Step into the world of Sambora, the solo project of Sam Trevethick. After making waves with Shapeshifter, Sambora is cranking up the volume with a solo sound that's as bold as it is fresh. Get ready for a ride through cutting-edge beats and daring new sounds that are shaking things up!
In 1999, Shapeshifter burst onto the Christchurch music scene with a bang, shaking up the norm with their fierce blend of drum and bass, dub, funk, and soul. Their dynamic sound set dance floors ablaze, which is why they’re still rocking strong after 25 years, with Sambora at the heart of this high-octane mix, bringing his A-game in production and instrumentation
While Shapeshifter was making waves, Sam dove into his own musical adventures. Starting with metal bands in Christchurch, he balanced jazz studies with a growing love for DJ culture. This passion, ignited by the late '90s jungle and rave scene, took him from local gigs to tearing it up on global stages as a DJ at clubs, arenas, and festivals worldwide.
Sambora’s solo work hits different. It’s what happens when you blend years of live chaos with razor-sharp production instincts. Drum & bass, dubstep, glitch, ambient. He pulls from all corners, then warps it into something that feels both unpredictable and perfectly dialed in.
Just listen to “Let It Go” (feat. Sharn Te Pou). It’s melodic and built for both headphones and late-night sets. Or “For You” with The Upbeats, where glitchy textures and thick basslines hit like a controlled detonation. Then there’s “Come Fly with Me” with Tiki Taane, soulful and clean.
His roots in jazz, metal, and the club scene give him range. But it’s the way he ties it all together that sets him apart. It’s not just fusion, it’s a sound that moves. Built for dancefloors, but detailed enough to lose yourself in.
If you want clean genre lines, look elsewhere. Sambora’s busy making his own.
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Sambora makes waves in the music scene with his high-energy performances and innovative collaborations. He’s worked with top artists like Missy, ASHY, Tiki Taane, and The Peacekeepers, crafting tracks that blend genres in fresh and exciting ways.
Those killer collabs, plus his undeniable talent, have landed Sambora at iconic spots like Wellington’s Matterhorn and the Splore Festival. Trust us, catching him live is an experience you won’t want to miss.
His shows, a wild mix of live instrumentation and top-notch production, have fans buzzing long after the final beat. A highlight? Rocking a packed Auckland Town Hall for Morning People’s 5th birthday bash, where he delivered a set that had the crowd completely hooked.
If you haven’t seen him live yet, get ready for a treat. Sambora’s influence stretches way beyond the stage. He’s a regular on George FM and other rad platforms, both in New Zealand and globally. And he’s not just mixing it up with fans, he’s collabed with heavyweights like Red Bull, eBay, Xbox, and the Chiefs (Super Rugby).
Sambora is shaking up the New Zealand music scene with his game-changing approach. As a solo producer, he’s absolutely crushing it, redefining what it means to innovate in electronic music. His creative spark and knack for live performance have earned him serious cred and a fierce fanbase.
This guy’s always on the move, exploring new sounds and pushing limits to keep his music fresh and ahead of the game. From jaw-dropping live sets to killer studio releases, his solo work is setting the pace and showing no signs of slowing down.
So if you’re not up to speed with his solo projects yet, now’s the time!
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