Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Alex Sampson

Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Sampson has talent well beyond his years. At sixteen, he caught the industry’s attention with singles that include “Cold Shoulder,” “All That We Could Have Been,” and “Stay Here,” which have quickly amassed over three million streams worldwide. This week, he drops his latest hit, “Take Me Upstairs,” which shows off another side to Alex’s artistry and will have you up on your feet. Pop Culturalist caught up with Alex to chat about his career, “Take Me Upstairs,” and his upcoming EP.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Alex: I’ve always been into music. I’ve always been a music geek. But I feel like I really discovered my passion for music in fifth grade. I did my first live performance in front of my school. There were like two hundred people and it was a great experience. As soon as I got off the stage, I wanted to get back on. Everybody was clapping and cheering. It was such a good feeling.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Alex: Personally, it’s my family. They’ve always been supportive of me and my music. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. So I have to say them. Professionally, Adam Young from Owl City. He is somebody who I’ve been listening to for my whole life. His music really inspires me, and he’s a great guy. I aspire to be like him one day.

PC: Your single, “Cold Shoulder,” performed incredibly well. What was your initial reaction when you saw the reception? Did that add any pressure for future singles?
Alex: First, thank you! I was surprised at how well people were taking it because I was worried and excited. It’s a new song. You don’t know if people are going to like it. I didn’t know what people were going to think of it, but it turned out that everyone loved it! I’m very happy, but I wouldn’t say that it put any pressure for future releases because my fans have my back and I feel like they will be happy with any new music.

PC: You’ve got a new single out now. Tell us about “Take Me Upstairs” and the inspiration behind the song.
Alex: “Take Me Upstairs” is probably one of my favorite songs I’ve done, mainly because of the groove. I really love the beat. I’d say the inspiration for it is pretty simple. Before I did this song, I didn’t really have one that you can dance to and move to the beat. So I wanted one. We got the song and the beat was amazing. It gets you in a certain mood. I hope when people hear it, it makes them want to get up and dance.

PC: You’re getting set to release your new EP. What can fans expect from Let There Be Light?
Alex: The EP is the direction that I want to go with my music and career. I feel like what’s on it is really me. It’s the music that I want to make throughout my whole career, and that’s what they can expect from it!

PC: If you had to take one song off of the EP that best encompasses who you are as an artist, what would it be and why?
Alex: That is a hard question! Each song on the EP means so much to me. Each is its own different story of who I am and what I want to be. It’s really hard to pick one. If I had to pick, I would say them all. [laughs] I really can’t wait for everybody to hear them because I really think that they’re going to like them. There’s one song on there called “Play Pretend”—it’s my favorite. It’s my favorite song that I’ve ever written.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Alex: I don’t think people would find this surprising, but One Direction. I love One Direction. They’re all over my playlist.

PC: First album you bought?
Alex: Well, I didn’t really buy them. I got them for Christmas because I added them to my wishlist. I got Ed Sheeran’s ÷, Harry Styles’ first album, and a few One Direction albums. But I opened Ed Sheeran’s first, so I guess him.

PC: First concert you attended?
Alex: It was in Minneapolis, and it was Marianas Trench. I had VIP tickets, so I met them and took a photo with them. They were super nice.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Alex: Ocean Eyes by Owl City. That came out when I was really young. I can pull up that album and listen to it and it makes me feel better and happy. I can listen to it in whatever mood I’m in.

PC: Someone you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
Alex: Jeremy Zucker. I really love his music. I love what he does. He’s a great guy. And I feel like if we got in the studio together, we can make something great.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Alex: Madison Square Garden

PC: A must-have on the road?
Alex: I have to say my AirPods because when I’m on the road driving, sometimes it’ll be like hours to get to the airport and my dad and my mom will just talk over my music, so I need my headphones. So I can’t listen to that for six hours. Definitely my headphones.

To keep up with Alex, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify.