Harry Thynne is a dynamic musician, songwriter, and producer from Sydney, Australia, who has carved a distinctive path in the music world. Best known as the drummer and co-writer for WIM and Drop Tank, Harry’s career is a shining example of how technical skill, raw creativity, and relentless dedication to craft can be combined in one talented package.
Harry’s musical journey began when he was eight years old, guided by his mother, a musician in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Though initially drawn to the guitar, his small stature led him to the drum kit–a decision that would light up a lifelong passion for rhythm. He also took piano, violin, guitar, and drums and continued at the Australian Institute of Music, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and JMC Academy. Trained under his teenage idol, Danny Heifetz, Harry’s drumming developed into a refined yet powerful style that has been his signature.
In the early 2000s, Harry dove headfirst into Sydney’s thriving but tough underground music scene. He played in punk and metal bands, found a home in Marrickville’s warehouse district, and played in illegal venues, putting on drum workshops encouraging musicians to collaborate. These formative years instilled a deep understanding of the synergy between artist and audience–a connection Harry carries into every performance.
Harry’s talents soon came to the attention of producers and artists worldwide, and he has since worked with acts including Hero Fisher and SOG. As a session drummer, his intuitive feel and deep pocket earned him a reputation as one of the industry’s most reliable and expressive drummers.
In 2007, Harry co-founded the band WIM, which rapidly reached notoriety in Sydney and beyond. This self-titled debut album with the legendary producer Bob Clearmountain marked the turning point in launching the band onto international stages, which included the Sundance Film Festival, CMJ Music Festival, and South by Southwest. Touted by MPR Radio as one of the top emerging acts in 2011, WIM’s success demonstrated Harry’s ability to marry his refined sensibilities with an incendiary stage presence.
Alongside this, Harry was also involved with Drop Tank, where his love for heavy music came to the fore. Touring relentlessly through underground shows and festivals, Drop Tank had garnered a loyal following; this eventually led Harry to move to New York to expand their reach.
Today, Harry Thynne’s recent work has spanned an impressive range of collaborations, from serving as a session drummer for the high-energy performances of Andy Clockwise, dynamically driven by Harry himself, to working with producer Jason Lowrie, who describes his unmatched musicality and presence.
As the main songwriter and composer of his solo project, FYST, Harry has continued to push the creative envelope, with a new album lined up for release in 2025. Combining technical mastery with infectious energy, he’s earned high praise from Matt Ellis, Dustin Bookatz, and Michael Rault, furthering his reputation as a drummer of both precision and soul. Still not convinced, here’s what fellow drummer Dustin Bookatz had to say about Harry:
“One of my most favorite drummers I’ve ever worked with. His feel and musical sensibilities are refined and sophisticated, yet powerful. And one of the deepest pockets you’ll find too. It’s always a special time to plate with Harry and the crowd feels that too.”
