I am Thomas Ockenden, a newcomer drummer based in the UK. I started playing drums at 9 years old, and I’m completely self-taught; I’ve never had a drum lesson in my life. I was inspired by watching the great drummers my parents worked with, whilst I used to go round with them as a small child when they were on tour, plus all the great jazz/funk and R’n’B drummers on the songs we listened to in the car.

One day I thought I’d give it a shot on the kit we had set up in our studio, and I’ve never looked back since. In the time that I’ve played, I have achieved the title of a Top 10 Finalist in Zildjian Young Drummer of the Year 2026, I have worked alongside and received support from Blue, Sam Ryder, Ash Soan, The Script, Jess Glynne, Tower of Power and Shakatak, and I record material for BBC/CTVC.

I am currently busy on the festival circuit, headlining major UK country festivals, and have been booked to host drum clinics/masterclasses at The Drum Hang and Dorset Drum Festival, along with professional high-level corporate function work. I currently receive active support from Sonor Drums, Pellwood Drumsticks, Bonham Drumheads, Zildjian and Vic Firth.