Tom Pickles on SoundBetter

Award-winning Cellist with 15 years of performing and recording experience, based in Lille, France. I love to collaborate, have a passion for creating emotive cello parts, and am comfortable playing in any genre or style

Hello! I’m Tom, an award-winning classically-trained cellist from the UK, with 15 years of experience as a performing and recording musician. Over the years I’ve recorded for many artists, including Ivor Novello award-winning producers, video game composers, singer-songwriters, and sample libraries. I’m active as an orchestral and solo performer in the UK and France, and hold a Masters diploma with Distinction from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

I love connecting with people and collaborating on their music projects, and I’m comfortable playing and recording in any style. I pride myself on always working to the highest standards - I will never return a project that I’m not personally happy with. I am passionate about creating dynamic and emotive cello parts, and using the whole range of sonic possibilities on the cello to achieve this, in my own unique style.

I am able to learn songs straight away by ear, and can improvise or compose my own parts for your song with ease. Playing from your own composed parts is of course no problem. I’m also a pianist, composer, and arranger, and this all-round musical knowledge ensures high-level arrangements and gives me the flexibility to adapt to any requests you may have.

I record using Logic Pro X and Rode nt2a microphones from my home studio in Lille, France.

Feel free to send me a message and let’s work together!

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

2 Reviews

Endorse Tom Pickles

by Ross S.
Tom has been an absolute pleasure to work with from every aspect professionally and personally. His affinity with his instrument and clear pleasure in collaboration make him the first cellist I'll call when there's a project on. Aside from his beautiful tone and stunning performance, his work ethic is incredible and he has an exciting approach to experimentation and trying out new things, and his self-regulating makes things easier my end!

I highly recommend Tom, you'll be lucky to work with him.

Ross
(Composer: BBC, Channel 4/5, Discovery HD, Sky etc)
by Douglas pisterman
Great Cellist with amazing feel, Tom has always surprised me with the creative parts that he would come up with, and would always manage to hit the mark when touring together.
Very professional and talented, I recommend Tom for your Cello recordings!

Interview with Tom Pickles

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I'll never return a project I'm not happy with and always work to the highest of standards
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I absolutely love collaborating on music projects, and I get joy and learn something from every single one. It's a great feeling when you get in the zone in the studio and you're not really aware of how much time is going by. I love hearing my cello contributing to the overall sound once a project comes to completion - it never gets old!
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Don't be shy to reach out with any questions or specific requests you might have and I'll do my best to help you in any way I can
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Definitely my cello and bow! and my phone to record videos on the beach!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Anything in the popular sphere mostly, but also modern classical, film and video game soundtracks
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Probably my ability to learn songs by idea straight away and start jamming out ideas.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I believe I possess a very open, warm and resonant cello sound, and a natural flair for musical phrasing and expression. I also have a knack for really absorbing myself into the sonic world of a project, and coming up with melodic and rhythmic ideas that fit.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I'll listen to the song a few times, to make a chord chart and understand the structure from back to front. I then play along with the song and start sketching out my ideas on manuscript paper. Once my arrangement has taken shape I go ahead and record, before adding a few improvised takes as well.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I use Rode nt2a microphones, a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface and Logic Pro X.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I idolise Arthur Russell, and a constantly inspired by his dedication to doing things his own way and just how unique his music sounds.