Sound and Silence: A Beatboxer’s Love Affair With Music | Tom Thum | TEDxGateway

World renowned beatboxer Tom Thum takes you on a journey through sound. With shades of driving drums, stomach churning bass, deafening silence and soulful pitch perfect vocals, Tom invites his audience to explore the sordid love affair. This musical phenomenon showcases that what makes him whole, his music.
Climaxing in his own personal ode to silence, Tom unveils the newest piece in his arsenal, the gorgeous “Love has left here”. Not only showing his amazing ability to carve lush, emotion inducing arrangements through nothing more than the textures in his throat, it’s his unprecedented ability as a singer that is the real show stopper.
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 with 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 70+ million views and counting. Now recognised worldwide for his obscure talent to warp and manipulate his vocal chords, Tom Thum provides confirmation to his audience that there is no sound he cannot mimic to perfection. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Gearshifta]

I went to the same school as Tom he was a grade ahead of me. I use to always see him beatboxing during lunch breaks in the courtyard, he was impressive back then it's crazy to see how far he's come. He would draw a crowd while breakdancing at the senior school dance's as well, Dudes got talent.

[@Hube02]

That's actually sick to hear

[@aflow-]

Loved hearing your story!

[@emilproducing]

crazy bro!

[@thesaint717]

I think with this fact, it makes him The Godfather of Modern Beatboxing.

[@quacky_bbx7213]

I would like to hear more dam.

[@themark1680]

3:37 one of the hardest slapping beats I’ve heard in a long time! Honestly, I thought the sounds were really random at first, but when he put them together it hit SO hard! This man is a true legend ❤️

[@mickenoss]

Was hoping he was gonna play with it some more after the break.

[@GrowingDownUnder]

ok I thought it was his cover of bounce - timberland

[@mikerutecky7531]

That was so unexpected and pure fire 🔥🔥 o

[@ChadJr-e1q]

If that's an actual music, I wanna know the name 💀💀🗿

[@parkerjohnson628]

THIS IS ONE OF THE COOLEST THINGS I HAVE EVER SEEN

[@whyvern6817]

Exactly what I felt 3 years ago when I saw Tom Thum Ted X Videos one before this prolly at Sydney if im not mistaken and now im beatboxer.

[@alexandrehopeson3048]

I tried to mimic his hand gestures and my furniture started floating around

[@kevipurielhoungu8313]

Hahaha best😂😂😂

[@dragonage200]

Remember its a swish and flick

[@CidKagenouNotShadow]

@Emil C. it's your fault that my neighbour's houses floating in the air for like 5 hours now

[@kasperikallevaldemarlindroos]

People have said the same about pronouncing my name

[@AppalachianDiscovery]

At about 3:00 minutes is one of the best pieces of art I have ever heard! This guys never disappoints!

[@zac2325]

Wow! this guy can do anything puts his mine to it. I remember 2013 TED X made me laughed party party party, HAHAHA

[@CrazyDuckzFTW]

How have I missed this?!?! I cant explain how much goosebumps I got. This deserves another viral ted talk ;)

[@christinegorden7816]

You definitely should sing. Your singing voice is so awesome. You are a truly gifted person who has many talents!

[@Tinhatwarrior]

This performance is one of the most beautiful things I've ever witnessed. I am so thankful I found this. You are making masterpieces that will not be forgotten. Keep doing what you're doing

[@ABHBeatbox]

Wow that final half is captivating, would love to see any and all adaptions of that in future!

[@regg32457]

He has prefected this sound so so well.

[@meo42]

i've been following tom tince i started beatboxing myself, and it's only been a little over 4 years now, it's crazy to see how you still keep on improving and figuring out new sounds and routines. man, envy your creativity!

[@guz977]

Looking and hearing this master piece was such an amazing experience

[@KentoSky]

Tom has kicking it on Ted since 2013.

[@ARZ10198]

I want to know the name of the soud he makes at 1:30

[@KentoSky]

I think it's Tom's signature

[@marielahernandez2369]

I love Tom, I'm as surprised as he can manage to do that, he's amazing!

