Tom Thum

Beatbox

Tom Thum

It’s been said many times that Beat Boxer Tom Thum appears to have not only a symphony orchestra but also a jazz band, techno DJ, 80’s synth pop group and collection of exotic world instruments all residing somewhere in his throat.

Propelled to internet stardom by his 2013 TEDx performance at the Sydney Opera House, Tom’s 15 minute showcase quickly became the highest viewed TEDx video of all time with over 44+ million views and counting. Now recognised worldwide for his obscure talent to warp and manipulate his vocal chords, Tom Thum continues to prove to audiences that there is no sound he cannot mimic to perfection.

Tom’s unique abilities have seen him perform to sold out crowds all over the world and his recent Thum Prints collaboration with Gordon Hamilton and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra has put him in a league of his own. With his vocal talents being sought out by Disney, Audi & DAB+ (to name a few), Tom has proven that his sound is truly world class and transcends expectations.

Like many artists, Tom’s talents were honed from behind his bedroom door. Spending hours listening to artists such as The Fat Boys and Dougie Fresh, Tom began echoing their boom-bap beats and synths with his voice. Performing at open mic nights and Hip-Hop jams in his hometown of Brisbane, Australia, it wasn’t long before Tom’s part-time hobby became a full-time reality.

Tom’s extensive catalogue of milestone achievements began in 2005, when he and fellow Australian Beat Box artist Joel Turner joined forces to take out 1st Place in the Team Battle category at the 2005 World Beat Box Battles (Leipzig, Germany). Since then, Tom’s vocal dexterity has seen him traversing the continents as part of Fringe sensations ‘Tom Tom Crew’ and ‘Beating The Habit’, performing world tours with his side project ‘Jamie MacDowell & Tom Thum’, touring with The Cat Empire throughout Europe, appeared live on Good Morning America and creating the worlds first original hour long beatbox symphony Thum Prints with composer/conductor Gordon Hamilton.

Internationally recognised for his obscure talent to warp and manipulate his vocal chords, Tom Thum is in constant demand. Working his way across the globe, this musical phenomenon continues to enlighten audiences, and with his extraordinary and often mind-blowing abilities, Tom Thum proves that there is no sound he cannot mimic to perfection.

‘Tom Thum appears to have swallowed an entire orchestra and several backing singers’
THE GUARDIAN (UK)

‘There are not enough superlatives to describe the wonder of this beatboxing virtuoso - I am still trying to figure out how he got those sounds out of his mouth’
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH (UK)

‘The mic master seems to have an orchestra living in his throat: trumpet blasts, guitar strums and samples from classic songs including Michael Jackson’s "Billie Jean" effortlessly spout from his mouth’
TIME OUT – NEW YORK (USA)

‘Tom Thum is the best in Beatboxing, that Australia has to offer, and exhibits talent beyond comprehension.’
BEAT MAGAZINE (AUS)

‘Amazing, incredible, awe-inspiring…Tom is a comedian, producer, singer, film maker and all round performer.’
SCENE MAGAZINE (AUS)

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Queensland Symphony Orchestra respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which the Orchestra works, plays, and creates music, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.