“I love strong villain characters who kick ass!”
Photographed in Paris at the Hotel Langlois by Yann Morrison
Styling by Maël Gicquel
MakeUp by Yin Liu
Hair by Alexandra Adams
Photo Assistant Achille Groene, Style Assistant Erwan Jolivet
above : corset ENAELLE PARIS, shoes AMIN KADER, skirt ARTURO OBEGERO, gloves THOMASINE
Sam Quealy, Trashy Glam Pin-up
Sam Quealy is an icon. Maybe not for everyone, but that’s only because they haven’t heard of her yet. She exudes a powerful aura for certain people. Everything and nothing separates us. Simple, calm, and cheerful, one could imagine her being completely different. Perched on the high heels of her patent leather boots, she lights up the tea room at the Langlois Hotel. We chatted for an hour.
To discover Sam Quealy, there’s nothing better than listening to Blonde Venus, a project released in 2023 that melts like candy on the tongue to reveal a tart and crackling heart. Her Australian nationality has greatly influenced her relationship with electronic music, given the importance of raves in the Land Down Under. But for any child who dreams big, even grandiose, it sometimes becomes necessary to take control of their destiny. Her arrival in Paris was therefore no accident. “Even if it’s Sydney, it’s still an island.”
She was born to be a star. The music she offers is the pure product of that. Nasty and trashy are the terms that define her. Her music is not subversive; it is honest and resembles her.
“Trashy glam is fun because it’s a positive message. It’s a positive message because it’s not too serious. People who listen to me can forget everything at that moment, while for me, it’s real therapy.”
Off-screen music
Sam Quealy praises the night. Through her odes to long, endless evenings, she depicts a marginal life that many may have experienced. By enhancing her lyrics with productions that transcend genres, she blurs the boundaries between styles.
“It’s harder than pop but it’s definitely not techno at all.”
She takes advantage of this in-between space, these gray areas, to highlight the uniqueness of her work. Because this originality stems from experimentation, she imposes no constraints on herself. “There are no rules in all arts. “ She produces with Marlon, her producer, who supports and pushes her with great dedication. During our conversation, the name of Aymeric Berga du Cadet, artistic director, was also mentioned. Sam sees him as a kind of mentor: ”He was my first meeting in Paris.” These two people are now pillars of support for the impressive Australian pin-up.
The paradox really lies in the simplicity of her character. Something that can also be seen in her working method.
“Today, I am doing DIY music, I work in an organic way. Nothing is forced. I started for fun, and now I’m just making music and picking the best.”
dress PRESSIAT, shoes EMPTY BEHAVIOR, silver bracelet JUDE BENHALIM
leather accessories KHOL, embroidered skirt ELISABETTA FRANCHI, gloves THOMASINE, bracelet JUDE BENHALIM
This best can be found in Blonde Venus, a 15-track album lasting 53 minutes that pays homage to the night. It is a sensual ode to clubs, to this culture, and to those who frequent them. The next album is not a continuation of the previous one, although it does feature elements characteristic of their identity.
“There are still a lot of synths and it’s still an ode to the night. But this time, it will be more pop or disco.”
Sam has a very personal vision of music, each project being like a book that corresponds to a period of life. Once the book is finished, “it’s cool to close the book.” The creative period is associated with memories that should not be prolonged.
A confident woman.
Sam Quealy is pure charisma. Often compared to Madonna, she certainly has her gift of the gab. She is tall, beautiful, smiling, and not afraid to put herself out there. Her relationship with her body opens up a whole new world for her. Completely uninhibited, she plays a cowgirl in the video for “Watch Me Now,” and a bling-bling thief in the video for “Klepto,” while highlighting her nasty and sensual temperament. It’s a real statement that allows her to sort through her audience. Not at all afraid of what people might think of her, she prefers to create a divide.
“I preferred to be strongly hated than to generate no emotion. But in reality, I don’t care about what people think.”
She is a confident woman, which she demonstrates in every public appearance. One could almost perceive this as a form of bipolarity if one wished to. This is especially true when one considers that her influences are predominantly villainous characters from pop culture, notably Captain Hook, Cruella, and Maleficent.
“I love strong villain characters who kick ass!” Musically, she references other figures who make sense, such as Debbie Harry, Nina Hagen, and David Bowie. These are important personalities who have left their mark on their respective disciplines as much through their work as through their stage style.
A fashion icon
Sam Quealy is a fashionista. It’s another part of her persona. Although she is a singer and producer, she has already dipped her toes into fashion. For her, clothing plays an important role, especially through her sensual and unrestrained imagery.
“I see fashion as a powerful tool to show the world who you are and what you want to say.”
More than just a tool, it is a genuine element of her artistic approach. As such, she embodies it through clothing to convey her message of liberation and letting go. It is through this medium that she interprets the badass-fetish-chic-club kid persona that she sometimes claims.
“To embody the badass-fetish-chic-club kid, it’s important to mix trashy clothes with chic accessories. For example, I love using fucked-up makeup with a chic dress.”
Mixing styles is ultimately what Sam Quealy does best. She blends genres and references for our greatest pleasure, without ever worrying about what others might think. We said she had everything it takes to be a star, and she is convinced she needs to become one.
“I need to become a rock star.”
She will release a new single on September 19 and is working on a new album. In the midst of preparing for a new tour, she is eager to open this new chapter on stage.
Sam Quealy ID Astro sign: Gemini
Rituals before a set: Gin tonic, doing hair and makeup, kickboxing.
Striking statement: “I’m like Jessica Rabbit in a rave.“
Crush Celebrity: Dolly Parton
Fashion: Jean-Paul Gautier, John Galliano, Thierry Mugler in the 90’s.
total look ARTURO OBEGERO
dress SEHNSUCHT ATELIER, gloves THOMASINE, earring JUDE BENHALIM
dress PRESSIAT, shoes EMPTY BEHAVIOR, silver bracelet JUDE BENHALIM
