MEET SAM!
Interview by Stephanie Madsen
This past summer I was lucky enough to have a chance to sit down and talk with Sam Spensley and her mom, Krista, about their experience with the Legacy Children’s Foundation. As some of you may know, Sam got a chance to perform at the Juno’s this year with Canadian singer/songwriter, Lights. If you got a chance to see her performance you know how amazingly talented this girl, who’s been taking lesson’s with the Gift of Music program for about 6 years, can be. Unmistakable thanks to her blue ponytail and laid back nature, Sam was a delight to interview!
This past summer I was lucky enough to have a chance to sit down and talk with Sam Spensley and her mom, Krista, about their experience with the Legacy Children’s Foundation. As some of you may know, Sam got a chance to perform at the Juno’s this year with Canadian singer/songwriter, Lights. If you got a chance to see her performance you know how amazingly talented this girl, who’s been taking lesson’s with the Gift of Music program for about 6 years, can be. Unmistakable thanks to her blue ponytail and laid back nature, Sam was a delight to interview!
When did you first become interested in music?
I’ve always been interested in music because of my dad; he was a big influence because he was listening to music constantly as I was growing up. Mom: He has a story for every song.
How do you mean?
Mom: well, he makes up a little story to go along with every song. It’s how he remembers them; he’ll forget anything else, but never a song.
What kind of music was he playing around the house when you were growing up?
The Beatles, especially Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, disco, metal, rock. Everything really, from the Bee Gees to Led Zeppelin
What is your favourite song right now?
I’d probably have to say Move On by Wit Lowry. I really love the powerful lyrics.
Tell me a bit more about your experience at the Juno’s, how did this opportunity happen?
I went to a TD’s MusicCounts event and played with Chantel Kraviatzic, that was awesome. Then my mom sent an email to them to say thank you and that started the whole thing. After that they asked if I’d like to play with Lights … it was unreal.
In two words, how would you describe the experience?
Mind. Blowing.
How was Lights to work with?
Absolutely so down to earth and sweet! She always made sure I was comfortable and prepared.
Were you a fan of Lights’ before you met and performed with her?
Yes, since I was 9! I saw a music video of her on the Family Channel, the one with the paint on the white house, and loved it!
How did it feel to perform in front of such a large audience, watching both live and at home?
Pretty crazy! I was really nervous but I couldn’t actually see anyone once I was onstage because the stage lights were so bright. I think the best way to describe it would be empowering. It was empowering!
You said you were really nervous, how did you deal with those nerves and give that amazing performance that everyone saw?
Take a few deep breaths, I kind of had one, I guess, breakdown? The morning before. [Lights and I] had been practicing over skype and it was all going well and then it just hit me! But my mom was there and she helped me through it and after a few deep breaths it was okay.
Who’s been your #1 supporter through all your musical endeavors?
Definitely my parents, they’ve always been very supportive.
What is your biggest goal outside of music right now?
Get my high school diploma. It’s one of those thing like, don’t love it but I gotta do it!
After you finish your education would you ever consider pursuing music professionally?
Yes, I’m very interested!
What could you see yourself doing? Performing or more behind the scenes stuff?
I think I’m a pretty loud and in-your-face kind of person so definitely performing!
Outside of music, what else are you really interested in?
Cosmetology, especially [hair] colouring and stage makeup!
Your blue hair has become your signature, did you do it yourself?
Yeah! Actually I’ve been doing it for years so I’ve gotten a lot better at it! It’s fun!
I’ve always been interested in music because of my dad; he was a big influence because he was listening to music constantly as I was growing up. Mom: He has a story for every song.
How do you mean?
Mom: well, he makes up a little story to go along with every song. It’s how he remembers them; he’ll forget anything else, but never a song.
What kind of music was he playing around the house when you were growing up?
The Beatles, especially Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, disco, metal, rock. Everything really, from the Bee Gees to Led Zeppelin
What is your favourite song right now?
I’d probably have to say Move On by Wit Lowry. I really love the powerful lyrics.
Tell me a bit more about your experience at the Juno’s, how did this opportunity happen?
I went to a TD’s MusicCounts event and played with Chantel Kraviatzic, that was awesome. Then my mom sent an email to them to say thank you and that started the whole thing. After that they asked if I’d like to play with Lights … it was unreal.
In two words, how would you describe the experience?
Mind. Blowing.
How was Lights to work with?
Absolutely so down to earth and sweet! She always made sure I was comfortable and prepared.
Were you a fan of Lights’ before you met and performed with her?
Yes, since I was 9! I saw a music video of her on the Family Channel, the one with the paint on the white house, and loved it!
How did it feel to perform in front of such a large audience, watching both live and at home?
Pretty crazy! I was really nervous but I couldn’t actually see anyone once I was onstage because the stage lights were so bright. I think the best way to describe it would be empowering. It was empowering!
You said you were really nervous, how did you deal with those nerves and give that amazing performance that everyone saw?
Take a few deep breaths, I kind of had one, I guess, breakdown? The morning before. [Lights and I] had been practicing over skype and it was all going well and then it just hit me! But my mom was there and she helped me through it and after a few deep breaths it was okay.
Who’s been your #1 supporter through all your musical endeavors?
Definitely my parents, they’ve always been very supportive.
What is your biggest goal outside of music right now?
Get my high school diploma. It’s one of those thing like, don’t love it but I gotta do it!
After you finish your education would you ever consider pursuing music professionally?
Yes, I’m very interested!
What could you see yourself doing? Performing or more behind the scenes stuff?
I think I’m a pretty loud and in-your-face kind of person so definitely performing!
Outside of music, what else are you really interested in?
Cosmetology, especially [hair] colouring and stage makeup!
Your blue hair has become your signature, did you do it yourself?
Yeah! Actually I’ve been doing it for years so I’ve gotten a lot better at it! It’s fun!
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