To borrow a phrase from Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, Midcoast-based music promoter/talent buyer Angus Webster is “still searching for the sound.”

Relying on little more than instinct, the 43-year-old Webster has been bringing musical talent to the Boothbay region for over 10 years and has lined up a diverse mix of artists once again this season. A well-known fixture during the summer through his work with Ralph Smith’s Boothbay Harbor Restaurant Group, Webster approaches his business with an artist-first mentality.

His company — Unearthed Productions — was launched in the late 1990s with the goal of “unearthing” the best musical talent from Maine and beyond. Primarily a regional concern at the time, Webster moved Unearthed Productions to southern Florida in 2002 to establish himself with a national tour of the Irish band, INCA. Inspired by the rich musical tradition in Ireland, he pulled up stakes and moved across the pond to Dublin.

“I was intrigued by the the Irish culture and heritage. It was eye-opening,” he said. “Their appreciation of music is incredible. Music is woven into the fabric of their daily lives.”

For an American fresh off the proverbial boat with little to no contacts, booking gigs was not easy, but eventually his efforts paid off. During his tenure in the United Kingdom, Webster booked a variety of acts, including singer-songwriter Damien Rice, Men At Work front man Colin Hay, Dave Matthews’ guitarist Tim Reynolds and the popular Northern Irish band, Snow Patrol, whose hit single, “Chasing Cars” is still in heavy rotation on alternative rock stations worldwide. Despite the success, he made the decision to return home to Woolwich to be closer to family and focus on what he calls artist potential or artist incubation. Operating out of his “camp” (a large cottage complete with gazebo, vegetable garden, chickens and dogs, Lyle and Rico) on Old Arrowsic Road, Webster tries to create a personal, singular experience for the touring musicians he brings to Boothbay.

“It's never been a profit-driven enterprise,” said Webster. “If I can expose artists to this part of Maine, it's tremendous.”

Part of the Maine experience can include a boat trip on the ocean, a lobster bake and whatever else may inspire him on a given day. It's an organic and honest approach in the often cynical music business; an approach appreciated by the artists who trek here.

“Angus has a certain artistic integrity when doing his job,” said Carlos Calvo, a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter who has played numerous times in Boothbay Harbor through Unearthed Productions. “He's not interested in artists whose work he doesn't respect. Even when there is potential for better pay, he'd rather choose an artist he truly likes.”

Two summers ago, Webster brought Calvo and actor Rob Morrow (best known for his role as Dr. Joel Fleischman in the 1990s cult television show, “Northern Exposure”) to Mine Oyster for a series of performances. It's the type of eclectic, unconventional act Webster is intrigued by.

“The Boothbay area has discerning tastes; it’s a more cultured area than other parts of the state which helps,” he said. “I can book a variety of styles because I know they will be appreciated.”

A fan of acoustic singer-songwriters in the vein of Brandi Carlisle and Brett Dennen, Webster’s latest find is Connor Zwetsch, a Florida-based artist he met at a pub this winter in Tampa Bay. Already with a national following, Zwetsch has never been to New England but will perform in Boothbay Harbor, Bar Harbor and Portland during a two-week stay in August.

“I simply liked what I heard and approached her after the show. She's incredibly talented,” he said. “I think she will be well-received in Maine and hopefully has a great experience.”

In the near future he hopes to mount another tour of Ireland with younger artists who may be on the cusp of stardom or interested in experiencing the life of a touring musician. For now, it's cheers to another summer in Boothbay Harbor, he said.

“I look forward to this time of year,”said Webster. “The energy, the music, and most importantly the inspiration.”