In 2025, “Under a Familiar Sun” was released, on which The Vernon Spring further opens up his sound. The album deals with family, love, and fatherhood, but connects that personal world to larger questions about responsibility and the world around us. Piano remains the centerpiece, complemented by vocals, spoken word, electronics, and acoustic instruments. His album “What’s Going On” is also noteworthy; this is no ordinary cover album, but a personal reinterpretation of Marvin Gaye’s 1971 classic, constructed from piano, field recordings, samples, and spoken fragments.
THE VERNON SPRING
A Plane Over Woods 5 Year Anniversary Tour 2026-2027
Wednesday 10 February 2027
The Vernon Spring is the recording project of North London musician Sam Beste, who moves between jazz, soul, ambient, and songwriting. His musical education began with his father’s record collection, ranging from Thelonious Monk to Bob Dylan. At the age of eleven, Beste discovered piano and improvisation, which would define his later career. As a pianist, he played live for Amy Winehouse for years during the height of her career. This led to collaborations with Gabriels, Sounwave, Beth Orton, Kano, Joy Crookes, Matthew Herbert, and MF DOOM, among others. After years with the alt-soul group Hejira, Beste co-founded the Lima Limo collective and label. Since 2019, he has been making solo music as The Vernon Spring. With albums such as A Plane Over Woods, Earth, On A Good Day, and Under a Familiar Sun, he developed his signature sound: ethereal piano playing with emotional vocals and subtle electronics.
