Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
Bios:
Long:
Sam Milton is a Portland-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who performs intimate, melody-driven indie rock and folk. His debut album, Nausea (October 10, 2025) marks his first public release. Written, performed, and produced entirely alone in his studio apartment, the record captures a balance between delicately arranged acoustic confessionals and expansive, full-band compositions that swell with layers of distorted guitars, strings, and percussion.
On July 24th, 2026, the new two-sided single When the Dog Comes to Bite released. With additional production and engineering help from Christopher Jack (The Dandy Warhols, The Shins, Sleater-Kinney, etc.), and drum accompaniment from backing band member Emmett Becker, the two still primarily home-recorded tracks “When the Dog Comes to Bite” and “Something to Do” represent a large step up in production, composition, energy, arrangement, and maturity since Milton’s release 9 months prior.
Loosely inspired by MTV’s “Unplugged” series, Sam Milton's backing band—an acoustic five-piece rock group— consists of members Emmett Becker (Drums & Backing Vocals), Christian Collins (Upright Bass), Carlo Mery (Violin), and Aidan Cole (Lead Guitar).
"The young Milton could perhaps be our salvation from the ouroboros of delicate indie that disappears the moment it sees the light of day. This might be an “I saw him before…” show.” — The Portland Mercury (“Portland’s New Elliott Smith.” Jan 14. 2026).
Medium:
Portland-based artist Sam Milton writes and plays melancholy, melody-driven indie rock. His debut album Nausea (October 10, 2025) was recorded entirely alone in his studio apartment, blending sparse acoustic arrangements with lush, full instrumentation. A new two-sided single When the Dog Comes to Bite releases July 24th, 2026.
The young Milton could perhaps be our salvation from the ouroboros of delicate indie that disappears the moment it sees the light of day.” — Portland Mercury
Backing band “(& Co.)” joins Milton, featuring a lush, rhythmic string ensemble.
Short:
Sam Milton is a Portland based singer-songwriter who blends intricate acoustic finger-picking with emotional, melody-rich songwriting.
BAND INFO
Members
Sam Milton: Guitar, Lead Vocals. DOS #: (503)858-2012
Christian Collins: Upright Bass. DOS #: (732) 484-0559
Emmett Becker: Drums. DOS #: (541) 490-9409
Carlo Mery: Violin / Viola. DOS #: (503) 367-2847
Aidan Fritchman: Guitar, Backing Vocals. DOS #:(541) 801-7417
Stage Plots:
Full Band Arrangement
Aidan and Sam will switch between electric / acoustic depending on the song. Electric presentation will have small amps that need microphones. Acoustic presentation will need DI boxes.
Christian will typically just have one bass per show. Indoor, quieter gigs will use the upright. Outdoors and rockier set-lists will use the electric bass guitar.
If playing at a smaller venue with limited space, electric guitars & amps will not be brought, and the whole set will remain acoustic.
Acoustic Duo Arrangement (Sam and Aidan)
Input List (7/31 Swan Dive)
Solo
Input List (Full Band)
Ch 1: Kick
Ch 2: Snare
Ch 3: Overhead L
Ch 4: Overhead R
Ch 5: Upright Bass (DI through Amp)
Ch 6: Violin / Viola (Mic)
Ch 7: Acoustic Guitar: DI (Aidan)
Ch 8: Acoustic Guitar: DI (Sam)
Ch 9: Electric Guitar Amp Mic (Aidan)
Ch 10: Electric Guitar Amp Mic (Sam)
Ch 9: Lead Vocal (Sam)
Ch 10: BU Vocal (Aidan)
Half Band Arrangement (Performer-Dependent)
Notes
Input list, microphone techniques, DI vs amp, etc. is flexible and amenable to audio engineer and/or venue’s input.
Both guitars should be relatively equal in volume. Both play alternating rhythm and lead parts and should blend together into one.
This is a quieter band— the goal should always be that the audience doesn’t need earplugs to enjoy the music.
The violin should not be a dominant, lead instrument primarily and should be kept at a moderate to low volume. It is used to add texture and swells to the band’s arrangement, with occasional dynamic increases. Carlo, the violinist, will move closer to the microphone to increase volume during the more dominant “solo” sections.
The lead singer (Sam) has a soft, quiet voice and will “eat the mic” so-to-speak to avoid feedback, except during louder moments.
The priority of the sound mix should always be the vocal and the guitars. Words should be audible and the vocal should not be buried in the mix, or require yelling to be heard.
Reference mixes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXZhcY4IszI&list=PL6l5iKlCf_Bk_KxxlfgiR-SWcI8kDSNcb&index=3 (Sam Milton - Babies LIVE at the Showdown 1/16/26)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWmkuH1k7uA&list=RDaWmkuH1k7uA&start_radio=1 (Nirvana - All Apologies (MTV Unplugged))
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EKi2E9dVY8&list=RD9EKi2E9dVY8&start_radio=1 (Alice in Chains - Nutshell (MTV Unplugged))
Please do not hesitate to reach out for more information:
I’m available for quick access by phone at (503)858-2012 and will try to return e-mails in a timely fashion at samismilton@gmail.com or mgmt.sammilton@gmail..com.
Thanks!