DJ Sam Hebden is rapidly making waves across the electronic music scenes in the South West, Devon, and Cornwall, winning over dancefloors with a distinct style built on rolling tech house, intricate percussion, and heavy-hitting basslines. Taking cues from respected dance music artists like Frankie Rizardo, Vito, Nacho Scoppa, and Owen Price, Hebden champions natural swing, tight rhythm, and uplifting vibes rather than artificial intensity, delivering sets loaded with pure dancefloor energy. His new Little South featured podcast mix is a prime example of this approach, intentionally structured as an authentic warm-up session that builds the atmosphere and guides listeners through a seamless sonic progression. Instead of rushing straight into peak-time pace, the selection opens with deeper, more relaxed textures that give the beats room to breathe, slowly layering in driving momentum until it locks into full groove territory and leaves listeners eager for what comes next.

Coming off a defining stretch of career highlights, Sam Hebden is demonstrating that combining keen record selection with original studio work is essential for making a mark in modern dance music. Among his biggest gigs to date are appearances at Plymouth's sold-out Corinthian Yacht Club party and the Lido party alongside renowned club brand CASA, solidifying his status as a go-to selector for major regional nights. Away from live performances, Hebden ticked off a major personal ambition with the drop of his "Burnin' edit" via Classy Recs, an achievement that underscored the value of carving out a signature production identity early in a DJ's career. With plenty of fresh energy behind him, audiences and event organisers can look forward to a wave of upcoming tech house releases, new label signings, and sets at top-tier venues across the circuit.

Listen to the mix

What are your highlights of the past year and what is planned for the future?

It’s been a massive year for me, with a couple of standout moments being playing the sold-out Corinthian Yacht Club party with CASA, as well as the Lido party, also alongside CASA. Both were incredible experiences and definitely highlights of my journey so far.

Another huge achievement was releasing my Burnin' edit on Classy Recs. Having my own music released on a label is something I’ve been working towards, so that was a really special moment for me.

Looking ahead, I want to keep building on that momentum, focus more on production, get more of my own music out there and continue playing at new venues and events. There’s plenty more to come!

Tell us something that you know now that you wished you knew when you first started DJing.

One thing I wish I’d understood earlier is just how important production is in today’s scene. Being a good DJ and selector is obviously important, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to break through on selection alone. Having your own productions and developing a sound that’s recognisably yours can really set you apart. If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to get into production as early as possible!