100% Home Grown, April 2026: Sam Baxendale
At Highland FM, 100% Home-Grown is about backing the talent coming out of the Southern Highlands and nearby regions.
In this special update, we’re featuring Sam Baxendale, a vocalist and songwriter whose journey started locally and is now taking shape in the Sydney jazz scene.
Some listeners will already know Sam from her work with Headlands. Since then, she’s kept building her sound and working with other musicians to put together a collection that feels honest and well put together.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can revisit her earlier feature here.
About Sam
Sam Baxendale developed her musical foundations in the Southern Highlands at Southern Lights Vocal Academy, training under Isabelle Spinelli. During that time, she explored R&B, soul, funk and gospel before moving into jazz with Evan Kerr.
She later studied at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music under Eric Dunan, where she became part of the Con Jazz program. This is where she started contributing to original work and building confidence as a performer. Sam has been studying jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is part of the broader Sydney music scene. She has also worked as a session musician and recorded backing vocals on Joe Mungovan’s album Sugar, Candy, Lips.
Special features
Jae Ryder (Double Bass)
Jae Ryder is currently studying jazz double bass at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Jae began with trombone and piano before finding a place on bass.
Jae draws inspiration from players like Scott LaFaro, Ray Brown and Esperanza Spalding. Jae’s playing is steady, warm and focused on supporting the group.
Jude Larkin (Guitar)
Jude Larkin continues to develop a sound through a mix of modal and cool jazz, alongside influences from R&B and pop.
Jude’s playing adds a different texture to the recordings and brings a sense of exploration without overcomplicating things.
Oscar Lubbock (Piano / Multi-instrumentalist)
Oscar Lubbock is studying jazz piano at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and brings a strong sense of harmony and composition to the group.
Influenced by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Jacob Collier and Herbie Hancock, Oscar’s playing adds depth while still leaving space for the rest of the band.
Cass Pyc (Guitar / Composer)
Cass Pyc is a guitarist and composer who developed an interest in jazz from a young age, first working with mentor Eric Dunan during primary school.
Cass went on to perform regularly and earned a place in one of Wollongong’s top ensembles, continuing to build experience through gigs and workshops with visiting international artists.
Photos: Oscar Lubbock
Why we love it
This is what 100% Home-Grown is all about.
It’s local artists developing their craft, playing together and pushing each other to get better. You can hear that connection across these recordings. Sam’s voice holds everything together, with each musician adding their part without trying to do too much.
Album: Mementos
Producer: Stephen Lindsay, Old Binda Road Studios
Audio Master: Warren Barnett
