The inside story on Floating Points & Isonoe’s FP-Mixer
12 years ago
United Kingdom Floating Points, also known as Dr. Sam Shepherd, is a British electronic music producer, DJ, and musician recognized for his diverse contributions to music and his background in neuroscience.
Interested in booking Floating Points?
Request A ShowFloating Points composed his debut ballet score, 'Mere Mortals,' for the San Francisco Ballet. The piece, based on the ancient Greek myth of Pandora contextualized within AI, premiered in 2024 to sold-out shows.
Collaborated on the successful 2021 album 'Promises' alongside jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders.
The classical music label released 'Mere Mortals,' Floating Points' debut ballet score.
Floating Points signed a worldwide publishing agreement covering future works.
Floating Points has released music with the independent record label.
The New York-based record label released 'Promises,' the collaborative album with Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra.
Floating Points has released music on the English electronic music record label.
Collaborated on the original series soundtrack for the Japanese anime series 'Lazarus'.
Co-designed a custom DJ mixer.
Long-time artist collaborators who created live visuals for performances and installations, including the exhibition 'Future Shocks' and visuals for 'Mere Mortals'.
Floating Points gave a lecture in Tokyo in 2014, discussing his musical journey, production techniques, and academic background.
Collaborated with KDV Dance Ensemble and Boiler Room for an interactive live stream during lockdown.
Floating Points was interviewed by The New York Times during the lockdown period, discussing his work.
Samuel Thomas Shepherd, known professionally as Floating Points, was born in Manchester, England, in 1986. His early musical training included piano studies at Chetham’s School of Music, where he developed an initial focus on classical music. His interests expanded into jazz and electronic music during this period. While pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience and epigenetics at University College London, Shepherd continued to develop his musical career. This academic background, focusing on pain responses and RNA expression in neurons, coexisted with his growing involvement in the London music scene, including DJing at the Plastic People club in the late 2000s.
Shepherd’s professional music career began in late 2008 with the co-founding of Eglo Records with Alexander Nut, followed by the release of his debut ‘Vacuum EP’ in 2009. He later established Pluto Records in 2015. Over the years, he has released several studio albums, including “Elaenia” (2015), “Crush” (2019), and “Cascade” (2024), which have received critical acclaim. A significant collaborative endeavor was “Promises” (2021) with Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra, which was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Shepherd has also composed a ballet score, “Mere Mortals,” for the San Francisco Ballet, which premiered in 2024 and is scheduled for release as a studio album in 2026.
Floating Points is recognized for his DJing style, which often incorporates unquantized live music and a broad selection of genres from older music. His technical expertise is evident in his co-design of a custom DJ mixer with Isonoe. He has toured with artists such as The xx and remixed music for a diverse range of musicians. His work extends to composing for film and television, contributing to the soundtrack of the 2025 Japanese anime series “Lazarus” alongside Kamasi Washington and Bonobo.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
