Tom Skinner

Discover the dynamic world of Tom Skinner, a true musical chameleon! 🎵 Based in London, this talented drummer, producer, and composer seamlessly blends wild jazz improvisations with contemporary rock rhythms.

His path was anything but straightforward, fueled by a childhood fascination with sound that took him from the loud metal clubs of his youth to the heart of London’s jazz avant-garde and the grand stages of major festivals. 🎸

Born in London in 1980 to a musical family—his mother a concert pianist—Skinner picked up the drums at the age of nine, dreaming of starting a rock band. As a teenager in the 90s, his passion for grunge and extreme metal, influenced by iconic bands like Napalm Death, shaped his unique style. He identified a raw energy in metal that he later found echoed in the avant-garde jazz of Ornette Coleman. 🔥

Carrying this intensity, he attended the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he formed crucial collaborations with fellow musicians, including saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings. In 2011, they co-founded the groundbreaking band Sons of Kemet, creating an energetic and visceral sound that blended jazz with ritual dance and rave culture. Their acclaimed album, Your Queen Is a Reptile (2018), was nominated for the Mercury Prize, showcasing Skinner's signature style—pure, hypnotic rhythms without unnecessary frills. 🥁

In 2021, the rock world took notice when Skinner became a core member of The Smile, collaborating with Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead. Elevated to a creative partner, Skinner added a new dimension to the band, resulting in the release of three albums in rapid succession, including Wall of Eyes and Cutouts, both arriving in 2024. 🎤

When not on tour, Skinner focuses on personal projects, previously performing as Hello Skinny. In 2022, he released his self-titled debut album, Voices of Bishara, embracing sonic experimentation alongside friends like Shabaka Hutchings and Nubya Garcia. This live-recorded album transforms into new loops and soundscapes, creating an entrancing experience that feels both contemporary and timeless. ✨

Continuing his momentum, Skinner will present his second solo album, Kaleidoscopic Visions, featuring relaxed, meditative pieces dedicated to those close to him. This unique repertoire will grace the stage at JazzFestBrno, set against the backdrop of Brno’s stunning Water Reservoirs. 🌊

Join us for an evening of hypnotic music and artistic expression!

📍 Location: Tvrdého 15
🎟️ Purchase Tickets Here