For Aquakultre, music has always been memory, lineage, and resistance. With the release of his haunting new single 'Gallows', the Halifax-born rapper, singer, and composer (real name Lance Sampson) draws a direct line between past and present, transforming generational trauma into a resonant call for justice.
Taken from his upcoming third studio album '1783' (out 6th February 2026 via Next Door Records), 'Gallows' is written from the perspective of Sampson’s great-great-grandfather Daniel P. Sampson, who was wrongfully executed in 1935 as the last person to be hanged in Halifax, and the victim of a racially charged miscarriage of justice. Nearly a century later, Aquakultre reclaims that story through verse, soul, and spirit, giving voice to the silenced.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired her most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I have always used my voice as an instrument since I can remember, beatboxing in my living room when I was younger, and writing raps for me and Brother to go back and forth on. It wasn't until I became a teenager where I learned how to noodle on the guitar. I still really have no idea what I'm playing, or have no business pretending I know how to play hahaha, but it's a tool for me to write songs. But I think for sure the first instrument I fell in love with was piano. I felt really connected to that instrument when I first started to play it, and I still get a great feeling when I do. It took me a while to get to the point of loving my voice. I do now, but the piano was probably my first.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Canadian indie rock music. I've shared this before, but there was a show that came on Canadian television called Radio Free Roscoe that really opened up my palette for what I enjoyed listening to. There was a song on that television series that when I heard it for the first time, I never ever forgot it, and only recently found it again in my adult years when I re-watched the television series. The Band at the time was called Reverie Sound Revue, and im not too sure if they are still together, but the song is called One Marathon. Still gives me a good feeling every single time. God rest his soul, when I heard D'Angelo for the first time, that Man has been a major influence for me ever since.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I remember owning was most certainly Shania Twain’s greatest hits album that my Mother bought for me once she realized my little secret. She bought me that CD, and a CD player. And I took that all over the neighborhood, probably had to throw hands over it a couple times too.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I don't think I ever had that thought. I believe I am writing the songs I know I want to write because I know it’s what I was missing when I was younger. There are songs that have had a major impact on me, whether it be the words, or it coming into my life at the right time, but I don't think I ever had the thought of wishing I had written any of the songs I really like.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I feel like anytime I've had a hard time navigating a part of any of my relationships with people is when a song starts to manifest itself in my mind. But it always starts with a beat or melody in my head. I've recognised over the years though that I'll take long walks around my neighborhood if I'm trying to finish something, and it usually always works. Even when I'm stuck, I'll make sure I hit the block for a couple laps. One of the bad habits I have is writing something. I have no business singing haha, I tend to write songs out of my range a lot.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
My all time favorite artist was and is D'angelo, no other will top it. I have found myself back to listening to him on repeat since his passing, and with that, have found a deeper love for Gospel music. But if I'm looking at my Tidal, songs you’ve listened to the most this year? Reverie Sound Revue One Marathon is at the top hahahah.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I think Robert Glasper, for sure. I feel like he is one of the many musicians who is infusing all of Black music into their practice.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I think the most rewarding past is that I have been given many opportunities to play with the best, elite musicians in their own right. And I'm being recognized as their peer. For someone who barely knows what they're doing, it feels pretty good to be in those circles haha. I don’t consider myself a musician, but someone who resonates with musicianship, and respects it. I consider my voice to be my most valuable tool, and I'm just doing what I can to make sure it lasts as long as it can, through practice, discipline, and use.
And what is the most frustrating part?
We broke ahhahahah.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Work on your voice, so it can last as long as you do. Practice, and say yes to things that may feel uncomfortable. That’s where you unlock your potential.
-
Aquakultre's new single 'The Gallows' is out now. Check it out in the player below.