Sam Quealy, the sensational Australian artist currently based in the vibrant city of Paris, is set to create a tidal wave of excitement with the latest single, “YUM”.
With her multifaceted talent and boundless creativity, Sam Quealy effortlessly embodies the spirit of a Badass Chameleon, seamlessly transitioning between the roles of singer, songwriter, dancer, rapper, and performance artist. Her innate ability to captivate audiences has solidified her status as an undeniable force in the music industry.
Combining the allure of a pop star with the attitude of a rock star, Sam Quealy is poised to enrapture audiences across the globe. “YUM” serves as a testament to her vibrant and playful energy, offering a refreshing fusion of techno-pop that will undoubtedly leave listeners yearning for more. The track exudes an empowering aura, encouraging individuals to fearlessly express their desires and embrace their sexuality without the shackles of judgment. It transcends being just a song; it becomes a jubilant celebration—a vivacious musical embodiment of pride, freedom, and self-expression.
In an exclusive interview with Broke Magazine, Sam talks about her inspirations and her exhilarating journey as she gears up for the highly anticipated release of her album later this year.
Can you tell us about your journey as a musician and how you developed your diverse range of talents as a singer, songwriter, dancer, rapper, and performance artist?
Since I was really young I have basically always been performing and obsessed with the arts and anything creative. My older sisters were enrolled in dance class and I would go along and join in while I was still a toddler- By age 5 I was on stage singing and dancing. I loved it! I would also make films when my friends came over and force them to dress up in wigs and costumes as well as writing a lot of stories / poems. I was accepted into a performing arts high school where I then studied dance, Theatre and Music. I think there I realised how much all the performing arts really intertwine. After I graduated school I began working professionally as a dancer – Living in Hong Kong, The Phillipines, Touring the USA and then finally to Paris. Whilst working as a professional dancer I was also become more involved in the art world. I was obsessed with Marina Abromovic and Leigh Bowery and even was able to perform at the Venice Biennale. I kind of fell into music because I was wanting a certain sound in performances … then I was like “why don’t I just make it “. So I took a lot of my poetry and songwriting and began experimenting more with voice and that’s where Sam Quealy was born .
How did your childhood experiences shape your passion for music and the arts? Were there any specific moments or influences that inspired you?
Yes I went to a lot of shows when I was young- I would go to the ballet with my mum and grandma and I was so inspired by the dedication of the ballerinas. For music I found Gwen Stefani, Lady GAGA, Kylie Minogue and MADONNA (ofc) to be powerhouses on stage and in their music videos. And as I became a teenager I was really into electronic music like Crystal castles, JUSTICE, The prodigy plus more experimental rap like Peaches and Die Antword. I was also a massive club kid. I was going out to nightclubs, music festivals and raves at like 14 or 15? I would spend Hours on the dance floor not speaking to anyone getting completely lost in the music.
“YUM” is described as a celebration of sexual empowerment. What inspired you to create a song with such a vibrant and playful energy, and why is it important for you to encourage people to embrace their sexuality?
It’s kind of crazy to me that it’s still taboo to speak about sexuality freely . Especially for women, I think sexuality should be something to be celebrated and be proud of and embraced rather than something shameful. Sexuality is an integral part of human nature , and by celebrating it we can experience liberation and self confidence.
As an Australian artist based in Paris, how has living in different cultural environments influenced your music and artistic style?
Paris is such a rich city! The exposure to the vibrant art scene and diverse cultural influences in the city have broadened my artistic horizons.
It was really hard for me when I first moved here – with the language barrier and also knowing no-one at all. However I have always been and continue to be constantly inspired living here . Going to nightclubs discovery new and old music, Art galleries/ museums and of course the fashion. I feel that growing up in a small beach town in Australia though where there was not the same opportunity as here also made me a really hard worker but to not take myself too seriously . I was fortunate enough to make really amazing friends here,Mentors: collaborators and even Love 😉
Could you provide some insights into the creative process behind your upcoming album? What themes or concepts can we expect from this highly anticipated release?
My debut album has been full recorded in our apartment with my collaborator/ producer Marlon Magnee. The album has strong themes of embracing your individuality and learning to love yourself the way that you are. It’s kind of dark and light at the same time. Like Music you would dance to during the apocalypse.
With “YUM” only recently being released, what can listeners expect from this track in terms of sound, lyrics, and overall message?
Its really nasty and annoying – and for that I love it 😉
You effortlessly transition between different roles and genres. How do you maintain your artistic identity while exploring diverse musical styles?
This is interesting actually because I had a meeting with someone not so long ago and they kind of told me to stick to one identity/ genre/ look etc… – but for me I really love to shapeshift and change. Sometimes I feel feminine, sometimes I feel more masculine .. some times I want to make sad leoncholic pop music and other days I want to make some nasty techno … sometimes I want to discuss topics of love and sometimes of P**sy. Some days a rockstar and somedays popstar. It’s a beautiful mess but I like it that way 😉
What are your aspirations for the future as a musician? Are there any specific goals or milestones you hope to achieve with your music and performances?
My number one goal is to connect with people through my music and art . . Of course I would love to play at Coachella, have sold out world tours and collab with my icons … But if I can transport people through my art to another reality, inspire people to care less what people think of them and leave their worries on the dance floor then thats a huge win
How do you engage with your fans and stay connected with them throughout your musical journey, especially leading up to the release of your upcoming album?
I’ve been touring a lot lately! I really feel most myself when I am on stage and I think my fans can feel that. I do a lot of meet and greets after my shows at the merch table and it’s so cool meeting people from all over the world that are interested in my weird little universe. I’m also off on insta and TIK TOK where I show BTS of the backstage and me and the dancers rehearsing etc.