A CHAT WITH SAM TOMPKINS
BY KATHERINE CHUNGSam Tompkins, a musician, mental health advocate, and dreamer, inspires others facing mental health challenges with his debut album, Hi, My Name is Insecure. In a recent press conference with 1824, the British Contemporary R&B artist discussed how his album differs significantly from his EP, shared his excitement about a particular tour destination, and described how recording sessions had become his therapy.
Sam explained that the album had been three years in the making, with 250 song drafts before he finally chose the ones that reflected his current emotions and felt ready to release. He asked himself, “What hurts the most? What is the best song to hear live? What will make the audience cry or cheer? Do I connect with it? Will someone else connect with it?”
Furthermore, he explained that the album cover and title were a work in progress. “The album title is inspired by the film, 8 Mile by Eminem and the end of it. The end of the rap is about insults, criticisms, and not having to say anything back. It’s about realizing how important being vulnerable and insecure is. You need to own your feelings. And accept your flaws.”
He continued, “The album cover is inspired by the pandemic EP, Isolation Diaries. The cover is kind of like a party where you walk in the door with a name tag, and the door is like, “Wow, I came here and stepped through this door I was scared to go in.” It’s about facing your insecurities at a party or any event. A problem shared is a problem halved. Even if it’s just written down, the universe has it too, it’s not just on a piece of paper,” says the singer from Eastbourne, UK. As a musician who has dealt with grieving the loss of both friends and family members in the last decade, he insists on sharing your insecurities, feelings, and struggles with someone, rather than bottling it all up inside.
After sharing how music became his refuge during more than three years of mental health struggles, he explained that this album is designed with live audiences in mind. It's less stripped-back, aiming for a deeper, more personal connection with the crowd on tour. "I don’t want this album to be about me and my insecurities. I want it to evoke a universal feeling—not one of guilt or sadness."
On a more personal note, he stated that track 12, “See Me,” was initially meant only for his life coach. Tompkins, like many people, has struggled with body dysmorphia, insecurities, and feelings of failure. He revealed that the song began as an assignment from his life coach, who suggested journaling. Instead, he wrote this song. After showing it to her and receiving positive feedback, he realized, “It’s not so scary to talk about mental health anymore, especially for men.”
Throughout the conference, Sam continuously talked about how his dad was struggling with his mental health while being his supporter. A major recent turning point in his career was not even related to music at all. His dad took his own life 8 months ago and it killed him because his dad was his biggest cheerleader and best friend. When asked about his touring, he shared that Spain holds a special place in his heart because his dad lived there during the last few years of his life. On a personal level, he said that he doesn’t know Spanish but understands the culture enough to be there for a short period. Sam also mentioned that this would be his first big tour without his dad.
Sam's debut album reflects his growth as a men's mental health advocate and musician. He hopes that young people will connect with the music and feel encouraged to open up about their feelings. As he concludes his record store tour and prepares for his 2024-2025 tour, he emphasizes the importance of therapy and creative outlets for mental health. Hi, my name is Insecure, is streaming now on all platforms. Tickets for his tour are available here.