Editor's Note: This story first appeared in its original format in the new issue of Variance. Click here for the full version.

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Norway’s Sampda Sharma (better known as Samsaya) has been defying music genres since the start of her career, but as she prepares for the release of her U.S. debut full-length, Bombay Calling, the Indian-native singer is fusing modern pop with a slew of international sounds and hip-hop vibes, evidenced by her new, club-worthy single “Stereotype.”

Fans of M.I.A., Amy Winehouse and some of St. Vincent’s newer material will love the song’s bubbly, funkpop sound that seems to leave listeners anxious for more.

Sharma has said she longs to make music that comes from an emotional place, “and sometimes, that may not sound pretty.” But she’s never been one to conform to outsiders’ views of beauty anyway. When major labels approached her, asking her to fix a noticeable, three-millimeter gap between her teeth, she turned them down and launched her own label, 3 Millimeter Records.

The singer has carried that perspective into her live shows, including her stunning stateside debut at SXSW, with a heart painted over her left eye, as a reminder to look at things with her heart and with an open mind.

Inspired by the likes of Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige and OutKast, her unique brand of pop is just itching to make its way to top 40 radio. And that’s a very good thing.

Look for her new album out this summer.

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