When I first saw your video clip “Watch Me Now”, the following phrases came to mind: “an original pop anomaly,” “an authentic diva,” and then—I started dancing! How would you describe who Sam Quealy is?

Hahaha! Merci beaucoup. It’s hard to define because there’s Sam Quealy the songwriter, and then there’s Sam Quealy the techno-pop princess. So, if we’re talking about the pop star version of Sam Quealy, I’d say she’s fearless, glam, savage—and a little bit trashy.

Your sound blends hyperpop, techno beats, glam punk, and theatrical performance. What music or art shaped you growing up? Who were your first creative obsessions?

I’ve always had a wide range of inspirations. I loved Leigh Bowery, Divine, Marlene Dietrich, Madonna, Debbie Harry, Nina Hagen, David Bowie, Grace Jones. I was also obsessed with dance, theatre, cabaret, burlesque and musical theatre …. I saw Chicago and ly life changed after I learnt about the character Roxy heart .. and just thought she was crazy and baddass and camp all at the same time.

Dance and movement are such a strong part of your aesthetic. Do you see your body as an instrument in your storytelling?

Definitely. I was a professional dancer before I started making music, and I think that really influences how I write songs. I’m always thinking: how would people move to this? Where are the accents? Writing a song feels like choreographing a dance—it needs light and shade. And you can’t dance without music, so the two are completely intertwined. I also choreograph my show myself and alot of the clips so they really all come to life the song with the dance. I’m really glad to see that pop divas are bringing big dance numbers back—like Doechii and Lady Gaga’s Coachella set this year. I was gagged.