Interview with Mike Sampson - Info on his upcoming release and his future projects
Hey appachies we're back and we'v egot an exclusive interview with the Mike Sampson, artisit extrodinaire. Coming up in April he has a new release titled, "Surface Level Deep." This will be his second studio album (the first being the instant subversive hit, "Greatest Hits," a subversive and expectation shattering release that served to make a satirical commentary on the idea of greatest hits albums). The album is expected to release on the first of April. We here at ellyblog sat down for a spell to chat with the elusive creator and hear his thoughts on things.
Q: So Mike, what was your inspiration for this new album?
A: Well after "Greatest Hits" came out, I wanted to spend a lot of time in the studio trying new things. There was a lot of pressure to create something unique and original. The public loved "Greatest Hits" but you know how people are. They don't know what they want until they get it, so I made it my goal to avoid the expectations of the people. The people are fools who need to be guided and I can honestly say this new album will blow their minds in a way that will make them question their very existence. This album is all about the sounds you're hearing, while at the same time, focusing in on the sounds you aren't hearing. It's a roller coaster of emotions and it depicts a journey into our very souls, and space, and the great beyond. I spent several years in the studio reworking and retooling every single note to make sure I had the exact emotional resonance that I had envisioned in a dream I had many years ago. That dream was actually the inspiration for this album. I dreampt I was floating through space and I heard a resonating sound off in the distance. It was both far away in the recesses of space and yet also within my very soul. This album attempts to capture that sound and without sounding too humble, I most certainly accomplished that feat.
Q:....Ok...Well....That's good to hear, Mr. Sampson.
A: Isn't it though?
Q: I think so?
A: Why do you think and not know though?
Q: I don't know.
A: Do you think if you did know you would be content or is the endless search for knowledge the only real purpose we can have in life? Do you think knowing something gives us peace or does it only make us focus on the fact that now we have nothing left to live for?
Q: Look I think I'm supposed to be asking the questions here.
A: Are you?
Q: Yes.
A: OK.
Q:....Ok anyways...Uh...What else have you been up to since "Greatest Hits" released?
A: Well back in late 2016 I was contacted by KS Productions to compose a score for their 2017 release "Treasure Hunters." I was thrilled and I immediately composed the entire score the following night. Unfortunately it was not what they were looking for. I had a tendency to shoot for very meta and though provoking pieces of music that well up within your soul and they were looking for a more low key sort of sound. Something light hearted I guess, which is fine. If that's what you want.
Q: Any chance we'll get that unused music on an album release someday?
A: No chance. The hard drive I used to compose the music crashed and it was all lost to the ether.
Q: Shame. What are your future plans now that "Surface Level Deep" is done and nearing release?
A: Oh I've got ideas. I already have plans for my next album. It certainly won't take as long to release because the ideas I've got. Oh I've got 'em. I want to really emotionally connect listeners to the music and I know just how to do it. It might even be a part collab effort assuming I can find intellectuals who can understand the art I'm trying to create. One group I'm interested in working with is "Pep and Cola," of "Train Bridge Jumping" fame.
Q: Well that's exciting to hear! A new album already in the pipeline! I'm sure all the Mike Sampson fans will be eager to gobble it up as soon as it hits!
A: I'd imagine so.
Q: Well Mike thanks for stopping by and answering our questions.
A: No problem.
Mike Sampson's "Surface Level Deep" releases April 1, 2018. It'll shook your soul.
Q: So Mike, what was your inspiration for this new album?
A: Well after "Greatest Hits" came out, I wanted to spend a lot of time in the studio trying new things. There was a lot of pressure to create something unique and original. The public loved "Greatest Hits" but you know how people are. They don't know what they want until they get it, so I made it my goal to avoid the expectations of the people. The people are fools who need to be guided and I can honestly say this new album will blow their minds in a way that will make them question their very existence. This album is all about the sounds you're hearing, while at the same time, focusing in on the sounds you aren't hearing. It's a roller coaster of emotions and it depicts a journey into our very souls, and space, and the great beyond. I spent several years in the studio reworking and retooling every single note to make sure I had the exact emotional resonance that I had envisioned in a dream I had many years ago. That dream was actually the inspiration for this album. I dreampt I was floating through space and I heard a resonating sound off in the distance. It was both far away in the recesses of space and yet also within my very soul. This album attempts to capture that sound and without sounding too humble, I most certainly accomplished that feat.
Q:....Ok...Well....That's good to hear, Mr. Sampson.
A: Isn't it though?
Q: I think so?
A: Why do you think and not know though?
Q: I don't know.
A: Do you think if you did know you would be content or is the endless search for knowledge the only real purpose we can have in life? Do you think knowing something gives us peace or does it only make us focus on the fact that now we have nothing left to live for?
Q: Look I think I'm supposed to be asking the questions here.
A: Are you?
Q: Yes.
A: OK.
Q:....Ok anyways...Uh...What else have you been up to since "Greatest Hits" released?
A: Well back in late 2016 I was contacted by KS Productions to compose a score for their 2017 release "Treasure Hunters." I was thrilled and I immediately composed the entire score the following night. Unfortunately it was not what they were looking for. I had a tendency to shoot for very meta and though provoking pieces of music that well up within your soul and they were looking for a more low key sort of sound. Something light hearted I guess, which is fine. If that's what you want.
Q: Any chance we'll get that unused music on an album release someday?
A: No chance. The hard drive I used to compose the music crashed and it was all lost to the ether.
Q: Shame. What are your future plans now that "Surface Level Deep" is done and nearing release?
A: Oh I've got ideas. I already have plans for my next album. It certainly won't take as long to release because the ideas I've got. Oh I've got 'em. I want to really emotionally connect listeners to the music and I know just how to do it. It might even be a part collab effort assuming I can find intellectuals who can understand the art I'm trying to create. One group I'm interested in working with is "Pep and Cola," of "Train Bridge Jumping" fame.
Q: Well that's exciting to hear! A new album already in the pipeline! I'm sure all the Mike Sampson fans will be eager to gobble it up as soon as it hits!
A: I'd imagine so.
Q: Well Mike thanks for stopping by and answering our questions.
A: No problem.
Mike Sampson's "Surface Level Deep" releases April 1, 2018. It'll shook your soul.
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