Thom Mills is a top UK touring & session drummer, based in Brighton. He has worked with Egyptian Blue, Public Body, Foals, Frank Turner, Youth Sector, Fur, Skinny Lister, The Maccabees, Noah & The Whale, Mechanical Bride, Sunless ’97 & Ed Prosek.
Thom also runs his own remote drum recording business from his studio ‘RedDrum Recording Studio’ where he records for artists and bands from all over the globe. He has recorded for numerous artists, including Frank Turner, Fur, Youth Sector, Skinny Lister & Anna Rossinelli, and his drumming has been featured on films, adverts and computer games.
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REVIEWS
Jedidiah Allcock2024-05-01Awesome drumming, awesome sound, awesome communication!
Fabio Supino2024-04-30he is a real pro very easy to work with, excellent touch, and able to nail easily the vibe of the song, excellent sound,and great drumming.
DAVE CHAPPELLE2024-01-11Stellar guy, fantastic drummer and quick turnaround.
MantraChaitanya das2023-11-23I first worked with Thom in 2011, when the band I was in found ourselves without a drummer right before a recording session. With just a week to go, Thom not only learned all the drum parts to an entire album, but recorded them quickly, efficiently and with style. As a bass player, I can confirm that in the studio, he was a consummate professional and a joy to work with, steadying the ship at a difficult time while helping our cherished songs to reach their full potential. He soon became an integral member of that band, and a great friend to boot. Fast forward to the present day, and when a project I was working on required remote drums to be recorded, Thom was our first choice by a country mile. We’d never had drums recorded remotely before, but Thom made the process incredibly simple and slick. All of us - including both the songwriter and the producer of the record - commented on the impeccable audio quality of the recording which we received. The turnaround was quick, and Thom’s communication was fantastic throughout. From a musical perspective, Thom is a humble and faithful servant of the music, and never takes centre stage on a song unless asked to. We were deeply impressed (but not at all surprised) at how sensitive Thom was to the mood and meaning of the song, and the extent to which he played only to help the songwriter convey that to the audience. We didn’t just get two fantastic drum tracks; we got a lesson in what it means to be a musician, too. I can only hope that we all get to work with him again in the future.
Suiza Tumbaco2023-10-11Such a Great and Professional Drummer, it was and amazing experience to work with Thom in the remote recording sessions, 100 % satisfaction ! The drum sound sounds amazing ! So happy with the results.
Bobby Groves2023-09-21Thom played drums on 2 punk songs of mine (165 & 120 bpm). With just one email about the songs/inspiration and the tempo he came back with exactly the right beat and fills between the different sections of the song. His first pass was pretty much bang on on both tracks, but he asked what I’d like different and he went away and delivered. Everything was done remotely which I was a first for me and Thom made it so easy. I can’t recommend his playing enough. There are not many session drummers out their whole have as many gigs under their belt as Thom and that practical playing as if it were live gives an organic energy to the playing which is great for the listener. In short, I chose Thom because he can play many styles, he’s reliable and a bloody good drummer.
Ross Trigwell2023-08-02Thom done an excellent job on the drums for 2 tracks I recorded last year. One of the best things was the communication and patience, and Thom has bucket loads on top of his versatility and experience at tracking drums. A collaborative process that was easy and quick. Thanks! I can highly recommend using Thom for your recordings.
Steve Baker - Producer & Musician2023-07-26Thom has done an excellent job providing drums on several tracks that I was producing and mixing for various clients. I felt confident recommending him and his services and wasn't disappointed! He goes the extra mile with his approach and has been very patient when revisions have been needed. Looking forward to working with him again soon. Would definitely recommend if you're in need of classy, vibey, song-focused and inventive drums on your song!
Morgan Edgerton2023-07-25Thom recording drums for my song was a great experience. The drumming he sent back was so creative and fitting to my music. It was perfectly recorded and his communication and tracks were sent back very quickly. It really took my song to another level and I look forward to working with him again.
