page loaded, Emily scanned the text immediately below the article’s headline.
His heart bruised and battered from two failed relationships, chart-topper Cory Sampson sits down with us to talk about life, love, his upcoming album release, and his North American tour.
“His heart is bruised and battered?” Emily called out. “Seriously?”
“You’re not going to like the rest of it,” Shelby warned her from the kitchen. “One more chance to stop, since I really think in this case, ignorance is bliss.”
Emily ignored her and continued reading.
Cory Sampson sits in the living room of his Hollywood Hills home, his black-and-white Shih Tzu, Buster, fast asleep on the sofa beside him. With its black leather sectional and chaise lounge, gleaming tables made of glass and slate, framed photos of family and friends, and walls conspicuously absent of the platinum and gold records his band is famous for, the room is not what you’d expect for a rock ‘n’ roller’s bachelor pad. It suits him, though, because Sampson himself is not what you’d expect for a Hollywood A-lister who’s found his love life a regular fixture of entertainment news headlines.
Friendly, laid-back, and quieter than you’d think, he invited Wally Hood Goes Hollywood into his home and agreed to answer a few burning questions we’ve had about his dating life and upcoming album release.
Q: We’ve been hearing rumors in the media lately that you’re a brokenhearted man. Do you miss Emily Watts?
A: I do miss her. She’s a great person, and she’s someone I’d love to still have in my life.
Q: What went wrong?
A: I... [Sampson pauses for a moment, folding his hands. He looks out the window in thought. Crosses his legs. Uncrosses them again.] I panicked a little, I’ll admit. I hadn’t felt as close to anyone as I had to her in a long time, and I experienced that moment of terror. Do you know what I’m talking about? When you realize you’re falling in love with someone, but that part of your heart you’ve wanted complete control of takes over.
Q: You’re in love with her?
A: I was falling in love with her. If we were together right now, I’m sure I’d say yes, I’m in love with her.
Q: Have you told her that?
A: [Shakes head.] No. I haven’t had the chance. I’ve tried texting her to see if she’d be willing to talk to me.
Q: She said no?
A: She didn’t answer. If she had, I was going to ask to see her and tell her then. I wanted to tell her how sorry I was for what I’d done and explain how I felt, and I was going to ask her to forgive me for pushing her away. It’s not really something you can do in a text message.
Q: So you’re telling her in a blog interview?
A: Yeah. [Looks at hands. Looks up.] It’s not the most ideal way to say it. I miss her, and it’s too late. There was someone waiting in the wings, and I missed my chance. I think I just hope that one day she’ll be willing to give me another one.
Q: When you say there was someone else waiting, you mean Jesse Cinder, the guitar player for Ashes of Brooklyn?
A: [Nods. Is silent.]
Q: Rumor has it that Jesse and Emily have been friends for a long time. Did you know about Jesse when you were seeing Emily?
A: I knew they were friends, yes, and that they’d met years ago. I actually met Emily at one of his band’s shows. So yes, I knew about him.
Q: Did you ever get the sense that there may be more going on?
A: I can’t speculate about that, except to say that I think they’ve always been close. I haven’t talked to Emily, though, and I’ve only seen the pictures everyone else has seen.
Q: Do you blame Jesse for Emily not being in touch with you?
A: I don’t think I can answer that. Emily is a strong person, and I have every faith that she does only what she wants to do. If she wanted to talk to me, I’m sure she would, whether she’s in another relationship or not. I hope that one day she’ll talk to me again.
Q: The first single from your band’s new album was just released to radio. Coincidentally, it’s called “Unrequited.” Between what the media was saying after you and Cady Sugarman called it quits, and your feelings for Emily, is unrequited love a theme in your life?
A: [Runs hands through hair. Laughs.] I can see