Sam Tompkins // Interview

A breathtaking talent, a natural ease with almost an angelic voice, here is 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 still remains this artist with his heart on his hand with an indescribable talent. The several videos taken by fans during his street performances allowed him to create the hype on the networks and to see his career take off. It is with a 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 confides to us 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 and label it with genres, but I never am 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, but you can empathise 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 when I realised the responsibility that came with it, my whole life made sense. It gave me perspective and I almost felt there was a purpose.

What kind of student were you younger? Have you always knew 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 did genuinely just know I was never gonna 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 You- Tube aged of 15-years-old... What did motivated this decision? A lot of people always say this. The whole “15 years old thing”. I actually posted my first YouTube video of me 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. Just done 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’s 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 who helped you grow on social media? Yeah 100% sure. A few videos went crazy viral and it was history.

Only 22-years-old and all the things you can do as a vocalist is impressive! Were you taking singing lessons when you were younger? Everything I did is self taught. Never been one for being taught anything. I’m terrible in those scenarios. I don’t even think I can taught myself, it just happened naturally for me from just listening to music growing up and imitating my favourite artists.

I saw on your social media that you often post tolerance messages and your 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 think our skin is, it’s always tough reading things about us on social media. As the popular phrase says: fuck the haterz.

You're really active on social media and share loads with your fans... Do you think is it something important to do for a 21st-century artist to promote himself or is it something you would normally 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 be 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 to almost 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 your time finding the perfect label who will suit the best to you and your musical vibe? Yeah, been fucked over in the past and wasn’t gonna let that happen again. When Island came calling, it just felt right.

Is your fans can expect an album coming soon? Not an album just yet. There is something on the way though.

You're currently on the roads performing across the U.K on 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)

A few weeks ago you've done 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. This year I’m on the line up playing to a packed out room of people.

What's next? You will just have to wait and see.

SamTompkinsUK

Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography © Caleb Desouza