Tommy Rokka | SoultoneCymbals.com

Tommy Rokka

Tommy Rokka

Outläw/ Skärlet

Born in Rotorua, New Zealand- Tommy was playing drums on stages at 7 years old. Getting his first mini kit at 4 and working his way up from the bottom whilst immersing himself in as many musical styles as possible, he was in and out of many bands growing up. After beginning to write his own music and finding the need to create, get out there and take drumming seriously, at 12 years old he busked on the street using boxes and cans to save up for his first proper drum set. He studied drummers like Thomas lang, Virgil Donati, Mike Portnoy, Tommy Lee, The Rev and Dave Weckl everyday- whilst honing his skills in endless hours of practice every day in order to unlock and explore the art of playing drums. Immersing himself in the most difficult challenges he can find and create is something he thrives off of. Playing drums in high school Jazz band, he went on to be the only New Zealander in Australasia selected for Honors Stage Band with Rodger Fox 3 years running. After diving into and discovering Prog, Metal and Rock, combined with his passion for Pop hooks, he found his true voice, particularly seated in 80s style Glam Metal and Hard Rock, but with a modern twist. After having some local success with one of his high school bands, he went on to do a lot of session work in order to make money and gain experience- all through his teens and into adulthood, both live and in the studio. He eventually ended up doing some studying under Michael Barker (Ex John Butler Trio) before making the move to Melbourne, Australia. There he went on to form the Hard Rock/ Glam Metal Band ‘Skärlet’, releasing their self titled album in 2016 and going on to be ranked in Canada’s “Sleaze Roxx’s Magazine’s Top Ten albums of 2016”. After the breakup of Skärlet, he reformed three quarters of Skärlet under the new band name ‘Outläw’, who’s debut double album release is scheduled for later in 2021. Bringing a technically proficient yet hard hitting and energetic style to the drums, and producing work for other bands and still sessioning, his raw and unapologetic style is something not to be trifled with!! (Photos By TJ McMullen Photography)

Links:

Facebook Artist Page - https://www.facebook.com/tommyodrummer
Facebook Skärlet Page- https://www.facebook.com/skarletmetal
Facebook Outläw Page- https://www.facebook.com/debauchatarium

Instagram Artist Page- https://www.instagram.com/tommyrocker8/
Youtube Channel and Website coming soon!

Soultone Cymbals sound is definitely different. Their products don’t sound like they just came out of a generic assembly line in a factory, they sound like art. Pure, simple, art. The effort put into hand crafting each cymbal and putting that personal touch and work into making each cymbal really comes across. They have the right amount of tone, trash and projection that I need to do my job. I’m a Hard Rock player who doesn’t hit lightly, and they definitely do wonders for me onstage.

To me, Soultone is the perfect depiction of incredible sound mixed with pride and care. The way they make the cymbals by hand and put so much work into getting each cymbal to sound as amazing as it can, whilst working together in a set is mind blowing. I’ve found that they have their own unique sound, almost like a ‘classic meets modern vibe’, and it’s a sound that I am excited to use both live, and in the studio.

Any drummer from any walk of life and any style could pick up a Soultone cymbal and experience the sound they offer, and find that it would suit them and their style, no question. They’re also really affordable, they don’t try to clean out your bank account. They want you to get the quality tools you need and help you be the best musician and player you can be for a really good and fair price.

I love that Soultone has a unique sound and makes a wide range of cymbals that cater to every type of drummer. The fact that they made specific adjustments to the cymbals to cater to my style amazed me. Iki and the team were absolutely awesome. They are willing to go the extra mile and really take care of you. They made me feel welcomed and at home, and genuinely care about me being a member of their family. There’s no price on that. I’m looking forward to a long lasting and incredible relationship, as that to me is just as important as the cymbals, if not even more so.

My Soultone Set: 

15” Explosion Hi-Hats (Thickened)
22” Explosion Ride
18” Extreme Crash
19” Explosion Crash (Thickened)
19” Custom Brilliant Crash (Thickened)
20” Custom Brilliant Crash (Thickened)
14” Explosion China
18” Extreme China

Discography