Interview: Pretty Baby With Alex Sampson
Interview by Lindsey V. Britt / Photos by Ashely Osborn
Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Sampson is known for his songs “BLIND,” “WANT YOU!” and his most recent single, “Pretty Baby.” In addition to being a current contestant on America’s Got Talent, he’s working on some exciting projects for later this year.
Your new song “Pretty Baby” recently came out and is a huge success, what is the story behind the song?
The story behind “Pretty Baby” is quite simple! I wrote it back in October with John Nathaniel and it came together very quickly! I think we wrote the song in about 15 minutes. It’s a song about confessing your feelings for someone and hoping they feel the same.
“Pretty Baby” has more of a ballad vibe à la Stephen Sanchez, or Frankie Valli sound. What made you decide to produce the song in that direction?
It was actually the producer’s idea to go more of the 60’s lane and I’m very glad we did. The 50’s and 60’s are full of classics. A nod to the golden age of music was something I felt would be really fun to create.
Recently you were featured on Grace Gachot’s song “Built To Be Bad.” What was it like working with her?
Working with Grace on “Built To Be Bad” was so awesome! She’s such a sweetheart and she flew all the way down from the UK to film the music video in LA. She has such an amazing voice.
The first song of yours that I heard was “All That We Could Have Been,” which is still one of my favorites. How would you say your sound and approach to music has evolved since then?
My approach to music has evolved in multiple ways since I released “All That We Could Have Been.” I actually didn’t even write that song. Every song I put out now I write or I’m a part of the writing process. I love the creative process and making music that feels like me. I think over the years I’ve developed a really good sense of what I like and what I don’t like in a song and how to write it.
I’ve noticed you collaborate with other songwriters a lot on your music. What is the process like creating with them?
Working with other writers on songs is honestly one of my favorite things. It’s great to bounce off each others ideas and create the best piece of music possible.
Are you planning on releasing any more hits this summer?
I am! I’m also working on an EP right now that will be released later this year. I can’t wait to share more information with my fans.
Now, I’m a part of your broadcast channel on Instagram, and I feel like it’s no secret that you’ve been teasing about going on tour. Can you share any updates on that?
I recently signed with Fata Booking and we’re looking for tours, shows, festivals, etc all the time! I’m hoping that by the end of this year I’ll be able to do a tour or some shows of my own.
Well, speaking of performing live, do you have a dream venue you’d love to play in?
I mean Madison Square Garden is a dream for sure. I want to play at the biggest venues all around the world and be able to connect with my fans around the globe.
You’re from Atikokan, ON, Canada which is above Minnesota for those who don’t know. How is it making music there where I’m guessing there’s not a big music scene?
Making music in my small town with 2500 people is very different from doing it in Los Angeles. If I’m making music at home, I’m writing over Zoom with other writers and producers or doing it by myself because no one in my hometown does it.
Would you consider moving to a bigger music city someday, and if so where?
I’m definitely considering moving to a bigger city in the near future. Los Angeles is definitely in the cards.
Since you’re Canadian and one of Canada’s national sports is hockey, as a hockey girl I have to ask, do you have a favorite hockey team?
I mean I gotta go with the Toronto Maple Leafs, ha!
Is there an artist whom you would love to collaborate with one day?
I would love to collaborate with Owl City one day. I’ve been a huge fan of his music since I was a kid.
I remember you mentioning on the Zach Sang Show that you’re an Owl City fan. What’s your favorite Owl City song?
There are too many great songs to choose from but at the moment I think I would have to pick “Vitamin Sea.”
What was the last song you played on Spotify?
The last song I played on Spotify was “Good Girls” by 5 Seconds Of Summer.
You’re going to be on America’s Got Talent tomorrow, how excited are you about it?
I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for anything. Doing America’s Got Talent is such a dream and honestly it’s hard to believe it is even happening!
Lastly, do you have a recommendation? This can be anything from a restaurant to a movie, a piece of advice, or anything you want to recommend.
There’s this restaurant in LA called Vivians in Studio City. They have the best breakfast food, so I recommend going there.
Make sure to check out Alex Sampson on America’s Got Talent, and stream “Pretty Baby” on your favorite music streaming platform along with the rest of Sampson’s discography.
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