Sam Maxion (born January 2, 1971), known also by Slammin’ Sam, DJ Slammin’ Sam or Slam, is a Filipino-American Dj, Remixer, Producer. During the height of the “West Coast Freestyle" music period (mid 1990s to 2000), his signature sound was reflective in his productions, remixes & original tracks which topped Billboard charts and radio air waves playlists.
Growing up in Pittsburg, CA, took up piano playing at 12. He graduated from Pittsburg High School. Continued studies in recording arts & journalism at Los Medanos College and Diablo Valley College. Throughout his early teens, Maxion proceeded to refine his dj skills through various dj groups and performing at various events. Creating mixtapes for school friends and family members. These cassette mixtapes were highly structured productions, utilizing the “pause button” technique of editing. Compiling a “series” of mixtapes that are now remastered and available for download.[1] Maxion entered a “dj mix-off” held by San Francisco radio station, put together by then radio mixer Cameron Paul. His submission was chosen as number 2 among over 1500 entries. The actual recording of this on-air announcement and the mix is available. Soon after, Maxion, djed at several night clubs throughout the Bay Area, even though he wasn’t of age (under 21). Maxion continued to further expand on the music direction by constructing a home-based recording studio. Equipment included were: Emax II sampling keyboard, 4 track Tascam recorder, Alesis multitrack, to name a few.
Early career
Maxion interned at San Francisco radio station Wild 107 (now Wild 94.9) with Dj LuvCheez of the Mancow Morning Show. Host Mancow requested a production song utilizing the cartoon “Underdog”. Maxion obliged and put together a track incorporating samples taken from various videos. It was aired and the response was positive. Then-Program Director Rick Thomas heard the production and decided to give Maxion a chance as a “mixer” for the station. Thomas wanted Maxion to have a nickname. Several were used: sizzlin, smokin’. After some deliberating, “Slammin’” was the agreed name, thus began “Slammin’ Sam”. Maxion began putting together mixshows for all periods of the day including weekend slots.
Transition to Producer/Mixer
Maxion left radio to focus on the development of his company “Slammin’ Entertainment”. A full-fledge dj, recording studio & record label service. Teamed up with Galaxy Freestyle Records producer/songwriter Randy Taylor-Weber on the worldwide hit “In A Dream” (Maxion provide engineering as well as co-production input). The first successful original production project was the S Factor, with lead singer Sharyn Maceren. The single “Hard to Get” rose up the dance charts in the Bay Area and throughout the country. With the momentum build from the initial single, Maxion was in demand by several major labels for remix work (See discography for full listing). His remix of “Forget About Dre” was featured on “Hollywood Hamilton’s Top 30″, syndicated show in Los Angeles/New York.
Maxion released several albums Throughout the production & remix work, Maxion continued djing at clubs and radio stations throughout the world. (see discography for full listings). Since Wild 107, his radio station stints includes KNUQ (Hawaii), KPTY (Phoenix), KSFM (Sacramento), & recently Wild 106 (San Luis Obispo).
Current music career
Maxion conducts weekly studio sessions providing remix and original production work, djs at various club events throughout the East Bay California area. In 2009, Maxion released “Excitor” mixtape, a collection of party tracks as well as original work such as “Aura” featuring Ladysage, “Take Control” feat. Venom, Charizma, & Ladysage. Maxion was featured in a Contra Costa Times article review of the DJ Hero video game. In 2012 will be releasing "Excitor 3" mixtape album.
Maxion is involved in several endeavors outside of music. In 2009, founded TVEPN "The Virtual Entertainment Programming Network". Portal site that covers pop culture, music, gaming & entertainment. The site is home of "The Slam Show". Weekly online variety talk show presented on ustream & iTunes. Broadcast live every Monday night @ 8pm pst.
Maxion hobbies include:Texas hold 'em Poker tournaments, fantasy football (In 2009, won 3 championships). Working out and running. (Yearly participant of the "Bay to Breakers" marathon in San Francisco). Die hard San Francisco 49er fan. RIP Ed "Doe" Maxion.