From the influence of banjo hymns, ukulele strummin’ and classic guitar jams, a musician with many styles was born.  Inspired by the vast variety of sounds made by the guitar and its family at a young age, a strong relationship was built between the artist and the instrument.  You haven’t seen this hidden musician playing in any bars or pubs, but the talent of a 5-man band is synced into one.  I believe they call this band Sam Hughes.

Sam Hughes is your average guy; Making the pay check, living life and playing music that satisfies the soul.  For as long as he can remember, Sam has always cherished music in his life and makes a special place for it.  There is always a comforting feeling for Sam to be jamming on his own, to his own, away from the public anticipation and expectations that are always inevitable.  As much as he enjoys the appreciation others give for his musical talent and sound, Sam plays for the gratifying feeling it provokes within him.

Over the many years Sam has been playing the guitar, his musical style has evolved and changed dramatically.  As his sound developed in his early years, Sam found he was attracted to the hard rock sound you could compare to Rage Against The Machine or Black Sabbath.  The fast, loud yet harmonious sound of multiple chords was a driving force of inspiration to learn more and progress into new sounds and styles.  Bands that influenced his musical life at this time were bands like, as said, R.A.T.M for Tom Murello’s electric energy, Led Zeppelin, for obvious reasons (they are awesome!), and the overall combination of different instruments and their characteristics.  Combined with Sam’s personal influence, the sound is all its own.  What are we listening for, anyway?  I think we found it.

Having experienced playing in a RAGE cover band earlier on in his life, Sam got the feel of the stage, the crowd, the atmosphere.  Being somewhat of a shy individual, it was comforting to have others on stage accompanying him when playing a show that directs so much attention to yourself.  Of course this was a great experience, but Sam did not feel the fulfillment he thought he would through this stage in his life.  After so long, he decided to return to the life of a solo musician and work on the sound he had a vision for.  After all, any musician knows it is difficult to work with others on music when sounds aren’t necessarily compatible and personalities clash.  This solo move was what felt right for Sam; When it feels right you got to run with it.

As the new stage in life begins, there are always setbacks to be expected, of course!  The solo artist awakened within Sam for the second time around, and as things started to roll, they came to a stop quite suddenly.  Having the devastating loss of losing all his equipment, Sam was left with nothing, no music, no release.  Truly a major let down in the life of a musician.  At the same time, Sam felt a feeling of relief.  Playing as often as he did, friends and the public took much interest in this hidden talent, which proposed the feeling of high expectations.  Sam did not want to feel like he had something to prove, a status to fulfill.  He just wanted to play music.  At this time Sam was focusing on work and different life experiences, talking a break from the music that once took a major place in his life.

Being the musician he is, Sam could not stay away for much longer.  Aside from the discouraging public opinion and lack of great equipment he once had, Sam made a big move by giving in and buying something reasonable, an acoustic guitar.  This instrument introduced Sam to his new-found soft and mellow style he now has.  Having smaller and softer equipment and instruments, this was what felt right to Sam in this new life stage.  This soft sound brought Sam back in time to when he used to hear the old 40’s/50’s songs in his childhood, when the process began.  There was some sadness left within Sam for neglecting music in his life for so long, but he knew that all he could do was try again.  Friends encouraged his new-found sound and wanted to jam along.  Sam was back on the road to self fulfillment through musical incline!

Now, Sam has a progressing soft but detailed sound that the world has not yet seen.  From the hard rock harmony in his adolescence to the unifying soft combination, he is an artist with many talents.  What inspires the softer side of his musical personality, I wondered.  As he found himself listening to artists like Modest Mouse, Smashing Pumpkins and A Perfect Circle, this style was a heavy influence to his own music.  The endless possibilities of sounds that can be executed through pedals and strings leave Sam with continuous inspiration, for that is what attracts him to the guitar initially.  When I referred to Sam as the one man band, this may confuse you.  Maybe this, in combination with the videos, will make this concept clear!

You may hear Sam sometime soon, as the sound has only begun.  Let’s get together and share our visions, encourage each other and let’s see where it takes us.

It is all a learning experience, let us not forget, and assists us all on our personal journey of self discovery.

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