“I have worked with Thom on a couple of projects, the last being the latest Skinny Lister record. Thom is fantastic to work with and always has the heart of the song at the forefront of his approach. He also sounds amazing, I don’t think we had to work on his drum sound at all! Couldn’t recommend him more.”
Simon ‘Barny’ Barnicott – Skinny Lister, Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys (producer, mixer) UK
“Thom is just great. Amazing drummer, lovely to work with.”
Frank Turner (artist) UK
“Thom is a true pro, fantastic live and studio drummer plus he’s a lot of fun. Would highly recommend him for any of your drumming needs. ”
Toby Faulkner – Newton Faulkner (artist) UK
“I can honestly say that Thom is one of the best musicians I’ve ever worked with. We’ve collaborated on several recording projects and his input has always been top-notch. His vast knowledge of music, coupled with his tasteful creativity, makes him my go-to guy if I’m looking for drums or percussion to really bring a project together. Also, he’s a lovely man… which helps! Highly recommended.“
Derek Meins – The Agitator, Derelicts, Vex Message (artist) UK
“Thom is just great. Amazing drummer, lovely to work with.”
Frank Turner – Frank Turner (artist) UK
“I have worked with Thom on a couple of projects, the last being the latest Skinny Lister record. Thom is fantastic to work with and always has the heart of the song at the forefront of his approach. He also sounds amazing, I don’t think we had to work on his drum sound at all!!! Couldn’t recommend him more.”
Simon ‘Barny’ Barnicott – Skinny Lister, Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys (producer, mixer) UK
“I loved working with Thom! A real pro drummer, both in his playing and attitude. He’s a man who can effortlessly staddle genres, keeping authenticity and feel the whole time. Highly recommended!!”
Mark Roberts – Black Peaks, Delta Sleep, Toska, InTechnicolour (producer) UK
“I’ve worked on multiple sessions with Thom, and each and every time he blows my mind. He’s so easy to work with, a lovely fella and I couldn’t recommend enough!”
Tom Bjorn – (producer, engineer) UK
“Thom and I have been working together for 15 years now. He is my first port of call for recording or live work on the drums. His unique feel, coupled with an eclectic taste in music means he is capable of turning his abilities to any musical project.”
David Vine – ABVSS (artist) UK
“I’ve worked with Thom on countless projects and he is always an absolute pleasure to work with. The quality of his recording studio is excellent and live drums recorded in there sound huge.”
Theo Verney – Egyptian Blue, Home Counties, Public Body (producer) UK
“I’ve recorded Thom on multiple sessions now and I can honestly say he’s one of the best drummers I’ve had the pleasure to work with! He has an amazing feel and always delivers. I would highly recommend.”
Tom Bishop – (producer, mixer, engineer) UK
“Thom is an outstanding and highly innovative drummer whom I have had the pleasure of recording on many occasions. He brings the highest quality performance every time, and is always able to provide a unique perspective or idea to parts that make him a dream for any producer. And as a person his professionalism and character make him a total pleasure to work with every time.”
Charlie McClean – (producer) Germany
“Thom provided drums for an upcoming single release of mine, he was a joy to work with and his playing really took the track to the next level, I highly recommend!”
Alfie Firmin – (artist) UK
“Thom provided recorded remote live drums for a track we’ve been working on over the last week, his performance was bullet proof and the recording quality was frankly incredible. Will be regularly using his services in the future. Highly recommended.”
