Today sees the premiere of By My Side, the new single from Sam Quealy, created in close collaboration with Marlon Magnée. The track feels direct and self-assured without trying to make a big statement out of it. It moves fast, guided by rhythm and instinct, and it’s easy to sense how naturally it sits in her world, light on its feet but edged with just enough tension to keep things interesting.
The last time we spoke with Quealy was in October 2023, around the release of her debut album, Blonde Venus. That record was driven by experimentation and impulse, often pushing ideas to their limits. Since then, her songwriting feels more focused, though not restrained. The chaos hasn’t disappeared; it’s just found a clearer shape, allowing her songs to communicate faster and with more intent.
The single arrives alongside a new music video directed by Ilan Zerrouki. The visuals focus on mood and presence rather than narrative, letting the atmosphere do most of the work. With a special appearance by Renaud Letang, the video expands the track’s universe in a subtle way, leaving space for interpretation and avoiding the need to spell everything out.
This release offers a first real glimpse into JAWBREAKER, Quealy’s second album, set for release on January 30. Sharing her thoughts on the record, she wrote, “She’s sweet, dangerous, and a little bit unhinged… basically just me in album form.” The album is now available to pre-save.
“Writing JAWBREAKER made me grow up a lot as a songwriter, composer, and artist,” she adds. “I found new sounds, new stories, and parts of myself I didn’t even know existed.” That sense of discovery is already present here. The single doesn’t try to explain where she’s headed next; it simply shows the momentum, trusting the listener to follow.