Alex Sampson is a Canadian singer-songwriter who made his big debut at his first United States festival this past Summerfest. He recalls performing his whole life, from his first stage performance in fifth grade to when he first flew out to Los Angeles, cementing this journey. He got his start on social media, and the first song he ever played live was a cover of “Gold” by Owl City. It’s clear that from the get-go, he knew music was his calling, and it’s always fun to hear how artists recall the moment that really solidified the pursuit. 

His songwriting process is more collaborative than most; he works with a team, and it starts with his thought process. Drawing from his own life experiences, not just past, but the present and even the futures that have yet to happen. He mentions how sometimes songs can be finalized in as little as a few hours because of the support he has that is helping shape his craft to really express what he wants to say in the best way possible. I love when artists work with others because there is no shame in needing an extra mind to get that thought across – sometimes in your head it makes perfect sense, but then attempting to explain it all is lost in a jumble. He recently dropped an EP titled “Growing Pains,” and he mentions the titular track and one named “Thank You For Loving Me” hold the most sentiment to him.

“Growing Pains” touches on the idea of how one ages and there’s nothing you can do about it. I think growing old is such a big topic that everyone thinks about but isn’t addressed enough because there is nothing wrong with growing old. Growing old is how one matures and gains new insights into life. I often look back on my younger years and think about how different life could have gone if I hadn’t made some careless, naive, young decisions and the changes I wouldn’t have experienced. Growing pains are associated with pain, but the pain means you’re growing. Growing pains are unpleasant, similar to changes, but completely necessary. Even then, I think Alex Sampson’s take on it with this song is beautiful. 

The other track he mentions is “Thank You For Loving Me,” and he essentially dedicated it to those around him and how he wants his family to know how much they mean to him because he doesn’t think he shows it enough. His family is his big inspiration in his journey and songwriting; in a way, he describes it as his therapy in life. He writes the feelings, and it becomes lyrics, which blossom into a beautiful song for the world to hear. 

If you like what you hear when you give this new EP a stream or saw his set at Summerfest, he is touring this Fall with Freya Skye. I’d say grab a ticket, but word is the entire run is already completely sold out, so just keep refreshing and stay tuned. Alex Sampson is going to be one of the next big things; I just know it. Stick around to see where he ends up next on this journey.