About to Pop: Samantha Marq

By Ashley Iasimone Posted Mar 29th 2010 12:10PM

Who: Samantha Marq
Album: 'The Evolution of Love in Dysfunction'
Song: 'Super Girl'
Hails From: Virginia Beach, Va.
For Fans Of: Britney Spears and Fergie

Samantha Marq grew up surrounded by music, thanks to her dad, who was formerly a member of '80s hitmakers A Flock of Seagulls. In her family's hometown of Virginia Beach, Marq spent a lot of time at her father's recording studio, where she had the chance to observe artists at practice. Most notably, she had the opportunity to watch Justin Timberlake record his hit solo album 'Justified.' "Being able to meet Justin, especially during his creative process in the studio, was absolutely amazing. If that doesn't motivate you, I don't know what does," Marq tells PopEater.

While Marq was very involved in the performing arts as a teenager, it was when she was attending Pepperdine University in Los Angeles that she was introduced to producer K.O. (Britney Spears, Leighton Meester), who soon helped the singer bring her debut album to life. The album, 'The Evolution of Love in Dysfunction,' chronicles a relationship and features Marq's first single, the dance-pop anthem 'Super Girl.' The singer has plenty to look forward to as her music makes its rounds, including a motion comic created by Marvel's Alvin Lee, and live performances in the coming months.

Watch the 'Super Girl' Trailer

Seven Questions With Samantha Marq:

What was it like growing up in a musical home?

My interest in music has a lot to do with my dad being a musician. He substantially helped my growth as an artist, but the greatest part about it was he taught me what to expect when trying to make it in the business. It's a tough career choice, and you deal with a lot of heartache. There is no way I would have been able to endure this process without his advice growing up.

Your dad owns the recording studio where Justin Timberlake recorded 'Justified.' Has Justin given you any advice, or have you learned anything from him and his career?

Being able to meet Justin, especially during his creative process in the studio, was absolutely amazing. If that doesn't motivate you, I don't know what does. He is wildly talented and very creative, which is why his career has had such longevity. He has done amazing things with music over the years, and that definitely makes his career something to be admired.

How did you react the first time you heard your single, 'Super Girl,' on the radio?

I actually haven't heard it on the radio yet! It is being played in a lot of places and when I am in those cities I try to listen for it, but strangely, I haven't actually heard it! When I do hear it, though, I always imagined it would be something like the scene out of the movie 'That Thing You Do' [laughs].

What's the story behind the title of your debut album, 'The Evolution of Love in Dysfunction'?

After my producer K.O. and I had finished writing and recording a majority of the album, we realized that all of the songs, in sequence, told the story of a relationship. From there it all came together. The only issue was finding a title that embodied the entire story. That is what took a while because it needed to be just right. Then one day it just clicked, and we had our title!

Which song from the album is your favorite and why?

My favorite song from the album would have to be 'Insanity.' There is just something about it that makes you want to listen over and over again. It is vocally very interesting, and generally very creative. However, it was also the hardest song for me to record. It had to be perfect, so I kept doing it 'til I got it right.

Who are your musical influences?

I listen to all types of music, so it is hard to say who specifically influences me. However, I am inspired by a boatload of artists like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Etta James, India Arie and Ingrid Michaelson, to name a few.

What are your upcoming plans as far as the album release and touring go?

Pretty soon I will be going on a radio promo tour for 'Super Girl,' which is really exciting. In a month or so, I also have a motion comic coming out by the Marvel comic artist, Alvin Lee. In terms of performances, we are in the midst of planning a few big shows in the next few months. Of course, the hope is to eventually end up on a major tour. Also, towards the beginning of the summer I will be releasing my second single, 'I Like to Party.'

Download Samantha Marq's 'Super Girl'

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