Birthed on the deck of a steamboat, Samson Y Hiss (samson why? hiss) exited the womb to the sound of the calliope, whistles and hand claps. At the age of 13, he jumped ship and was adopted by Austrian gypsies who trained him in the art of organ grinding and flute making. Juggling and sleight of hand soon followed. Hiding out in an abandoned Franciscan chapel after selling snake oil to a mute child, Samson Y Hiss armed himself with a bass drum and wig, and marched past the authorities to the open road. Realizing the elusive power of his performance he began conjuring up grandeur musical schemes. When not composing circus music or skirting the law, he can be found on the boardwalk playing multiple instruments atop a unicycle.

Samson Y Hiss is a circus composer and theatre polluter. He was deemed "Most likely to be run over by a train in the next year!" by a passing train conductor. His musical works have been performed by circus acts, theatre groups, chamber ensembles, shadow puppets and burlesque dancers. He got 13th place in the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Jingle Competition. Hiss’ theatre works: Poison Circus and Circus Screams were received with thunderous applause. His silent film with shadow puppets and live musical score, One-Handed Witch sold out.

Samson Y Hiss holds a BA in Music Technology from Bellarmine University. He studied pipe organ at Salzburg Cathedral. Unswervingly, he studied composition with Belinda Reynolds and Elinor Armer in San Francisco.

Leaving gasps in his wake, Samson Y Hiss is the world record holder for the Most Musical Instruments Played While Riding a Unicycle (7). Similar acts of astonishment are currently underway. Samson Y Hiss lives in Oakland.