Movement Is the Message

A chat with Sam Quealy.

Her world is built on distortion—of genre, gender, glamour. Raised in Australia, based in Paris, shaped by club nights, theatre stages, and a deep obsession with movement, Quealy merges hyperpop, techno, and raw performance into something that’s part spectacle, part exorcism. Influenced as much by Divine and Leigh Bowery as by Madonna and Roxy Hart, Quealy channels camp and chaos into a pop persona that feels both familiar and entirely alien. There’s a law degree in her back pocket, a choreographed world tour in her future, and a second album on the way—this time glittered in Italo-disco and 80s decadence. For Quealy, movement isn’t just a layer—it’s the core. Her body leads the sound, not the other way around. The next era? Slicker, sharper, soaked in disco and danger. Same spirit. Same bite. Just louder.

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.

You’ve lived in so many places—Australia, Paris, Hong Kong. How have these cities influenced your sound and your artistic journey?

It’s crazy, because I never imagined living in all these places—life just kind of led me there. In every city, I learned something new. I think it’s the mixture of all those experiences that makes my sound and perspective unique. I think when you go somewhere new you a you become vunerable and really put yourself out there… I think ive been influenced also by the nightlife in all these cities.

Your aesthetic is always edgy, surreal, and fashion-forward. How do you approach building your image?

I like approaching fashion by not following the rules. For example, if someone says don’t mix red and pink—that’s exactly what I want to do. I love mashing my influences together: a 1920s finger wave hairstyle with a crazy 1980s dress. That clash is what makes it fun.

Is there a visual artist or designer you dream of collaborating with?

I would have loved to work with Thierry Mugler. His 90s silhouettes—with the big hips, tiny waist, and bold shoulders—were the ultimate in powerful femininity. Those runway shows were simply iconic.

There’s a real punk energy in how you perform—wild, raw, unapologetic. Where do you think that fearless streak comes from?

I honestly don’t know—it’s like an out-of-body experience. The concert starts and I become possessed. It’s almost like a blackout; I’m just out of my body and mind. I try not to overthink anything—I just am. As cliché as it sounds, I’m just being myself. Live shows are really special. No matter how much you listen to a song on Spotify or watch a TikTok video, nothing beats physically being there—feeling people around you moshing, singing, dancing, crying, and letting go.

What’s something about you that people misunderstand, or rarely ask about—but that you wish they did?

A lot of people think I’m French because I live in Paris, and then they’re kind of surprised when I start speaking with a strong Australian accent- Theres also the classic that blondes are not intelligent… where I actually got accepted to study law ( very Elle woods of me) .. and I can confirm that blondes do in fact have more fun ;

What’s next for you? Is there a new era, sound, or story you’re ready to tell?

Yes! I’m currently working on my second album, which will be out early next year. The first single drops this fall. The new era is more disco, Italo-disco, 80s-pop—but still with that Sam Quealy signature. I’ve also started working on some amazing visuals that I can’t wait to share. And I’ll be touring with this album, which I’m sooo excited about—new music, new shows… same bitch ;)

Movement Is the Message / A chat with Sam Quealy

Credits:

Artist: Sam Quealy / @samquealy
Interview: Iro Bournazou / @irwb
Editor: Anca Macavei / @ancamacavei

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