THMPSN, an Australian-born Phonk producer, DJ, and violinist, has carved out a unique space in the music world by blending his classical training with the raw energy of underground Phonk. From performing at prestigious venues across Europe to becoming a viral sensation in the United States, THMPSN’s journey is marked by his ability to seamlessly merge elegance with grit. His latest collaboration with Dragon Boys on “VIOLINO DA BRUXARIA” showcases this talent, fusing traditional Brazilian rhythms with dark, atmospheric phonk elements. We were lucky enough to sit down with the producer himself in an exclusive interview to delve into THMPSN’s evolution as an artist, the inspiration behind his latest projects, and his vision for the future as he continues to push the boundaries of genre and culture in his music. Check out the interview below and be sure to stream the act’s impressive new single as well.
You’ve had a diverse musical journey starting with classical training and international tours. How has your classical background influenced your current work in the phonk genre?
My background in classical music has significantly influenced my work in the Phonk genre by allowing me to incorporate violin melodies and craft a distinctive sound that most people wouldn’t expect. By blending classical melodies with Phonk elements, I’m creating something truly unique and different.
Can you share the story behind the creation of “VIOLINO DA BRUXARIA” and how the collaboration with Dragon Boys came about?
I connected with the Dragon Boys on Instagram and instantly loved their style and Brazilian Phonk. From there I created a Brazilian Phonk track, sent it to them, and they recorded their vocals. I then finished the track by adding violin. It was a great experience, and the process flowed smoothly.
The music video for “VIOLINO DA BRUXARIA” has a vibrant, car-culture-inspired aesthetic. How did you come up with the concept for the video, and what was the experience like directing it?
The music video was shot at my friend’s car shop, where I’m currently having two classic cars built. Since Phonk is closely connected to the car scene, I want to incorporate as many cars as possible in my music videos to really stand out in the genre.
Brazilian phonk in particular appears to play a significant role in your art – what elements of Brazilian music do you find most compelling, and how do they influence your sound?
I love the sound of Brazilian Phonk, especially the big, gritty synths. I really enjoy creating those sounds and crafting melodies in that style.
You’re on a mission to bring phonk into the mainstream. How do you see the current state of the genre in our culture, and how do you see phonk growing in the future?
Phonk is still very much underground right now, but I’m working hard to create visuals that match the genre and help bring it into the mainstream.
Looking back at your journey from Australia to Las Vegas and your evolution as an artist, what has been the most pivotal moment in your career so far?
Coming to America and meeting Neil Strauss was a game-changer for me. He had many big-name musicians coming in and out of his house, and they showed me that being a violinist could mean so much more than just playing in an orchestra. At the time, my mindset was very limited—I felt lost without sheet music. But from that experience, I learned how to improvise and realized there were no rules; I could be creative and do whatever I wanted.
