Sharing stories through song

Musician Profile: Sam Maddison

From small intimate crowds to large audiences, Sam Maddison has the ability to connect with the listener through her guitar prowess and soaring vocals, filling the stage with her unique style of blended country and folk. 

Born abroad and raised in a Western Australia mining town, Sam has always enjoyed music, but it wasn’t until after the birth of her first child, that she was first encouraged to pick up the guitar while studying Music Foundations — a course she not only excelled in, but went on to teach. As one of her biggest advocates, Sam’s teacher continues to mentor and inspire her today. 

In 2005 Sam and her family sought a change and moved across the country to settle in Maryborough. Driven by her passion for music and the need to provide for her children Sam turned to busking at Hervey Bay markets. From there she was noticed and soon began lining up gigs in local venues. 

The solo artist went on to win the Gympie Music Muster talent competition, returning the following year to perform on the main stage. She was also invited to open for Caitlyn Shadbolt at the Tamworth County Music Festival. 

"To connect with people is good for music writing and it’s good for any artist because that’s the song you’re singing, the painting you’re creating, it’s the story that you’re telling. You need to collect these stories before you can tell them."
Sam Maddison

After completing a workshop in song writing, Sam realised that while she still loved doing covers, she had more to share. 

“As you get older, you realise you’ve collected stories and you need direction to channel those stories. Something opens within you and once it’s opened you can’t close it.” 

Sam now selects gigs where she can connect with the audience and share the stories she’s collected. You can see Sam supporting Fred Smith on Saturday 4 June at the free Brolga Live @ concert in Maaroom.