You wouldn’t think a trained violinist would be bringing Phonk music to the mainstream…. phahaha! Well, it’s happening thanks to producer and artist THMPSN. This Australian-bred, Las Vegas-based award-winning violinist had broken the stereotypical mould of classical music in a very mind-boggling way which is why, when we had the opportunity to speak with him we just couldn’t refuse.
He has toured the world playing with orchestras (including at Dvorak Hall in Prague, Rheingoldhalle in Mannheim, opening the Australian embassy in Berlin, as well as lecturing at the French Conservatory of Music) before gaining notoriety in the United States as a viral content creator and man behind the YouTube channels of fitness legends Bradley Martin and Calum Von Moger.
Now, THMPSN is teaming up with influential Phonk label Black 17 Media to achieve something no one has been able to do yet: become the face of Phonk. We couldn’t miss out on asking him a few questions… how the hell does one go from classical violining to hard-core electronic Phonk?!?!
Starting from the beginning, your journey began with classical violin training. Can you tell us more about your early years and how your childhood in Australia shaped your musical path?
Growing up in Australia, I began playing the violin at a very young age. One of the most significant musical influences in my life was playing with the West Australian Youth Orchestra (WAYO). Through WAYO, I had the opportunity to travel around the world, which gave me a glimpse of how far music could take me and how exciting life as a musician could be.
You’ve gone from performing at prestigious venues like Dvorak Hall and opening the Australian embassy in Berlin to creating viral content in the US. How did this transition from classical music to viral internet content unfold?
The transition occurred when I met Neil Strauss, a well-known author in the US. He invited me to America, and I stayed with him at his house in Malibu. Famous musicians would visit him, and I began going to the studio to record for them. I realized that in America, there were many more opportunities in music compared to what was available in Australia. From there I met Bradley Martyn a well known fitness influencer. I started his YouTube channel which exploded. From this I realized how powerful social media really can be and I started making content myself.
Your new single ‘VIOLINO DA BRUXARIA’ is a collaboration with the Brazilian duo Dragon Boys. How did this unique blend of Brazilian rhythms and phonk aesthetics come about, and what was the creative process like?
I connected with the Dragon Boys through Instagram and instantly fell in love with their style of Brazilian Phonk. I reached out to see if we could collaborate, and I sent them a track I had made. They recorded vocals for it, and that’s how the track came together. I hope to travel to Brazil in the future to film a music video with them.
You’ve been involved in different musical genres, from classical to house bangers and now phonk. How do you see your music style evolving, and what genres are you excited to explore next?
I want to find a way to blend Phonk with another music genre to create something completely unique—something no one has ever heard before. My goal is to craft a fresh sound that I can truly make my own and take to new heights.
Can you share the story behind ‘Nicole Aniston’ and how you connected with Memphis hip-hop legend Kingpin Skinny Pimp for the track?
My friend Nicole wanted to do a Reiki healing session on me. She has a passion for Reiki and Tarot card readings. After the session, I thought it would be cool to record her talking about the healing powers and incorporate it into a song. I met Skinny through the record label Black 17, and that same night, I also had the chance to meet the legendary Kordhell. It was an amazing experience. Skinny and I connected and we planned on making a track together so I thought this one would be such a great opportunity to create something really original.
The visuals for ‘VIOLINO DA BRUXARIA’ are inspired by car culture and the Fast and Furious movies. What drew you to this concept, and how does it connect with the vibe of the song?”
Phonk music is deeply connected to the car community. I have many friends who drift and build cars at their shops in California, and I wanted to merge my passion for music and cars into one cohesive experience.
You’ve gained a following through both your music and your viral violin clips. How has social media influenced your career, and how do you approach balancing your artistry with content creation?
Social media offers the opportunity to reach a wide audience quickly. It’s one of the best ways to promote yourself and achieve great visibility. It has definitely influenced how I approach self-promotion, and I plan to incorporate everything I’ve learned into the music videos I’m creating to promote my music.
As a classically trained violinist, how do you incorporate your background into the modern, underground sound of Phonk? Can we expect more of this fusion in your upcoming work?
I incorporate the violin into every track I create, blending orchestral moments with Phonk sounds to create something truly unique that hasn’t been done before. I definitely will be continuing to do this with every track I produce. I want to be known as the Violin Phonk producer.
Looking back, what would you say have been the most significant milestones in your career so far, and what moments have been the most rewarding?
I’d say the most rewarding moments have been building giant YouTube channels using my skills as a videographer and music producer. These experiences taught me just how powerful social media is and how anyone with a solid plan can successfully grow a brand online.
Lastly, what can fans look forward to next from THMPSN? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or live performances that you’re particularly excited about?
I have a lot more Phonk tracks on the way, featuring major collaborations with other big Phonk artists. I’ll be playing shows soon, and I’m exploring the possibility of touring in Brazil with the Dragon Boys. I’m excited to get back out there and start performing again.