Endorser
AYERS GUITAR ENDORSER-SAM SHEPHERD
Sam began playing guitar at 4 years of age. By the time he was 12 he was busking every week at various weekend markets and earned enough money to buy his first ‘good’ guitar.
In 2005 Sam won the National Young Jazz/Blues Guitarist of the Year at the Frankston International Guitar Festival. At the time he had just turned 16 years of age and was competing against 2nd and 3rd year Conservatorium students from around the country.
Sam opened the second ‘Celebration of Guitar Concert’ in Brisbane in 2006, playing alongside Michael Fix [internationally renowned Australian fingerstyle guitarist], Louie Shelton [legendary U.S. session guitarist], and Peter Cupples [Renowned Australian Singer/Songwriter and former lead singer of ‘Stylus’]. Sam has since performed numerous times on stage as lead guitarist for Peter Cupples.
In 2007 Sam was accepted into the prestigious Bachelor of Popular Music Degree at Griffith University on the Gold Coast in Queensland. He completed this degree in 2009.
Michael Fix [Internationally renowned acoustic guitarist] said, of Sam, “He undoubtedly possesses amazing skills on the Guitar".
Peter Cupples [Legendary Australian performer and lead singer of 70’s Motown-style band ‘Stylus’] said, “He’s as dedicated as anyone I’ve ever known", and added that the last time he’d seen a young musician who’d impressed him as much as Sam was when he first met David Hirschfelder [former keyboard player in the Peter Cupples Band, John Farnham's Band, and now a successful writer of film scores].
One of Australia’s premiere studio guitarists, and world renowned slide guitarist, Kirk Lorange, is quoted as saying, ÒSam is well on his way to being one of the greatsÓ.
In 2010 Sam co-wrote an instrumental piece entitled ‘OptymisticalÓ with Australian guitar legend Michael Fix. In 2011 ‘Optimystical’ was a top 5 finalist in the Tamworth Golden Guitar awards.
Sam is currently working on songs to record a new album to be released in 2012.
Playing in almost any style you can think of, Sam’s laid-back humour and onstage persona brings audiences back to see him again and again; whilst his stunning guitar playing turns new audience members into instant fans.
Sam is proudly endorsed by Ayers Guitars and Kustom Amplifiers.
