About

Samuel Ayling is a musician, artist & producer based in Brisbane, Australia.

Originally trained in Jazz saxophone at the Queensland Conservatorium, Sam’s knowledge of music theory is both impressive & foundational, informing his approach to melody, rhythm & harmony. Over time, he developed a strong ear too, teaching himself guitar, piano & bass, using the Nashville numbers system to unlock these instruments & others. These universal skills have allowed him to perform in numerous acts like The Dreggs, LOVELOVELOVE, Julian Munyard & Buttermello, and in return, these unique performing contexts have allowed Sam to explore & understand broader music genres (folk, pop, dance, surf rock).

As an artist, Sam knows the pressures of the job: releasing original music; pushing social media campaigns; selling tickets to headline shows; being the support act; touring Australia & beyond; playing festivals; ordering merchandise; creating a visual aesthetic for your project; the list goes on. But perhaps even more than any of this, Sam knows the challenge of writing a compelling song that honestly speaks to you and your audience. He deeply values the messages & stories behind music & this same care & attention is brought into the studio.

Sam’s philosophy as a producer is simple… “If it sounds good, it is good” (Duke Ellington). Whilst he doesn’t have 20-years experience working in a professional studio or an expensive music production degree to brag on about, Sam knows his strength as a producer is in his holistic approach to music creation. Helping an artist deliver their best vocal performance is just as important as knowing the complexities of EQ & compression. Spending the time digging into a song’s arrangement and harmonic structure can sometimes be even more important than recording in a 100% sonically treated room. Producing is both a simple & infinite activity that Sam has become very familiar with in the last 6 years.

If you are looking to work with a creative who balances technical competency with artistic flare, Sam would love the opportunity to work with you! For all work & collaboration enquiries, please email him via thisnewlight@gmail.com.

Bands I’ve played in: The Dreggs, LOVELOVELOVE, Julian Munyard, Buttermello

Bands I’ve supported: Hollow Coves, The Dreggs, Riley Pearce, The Temper Trap, Winterbourne

Artists I’ve recorded: Sianon, Levi Maxwell, LOVELOVELOVE, Brittony May, Freedom Found, Faith

Artists I’ve cowritten with: Riley Pearce, Lawson Hull, Rod Coote, Ella Hartwig, Pete Covington