Photography © Caleb Desouza
Photography © Caleb Desouza
"My music is from the heart. It’s true to who I am.
You can label it with genres, but I never can."
"My music is from the heart.
It’s true to who I am.
You can label it with genres,
but I never can."
With a breathtaking talent and a natural ease with almost an angelic voice, here's the perfect combo to give birth to a dazzling artist such as Sam Tompkins. The one who made himself known by busking in the streets of Brighton is now signed by a label but remains this artist with his heart on his hand and an indescribable talent.
The several videos fans took during his street performances allowed him to create hype on the networks and see his career take off. It is with great sincerity that Sam opened his heart in this interview about his career, his inspirations and his social involvement.
The young artist put forward by American influencer Amber Rose, Youtuber Zoella was also on tour with Krept & Konan. He’s now about to become one of the best British artists of his generation. He told us about the start of his musical journey, his relationship with his fans and his way of living with music as a true passion.
How can you describe yourself and your music to a French audience?
My music is from the heart. It’s true to who I am. You can try to label it with genres, but I am never able to. The idea of what I want my music to be is something people can resonate with and understand. You may not always have experienced the same things as someone else, but you can empathise with me, and that’s what my music is.
When did you realize you were born to sing?
I don’t think I ever thought to myself that I was “born to sing”, I think it was born to inspire, and I think that realisation happened pretty late. Maybe last year, I had that thought process. I loved making music, but my whole life made sense when I realised the responsibility that came with it. It gave me perspective, and I almost felt there was a purpose.
What kind of student were you younger? Have you always known you wanted to be an artist?
I wasn’t great in school. Whenever my teachers spoke to my parents, it was always; “Sam has a lot of potential, but he’s throwing it away by acting out.” However, I think I genuinely knew I would never have a “normal” job. I originally wanted to be a footballer, then it was a skater, and then I fell into music organically - I had always loved it and loved to sing - but, yeah, that’s what happened, to be honest.
You posted your first video on YouTube aged of 15-years-old... What motivated this decision?
A lot of people always say this. The whole “15 years old thing”. I posted my first YouTube video of singing at 11 years old. The reason no one knows about it is because people were horrible about it at school and made me feel like I wanted to take it down. So, I did. I think the reason I did was because I have always been impulsive. I just did things in the spur of the moment and mostly enjoyed the events after. This one wasn’t though. At the time, it felt like the end of the world, but it was all relative. I wish I hadn’t deleted it now though.
The first time I saw you, you were busking on Brighton streets and it was amazing... It was a cover of 'Fallin' from Alicia Keys. How did you decide to busk?
The reason I started busking is because I wanted to buy a hat once when I was 16 and couldn’t afford it. So my friends convinced me it was a good idea and I did it. That’s really how music started being a serious thing for me as well.
Do you think busking was one of the things that helped you grow on social media?
Yeah 100% sure. A few videos went crazy viral, and it was history.
I am only 22 years old, and all the things you can do as a vocalist are impressive! Were you taking singing lessons when you were younger?
Everything I did was self-taught. I've never been one for being taught anything. I’m terrible in those scenarios. I don’t even think I can prepare myself; it just happened naturally to me, from just listening to music while growing up and imitating my favourite artists.
I saw on your social media that you often post tolerance messages and you're not afraid to react to haters. Is it important for you to express yourself this way?
What people think of me is none of my business, but every now and then I do like to start a conversation about the way we speak to each other online. Can be very damaging. We are all gonna at the end of the day, and no matter how thin our skin is, it’s always tough reading things about us on social media. As the popular phrase says: fuck the haterz.
"Having to almost relive an emotion twice just so
you can write a song about it is hard as fuck."
"Having to almost relive
an emotion twice just so
you can write a song
about it is hard as fuck."
You're really active on social media and share loads with your fans... Do you think it is something important to do for a 21st-century artist to promote himself, or is it something you would typically do?
I mean if I wasn’t an artist, I would probably still be open with my friends and family about who I am and how I am. I just probably wouldn’t do it on social media as much. The reason I do it is because I have a few hundred thousand people following me on all platforms. If I don’t use that platform to create a positive discussion about certain aspects of life that pretty much everyone faces, what’s the point?
You seem to be a really sensitive person who's not afraid to show his feelings through his songs... Is it hard for you to do that?
It’s not hard I don’t think, it’s exhausting though. (laughs) Having almost to relive an emotion twice just so you can write a song about it is hard as fuck.
Can you tell me where does your inspiration come from?
Inspiration comes from my life, my experiences, people around me and their experiences and mixing all that together to create something that lasts forever is inspiring in itself.
Which artist do you admire?
I admire every artist because they’re all doing it their own way. Even if people think some artists are better or worse than others, they’re all just doing their own thing and that’s the most admirable thing of all.
You took your time before signing to any record label and you finally did it with Island Record U.K. Was it important for you to take the time to find the perfect label that will suit you and your musical vibe the best?
Yeah, been fucked over in the past and wasn’t gonna let that happen again. When Island came calling, it just felt right.
Can your fans expect an album coming soon?
Not an album just yet. There is something on the way, though. I'm currently on the roads performing across the U.K. at different venues and festivals...
How do you feel on stage?
On stage, Sam is pretty much the Sam I wanna be forever. Very happy. (laughs)
How is it to meet your fans?
It must be impressive to see that wherever you're performing, you've got fans to support you... Yeah, meeting fans is one of the most insane parts of the job. It's hard to articulate it, but it’s a feeling of appreciation I don’t think I could replicate. They all have some respect for me as a person as well. Never take the piss in terms of how they treat me. Always respectfully converse with me and then sometimes ask for a picture. Mostly it’s genuine conversation, maybe a hug. Talking about why we like certain songs of mine. It’s incredible that it’s even possible for me.
A few weeks ago you did an amazing live show at The Great Escape which is the most famous festival in Brighton where you come from... How did you feel about playing at this iconic festival?
It was really moving. Last year I was busking outside of it. I’m on the lineup playing to a packed-out room of people this year.
What's next?
You will just have to wait and see.
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