Sam Brace – Skinny Lister (artist) UK
Studios I’ve worked in:
- Abbey Road, London
- Maida Vale, London
- Rockfield, Wales
- Metropolis, London
- Echo Zoo, Eastbourne
- Brighton Electric, Brighton
- Blue Bell Hill Studio, Kent
Producers I’ve worked with:
- Theo Verney (Fur, Egyptian Blue, English Teacher, TRAAMS)
- Simon ‘Barny’ Barnicott (Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Bombay Bicycle Club)
- Adrian Hall (Tori Amos, Depeche Mode)
- Christoph Skirl (The Magic Gang, Willie J Healy, Demob Happy)
- Mark Roberts (Black Peaks, Delta Sleep)
- Jag Jago (The Maccabees, Ten Tonnes, Magic Gang, Jessie Ware)
- Charlie McClean (Diana Ross, Anna Rossinelli)
- Iain Harvie (Del Amitri, The Maccabees)
- Tristan Ivemy (Frank Turner, Alex Clare)
- Nick Abbott (Keane, Foals)
- Russ Junk Scientist (Larrikin Love, The Rakes)
- Frank Turner (NOFX, Nathan Gray)
- Mark Flannery (Black Sabbath, Def Leppard)
Artists I’ve worked with:
- Skinny Lister (Xtra Mile Recordings)
- Public Body (Six Tonnes de Chair)
- Mechanical Bride (Transgressive Records)
- Sunless ’97 (Abeano)
- Foals (Warner Bro) as Percussionist and Drum Technician
- Ed Prosek (SCOLA Records)
- Frank Turner & Nathan Gray (End Hit Records)
- Fur (777 Music)
- Anna Rossinelli (Universal)
- Youth Sector (Family Values)
- Lucy Feliz (Ok Pal Records)
- Shady Baby (Nice Swan Records)
- Holy Vessels (Hello Babe Records)
- Alfie Firmin
- Sam Brace
- Thrillhouse
- Sad Funeral
- Mean Poppa Lean
Thom Mills- Musical Biography
“Over the last 25 years of playing drums, and 16 years professionally I have gained a vast amount of live, studio and drum teaching experience as a professional session drummer playing all over the globe with a wide variety of bands and artists. Most notably with Skinny Lister. I have done numerous live tours all over the world including, UK, Europe, Japan & USA, including supporting Frank Turner at Alexandra Palace, playing many times at incredible festivals including my personal favourites Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds and Download (UK), Asagiri Jam (Japan), Greenfields (Switzerland), Bonaroo and Riot Fest (USA), and Hurricane and Southside (Germany).
“I have also played with a plethora of other bands including post-punk band ‘Public Body‘ signed to FatCat Records, we have released several EP’s and debut album ‘Big Mess’. The tracks have been gaining a lot of attention, and getting radio plays including multiple plays on BBC Radio 6 Music, Radio 1, and touring across Europe.
“Additionally in the past I have toured, recorded with Mechanical Bride, signed to Transgressive Records. The ‘Living with Ants’ album was released in 2011 to critical acclaim. Through Republic of Music, my band Holy Vessels released ‘Last orders at the Marshall Arms’ in 2012.
I also was lucky enough to work with Foals as a drum tech and percussionist in 2013 following up to their ‘Holy Fire’ album release. I appeared with them on BBC’s ‘Later… With Jools Holland’, Channel 4’s ‘Abbey Road Sessions’ and toured with them around Europe on the albums promotional campaign.
“I have also been blessed to connect, work and be endorsed with some of the best drum companies in the world. These include C&C Custom drums in Kansas City, USA, Sabian Cymbals, Vater Drumsticks and Remo Percussion drum heads.
“My extensive studio experience includes sessions at top, world renowned studios including, Rockfield, Metropolis, Maida Vale & Abbey Road. I have also played on countless records over the years with a great variety of different genres which has helped me to gain knowledge on what works for any type of music and how best to play and write creative and interesting drum parts that suit and enhance the song I am recording.
“I now own and run RedDrum Recording Studio in Brighton on the south coast of the UK where I operate as an online session drummer & record custom live drum tracks for artists, bands, songwriters and producers from all over the globe. My clients so far have been extremely varied from Russian rock bands to tender UK based singer songwriters. My aim is to always deliver the highest quality live studio drum tracks with as many revisions as the client desires to artists, bands, songwriters and producers all over the world.
“After many years of experience as a session studio drummer and online session drummer, and now with my own studio delivering the highest quality live drum tracks I believe I can deliver to all my clients a truly unique service; Cutting out the need to hire a high-end recording studio, engineer and producer but still getting the best real live drum tracks played by a professional online session drummer, and delivered straight to your inbox for a fraction of the price.”
Thom is proudly sponsored by