[@SetrIxx]

after 5 years, he shockt me again with his TALENT, omg.. XD

[@sapsaFe]

3:37 :O this is absolute banger

[@sreekanth8589]

Outstanding performance

[@RASD87]

On a whole other level. Sounds like he got singing lessons too!

[@UnderTheMillkyWay]

Keeping beatboxing alive. I heard this growing up in the 80's non stop and it just brings back so many memories and to see how it's evolved over the decades.

[@multiplayerrkmedia1764]

2:38 I just realized he did this similar bit in a showcase for one of the Australia beatbox championships

[@edvinjohn3425]

Mannn, it's soo odd to see him like this, Tom's grown older now...

[@Anshulfml]

8:34 dayyum ✨☮️✨

[@reesespuffs1349]

Just found out that he did another Ted talk after five years. I’m so happy

[@deadlysam1018]

Props to this man, how can any artist perform so powerfully with without any audience Rispect sir, you'll always be an inspiration

[@raymonddenheijer3341]

i have no words for this permance

[@khalilkhalil5015]

That throat bass from a monster

[@rojeshartandlife1004]

What a performance 👍👍👍👏👏👏🎉

[@donnybrascocoliogne819]

Tom will be one of those students in the Classroom who just beat box all day sitting at the back of the classroom while the Teacher is teaching Music 😂😂😂😂 LEGEND ❤❤❤

[@Tonyhouse1168]

Imagine being that person walking to the bathroom while Tom starts “love has left here”…you’re about to miss something INCREDIBLE!!!

[@JodBronson]

"Love" is always there. You just have to learn how to hold it!

[@bristolee27]

💚Tom👍 6 minutes in hands down this man is an awesome gift and talent to us

[@ponnamranaprathapgoud7952]

My beatbox hero Tom thummer 🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️

[@RRR_Motorsports]

This truly is modern day davinci level stuff Truly one of a kind

[@Tinhatwarrior]

Absolutely. He will be remembered as a genius

[@sandrocasta5241]

There's sooooooo much talent here mamma mia

[@johnnyledbetter6492]

Simply AMAZING

[@Britneybeesh]

I am falling in love

[@Nitroh-]

2:11 would have been a good spot to drop inward bass

[@TpTonsOfficial9813]

Wow! Its awesome Tedx, You are great.

[@scottwebb7477]

I cant believe hes doing all this with his voice and mouth....its just bonkers to me

[@kanishkasinghal3643]

wth this happened in mumbai india and i never knew ..i would have surely went there ...i love this

[@j053ma]

ohhhh que atmosfera super chillout

[@jamesfitzgerald3809]

4:55 for the good good

[@jamesfitzgerald3809]

I think that it would make good meditation music. Especially the non vocal parts. Haha. Non words part. He only uses his voice.

[@jamesrudland183]

Metabass and Breath or Def Wish Cast would have sounded insane with Tom as a member.

[@yuehankaluo4026]

THE LEGEND

[@MDA-db6uh]

G.O.A.T 🙏🔥💯

[@DarkDisc1]

So..hey..how was it last night? Me: What the rave? I thought you said you was going to a Ted talk? Me: Yes

[@mitaskeledzija6269]

He evolved soo much 😍

[@Daz555Daz]

Surely there is not a high profile beatboxer ever who had a better vocal range than Tom?

[@lioneldeprez9228]

Extraordinaire

[@jeefes]

You're Amazing, bro. From which planet are you exactly?

[@MrWanGRandomvids]

He is really a good singer tooo

[@lafondawilliams]

Wizard Tom

[@AppNasty]

Tom is like the Eminem of beatboxing. Undefeatable.

[@digitalmafiamusic]

This is insanely good.

[@thedeadgamerhj7347]

The man behind Tomorrowland backstage voice....

[@oliverdonaghy4689]

Enigmatic

[@rebeccawilliams5910]

that is so darn cool

[@Joodles]

how does this only have 1,7k views..?

[@jacobmpp]

This gives me indie game soundtrack vibes

[@bradschmitt1990]

Amazing.. but he needs. To bring his own mics and stuff..

