Meet Sam Tompkins, writing ’90s R&B with a modern edge, this Brighton singer is mingling with the stars…
KEY TRACK: Lose It All
LABEL: Island
MANAGEMENT: Catalyst Management
INSTAGRAM: @samtompkinsuk
When did you first start making music?
“It’s complicated. I technically first started at about 13, but I don’t think the music I was writing back then was even listenable. I think I wrote the first song I actually ever liked at about 16...”
Who do you draw inspiration from?
“From everyone I’ve ever listened to – whether it’s Don McLean’s honesty or Stevie Wonder’s depiction of love and beauty, the list goes on and on. I just love music.”
You recently performed with Justin Bieber, who’s a fan of your music. What was that like?
“Sharing the stage with anyone in front of 50,000 people is life-changing… But to spend that moment with your favourite artist ever who is also a friend is a whole other feeling. It was the most special moment of my life so far. I’m not sure what could top it.”
You’ve got nearly 800,000 TikTok followers – how do you stay on top of social media?
“TikTok is brilliant. It’s never been so easy, yet so hard, to be discovered. It can be frustrating at points, having to post this at that time and so on. But its importance to the culture of music is unavoidable and I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of working out how these apps work. I’m proud to be part of the generation who has faced that challenge. If I become one of the biggest artists in the world one day, I’ll have really earned it.”
How have you found being signed to Island?
“I’m sure, like all artists, I’ve had my ups and downs, but the label kept their promise of sticking by me and we’re starting to really see it was all worth it. I was working in retail just before they signed me, I was very unhappy and totally lost. I’m no longer those things, and they helped facilitate that.”
Lastly, what are you working on next?
“I’m currently curating my next project. If people like my recent single, they’ll love this. As for the future, who knows? Hopefully something remarkable.”
