| “This might sound funny to some people but representing the UK at Eurovision is the pinnacle of my ten years in the music industry”. So speaks Daz Sampson, a veteran of the dynamic UK music scene, as he embarks on his greatest personal and professional challenge yet.
Daz first found fame as the MC, songwriter and ideas man in UK dance group Bus Stop. Their debut single “Kung Fu Fighting” featuring Carl Douglas sold 250,000 copies in the UK and was a major international hit, but like a pop Pied Piper and with as many pseudonyms as Prince he was soon on to other projects, including Rikki & Daz's collaboration with Glen Campbell on a new version of "Rhinestone Cowboy" which reached #12 in the UK.
After these hits Daz returned to his other great love, dance music, and immersed himself in the vibrant Liverpool house scene. Determined to make the next "Call On Me" (Eric Prydz), he heard Hall & Oates’ “Out Of Touch” sampled on a video game and formed yet another new band, this time called Uniting Nations, to release a single that went on to sell over 100,000 copies in the UK. Further hit singles, an album and awards followed, making the band the UK’s leading commercial dance act with hits in Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland, the Ukraine, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia & Montenegro, Belgium and Croatia.
But through it all, Daz yearned to get back behind his beloved mic and make great pop music under his own name. So he gave it one last shot…
When Daz heard the BBC were looking for potential Eurovision songs, he realised his greatest ambition might finally be within his grasp. Daz calls “Teenage Life” his “masterpiece” and after romping to victory on the BBC’s smash hit National Final “Making Your Mind Up” in March, it’s clear the UK public agree. As a rank outsider and against strong opposition, Daz, along with his now-famous school choir, captivated the seven million watching and won by a mile.
Daz says he’s not like recent UK entries, “I’ll shout about the Eurovision Song Contest – it’s the greatest music show on Earth!”.
So let’s make Daz’s dream come true and see him bring home the Eurovision crown to the UK with “Teenage Life”.
By the way if you’re wondering about the lyrics, “Mr T” (short for Mr Tommony) was a teacher who told Daz his dream of becoming a pop star wasn’t realistic and “Avy” stands for Avondale High School, his old school in Stockport, where he grew up.
Oh and Mr T is now Daz’s biggest fan! |