[@DanioMoc]

I love this ❤❤❤

[@liviabernxrdo]

can i listen this on spotify? 😩

[@andikablack7643]

🔥

[@anandaaryanto4503]

the mic was a paid actor

[@Son-km3rt]

Apparently, he has evolved!

[@Debleena97]

Found his first TedEx video, the Sydney one...so many years back and its like one of my core memory videos. And years later this one from Mumbai, India... He looks different but his craft is still no less than a masterpiece. An absolute genius, a complete legend 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Phed98]

Sanjaka Tananava

[@ppunion]

The craft displayed here is absolute light years ahead of his Sydney performance. Don't get me wrong I was blown away by the Sydney performance, but this is just like he invented a new level.

[@omegajrz1269]

​@@ppunionBut that says a lot about him. Because it's gotten so much better since then.

[@snips77777]

If you are from the beatbox community, you'll know that this guy is *absolutely insane* ! And these Ted Talks could never do justice for what he really can do.

[@jpoim1320]

this is just him playing around

[@bexualhealing]

Him and Beardyman are on another level

[@Santiago-fn7ff]

For me Tom Thum is the best Loopstation Beatboxer

[@erenjeager1756]

@@Santiago-fn7ff Ever heard of Saro?

[@Ericobab]

@@Santiago-fn7ff Well, Saro is still undefeated.

[@deadbrian9247]

He looks so much different from his tedX sydney video from like 5 years ago

[@tazeembaig6507]

7 years ago, ig.. 2013😳🔥

[@m.sarosh7146]

his hairstyle changed

[@ARZ10198]

He's gotten healthier too

[@heyitskal0w025]

hes not wearing unironned shirt

[@zhihao464]

He looks like he gained a little weight

[@nicolinamaria]

He's not just a beat boxer. He's a legend, an artist, a musician, multi talented performer of the highest levels! What a man.....! And very handsome as well..

[@bennitob8]

Lol and you’re in love

[@nicolinamaria]

@@bennitob8 I am very in love for over 6 years with my boyfriend :)

[@bennitob8]

@@nicolinamaria how sweet:) but Tom is your free card I bet lol

[@nicolinamaria]

@@bennitob8 maybe ;)

[@ninjataka8189]

This man doing some jutsu with his left hand 👌🤘🖖🤙👈🤚🤞✌️

[@Ascendancy-]

time stamp?

[@saplingdatree4111]

oh yeah, its his super sekrit musical jutsu, it turns his voice into any instrument he wants.

[@sbw4]

From 0:00 to 10:16

[@christianpaul2479]

🤣🤣🤣

[@fredo4207]

Ist echt wichtig. Musiker bzw eher beatboxer können das nachvollziehen.

[@0dious]

What's amazing is he's still evolving his game. I was blown away then and I'm blown again.

[@jamesrustles8670]

Crazy! Wins teams in 2005 with Joel yet still evolving, learning, improving

[@jayfrei7669]

Funfact: I was blown while watching this video

[@halseypayne4249]

Absolutely incredible. I am such a huge fan of Tom Thum!! He's so playful, funny, creative and heartfelt. What a lovely performance.

[@bobbyboyjone2866]

this dude can beatbox and he can sing like he has 10 platinum albums

[@Rylee_G]

This may be the best beatbox performance ever. God damn

[@halloooo1duuuuu]

It is so good!

[@ARZ10198]

You should check his performance with ball zee on 2016 beatbox championships it's also good

[@noverdy]

Damn I see your comment everywhere

[@Rylee_G]

@@noverdy that's me

[@ka1sen771]

Nope but he is one of the tops

[@LTM.0718]

5:16 - 6:24 GIVES ME CHILLS 😭 dude is extraordinary 🔥

[@novu5547]

The most psychedelic music ever coming from anyone's mouth . 🤩

[@kithugomusic]

Perhaps it was at the time. Now Search: “Azel - Angra”

[@triplekillerable]

He should perform at Oscars

[@Lyricistmonir]

Right

[@Mrtodologo]

Superbowls the last one with the weekend didnt like it lol

[@lindagruber4110]

Wow you are breathtaking!! Incredible. Such beautiful art

[@rullez4732]

This is not beatboxing. This is the definition of art in itself!

