As a marine biologist, Sam Matthews’ career choice is as unique as his taste in music. Whether he’s dropping hazy lo-fi house or Afrobeat rumblings, the Plymouth-based DJ always has an eclectic array of vinyl at his disposal. He regularly brings this unique style to the West Country dancefloors of L*ghtw'rks and Vivify at the Factory, as well having once hosted a charity gig on the coast of the Indonesian island of Nusa Lembongan where he was studying manta rays.

A Grade 5 cellist by age 12, Sam has always held a deep appetite for music. Over time he was drawn to electronic music and was DJing to himself by the time he was 14. It wasn’t until Sam went to university, however, that he began pushing himself and dabbling in vinyl – a collection he’s built up to around 350 records having sold many along the way.

“I like how it's hands-on and feels quite natural compared to a computer or CDJ,” he explains on his format choice. “The expense also helps because it makes you think twice before buying it. It's helped me become more passionate about the music I play.”

While there wasn’t much of a music scene when he arrived, he’s been lucky enough to see one build up on the West coast as he’s recently landed on bills alongside Felix Dickinson, Steve Murphy, Luke Solomon and Andy Daniell. With flair, style and a deep passionate love of the quality music he plays, Sam is a selector in the truest sense.

Charmingly unassuming, Sam may have already achieved his biggest ambitions. “My ultimate dream was to play at Vivify in my own time,” he says. “I've never had a goal to play at big clubs or anything like that. I just enjoy playing music to people.” But with talent like his, it’s bound to take him far.

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