In his TED talk titled “The orchestra in my mouth,” Tom Thum unveils his unique talent as a beatboxer, showcasing his ability to create complex musical compositions using only his voice. With humor and charisma, he explains how beatboxing has become his profession, despite its unconventional nature, often performed in bars and street corners.Tom Thum captivates the audience by demonstrating a range of beatboxing skills, from imitating classic songs like “Billie Jean” to producing sounds reminiscent of instruments from around the world, such as the didgeridoo from Australia, sitar from India, and guzheng from China. He incorporates Kaoss Pads, electronic devices that enhance his vocal capabilities, allowing him to add effects like reverb and loop his voice to create layered compositions.Throughout his talk, Tom Thum reflects on his journey from Brisbane, Australia—a city not known for its cultural vibrancy—to performing globally and experiencing diverse cultures. He humorously introduces fictional characters and musical personas, like Mr. Smokey Jefferson and Mr. Peeping Tom, adding theatrical flair to his performance.By the end, Tom Thum leaves the audience entertained and impressed by the versatility of beatboxing as an art form and his skill in transforming everyday sounds into a symphony of music and rhythm.