[@matttristanmiro3320]

I need BBK in the audience, pleasssee❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@Hube02]

Lmao yes

[@williamlopez9261]

I didn’t know I needed this and now I can’t unwant it.

[@Mrtodologo]

Bbk Needs to be present in every bb show. Bbk for president...

[@quacky_bbx7213]

you forgot one heart color (edit): you forgot many

[@eugenlitwi5018]

A true human beeing, living and expressing his full Talent and Potential. I wonder how it would look like if me and everyone else with our unique talents get to this Level... .

[@drawspaceX]

theres plenty of people ridiculously good at what they do, this does not involve just music. Go look at some artistic masterpieces being produced right now or some incredibly talented dancers. Where there is creativity there will be masters, you just need to find them

[@AndrewChicken]

That... that was beautiful. Like, wow. Those trumpets he made sound realer than actual trumpets. The actual music itself - a work of art. The range of complexity and skill in his sound - unrivaled. I would like this video a thousand times if I could.

[@GulagExpress1]

it is very rivaled. go check out some competitions on channels like Swissbeatbox.

[@jatoliagarima9207]

Sad to see such less likes on such a masterpiece 😫

[@djin_yt]

it's relative to the amount of views. it's a new talk!

[@hpa2361]

His old Ted talk at Sydney is the most view ted talk ever if I'm not mistaken

[@thischannelcantgethate.2813]

@@hpa2361 77mil views!

[@nonasiradze-ozcan8429]

So many incredible people are on earth. God bless you, talented man.

[@MASTAN005]

One of the most creative person Alive, Awesome!!

[@_ANUJ__]

first beatboxer with this much feel

[@lukeang5615]

Him and gene IMO. his 2019 showcase blew me away

[@_ANUJ__]

@@lukeang5615 I'll check that out too

[@80slimshadys]

@@lukeang5615 i came to say Gene is on this level but you beat me to it

[@emilproducing]

dudz, mb14, ... there are many talented beatboxers on this level

[@LTM.0718]

I heard this just yesterday for the first time (I was high) , it was honestly so beautiful to listen to. He sings so well , so beautifully , the level he is on is insane , definitely my all time favorite beatboxer . He literally created a story-like performance. Also , I haven’t listened to him since 2016 , the last vid I saw was his ‘Rachet-Face’ performance. I was/am so stunned by how much he’s evolved in this field. I hope to witness this in person some day ❤️ THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL A REAL ARTIST

[@eaglefly0823]

He can make a whole show with this. I would totally pay for a ticket to see him live.

[@matze8909ify]

The Mix @3:39 is badass. Is it on Spotify or somewhere?

[@karimkarroum2198]

My man should win every voice, talent show, without forgetting Grammys. Pure talent

[@ARZ10198]

His third time on Ted Talk xD

[@Happyyz]

Next level performance. Taking his craft to another dimension. Love the pallete and the touch he did on that halftime dnb sequence. Nothing less than a masterpiece 💙🌊

[@StraussGlenn]

1:51 dat beep sound was INHUMANE

[@avedic]

5:30 and onward is insanely beautiful. Almost like an early Sigur Ros track. Or Vespertine/Medulla era Bjork....or Kid-A/Amnesiac era Radiohead. You get the vibe I'm pointing to lol... The harmonic texture of these single drones he builds up is beyond gorgeous. Music is wonderful....

[@cuneytkaymak4997]

This guy is a musical genius

[@merrily_sm1170]

I saw some beatboxer with their loop play but this man is out of the world... You are far beyond insane...!!!

[@evilempire6651]

i'm always a bit jealous, but actually highly admire those artists with incredible talents!

[@sazennonumber]

This is beyond. Just beyond. Beauty. I don't think I have ever seen or read or heard anyone express the true solitude like that.

[@thestruggleisreal9626]

Discovering this video and subsequently wanting to understand the emotion and story behind this piece from Tom is what led to me realizing that I'm just a beatboxer.

[@darwinlehay5429]

his talent is out of this world, I would love to see him live