Sammy Shepard, a 20-year-old music enthusiast hailing from Gainesville, GA, has been on a lifelong journey to bring the music within him to the world. He embarked on this musical path at a tender age and has since become a multifaceted artist, channeling his inspiration from various music legends and modern talents.
Shepard’s musical roots extend to his formative years, influenced by iconic bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, and Steely Dan. However, he also drew significant inspiration from contemporary artist John Mayer. From an early age, Sammy exhibited a profound fascination with music, which was evident when he was just four years old.
Growing up in a family of musicians, Sammy’s journey into the world of music was inevitable. With his father and brother both being drummers, Sammy was encouraged to pick up a different instrument to complement the family jam band. While his father suggested the guitar, Sammy’s heart resonated with the rhythmic bass lines of Bob Marley’s songs. This led him to choose the bass as his first instrument. Despite starting with the bass, Sammy couldn’t resist the allure of the drums for long, and he soon delved into drumming as well.
Sammy’s musical passion did not go unnoticed, and he was soon invited to perform at his elementary school’s 5th-grade graduation, even though he was just in the 2nd grade at the time. For his debut performance, he opted to learn the piano and delivered a soulful rendition of Maroon 5’s “Better That We Break.” His remarkable talent and stage presence earned him invitations to perform every year until he graduated from the 5th grade.
Throughout his high school years, Sammy continued to pursue his love for music. He actively participated in the high school band, demonstrating his dedication to his craft. In addition to his musical pursuits, Sammy managed a fine dining restaurant, showcasing his remarkable work ethic and multitasking abilities. Despite his commitments, he excelled academically, maintaining a remarkable 4.1 GPA and eventually graduating 11th in his class.
Following his high school graduation, Sammy enrolled at Georgia Southern University. However, he soon realized that the college party scene did not align with his true passion for music. While his peers frequented bars, Sammy found solace in his dorm room, immersing himself in mastering his favorite instrument, the guitar. Although he had a basic understanding of chords and strumming, this marked a turning point in his guitar journey.
It was during his college days that Sammy came to terms with his deepest desire—to pursue a career in music. His original plans to study political science and become an international ambassador served as a mere cover for his true calling. Fueled by an unwavering determination to follow his passion while still young, Sammy made the life-changing decision to return home in August 2022.
Back in his hometown, Sammy wasted no time and set up his recording studio in his basement. He dedicated his Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to crafting his debut album. Despite his commitment to music, he continued to be a full-time student on Tuesdays and Thursdays, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his education.
In addition to his music endeavors, Sammy made use of his father’s extensive expertise as a director of photography. Together, they collaborated on writing, producing, and editing three full-fledged music videos. Furthermore, Sammy’s bustling schedule includes performing in four shows every week throughout the greater Atlanta area.
Excitement is building as Sammy’s debut album, “Basement Colors,” is set to release on November 17th. The album features eight tracks, with four of them having been previously released as singles. Sammy’s passion and anticipation for this release are palpable, representing a milestone in his burgeoning career.
Looking forward, Sammy Shepard has two more albums already written and is scheduled to return to the studio in January 2024. His musical journey is only just beginning, and his dedication to his craft ensures a promising future in the world of music. Sammy’s story is a testament to the pursuit of one’s true passion, and he serves as an inspiration to young artists embarking on their musical journeys.
For more information you may go to:
Sammy Shepard’s Website
Instagram
Spotify
