The soundtrack to a more inclusive world

Tommy Carroll is a Chicago-based drummer and bandleader working primarily in the areas of improvised music, folkloric percussion and experimental rock. He leads Calculated Discomfort, an electro-acoustic ensemble showcasing his cinematic compositions, and Prosthetic, a futuristic dance band. He has released six albums and performed on more than 30 recordings as a collaborator in styles ranging from Puerto Rican folk to indie rock to modern hip hop. Described by the Chicago Reader as a workhorse drummer, Tommy can be found performing all around the city and the Midwest. As a totally blind musician, Tommy strives to promote the inginuity and humanity of disability culture and joy of improvisation in all he does.

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Sound Sculpture: Live at the Art Institute of Chicago

Tommy playing a large drum kit.

Just like metal, clay, or wood, sound can be shaped to occupy space and accent an environment. At the end of 2024, I had the opportunity to present two concerts in the grand staircase at the Art Institute of Chicago. In such a unique acoustic space, I opted to go with 100% acoustic instruments, allowing the space to be an additional member of the band.

Thanks to the craftiness of engineer Trevor Seibert, today I am able to present a very lifelike recording of our evening performance. The musicians–David Boykin and Beau Barry on saxophones, Lyn Rye on bass , and myself on drumms–delivered a spirited performance of two of my tunes, two of Beau’s compositions, and a couple collective improvisations.

Sound Sculpture: Live at the Art Institute of Chicago is now available on all streaming and digital music platforms.

Listen on Spotify
Listen on AppleMusic
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Listen / purchase on Bandcamp

Current Projects

Calculated Discomfort

Calculated Discomfort, my oldest running band, performs my original compositions with a focus on creating cinematic musical adventures. We perform concerts and are now moving into live multimedia experiences.

Listen to Calculated Discomfort here

Prosthetic

Prosthetic is a futuristic dance band fusing electronic sounds with an organic jazz mindset. We play parties, festivals, bars, clubs and galleries.
Listen to Prosthetic

Published Works

My Recordings

Listening album cover art

I have released four full-length albums and two EPs as a solo artist / bandleader. The music includes electronic instrumentals, free jazz excursions, and experimental soul ballads.

Explore my recordings

Collaborations and Session Work

Tommy drumming live

I have the privilige of collaborating, performing and recording with some of Chicago’s most creative artists. Playing with songwriters, rappers, DJs and producers has given me the chance to travel the country and play drums at most of Chicago’s most famous venues and recording studios.

Listen to some of my collaborative work

Contact and Booking

For booking or general inquiries, email me at tommycarrollpercussion@gmail.com or fill out the following form and I’ll be in touch.

In addition to performances, I offer virtual and in-person lessons about topics including drumset performance, analogue synthesis, music history, screenreader useage and accessible web design. I also offer group workshops about rhythmic techniques, music appreciation and designing and for accessibility. All my teaching is sliding scale.