to me several times to say they came to see me and that they love what I do. I don't know if I felt much difference from the audience in Argentina, that really depends on each party/event, but overall, I always felt a super positive reception here in Europe.
Were there any difficulties when you moved to Barcelona?
Of course! There still are, since I only moved here 4 months ago. I love Barcelona, and it's always been a dream of mine to live here because I love cities with beaches, and the Latin American dance music scene is thriving right now. There are a lot of Latinos here, which I love. But I miss my family, my friends, my cat, my house—basically everything—a lot. I’ve always been very close to my family, and I still talk to them often, but I really miss them. On the other hand, finding housing here in Barcelona isn’t easy. I’ve already moved twice, and I’ll probably have to move one or two more times this year, but I’m super happy with my decision.
What are your favorite Argentine musical references?
I love cumbia in general. I listen to a lot of Pibes Chorros and Damas Gratis. On the other hand, I’m a big fan of RKT, a genre that was born in the Buenos Aires suburbs and is a fusion of Reggaeton and Cumbia. The most well-known artists in this genre are L-Gante and La Joaqui, among others.
Besides electronic music, what do you like to listen to?
I really like pop, hyperpop, rap, and cloud rap. As I mentioned before, what I love the most is Cumbia and RKT. But I also listen to Noise, Ambient Music, and sometimes I even enjoy listening to Boleros or Tango. I really listen to everything.
What is your music production process like? Do you enjoy collaborating with other artists?
My music production process is very varied. I really like starting by recording things and doing sound design, which I often do with my own vocals or random samples from the internet. Sometimes I even enjoy adding a funny sample, like from a meme or viral audio, hidden in my track production to see if someone finds it and says something. I mostly work with Ableton, but last year I made several tracks with an MPC Live as well. I love collaborating with other artists! I do it a lot, whether in person or remotely by sending stems back and forth. I think working with others really boosts creativity because they can bring new ideas and teach you different things; it's a beautiful exchange.
And about your EP: why the name 'Sangre Fría'?
The snake is a cold-blooded animal, and since my stage name means Rattlesnake, I wanted to give the EP a name related to that. On the other hand, my first EP, which I released as a singer, was much cuter, more sentimental, and deeper, both in terms of lyrics and beats. With this one, I wanted to create a darker atmosphere, with lyrics that don't focus on feelings or deep subjects. It reflects the mood I was in at that time, and I'm happy with the result.