interview by SONNY NGO

Alex Sampson has consistently affirmed himself as a dynamic vocalist and diverse creative. He is best best known for finishing as the semi-finalist on the 19th season of ‘America's Got Talent’. Ahead of his sophomore EP release in 2024, Alex earned his first iTunes Chart debuts, with "Pretty Baby" breaking into the Top 10 and "If You Were My Girl" breaking into the Top 15 on the iTunes Pop Chart.

vest YSL
pants PETER DO
boots OFF WHITE
cuff VINTAGE
necklace DAVID YURMAN

You started your journey by sharing covers on TikTok and quickly built a dedicated following. How has this experience shaped the way you approach creating and sharing original music?

TikTok and social media influence the way I create music immensely! When I’m in the writing room, I’m thinking of ways I could potentially promote the song - whether that be with the lyrics, the beat, etc. It’s such an important thing, but I never want to sacrifice the song quality just to go viral on TikTok.

With your two EPs Blurry Vision and Hopeless Romantic releasing in relatively quick succession – both in the same year – how do these projects reflect different stages of your artistic and personal journey?

They were both released in the same year, but they couldn’t be any more different. Blurry Vision was a collection of songs I had written over the years that I threw together to make an EP, and I love it with all my heart don’t get me wrong, but Hopeless Romantic was the first time I sat down to write a project and actually be able to tell a story with it.

Hopeless Romantic also featured “Pretty Baby,” which you performed on America’s Got Talent. What was it like performing that song on such a wide national stage? How did it affect you both personally and professionally?

Performing on AGT was one of the best experiences of my life, I had an absolute blast! It shaped me as a person and career wise because I realized how much more practice I needed on stage. It was my first few times of performing after all.

sweater and pants COLORS
earring VINTAGE

jacket KID SUPER
denim ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
shirt DIOR
scarf LANVIN
boots ALEXANDER HURLEY
earrings VINTAGE

“Pretty Baby” has a very romantic old-school 50’s style, which I love! What inspired you to tap into that sound?

I really wanted a song that people could slow dance to because at the time, I didn’t feel like I had one. It was the producer John Nathaniel’s idea to make it sound 50’s and I loved it, so we went with it.

What has been most memorable about being on America’s Got Talent?

Definitely when I wore the same shirt as Simon Cowell…that was pretty funny.

When you’re writing new songs, what is your typical creative process like? Do you start with a melody, lyrics, or perhaps a feeling?

When I’m writing songs it usually starts with a feeling. The ideas and melodies all stem from how I’m feeling. After that, it’s usually lyrics that I try to fit into a melody.

shirt GIORGIO ARMANI
pants GMBH
shoes MAISON MARGIELA X DR. MARTENS
glasses ZENGA
earrings LOUPN COLLECTION

Growing up in the small town of Atikokan in Ontario, Canada, how has that environment and community influenced your sound and ambitions?

Growing up in Atikokan has been amazing. I recently moved out to LA and I miss it already. I was blessed with such a good family and great friends. I think my music reflects the person I am, and I wouldn’t be that person without my home town.

You’ve gone on tour with Alexander Stewart last year and have recently been through Europe with Jamie Miller, how have those experiences been for you?

Going on tour with those boys was such a phenomenal experience. Alexander and Jamie are wonderful guys and I had the best time on the road with the both of them. Meeting my fans all around the world was the most memorable and sweetest thing I’ve ever done. I adore my fans and seeing them sing my songs every night and hearing their stories warms my heart. Europe was so beautiful, and I loved every second of it.

What is your favourite memory from being on tour?

My favorite memory has to be in Salt Lake City when I got to do a high five run. I was heading backstage from the merch table and everyone held their hands out.

Are there any artists or genres that have had a lasting influence on your sound? How do you incorporate those inspirations into your music while maintaining your personal sound?

The music I make also reflects the music I like to listen to! Recently, I’ve been working on finding my own sound, but some artists I’m really into right now are Role Model and LANY. I think referencing and being inspired by other artists is super important, but obviously I don’t want to copy anything anyone else has done already.

sweater BASKETCASE
pants JW ANDERSON
boots GUCCI
bracelet LOUPN COLLECTION

With everything you’ve already accomplished at such a young age, how do you navigate the pressures that come with growing success – both external expectations and your own internal standards?

I think success is something that comes when you’re truly happy. If I’m happy I’m successful. I’m very happy right now and if my career stayed exactly where it was, I could live with that. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t want it to be bigger! I want to be the biggest artist in the world one day and I’ll do whatever it takes to get there. Pressure only makes me more motivated to work harder.

Are there any dream collaborations you’re excited to explore?

I’d love to collaborate with Role Model, Shawn Mendes and Owl City one day! And so many other amazing artists.

Looking ahead, how do you want to evolve as an artist, and what can fans expect from you next?

Looking forward, I want to evolve in a lot of different ways. One of which is playing instruments live on tour! Fans can expect that and a more personal side of me in my music with this next project.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent ALEX SAMPSON
photography MIRKO MORELLI
photography assistant LUCA MASTRODOMENICO
styling BENJAMIN HOLTROP
styling assistant EMILY JOHNSON & RASHEED KANBAR
groomer AIKA DANICA FLORES
location ELSEWHERE
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial direction JANA LETONJA
interview SONNY NGO

IN CONVERSATION WITH ALEX SAMPSON

IN CONVERSATION WITH HENRIQUE SÁ PESSOA

IN CONVERSATION WITH RYAN JURO GRAVENBERCH