World renowned electronic artist Sam Shepherd - Floating Points - is a classically-trained composer recognised for his versatility in style and blending of genre, his influences combining electronic experimentalism with jazz-inspired improvisation and traditional techniques. A chorister and pianist, Shepherd studied composition at Chetham’s School of Music before going on to complete a PHD in neuroscience.

Alongside his career as an award-winning artist and DJ, Shepherd, esteemed for the eclecticism of his compositions, has created music with the likes of Gnawa musician Mahmoud Guinia and legendary saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, while his 16-piece Floating Points Ensemble, honoured by Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards, brings the club to the concert hall (and vice versa).

‘Promises’ was released on 26th March 2021; a continuous 46 minute piece in nine movements composed by Shepherd for saxophone, strings, keyboards and electronics, featuring Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra. The album received 5 star reviews from the likes of The Guardian and The Times, a coveted 9/10 from Pitchfork and reached number 6 in the UK album charts.

Shepherd’s critically acclaimed debut ‘Elaenia’, released in 2015 on his own label Pluto Records, bridged the gap between dance music and his formative roots and established him as “one of contemporary electronic music’s most forward-thinking talents” (Rolling Stone). His 2019 album ‘Crush’, (Pitchfork Top 50, Mixmag & Resident Advisor Top 10), reveals his symphonic craftsmanship, combining classical sensibilities with complex Buchla synthesizer heard in tracks like ‘Falaise’ and ‘Requiem for CS70 and Strings’.