Biography

Sam Gardner graduated with a 1st class honours degree in Jazz from Leeds College of Music in 2011. Since then he has worked as a freelance composer, producer and drummer. 

He has composed and produced music in a broad range of styles, for many purposes. From music for brands & advertising, through to films and videogames, he is a prolific composer, with many original releases to date.

As composer & bandleader of Samadhi Quintet, he released and toured his debut album ‘The Dance of Venus’ in 2015. Represented by the F-IRE Label, it was described as ‘a leadership début to be proud of’ (thejazzman.com) and ‘accomplished and richly inventive’ (London jazz news). 

The Dance of Venus was later reissued by Jazz Re:Freshed, and received airplay on many national radio stations including BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1 Xtra and BBC Radio 3. 

As Septabeat, Sam composes, produces, and performs drum & bass. With a fusion of live drumming, sequencing, and a multitude of electronic FX, Septabeat brings a fresh edge to a genre usually dominated by DJs.

The Sundance EP (2020) was described as ‘a dose of liquid gold to heal your soul’ (Rave Report), and Music Intelligence Dnb stated that ‘Sometimes a real pearl arrives in our promo inbox and this time it gave us a surprise’.

The latest single, ‘You Fill Me’, a collaboration with vocalist Syren Rivers, received a special mention from Tony Coleman (aka. London Elektricity) on his Hospital Records podcast – ‘This next tune has to be played from the beginning…it’s absolutely amazing’.

Septabeat has performed internationally with some of the UK’s finest Drum & Bass artists, including Stamina MC, Charlie Brix, Sofi Mari, Riya, and Colette Warren.

As drummer, Sam has also worked with some of the biggest acts in UK Live Electronic music, including Gentleman’s Dub Club, Submotion Orchestra, and the Outlook Orchestra, headlining many prestigious venues & events including Somerset House, Lovebox and Bestival.

He has also worked and toured with many renowned UK jazz artists, including Devils of Moko, Ashley Henry, Dominic J Marshall and Krzysztof Urbanski. He has performed at prestigious music venues & events including the Albert Hall, BBC Proms Plus, Ronnie Scott’s International Piano Trio Festival, BBC Radio 3 Introducing, and the London Jazz Festival.

Sam is also an active music educator and has worked with many schools, and charities, leading workshops and masterclasses with students of all ages. He is currently a lecturer of jazz drums at Leeds University.

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