Dave Sampson (born March 8, 1989) Is a Canadian singer-songwriter and recording artist from Sydney, Nova Scotia, and based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Also printed in the Chronicle Herald.
Early life and education Sampson was born and grew up in Sydney, Nova Scotia."Ten questions with Dave Sampson". The Coast, Morgan Mullin, Oct 18, 2019 He attended St. Francis Xavier University.
Career For ten summers, beginning in 2010, Sampson attended Gordie Sampson's four-day Songcamp in Ingonish, Cape Breton."Gordie Sampson reflects on 10 years of namesake ‘baptism by fire’ songcamp", Express Informer , June 7, 2019 He moved to Halifax in 2011 and began playing in local clubs and bars while attending university."Dave Sampson’s rollercoaster ride to success". Words & Music, by David McPherson | October 25, 2019 In 2014 he independently released his debut album No Pressure No Diamonds, which was co-produced by Gordie Sampson, Dylan Guthro and Carleton Stone."Dave Sampson No Pressure, No Diamonds (independent)". The Coast, music review by Doug Taylor, July 10, 2014.
Sampson contributed to Classified's 2016 single "No Pressure", featuring Snoop Dogg; this song was awarded Song of the Year at the 2017 East Coast Music Awards."Nova Scotia rapper Classified wins ECMA Song of Year for Snoop Dogg collaboration". CTV News, April 27, 2017 Also in 2017 a music video which he co-created with the band Port Cities was nominated for a Music Nova Scotia Award."Cape Bretoners nominated for Music Nova Scotia Awards". Cape Breton Post, Sep 13, 2017
Nova Scotia-based Sonic Publishing offered Sampson a publishing administration deal in 2019; he was the first addition to their newly created publishing division, Sonic Entertainment Group. Sonic Publishing also administers works by Adam Baldwin, Alan Doyle, Dave Sampson, Matt Andersen, and Matt Mays.
On October 4, 2019, Sampson released his new record All Types of Ways, recorded in Nashville with fellow Cape Breton native, Gordie Sampson. In October that year he was awarded his first gold record for his work Classified's "No Pressure", and also was one of five prize-winning finalists in the RBC Emerging Musician Program."THIS JUST IN: Montreal’s Indie-Pop Sensation, BAYLA, Wins the Grand Prize in Canada’s Walk of Fame 2019 RBC Emerging Musician Program". CTV: The Lede, Bell Media, October 10, 2019
Sampson has also co-written with Gordie Sampson, Donovan Woods, Alan Doyle, Matt Andersen, Neon Dreams, and Caitlyn Smith. On April 16, 2022, Dave Sampson played live in the town of Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Discography
EPs All Types of Ways EP (2019)
Albums No Pressure No Diamonds (2014)
Singles "Gets Me Through The Night" (2019) "Trouble" (2019)
Songwriting credits (co-songwriter) With Laurenn Marchand: "The Inevitable End" - The Gordie Sampson Songcamp 2010-2019 Compilation (2019) With Cameron Nickerson: "I'll Hunt You Down" - The Gordie Sampson Songcamp 2010-2019 Compilation (2019) With Various Artists: "Tip Of My Tongue" - The Gordie Sampson Songcamp 2010-2019 Compilation (2019) With Quake Matthews: "Outta Here" - The Search (2017) With Neon Dreams: "Find A Way" - To You (2016) With Classified (rapper): "Oh No" - Grateful (2016) With Classified (rapper), Snoop Dogg: "No Pressure" - single (2015) With Carleton Stone: "Draws Blood" - Draws Blood (2014) and "Like a Knife" - Draws Blood (2014) With Owen Riegling: "In My Head Again" (2024)
Awards and achievements 2015 Music Nova Scotia Award Nomination: Pop Album of the Year - "No Pressure, No Diamonds" Two #1 spots on East Coast Countdown Charts 2016 One of Five finalists in Canada’s Walk of Fame Emerging Artist Program 2017 Music Nova Scotia Award Nomination: Digital Artist of the Year Music Nova Scotia Award Nomination: Music Video of the Year Co-writer on ECMA Award-Winning "Song of the Year" by Classified, "No Pressure"
References