Music serves as a coping mechanism for many of us. Whether in times of stress, the aftermath of a tragedy, or dealing with a devastating loss, its restorative effect can often be the difference between a breakthrough versus a breakdown. Talented Londoner Sampha knows a thing or two about the power of music and sings of his experience in the reflective song "(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano."
The song is a personal testimony about how the piano helped him discover who he was. But it also serves as a tribute to his mother, who lost her battle with cancer in 2015. This is a man in mourning, and it can be felt throughout the stirring piano arrangement, his tear-stained vocals and even the delicate layering of background harmonies. He's sorrowful, yes, but he's not in despair. In fact, there is beauty — hope, even — permeating every note that he sings (and plays).
Sampha initially leaked the song around the time he made his network TV debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last September. But now that it's an official single, we couldn't help but revisit the poignant ballad, about which Sampha wrote, "Dedicated to my mother Binty Sisay. The more time that passes, the more I see the extent of her love for me." Listen below and pre-order Sampha's full-length debut Process — with instant downloads of "Timmy's Prayer," "Blood On Me" and "Like the Piano" — ahead of its February 3rd release date.
Shortly following the album's premiere, Sampha will tour a handful of North American cities before embarking on a more extensive tour around the world (which includes a quick detour to both weekends of Coachella in April). See the February dates for the U.S. and Canada below and check his website for a full listing of his planned global stops.
Sampha North American Tour Dates:
Feb. 6th: Chicago, IL - Metro
Feb. 8th: Washington DC - 9:30 Club
Feb. 9th New York, NY: - Terminal 5
Feb. 11th: Montreal, QC - Theatre Corona
Feb. 12th: Toronto, ON - Mod Club
Feb. 13th: Toronto, ON - Mod Club
