Ahead of this year’s M-Fest on Saturday, 14th July, The Journal has spoken to the artists performing on the day, allowing them to introduce themselves in their own words. Headlining the event is Verdisa, the brainchild of local songwriter, Sam Evans.

Though he was raised in Midsomer Norton, this year will mark Sam’s first appearance at M-Fest, and he will be bringing the whole band along with him.

Speaking of his first foray into music, Sam said: “I began when I was a toddler, playing my grandparents’ piano when we visited them. I had lessons aged five-onwards, and my teacher taught me to improvise and showed me swing and jazz music – which I loved.

“In my teens, I picked up the guitar and started writing songs, and more than eight years on, I’m still doing just that. I went to BIMM (British and Irish Modern Music Institute) in Bristol, with two musical friends, and formed a more established band, and we perform, record and play gigs all over Europe.

“One of my very first musical inspirations is local singer-songwriter, Reece Hughes. I remember watching him perform at a concert at St John’s Church Hall, and feeling a strong sense that I wanted to play original music with an acoustic guitar like he was.

“Being close to nature has influenced my music personally, though it was a great experience moving away and living in Bristol, where there is a vast sense of culture and a great music scene.

“My first gig was terrifying. I remember my guitar kept going out of tune, and I somehow lost all ability to tune it! It was at Bath Pavilion in the foyer at an event called ‘Boom Stage’.

“I think the schools should really encourage young musicians, songwriters, and students interested in music production and offer them opportunities to perform within the school and local communities.

“Every pub in Midsomer Norton should have live music; open mics, jam sessions. I’ve travelled too, and performed in Ireland many times, and they have music in every bar – I’m sure it used to be like this, but now it’s all Sky Sports and fruit machines! It’s a shame that local venues like the Wunderbar don’t exist anymore.”

When asked about the highs and lows of his career so far, Sam said: “One of the highs has to be headlining Free Harmony Festival down the road at Radford Mill Farm. All of my closest friends and family were there, and we had a mesmerising evening that I’ll never forget.

“Also, playing Bristol O2 Academy was something I always wanted to do, and we did that last year! The low for me was playing on New Year’s Eve at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club, where the door staff didn’t let my parents in because it was ‘too full’ – not good vibes!”

Sam concluded his conversation with The Journal by telling us what to expect at Verdisa’s headline set: “You can expect a high-energy, feel-good performance with a genuine message of positivity and harmony. A high level of musicianship, good vibes, and last but not least, local music – three of us were born and bred in Midsomer Norton, so you can’t get much more local than that!”

M-Fest takes place in the High Street, Midsomer Norton on Saturday, 14th July. The event is free and family-friendly, with live music taking place between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.