Check out our interview with Canadian based singer/songwriter Alex Sampson who is best known for his rise to fame on TikTok and for his hit single “Cold Shoulder” which hit more than 100K streams within weeks of its debut.
Currently, Alex is gearing up to release one song a month for the next two months leading up to his EP, Let There Be Light, coming fall 2020.
Off the EP, Alex has already dropped single “Let There Be Light” track & video followed by “Take Me Upstairs” this June, which have both proven to be greatly successful. Next up, Alex will drop “Cannonball”, “Little Town” and “Save You”. Each one will be accompanied by a video component.
Follow Alex @alexsampson
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Describe yourself in 3 words?
If I could describe myself in three words, I think I’d use: Funny, Charismatic, and Charming.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Uhm, I guess I got into the music industry through TikTok. I started posting short covers on the app back in January of 2019, and ever since then, I got flown out to L.A, recorded some songs, and here we are!
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’d have to say my family influenced me a lot. There hasn’t been a single day where music isn’t blasting throughout my house, hahaha. On the artist side of things, I’d say that Adam Young from Owl City inspired me most. He has an amazing character, an amazing singer-songwriter, and just all-around amazing guy.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes, I do! I play the piano!
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes, I get nervous all the time.
Tell us about your new hit single “Cold Shoulder?”
I wrote “Cold Shoulder” about 10 months ago in L.A with Jack Newsome and Josh Vida. It’s definitely one of, if not, my favorite song I’ve been a part of so far in my journey as a songwriter.
What’s the story behind this song?
The story behind “Cold Shoulder” is about a toxic relationship. Kind of a one-sided thing where you give your all but receive nothing in return. She always blamed you for things you never even did, didn’t allow you to do things you wanted, etc. You gave her everything she wanted, so she doesn’t have a use for you anymore. You break up, and all you were left with was a cold heart, cold shoulders.
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
No, sadly I didn’t have any concerts planned before COVID struck. But I’m very excited for when I get to eventually do them! I haven’t performed anything live yet.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
Something fun and rewarding that comes from what I do is the reactions of the people who listen to my songs. It’s an amazing feeling to have people enjoy the art you make and are so passionate about. A downside of what I do would have to be the ability to not trust as many people as you once thought you could. But it makes for good songwriting, so it’s a win-win.
What’s next for Alex Sampson in the last months of 2020?
Up next are some new songs and videos. Hopefully, an acoustic version of one of my songs and maybe even a feature with another artist!
What is you favorite song? And why?
My favorite song of all time would have to be Fireflies by Owl City. Owl City is a big part of my life and was a big part of my childhood.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
A book every entrepreneur should read is called The Wealthy Baber by David Chilton
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
I can’t really think of any tough decisions.
Any loves other than music?
I love reading, I love running, and most importantly, I really love acting. If singing doesn’t work out, I’ve always wanted to have a go at acting.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I know this is kind of cheating in a way, but I’d have to say my grandmother. She passed away a year before all of this started happening with me, so if I had the chance to bring her back today, even just for one day, I’d love to hear what she’d have to say.
Best advice ever given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is, “Always be yourself no matter what.” If people don’t like you for who you are, then they shouldn’t be in your life in the first place.
How’s a typical day in your life?
Recently, an average day in the life of Alex Sampson is waking up at around 11:AM and lying in bed for an hour debating whether to get up or not. Then getting up, having a shower, and eating breakfast. Then after that, I usually play Minecraft with my brother or if I have a writing session, I’ll write some songs. I stay awake until 2:AM some nights because creativity never SLEEPS!!!!! The best ideas sometimes come very late at night. I’ve also met some new people recently that I’ve been talking to a lot.
Name one your strengths?
One of my strengths would have to be how optimistic I am.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
My idea of a perfect Sunday would be sleeping in, getting up, eating as much as I can and then going back to bed.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
My favorite song to belt in the car and/or karaoke would have to be Married In Vegas by The Vamps.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My own definition of happiness would have to be my family.
Do you support any charities?
Hell yeah, I love supporting and donating to as many as I can!
What is your favorite healthy food?
My favorite healthy food would have to be strawberries.
And your favorite cheat food?
My favorite cheat food would have to be strawberry shortcake.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
A dealbreaker on the first date for me would have to be if she has a boyfriend. Jk, lmao… if she has bad breath.
How would you describe your fashion style?
I don’t really think I have a fashion style but if I had to describe it, I’d describe it as casual.
What do you think of Social Media?
If I’m being 100% honest, social media is probably one of the best and worst things in the world. It can be amazing at times and downright horrible in others. I try and spend as much of my time away from my phone and seeing life through my eyes instead of a screen. When I’m on social media, I love to reply to people as much as I can because without my followers/fans, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. It’s the next best thing to actually being there to congratulate them in person.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on:
Instagram: @alexsampson
Tiktok: @Asampz
Snapchat: @Asamp04
Quote: “Everyone else is taken; just be you.”
Movie: The First Time
Sports Team: Toronto Maple Leaves
Photo Credit: @David Esterson
