INTERVIEW WITH CALE SAMPSON
Who is Cale Sampson?
I’m an emcee from Toronto, Canada, that has been doing my thing since I was really young. I’m also a man who is just trying to be a good person and contribute something positive to the lives of my family members, friends, and maybe a few others as well.
Why Hip Hop? What was it about the music that made you want to start making it?
When I was growing up, rap music as a whole wasn’t as bland and stagnant as it is now. You could really feel this undeniably strong and truthful energy in it and that’s what spoke to me. That’s what made me want to do my own music. I wanted to spread that same raw human energy, that I heard in rap music, to others because I believed it was empowering and real and I believed that a lot of people could benefit from experiencing it.
Who or what inspires you to do what you do?
I’ll tell you what motivates and inspires me to do what I do. In my heart, I know that I have achieved and experienced things that many people will not experience. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to places I would have never gone to, and meet tons of people I would have never met, if it wasn’t for music. I’ve been able to connect with hundreds of strangers because of music. It’s inspiring when someone hits me up on email, or stops me in the street, to tell me that one of my songs really touched them and that they appreciate it. To me that’s what making music is all about and that’s how I know that I’m contributing something real to those who are listening.
What are your thoughts on hip hop in Canada and in Toronto, specifically?
I think Canada has some world class talent and the quality of the music is getting better and better. Unfortunately, hip hop is not supported by the industry in Canada and people only seem to catch on once you’ve travelled to other countries and become successful somewhere else.
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and one of the most multi-cultural places in the world so there’s a whole bunch of different styles that develop here. I have always been a fan of our scene and I’m really proud to be a part of it. There is nothing more that I’d love to see than for Toronto to get put on the map.
 Your solo debut album. What can you tell us about that?
I can tell you that it’s the album that I always wanted to make and I’m very proud of it. I feel that I have made the most honest music that I’m capable of and now I’m trying my absolute hardest to get it out there to the world. No matter what happens, whether I sell 1000 units or 50,000 units, it’s largely beyond my control. I feel that I have accomplished a major goal in my life and that’s what matters the most to me. I have succeeded with what I originally set out to do.
What can the listener expect to hear compared to your past work with Rhythmicru?
They will hear growth, maturity, and a lot more diversity. That’s one of the challenges of making a solo album, you have to be able to cover a large range of subject matter and explore a wider realm of human emotion. The album is very balanced and it shows all the different sides of me. I have positive songs, angry songs, and serious songs and I feel that there’s something for everyone to relate to on it.
What are the differences in working on a solo album compared with working on a group effort?
Being in a group is great, especially one like Rhythmicru that’s been operating for over 5 years. It’s sort of like a brotherhood, sports team mentality. You get to create music with your friends, travel together, and basically live out your mutual goals together.
 Being a solo act is also great and I’m fortunate that I’m able to do both. From a writing perspective, my process is very isolated and personal. I prefer to be by myself so I can get my thoughts together and really focus on how I’m going to make each song really unique. My end goal is always something very specific & sometimes when you’re trying to achieve something so particular it just can’t be accomplished in a group environment.
Where can people check for your music?
The album is now available in all HMV Stores across Canada (but you will have to request it). You can also purchase it online from Itunes or at my website www.CaleSampson.com.
Is there anything that you’d like to add?
Thank you to everyone who has ever shown love and supported me. I feel like all of this hard work has paid off and all of the sacrifices along the way have definitely been worth it. Nothing is guaranteed in life, including how long I’ll be doing this for, so I feel blessed to be in a state of mind right now where I have absolutely no regrets.
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