TOM SCRASE
Tom has been a highly sought-after musician and composer since making his mark on the Wellington music scene in 2005. His compositions have most recently been used to support Footnote's NOW 2017 season The Rebel Pink (curated by Malia Johnston), Touch Compass' InMotion Matariki celebrations, The Labour Party of New Zealand's 2017 Campaign Launch and the Wellington Lions player's entrance.
A multi-instrumentalist with a foundation in classical piano, a forte in contemporary drums and ethnic percussion and a niche in specialist Taonga Pūoro performance (Maori traditional instruments), Tom is forging his way in a unique, compelling and dynamic direction. His commissioned works bring together the elements of his compositions with live Taonga Pūoro, keyboards and drums. Vocal and instrumental looping, rhythmic diversity and powerful compositions are all trademarks of Tom Scrase's performance within commissioned works and his solo projects.
For Footnote's The Rebel Pink, Tom devised three distinct worlds to accompany each choreographer. "Sweet Salt" had the intricacy of hip-hop, glitch and contemporary music production along with a powerful performance on drums, enlivening the senses and supporting the tight choreography. "Not All Who Launder are Washed" required the delicacy and sensitiveness to keep the choreography focused while being largely improvised. A sense of the spiritual was needed for "The Silent Partner" and a lyrical, ethereal yet grounded world that encouraged playful response from the dancers was the perfect response and finale.
Tom has also spent the better part of 7 years performing with New Zealand's leading percussion ensemble Strike. It is here that he first worked with Malia during her tenure with the World of Wearable Art Awards show. Performing with Strike has seen Tom performing at festivals in China, South Korea and across New Zealand to standing ovations. During this time he co-founded The Thomas Oliver Band which would go on to release a number one album, tour Australasia and share the stage with Joe Cocker, Cold Chisel, James Reyne and Fat Freddy's Drop.
Tom is a passionate performer who looks forward to new ideas, challenges and inspiration and who's enthusiasm brings life to any project he is involved.