Sam Kasman

Sam Kasman is the guitarist and vocalist of the band Nocturnity. He has also played in two gold medal winning Canadian Jazz Ensembles. First, in 2001 (at age 11, a mere year after taking up the electric guitar), and again in 2006.

Biography

Born September 13, 1990 in the city of Toronto, Canada , Sam began his MusicAL training at the age of six by taking piano lessons. However, influenced by heavy metal bands such as Metallica, Pantera and Slayer, he ended up dropping the classical instrument at the age of 10, to pursue his interest in the guitar. Metallica's Master of Puppets album was especially influential in Sam's decision to become a guitarist. He began taking lessons at a local music store in order to study the instrument. After less than a year of lessons he quit and became Self Taught. Guitarists who influenced his sound were Alexi Laiho, Michael Romeo, John Petrucci, Jari Mäenpää, Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, and Dimebag Darrell. His vocal influences came mostly from Alexi Laiho (from Children of Bodom), Jari Mäenpää (from Wintersun), and Petri Lindroos (from Norther and Ensiferum).

Musical career

In 2001, Sam joined a senior jazz ensemble in school. At this point, he had only been studying the electric guitar for slightly over a year. Under the direction of Suzanne Morisson, the ensemble traveled to Banff, Alberta and performed several songs at the famous Canadian music festival, MusicFest Canada. They were awarded with a gold metal rating.

In 2006, Sam traveled again to Banff, Alberta to participate in the Rocky Mountain Music Festival with the Wilson Jazz ensemble. This time, under the direction of Amy Peck. Wilson Jazz performed exquisitely, adding to Sam's gold medal count.

In late 2006, Sam founded Nocturnity. He began writing all of their music for all instruments, in October of that year. After slightly less than one year of practicing, Nocturnity performed their debut show on July 15th.

In September of 2007, Nocturnity had a falling out, leaving only Sam and keyboardist Claudia Rodrigue. With studio time booked in October, he was forced to take care of all guitar, bass guitar, vocal, and drum tracks alone. Nocturnity recorded 4 songs and released their EP in January 2008. At this point it is unknown if Nocturnity will be recruiting new musicians or focusing on more studio work.

Technical

Equipment

Guitar - Jackson KV2 King V

  • USA Select Series
  • Alder body
  • Neck-thru
  • Maple neck
  • Ebony fingerboard
  • Seymour Duncan JB humbucking pickups
  • 24 frets
  • 2-point double locking Floyd Rose tremolo
  • "Jackson Speed Neck"

Amplifier

  • Krank Krankenstein 100 Watt Head
  • Krank Revolution 4x12 Cabinet

Misc.

  • Jim Dunlop 1mm Picks
  • 0.09 - 0.42 DR Strings

Tunings

  • D Standard (D G C F A D) : Nocturnity, Solo Work

Discography

With Nocturnity

  • Nocturnity (EP) (2007)

Singles

  • Cannon Rock (2007)
  • Vivaldi's Summer (3rd Movement) (2007)