Sam Austin

Rock & Metal Musician/Songwriter/Composer

Sam Austin is a composing rock/metal guitarist. He was born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand. Sam is currently studying Bachelor’s of Musical Arts at Ara Polytech. Sam listens to any sub-genre of rock and metal music. Sam is hoping to become a professional musician after graduating jazz school. Before he applied at jazz school, Sam self taught himself the guitar since the age of 14, when his cousin gave him a 3/4 classical guitar. Ever since, Sam developed a compassion and joy of music. Along the way, Sam was introduced to new styles and techniques of guitar playing, such as tremolo picking, tapping and fast palm mutes. Along the way, Sam was heavily influenced by the music styles of Dave Mustaine, lead singer and lead guitarist from the thrash metal band Megadeth, and Dave Grohl, lead singer and guitarist from the hard rock band, Foo Fighters. Sam was in a heavy metal band called Odin’s Disciple, which was later changed to Organ’s Disgorge for 5 months. The band had only written one piece and performed once at a high school talent show. Sam left the band due to different musical tastes from the band. At the age of 11, Sam tried out for drum lessons back at intermediate school. He quit the lessons a year later. Ever since Sam has been self teaching the drums. During high school, Sam tried out for saxophone lessons. But instead, the school gave Sam a clarinet, promising him that over a few months, he would get a saxophone. It was 5 years later and Sam was still stuck with the clarinet. Along the way Sam was in the Linwood College Orchestra for 3 years. Sam quit during Year 13 as he was unhappy with his instrument. However, Sam influences his work from when he was in the orchestra with odd time signatures.