Cape Breton’s Gordie Sampson marks 20 years since breakout album ‘Sunburn’

Cape Breton musician Gordie Sampson is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough album “Sunburn.”

It’s been two decades since Cape Breton’s Grammy winning songwriter Gordie Sampson released his breakout album “Sunburn.”

The record not only launched him into Nashville’s songwriting scene, it also earned him multiple East Coast Music Awards and a Juno nomination for Songwriter of the Year.

Now, 20 years later, Sampson is re-releasing the album with a twist – full commentary from the artist himself.

“It’s just like when you watch a movie and it’s the director’s commentary,” said Sampson in an interview with CTV Atlantic’s Katie Kelly.

The updated version gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the songs came to life and how Sampson himself remembers (or doesn’t remember) it all.

“I had to call some friends, because I either didn’t remember, blanked it out, or whatever,” said Gordie. “Sometimes I lied. Sometimes I didn’t know and just made it up because I make stuff up for a living. I mean, that’s what I do.”

Originally released in 2004, Sunburn featured the now-signature title track – a staple of songwriter circles ever since – as well as the songs “Paris” and “You (Or Somebody Like You),” which later found new life through country stars Faith Hill and Keith Urban.

“I put that out just as I was going to Nashville, and that record really kicked open a couple of doors for me down there,” said Sampson.

To mark the milestone, Sampson is bringing the celebration back home to Cape Breton with a major show set for Aug. 3.

“The Red Farm show – August 3rd,” said Gordie. “Myself, Dylan, Jodi Guthro, Bahamas, Sloan, my daughter Amelie is opening the show. It’s gonna be super fun. Bring your RV, bring your beer, bring awesome.”

Fans can now stream Sunburn with commentary.

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