Kevin Sampson is a British author, who has written several novels that have gained significant recognition. Originally from Merseyside, Sampson began his writing career in the 1980s, contributing to various publications such as NME, i-D, Jamming, The Face, and Time-Out. His writing career took a brief hiatus when he was sacked from NME for reviewing a concert at a club that had been burned down the night before. However, this setback did not deter Sampson from pursuing his passion for writing.
In the 1990s, Sampson returned to Merseyside, where he helped his longtime friend, Peter Hooton, start Produce Records. It was during this time that Sampson began to focus more on his writing, leading to the publication of his first novel, Awaydays, in 1998. The book quickly gained popularity and critical acclaim, cementing Sampson's place as a talented author.
Following the success of Awaydays, Sampson went on to publish six more novels, including Powder, Leisure, Outlaws, Clubland, Freshers, and Stars are Stars. His work is known for its gritty realism, exploring themes of youth culture, music, and working-class struggles. In addition to his novels, Sampson has also written a work of non-fiction, Extra Time. He currently resides in Birkenhead, Merseyside, continuing to write and contribute to various publications.